New Member

im with swifty and ian on this one, if the client is told we are using the scaff step and told its a safe system of work by somebody thats sat in a office all day in stead of talking to the real people who has to put up with them ,scaffolding used to be a good job made harder by the office types who cant think off anyone else to pick on.
 
The general sway on this thread seems to be one of negativity towards the step. Perhaps we should remember that no one is saying the step must be used, it's just one of a few suggested methods.

I do a fair amount of work for a large company that uses the step as their default method of protection (and they have done for a couple of years! - so SG4:10 has only had a minimal impact on what they do) - the general concensus of the lads that work for this outfit is that it's their favoured method of work and I think to many it is now second nature. I am not aware of one injury any of the workforce has sustained as a result of use of the step - I will check though and report back.

DR
 
mr randels alrite i must say i dont mind using the step ok the first time it was a pain in the ass but then its second nature dave baldwin
 
Fast Guard System - scaffolding collective fall prevention, Fast Guard couplers, scaffolding self locking coupler, safety scaffold guardrails, scaffolding collective fall protection, advanced guard rails, advanced fall protection, advanced fall preve

---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 PM ----------

Was told today by Mark Clarke (scouser) that they will be a few new products launched within the next few weeks so i'll let you know when he has emailed me them.
 
simian said:
The general sway on this thread seems to be one of negativity towards the step. Perhaps we should remember that no one is saying the step must be used, it's just one of a few suggested methods.

I do a fair amount of work for a large company that uses the step as their default method of protection (and they have done for a couple of years! - so SG4:10 has only had a minimal impact on what they do) - the general concensus of the lads that work for this outfit is that it's their favoured method of work and I think to many it is now second nature. I am not aware of one injury any of the workforce has sustained as a result of use of the step - I will check though and report back.

DR
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The step doesn't eliminate the need to work at height , so how can it be collective fall prevention. There are plenty of other systems out there that do eliminate the need to work at height so in my opinion would be a better investment.
 
steve gregory said:
Fast Guard System - scaffolding collective fall prevention, Fast Guard couplers, scaffolding self locking coupler, safety scaffold guardrails, scaffolding collective fall protection, advanced guard rails, advanced fall protection, advanced fall preve

---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 PM ----------

Was told today by Mark Clarke (scouser) that they will be a few new products launched within the next few weeks so i'll let you know when he has emailed me them.
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Cheers Steve, this also features in SG4:10, i gather you were at the Macenernie day then
 
yes I was....

Nice spread aswell for a change thumbs up to mcinerny homes...

Also attended in the SCCR shirt aswell for the members and gave a talk on the scaffoldersforum and the SCCR which mark was very intrested in.
 
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XxIANxX said:
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The step doesn't eliminate the need to work at height , so how can it be collective fall prevention. There are plenty of other systems out there that do eliminate the need to work at height so in my opinion would be a better investment.
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I was with Rick on Tuesday discussing this and we both agreed 80% of our clients have adopted the step. My personal feelings is ownership and cost is the reason.

Maybe the B Safe is an option or the push along horizontal rail that everyone has forgotten about, you already own that.

Next the issues regarding steps and HSE Riddor information, the HSE sits on the SG4 working party and they are aware of injuries and incidents regarding ladders and i am sure if they thought it was a problem they would have addressed it. Again they are one of numerous methods of erecting safely. A book by the NASC has to be impartial showing all options, if you have a problem with the step consult your employer and explain the other products on offer and write to the NASC and HSE with your concerns. All the letters received are read out and answered.

As with SG4 its not written in a dark room and just brought out on the day, it has to go through the health and safety committee, the officers, the HSE and all of the membership at the September regional meetings. In October representatives of the SCCR/Scaffolders forum had a briefing.

The step is not collective protection, the handrail is when you are stood on it and you are clipped on. As for scaffolders knees and long term ailments i would say it was too early to say what it can do. If its measured and reported correctly then it may be removed from the next revision however evidence will be needed to support this.

Lastly i am a scaffolder and i have been through the days of wearing a harness will make me sterile and damage my circulation, wearing safety glasses will damage my eyes. I would advise any of my clients to go and have a benchmark medical prior to working with the step and have another in 4 years to check for deteriation otherwise we will go round in circles for years.

Ian
 
yes this needs monitoring closely.. so everybody plays a part in this..
 
simian said:
Lastly i am a scaffolder and i have been through the days of wearing a harness will make me sterile and damage my circulation, wearing safety glasses will damage my eyes. I would advise any of my clients to go and have a benchmark medical prior to working with the step and have another in 4 years to check for deteriation otherwise we will go round in circles for years.

Ian
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The last bit is good advice.I'm sure you must know a fair few scaffolders suffering through ill health brought on through the scaffolding trade. There is definitely room for improvement towards medical surveilance. I know capes were offering it about 4 years ago when I was a safety advisor for them.
Oh and you can still fall backwards off the scaff step so the handrail is not really collective fall prevention:D
 
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XxIANxX said:
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The step doesn't eliminate the need to work at height , so how can it be collective fall prevention. There are plenty of other systems out there that do eliminate the need to work at height so in my opinion would be a better investment.
Click to expand...

Ian, you are correct, the step itself does not provide collective protection per se, but it is used to install the guardrail that does precisely that.

None of the systems suggested are perfect, but if they were, we wouldn't be having this discussion. I am not suggesting the use of any particular system just stating that in my experience the step system (which is the one I have seen used most) is workable, though I accept fully that individuals will have preferences.

---------- Post added at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:45 PM ----------
XxIANxX said:
The last bit is good advice.I'm sure you must know a fair few scaffolders suffering through ill health brought on through the scaffolding trade. There is definitely room for improvement towards medical surveilance. I know capes were offering it about 4 years ago when I was a safety advisor for them.
Oh and you can still fall backwards off the scaff step so the handrail is not really collective fall prevention:D
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i worked for cape for 14 years as well, some companies are making their scaffs wear a short restraint lanyard as well as the normal lanyard. SG4 does still state that the scaffolder is exposed to the risk of a fall whilst using it. I have priced all pproducts in SG4, the step is the cheapest outside of using existing scaffold products. A double barracuda needs a second mortgage.
 
Stepladders
Before use
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

.
Heres the HSE guide to the use of step ladders (lets face it thats what the scaff step is)
1 Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
2 Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles

A couple more issues to think about
 
XxIANxX said:
Stepladders
Before use
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

.
Heres the HSE guide to the use of step ladders (lets face it thats what the scaff step is)
1 Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
2 Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles

A couple more issues to think about
Click to expand...

We also need to get it registered with the LMA and have a proper certificate of competence. Thats us and you in work until we retire. Haha

Ian

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 PM ----------
XxIANxX said:
Stepladders
Before use
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

.
Heres the HSE guide to the use of step ladders (lets face it thats what the scaff step is)
1 Only carry light materials and tools (up to 10 kg)
2 Do not overreach - make sure your belt buckle (navel) stays within the stiles

A couple more issues to think about
Click to expand...

Ian, you have lots in common with my wife. Always having the last word!

When I was on the tools, I used to work with a bloke from Derby who could have an argument in an empty house. Are you he? :D

DR
 
who was that then Ian.This is better than the corra 50th live show.lol...
 
All valid points that need answering. I was stood with your old mate yesterday and he can talk a glass eye to sleep , it must be rubbing off:D
 
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