Has anybody heard of plastic scaffolding, apparently called JRG, as a control against electrical conductivity? I don't want to explore the wider issues associated with this topic, it's just I have never heard of it - comments welcome

Here's my worry, I've spent 11 years scaffolding before joining the H&S career path, I've never heard of it and im reluctant to make my line manager or myself look silly here. Which is why I'm asking, has anyone heard of it? I'm well versed in BSEN 12811-1/0 but that won't help me here

Is this the product you mean? http://captrad.com/GRP+Covers/GRP+Scaffolding+Tube BS and EN are just standards you can choose to ignore them if you wish just like you can ignore an ACoP or HSE guidance book but you better have a very good reason why and be able to prove you are using a standard that is equal or better!

there are many such things around even bamboo scaffold so use what is proper for the circumstance and take note of the advice already given as its good advice and dont be afraid to go with your own convictions e.g. we used beer barrels [yes beer barrels] to access and support a situation on one job with the full sanction of the HSE [NB: That was when the HSE was in its prime] If electric shock or worse is a real hazard then you must do something to look at mitigating that hazard and plastic, fibreglass and wooden scaffolds may be the only answer in certain situations

Mostly, but not exclusively - it also addresses scaffold systems assembled out of prefabricated elements. I also observe (not noticed it before) that the introduction states "This European Standard sets out performance requirements for working scaffolds. These are substantially independent of the materials of which the scaffold is made. The standard is intended to be used as the basis for enquiry and design." So while it does provide requirements for steel, aluminmium alloy and timber, I don't think it precludes use of other material. That is, if you use steel, it would have to meet the requirements for steel in the standard, but you don't have to use steel. The only generally applicable requirements for material I see in the standard are in clause 4.1 - "Material used shall be sufficiently robust and durable to withstand normal working conditions" and "Materials shall be free from any impurities and defects, which may affect their satisfactory use".

Fold out steel toe boards are available, Steve but i've not seen the all steel platforms with a hatch. What about using a toe board that is treated with a substance to seal the timber splinters in? http://i30.photobucket.c...toeboard_zpsdff0faf7.jpg No affiliation with the company.