04 September 2014
HSE publishes new scaffold checklist
Following the introduction of TG20:13 by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation earlier this year, the Health & Safety Executive have now produced a scaffold checklist that is intended to outline design requirements, and levels of competence for the erection, dismantling, altering, inspecting and supervising of scaffold operations.
The checklist replaces a similar one, relating to TG20:08 which was withdrawn when the current version of TG20 was introduced earlier in 2014. The checklist makes specific reference to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and advises that scaffolds must be constructed in accordance with a ‘generally recognised standard configuration’ (i.e. TG20 or manufacturer’s guidance for system scaffolds) or be subject to bespoke design.
In line with the old checklist, the HSE have also produced a list of scaffolds that require bespoke design and point out that some of these (cantilevers, loading bays, static towers, use of rakers, bridges and protection fans) can be constructed without design to TG20:13.
Building Safety Group Members are free to contact their Safety Advisers for further advice, if required.
