Sites often use scaffolding to form temporary barrier protection around holes and pits et cetera. When this is done, there is always an almost endless argument about whether or not these barriers/handrails then require a `Scafftag` system placed on them to ensure that they are both installed safely, checked and inspected on a regular basis and only modified by a suitably qualified person. (Scaffolder)

The main argument `against` this seems to be that it is not classed as `scaffolding` and whilst I don't necessarily agree with this line of reasoning at all, there is still then a big question of how do you monitor all of the checks that the `Scafftag` system ensures are regularly carried out to prevent any potential hazard occuring from these barriers being erected and then just left for (on occassions) some considerably long periods of time?

What are peoples thoughts on this subject?

Well holes and pits can be protected with traffic barriers, pedestrian barriers and timber covers etc, none of which would fall under scaffold related regs.

At the end of the day though a danger exists. Members of the public on civils works (streetworks) seem to find holes to fall into on a regular basis judging by our claims experience. On construction sites their is often a communication failure to point out all the floor openings. New contractor arrives on site and moves something they shouldn't and then the danger is unguarded.

A programme of regular inspection (daily) of floor openings and excavations should be carried out and if you choose to use the proprietary Scafftag system for recording these, that is surely a good thing and should be continued.

Note, Scafftag do produce an Excavation Tag - might be more appropriate.