Rank: Forum user 
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Can some clarify a grey area on scaffolding?
We got a local scaffolding contractor to rattle together a couple of trailer access platforms from tube and fittings. They are purely to allow safe acccess to the rear of the trailer and nothing else. They are visually checked before us. Surely that is enough and there is no requirement to carry out formal inspections.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Turtle
If either is exposed to conditions that are likely to result in deterioration and thence a dangerous situation, then it needs inspection at suitable intervals and when circumstances (e.g. storm) are likely to impact.
Unlike construction what is a suitable interval is not prescribed.
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Rank: Forum user
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peter gotch wrote:Turtle
If either is exposed to conditions that are likely to result in deterioration and thence a dangerous situation, then it needs inspection at suitable intervals and when circumstances (e.g. storm) are likely to impact.
Unlike construction what is a suitable interval is not prescribed. None of the above it's stowed safely at end of each off load and not subject to impact or load. It is visually checked prior to use for signs of wear and tear.
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Rank: Forum user
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Turtle.
If it looks like a scaffold, is used like a scaffold, it must be a scaffold, and therefore treated as such.
Rodger Ker
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Rank: Forum user
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Yes it does look like scaffold but as to whether it's being used as scaffold is very questionable.
Low level no load bearing with minimal risk.
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Rank: Forum user
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I guess it still remains a grey area.
I have done a two day CITB Scaffolding Safety Inspection course and would have enough industry knowledge to class me competent so I'll give it a once over.
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Rank: Forum user
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Turtle
You state "purely to allow access---"
If this is for people, it is load bearing.
Rodger Ker
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Rank: Forum user
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rodgerker wrote:Turtle
You state "purely to allow access---"
If this is for people, it is load bearing.
Rodger Ker Yes I agree but safety professionals must not be sucked into the myre of 'nothing can move for H&S reasons'. There must be an element of common sense. It's so low risk. Anyway I have opted to inspect myself as a precaution
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Rank: Forum user
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Turtle.
Let me assure you I am not the sort of person to be sucked into the mire of nothing can move for H&S reasons.
In more than twenty five years as a H&S Practitioner in a number of industries I have only ever had "to stop the job" on three occasions. I have always attempted to resolve problems in a practical manner.
You have the full information, we have what you have supplied.
Your opening comment of having "a local scaffolding contractor to rattle together a couple of -----" does not fill me with confidence. Would you use this phrase in any discussion on this subject with an HSE Inspector?
We must consider the implications of your method as described and obtaining a manufactured item.
What would be the difference in cost? How much might a possible Fee for Intervention cost at £124/hour?
Finally, one of the roles I have often had to take is that of the company pessimist. I have always stated that I am happy to be the pessimist who is proven wrong rather than the company optimist who is proven wrong!
Taking that view, if there was to occur any type of accident/injury while using this piece of equipment, I believe that any Trades Union of "no win no fee" lawyer would soon tell you that it was a scaffold, and that it should have been inspected.
Rodger Ker
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Rank: Super forum user
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It is made from scaffold tubes and fittings, it is used for access to the trailers, there is a fall form height potential if it fails (falls from (relatively) low heights account for a large number of fractures and other injuries - a well documented fact) Or indeed exactly as rodgerker indicated at 4#.
I am intrigued as to how it is used - does the trailer back/drive up to the "scaffold" or is the "scaffold on (braked) castors. Either way there is plenty of potential for either impact damage or runaway.
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