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#1 Posted : 05 December 2005 13:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kevin Drew A subcontractor working on a project that I am involved with recently altered (cut out a section of) the handrail on a 6 metre high scaffold platform because "it was in his way". The alteration was spotted during a weekly scaffold inspection and immediately put right. The subcontractor is not a scaffolder. Personally, I take this extremely seriously. Other organisations that I have worked for in the past wouldn't have hesitated to have the person permanently removed from site virtually straight away. Our current client doesn't seem overly concerned although they have instigated an investigation? Am I over reacting? All comments gratefully received. Kevin
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#2 Posted : 05 December 2005 13:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter You imply a principal/sub-contractor relationship.The opinion of the client is surely therefore irrelevant?
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#3 Posted : 05 December 2005 13:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kevin Drew Ron, In theory, yes but in practice, no.
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#4 Posted : 05 December 2005 15:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jerry Lucey Hi Kevin, If the alteration of scaffold by non-qualified scaffolders becomes accepted practice through non-action it can lead to very serious problems. The situation you have described may have been made safe but the next time a contractor fitting windows or other such works finds a scaffold tie is in his/ her way they may assume it is acceptable for them to remove it. I have used this example as I have witnessed a situation where many ties were removed making an entire run of scaffold unstable. You are certainly not over-reacting, you should attempt to impress on your Client the seriousness of such actions. The site policy on scaffolding needs to be clearly stated at induction and enforced thereafter where not complied with. The message needs to be understood clearly that this practice is very dangerous and illegal and may result in removal from site or legal action being taken against the individual involved.
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