the gap thing
- Thread starter dangeruss
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Mr.B
Well-known member
Always thought it was 150mm too but not sure now
And I did a tg20:13 course the other weekend
And I did a tg20:13 course the other weekend
Don't give up. There often will not be a right answer because as previously said it is down to risk assessment. However the guidance in TG2--13 Section 6.20 identifies that it is acceptable to have a service gap up to 225mm to carry out certain tasks in certain situations without any further protection.
If I were you, I'd ask for my money back.
---------- Post added at 09:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:28 PM ----------
There is no grey area. If it can fall down and cause injury you have to stop it, if it can't you don't.
Hi Dandaps
Don't make it grey. If you client asks for a service gap to carry out a task, installations of windows, painting, rendering, cladding, shot blasting etc. and there require a service gap under 225mm then you really do not need to do anything as the risk assessment is down to the hirer for the work he is to undertake. Once the service gap exceeds 225mm then you have a requirement to install double guardrail and toe boards. Should your client request that these are not installed or only part is installed (say a single guardrail) then make sure you have this clearly identified on your handover certificate then you are pretty much good to go.
Dandaps
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Excellent reply reu thanks. I been scaffolding now for 15 years and it's changed so much remember when it used to 300mm or something but I can't keep up as the things I was taught on my course seem to stick in my head more than what I read or hearsay.
D Brooks1609
Active member
Same here dandabs, I was told 300mm max unless it was a birdcage which was then 150mm
Actually, TG20:13 does include a section on service gaps. I think its section 6.1 , 225MM maximum where there is a wall and no openings to fall down ( windows ) Anything over this and you should assess the risk. Birdcage scaffolds used to be 150mm but I spoke to Safety and access , they now say its 2 inches.
Mr.B
Well-known member
On site the mc wants a 4" gap for the brickies on the way up, then one inside board removed for cladding n render with no inside handrails. All i put on the handover is main contractor to organise safe system of work/ risk assessment for further use due to x size gap required for future works
happyhugenoet
Well-known member
HARNESS TO BE WORN
generally covers it,if they dont and it goes tits up you should be covered aslong as all paperwork is corresponding.
Sad to say it but it wont be too long before a Lawyer is on the books at most Scaffolding companies as its the way it seems to be going.
SAFETY FIRST LAWYER SECOND
generally covers it,if they dont and it goes tits up you should be covered aslong as all paperwork is corresponding.
Sad to say it but it wont be too long before a Lawyer is on the books at most Scaffolding companies as its the way it seems to be going.
SAFETY FIRST LAWYER SECOND
Where does it actually state this for birdcages. Just wondering as a phone call would not stand up in court. Which person gave you that information? Did they give you this in writing? SG28 mentions the service gaps of 225mm so surely a service gap of 225mm is permissible. If not why does it not state it anywhere? you cannot move the nets halfway through a game its 1 or the other.
So to recap, TG20 says that you can have a 225mm gap and S&A say it's 50mm. Seems a strange contradiction to me. A robust risk assessment is the answer.
I think the interpretation is that you're permitted a 225mm gap between the scaffold boards and a wall for example (as long as no person or materials are likely to fall through) but only a 50mm gap between the boards to allow for standards to pass through the boards. In some cases 50mm may be too much if risk assessed (for example welding rods or spanners could fall through) and the client may insist of all gaps being covered no matter how small. This would be the same for any type of scaffold regardless of whether it's an independent, birdcage etc.
joebag
Well-known member
The question you should be asking is whats the stats for people falling down or injuring themselves in that particular area, then ask whoever if anyone gives you these stats what the risk reduction is by reducing or increasing the gap by a certain measurement......
My basic point is hardly any of this so called guidance has hard facts available to back it up, by asking or recognising that anything other than common sense is needed or if you think a difference of 50 mm makes a difference , when you have that tolerence in the scaffold anyway you should realise your enabaling idiots to dictate your whole way of life and taking common sense and professional experience away from you!
My basic point is hardly any of this so called guidance has hard facts available to back it up, by asking or recognising that anything other than common sense is needed or if you think a difference of 50 mm makes a difference , when you have that tolerence in the scaffold anyway you should realise your enabaling idiots to dictate your whole way of life and taking common sense and professional experience away from you!