Posted By patrick carr I recently had to go to a new-build construction site, in my role as a scaffolder. I have used ladder beams before on independent scaffolds on numerous occasions, even inserting a 4 or 6 mtr ladder/mod-beam, on a newbuild putlog scaffold, to flyover low-level roofs etc,however i have always used them in pairs,the inside beam acting as a bridle,and plan braced back to the ledger. On the site in question, there was a block of 4 pairs of semi-detached houses in a row, all the scaffold was erected as one plot. However on the rear of the aforementioned plots was, 4 pairs of low-level sun-rooms/family rooms. the contracts manager wanted all the roof-works-roof tiling done at the same time. This plot had a string of ladder beams, the full length of the rear, approx 8x6mtr ladder-beams,interspaced with 3 stds,in-between each low-level roof on the 3rd lift, to enable the pitching and tiling of the low-level roofs. My concerns are, that the ladder-beams are being used as a ledger, with a bridle being used as a alternate beam,rakered back to the bottom of the beam. My understanding is all bridging beams should be used in conjunction with one another, and appropiately braced as such. There are also issues with, workers working under a active working platform above, I.E. risk of falling materials,etc.

Posted By patrick carr thanks RP with all due respect, i am after the legality of carrying out this practice, we use sleeves for all aspects of our work. I am a recent member of IOSH, and i am a TUC H&S rep,just completed my access cert in ohas,iv'e been a scaffolder for 30 year,and it's the first time iv'e encountered this practice, i am very interested in the forums views, before i contact NASC, for advice, to back up my concerns. regards paddy

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Paddy, Salutations Brother Scaffolder, howz it hangin ?. Just read your post with interest, I concur with your observations, My advice would be to contact both the Health and Safety and the Technical Committees of NASC and express your concerns. Is the Scaffolding Mob you work for a member of NASC ?. Easy way to combat workers breaching the Hazard tape / Barrier, drop a fitting on their head , then ask them to wipe the blood of and send it back up, perhaps unauthordox but it works eh. Fraternal regards, Garry...

Posted By Garry Adams Paddy Nae bother just glad to respond to questions regarding Concerns within the Scaffolding Fraternity. Like you Paddy, I have decades of experience in our game...we have seen many changes eh ?, H.S.Q.E. issues have come to the fore more than ever. The development and implication of control measures both Mechanical and documental have modernised our Industry, indeed it has evolved considerably since I started with S.G.B. in 1972. I often try to recruit the young Scaffs into the World of H.S.Q.E., however it is seasoned veterans like us that must lead by example. The collaboration of Brother Scaffs is beneficial for all concerned...net working and the exchange of information is vital for personal development and the evolutionary changes need to haul the Scaffolding Industry into the 21 st Century. The Company concerned should have In-House induction and training programmes that will maintain the Professional standards expected of a Modern day Construction Company which has its own Scaffolding Operations Department. Perhaps this is your opportunity for you to request an informal meeting with the Management whereby you could combine your H&S knowledge ( backed by your peer group members, collaborators,) and your Scaffolding Experience. They would be short sighted if they decline your offer. In regard to Technical assistance, no doubt you can remember when the Scaffoler had to sus out the job in the old days, now there is a team of office waller that do the same job i.e. sussing the job out is now (a pre-job analysis) (safe system of work)(method statement) ect. ect... gone are the days when a job was sketched on the back of a fag packet in the pub eh...if a Structure is not a off the shelf job it is now deemed a bespoke structure and a Working Drawing must be generated. Ye my names Garry...Its just that Gerry is still in synonymous with with my Irish cousins, My email is ...garryadams@hotmail.co.uk dont hesitate to contact me for an exchange of advice and support. Fraternal regards, Garry...