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Posted By Francine
Hi
I have been asked if If a scaffolder has their part 2 in scaffolding does this entitle them to do inspection of scaffold. Or do they have to do another 2 day course specifically on inspection?
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Posted By Garry Adams
Hi Francine,
Very Good Question Francine...this question has been raised on this forum recently, however there has been no clear cut consensus of opinion as to the competency level required to conduct a visual and indeed a physical inspection of a Scaffolding Structure.
As you may be aware there are 3 main types of Scaffolding Structures available and all 3 have many variations.
i.e. 1.Alluminium tower (Boss)
2.Prefabed (Cuplok,layher) ect. ect...
3.Traditional Tube and Fittings.
If one is to conduct an inspection of either or all of the above, one must have the theoretical and practical knowledge to identify a breach of legislation or a defect together with the ability to recommend remedial or corrective action to be taken to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of recurrence (far as reasonably practicable)
As far as I can conclude, it is the threshold of competency that governs the Inspectors findings...and so,governs the Quality control of the integrity and reliability of the Scaffolding Structure.
One must be very careful that a mismatch dose not occur when allocating an assignment to an inspector, for if the inspector dose not have sufficient experience or exposure to the Type of Scaffold Structure and the inspection is found wanting...then there may be a case for mitigation.
Sources of ref. N.A.S.C. and C.I.T.B.
Its all about competency.
Kind regards, Garry...
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Posted By steven bentham
Francine
Turn the question round - can you after the 2 day course inspect scaffolds [even if you have never ever in your life, built scaffolding!]yep you can!
Part 2 scaffolders should inspect as part of the safe build and handover process - you could argue he is the best one for the job.
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Posted By Steve
Francine,
I would go for a combination of qualifications and experience.
Certainly in my company only people who have met the following criteria can inspect any of our platforms (not including alloy towers)
- An experienced site operative, who has a number of years on site, with SMSTS and Scaffold Awareness (such as a Site Manager or Assistant)
- An Advanced Scaffolder.(Obviously, with CISRS)
- A Safety Advisor with Scaffold Awareness and NEBOSH Construction Certificate or above.
A bloke who just came out of a 2 day awareness course who has barely seen a scaffold will not cut it for me.
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Posted By Brian Dunckley
Francine
Having worked as a scaffolding engineer for 20 years perhaps my thoughts on this might help.
I would never request that a scaffolder be required to carry out scaffold inspections because there can be a conflict of interest especially if employed by the scaffold erector.
Your best option is in my opinion a site manager who has sufficient experience backed up by an awareness course to provide the technical backup to the gained experience.
If you create a polioy that requires a drawing for all scaffolds, you then have a base to inspect against, especially at handover.
Your inspector will require to understand the differences between system and traditional scaffolding, always request a copy of the manufacturers handbook for the system in use.
With regards to Alloy Towers, PASMA provide inspection courses, again always have the handbook for the specific manufacturer.
The requirement for drawings is implied in the Work at Height Rgulations, any scaffold that does not comply with TG20 also requires a design as it is would not be a standard scaffold.
Hope this helps
Brian
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Posted By Arran Linton - Smith
I recall a conversation like this taking place ten years ago and the outcome was that whilst there was training for scaffolding inspection, there was no formal process for assessing competence to achieve this task. It was suggested at that time that this could be undertaken through a specific NVQ following training, however this idea has not appear to have evolved.
‘Inspection’ is defined by regulation 12(10) as ‘such visual or more rigorous inspection by a competent person as is appropriate for safety purposes
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Posted By Garry Adams
F.A.O. Brian, Re-Conflict of interest.
As part of my remit often called upon to conduct Non-Bias Statutory Inspections of Special Structures In Tube and Fittings.
Offshore Facilitators now recognise the value of a third party in the Quality Control of Scaffolding Operations, this provision removes the conflict of interest in regard to the reliability and integrity of a structure.
With the on set of Statutory requirements for drawings to accompany Bespoke Scaffolding Structures, this provision has enhanced the inspection process by introducing points of reference and a cross ref matrix for the Structure.
Regards, Garry...
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Posted By Garry Adams
F.A.O. Aarran, Re- Reg 12 (10)
"such visual or more rigorous inspection"
This thread has touched on the visual aspect of an Inspection, however I would like to broaden the discussion to include the "rigorous inspection" requirement of an Inspection.
As discussed in previous threads the visual (overt) breaches are comparatively straight forward to identify and corrective and remedial action can be implemented.
However, on occasion a "more rigorous inspection" is required, this aspect of the inspection requires a physical inspection of the Structure this provision reveals the (covert) Breaches of Statutory requirements, i.e.,the application of incorrect torque values applied to Scaffolding component parts.
A client may consider it prudent to commission a Safety Survey to test a given percentage of a Structures component parts, this is part of a Loss Prevention Strategy (Mitigation).
On average it has been revealed that Approx 33% of Scaffolding component parts are out with there respective allocated torque value.
This is not only my findings, a Plc Prime Mover within the Scaffolding Industry has identified the same Breach.
In the spirit of collaboration and with a view control this Breach, I would be interested to hear from any other Organisations engaged in gathering data on this subject.
Regards, Garry...
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