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shaky  
#1 Posted : 04 January 2017 09:08:10(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
shaky

There are 2 buildings which are supported by scaffolding, the scaffold was erected by 2 individual companies.

when asked regarding the frequency of inspection for non working platforms for the two scaffold around the buildings. one company states extend of the 7 day to 21 days inspection frequency .

the other company states 7day inspection must be adhered too.

Can some one please assist me in what is best practice, and the correct frequency of inspection?

JCBushell  
#2 Posted : 04 January 2017 10:03:54(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JCBushell

http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm

Scroll down to the bottom of the page. The frequency is listed under 'Scaffold Inspection'.

The scaffold should be inspected at an interval of no more than every 7 days.

 

thanks 1 user thanked JCBushell for this useful post.
shaky on 04/01/2017(UTC)
shaky  
#3 Posted : 04 January 2017 11:23:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
shaky

Does this include, Scaffold which is placed around building for support for 6 months not work on has to be inspected?

" The scaffold should be inspected at an interval of no more than every 7 days."

as 2 scaffold companies are stating different frquency of inspections for un manned scaffolding around buildings for long periods of time without being worked on.

please provide evidence to support me.

WatsonD  
#4 Posted : 04 January 2017 11:55:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

Hi Shaky,

Just bear in mind that it is not only the people who use the scaffold who are at risk from a scaffold collapse. The scaffold is there for a reason and if that reason is structural support then this is definitely not a lower risk.

There is no reason why these inspection needs to be too exhaustive (depending on the size and complexity of the scafold construction). However, the person will need to be competent.

Edited by user 04 January 2017 13:09:10(UTC)  | Reason: Spelling error

JCBushell  
#5 Posted : 04 January 2017 12:19:18(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
JCBushell

In my opinion an unmanned scaffold presents its own risks as mentioned above, so I would therefore stick to a 7 day inspection period to cover all bases.

An inspection once every 7 days isnt much to ask and I would explain to both companies your reasoning behind it. 

walker  
#6 Posted : 04 January 2017 12:29:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
walker

I suggest you get shot of  the company who advises more than 7 days.

Alfasev  
#7 Posted : 04 January 2017 13:33:57(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Alfasev

Shaky, are you talking about temporary works using scaffolding that is keeping the buildings standing or working platforms, because they are two very different animals.

achrn  
#8 Posted : 04 January 2017 14:39:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

The work at height regs, which is what mandates 7-day inspection periods for scaffolds, are explicit that it is working platforms used for construction work from which a person could fall trhat need inspecting every 7 days.  If no-one is going onto the platform, there is not a statutory duty to inspect on 7-day intervals.  (Unless I've missed something in another piece of legislation, if so, someone please point it out).

If no-one is going onto the scaffold, and it's not a working platform, it would then be covered by normal workplace-type risk assesment processes, and depending upon what this scaffold is actually supporting, a 21 day inspection interval may be apparopriate.

shaky  
#9 Posted : 04 January 2017 15:19:26(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
shaky

Originally Posted by: Alfasev Go to Quoted Post

Shaky, are you talking about temporary works using scaffolding that is keeping the buildings standing or working platforms, because they are two very different animals.

Hi temporary works are using scaffold that is keeping buildings standing not working platforms.

Alfasev  
#10 Posted : 04 January 2017 15:49:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Alfasev

The inspection of this type of temporary works is usually specified by the temporary works designer working with the temporary works coordinator (TWC). It is difficult to comment further because of the endless scenarios but you can start by making enquiries about the design and who (if anyone!) is the TWC.

It should have been inspected during erection but the on-going frequency of inspection will be dictated by the risks, for example being damaged by plant or weather, degrading, altered etc.

