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XxIANxX
Guest
It may only be a guide but if you don't work to the guide and a serious accident occurs then theres a good chance your going to be breaching the HASAW act sections 2(1).
It may only be a guide but if you don't work to the guide and a serious accident occurs then theres a good chance your going to be breaching the HASAW act sections 2(1).
Not if there is a risk assessment justifying its use and you are working within industry guidelines Ian. The day I see a prosecution for using a Scaffstep (properly) is the day I retire!
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XxIANxX
Guest
But you can't possibly work with in the HSE guidelines regarding steps especiallt the carrying 10kg so how are you going to justify that. In my opinion I wouldn't waste my money on the scaff step , i'd go down the twin lanyard route.
Before you use a stepladder, first ask yourself: am I fit to work at height? Then think about the condition and the position of the ladder.
A stepladder in good condition has:
Feet firmly attached
Clean treads
Secure locking devices
Secure fastenings when it is extended
A stepladder in a good position:
Is fully open
Is locked into place
Will not move at the bottom. See good practice in pictures[1]
Stands on a surface that is:
firm
level (see the diagrams below for safe limits on slopes)
clear
dry
not slippery
In use
Only work on a stepladder for a maximum of 15 - 30 minutes at a time
Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles
Keep both feet on the same rung or step throughout the task
Make sure you have a safe handhold available on the steps
Avoid side-on working, see good practice in pictures[2]
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Ian, we could go on forever about this. WAHR hierarchy requires collective protection as a preference over personal protection. Guardrail is collective, (i.e. protects more than 1 person) lanyards (whether twin, single, treble, quadruple or quintuple) only protect the wearer.
Now that you could be prosecuted for!
Now that you could be prosecuted for!
Collo
Well-known member
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XxIANxX
Guest
But your still working at height with the scaff step and still having to wear a harness because of the 470mm gap between the step up and the ledger acting as a guardrail
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XxIANxX
Guest
But only traversing and tunneling as been altered with regards to SG4:10 so twin lanyards will be perfectly acceptable has it will still be considered a scaffolder safety zone
Collo
Well-known member
XxIANxX
But surely there is still a heirachy and harnesses, whether with twin lanyards or not, must be seen as a last resort. I know harnesses are still used when using the scaff step but you have greatly reduced the likelyhood of a fall, therefore demonstrating best practice. Rather than just issue harnesses with twin lanyards and hope for the best.
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XxIANxX
Guest
But your still working at height on a scaff step so if your reducing the hierachy then your 1st option would be advanced guardrails.
but like I've said its the tunneling/traversing that has changed with SG4:10 so twin lanyards are also an option.
Yes, but further down the hierarchy than the step.
Have a look at the Management Regs (3) 5d.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Technological Advancements.
rumple
Well-known member
i think what everyone is missing in SG4 and the work at height is this, the Hierarchy is already in SG4:05:
1, AGR Advanced Guard Rail and AGS, Advanced Guardrail Systems
2, Scaff Step and creeping handrails,
3, Protected Traverse on double lanyards attached to standards.
Will a scaffold company buy a AGR or AGS at over £1000, step at £70 or double barracuda at £140.
Lastly you can only use 3 if 1 and 2 are unavailable or due to site restrictions.
The truth is out there.
1, AGR Advanced Guard Rail and AGS, Advanced Guardrail Systems
2, Scaff Step and creeping handrails,
3, Protected Traverse on double lanyards attached to standards.
Will a scaffold company buy a AGR or AGS at over £1000, step at £70 or double barracuda at £140.
Lastly you can only use 3 if 1 and 2 are unavailable or due to site restrictions.
The truth is out there.
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ragscaff
Guest
All three are options.
If you wish to work to 3 you can but by pushing a 21ft tube in advance of the working area. Then you can top off from the boarded lift without going over any handrails or ledgers in the correct manner. This can be done with a single landyard & when you complete the job that rail is your bottom handrail. There is a section in SG4 2010 covering this.
No step up no expensive guardrail!!
Ragscaff
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Guest
Any input from the HSE on the possible wear & tear on scaffolders using the scaff step
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ragscaff
Guest
That one got a quite reception!!
Not thought about.
But is going to be an ongoing dialoge over the next few weeks.
Along with confirming harness trama & rescue times etc!!
Ragscaff
Not thought about.
But is going to be an ongoing dialoge over the next few weeks.
Along with confirming harness trama & rescue times etc!!
Ragscaff
No such thing as rescue trauma.
All of that hysteria regarding suspension trauma has more or less been pooped. The acknowledged issue is now suspension syncope, or fainting, when unconscious in a suspended position thereby restricting breathing, which could result in asphyxiation.
HSE - Falls - First aid management for harness suspension
And if you meant QUIET reception, I am not surprised, those present probably couldn't believe you'd raised it!!!! And come on fellas, if you are going to oppose the scaff step, you just have, just have to come up with something better than it does you physical harm.
Do you all live in bungalows?
Collo
Well-known member
Electricians and plumbers have been up and down on step ladders for as long as I can remember, no signs of physical wear and tear from steps on any I know
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ragscaff
Guest
Without going into the full detail of what was spoke about. The main issue on the wear & tear is the distance you step to top hand rail, the issue in question was the step up with out ladder in that instance. We brought up several issues with this system & the talks on this subject went on for some time.
I am not geting drawn into a wasted debate on this issue with a person who just wants to be negative. As I have posted, bullet point notes from the meeting will be placed on the SCCR page with full minutes on the SCCR site.
The issues were welcomed as possitive input & more work between the two parties is being done on this issue.
Stewart Quinney
I am not geting drawn into a wasted debate on this issue with a person who just wants to be negative. As I have posted, bullet point notes from the meeting will be placed on the SCCR page with full minutes on the SCCR site.
The issues were welcomed as possitive input & more work between the two parties is being done on this issue.
Stewart Quinney
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ragscaff
Guest
Your pick up on the harness issue. you said it yourself. More of less been pooped!!! That’s all I hear with this issue terms like that. Should be, maybe, etc etc. If I am being asked to wear something that may or may not save my life I want will be & proven comments.
The issue I have raised is collating information supplied & given, the HSE are sending me documents to help me do this so it would be possible to create a working rescue procedure & a definitive answer to the effects of falling off whilst clipped. If you have one then please e-mail it to me.
Stewart Quinney