This type of temporary works can be complex and I would not advise the inspection be the sole responsibility of a scaffolder. Further information is available on www.twforum.org.uk

thanks 1 user thanked Alfasev for this useful post.
shaky on 05/01/2017(UTC)
Alfasev  
#11 Posted : 04 January 2017 16:06:14(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Alfasev

thanks 1 user thanked Alfasev for this useful post.
shaky on 05/01/2017(UTC)
shaky  
#12 Posted : 05 January 2017 10:01:00(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
shaky

Originally Posted by: Alfasev Go to Quoted Post

The inspection of this type of temporary works is usually specified by the temporary works designer working with the temporary works coordinator (TWC). It is difficult to comment further because of the endless scenarios but you can start by making enquiries about the design and who (if anyone!) is the TWC.

It should have been inspected during erection but the on-going frequency of inspection will be dictated by the risks, for example being damaged by plant or weather, degrading, altered etc.

This type of temporary works can be complex and I would not advise the inspection be the sole responsibility of a scaffolder. Further information is available on www.twforum.org

Thank you for the reply. there is no TWC and the designer for which the scaffold was erected works for the company. but the two company`s in question both designers state different inspection frequency of the scaffold around the buildings.

which is the best designers advice to go by 1st, every 7 day or 2nd  21 days?

These projects have just been passed over for advice on which inspection is necessary?

achrn  
#13 Posted : 05 January 2017 12:42:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

Originally Posted by: shaky Go to Quoted Post

Thank you for the reply. there is no TWC and the designer for which the scaffold was erected works for the company. but the two company`s in question both designers state different inspection frequency of the scaffold around the buildings.

which is the best designers advice to go by 1st, every 7 day or 2nd  21 days?

That depends.  You need to provide a lot more detail to a qualified structural designer experienced in similar works.  Then (probably after paying them) you'll get a third opinion.

No-one here can give you a better answer on the incomplete information provided.  There isn't a definitive right answer applicable to every foreseeable case.  The answer might be 7 days, might be 21 days, might be more, might be less.  

prodigal  
#14 Posted : 05 January 2017 16:36:21(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
prodigal

Hello Shaky, If the scaffoldings are designed (basic scaffolding) and erected to TG20:13 Operational Guide, then frequency of inspection specified in this guide is that inspection should not exceed 7 days’ intervals. If you are able to get a copy of this Guide pages 212-213 - Handover certs and Inspection will provide further guidance. In some instance a basic TG20:13 scaffoldings may require ‘designed element’ which requires calculations and design checks– loading bay, hoist etc, and will fall under Temporary Works. In either case it is generally good practice to inspect the scaffolding a least every 7 days.  Hope this provides some clarification.

thanks 1 user thanked prodigal for this useful post.
shaky on 06/01/2017(UTC)
TomPercival  
#15 Posted : 07 January 2017 15:31:43(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
TomPercival

Although the scaffold may not be a working platform for people it is in reality 'working' whilst supporting the buildings. By supporting the buildings i would deem it to be high risk and would carry out the seven day inspections to make sure that nothing has changed. Don't forget that you still have to inspect the scaffolds after anything which could cause the scaffold to deteriorate such as high winds etc.
shaky  
#16 Posted : 09 January 2017 10:00:26(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
shaky

Originally Posted by: prodigal Go to Quoted Post

Hello Shaky, If the scaffoldings are designed (basic scaffolding) and erected to TG20:13 Operational Guide, then frequency of inspection specified in this guide is that inspection should not exceed 7 days’ intervals. If you are able to get a copy of this Guide pages 212-213 - Handover certs and Inspection will provide further guidance. In some instance a basic TG20:13 scaffoldings may require ‘designed element’ which requires calculations and design checks– loading bay, hoist etc, and will fall under Temporary Works. In either case it is generally good practice to inspect the scaffolding a least every 7 days.  Hope this provides some clarification

Hi where could I possible get a free copy of the guide any information

gerrysharpe  
#17 Posted : 09 January 2017 10:23:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
gerrysharpe

I don't think you can get a Free copy but you can buy them here https://www.nasc.org.uk/tg2013/

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