SG4:22 Preventing falls in scaffolding operations

December 2022 saw the launch of the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) SG4:22: Preventing falls in scaffolding operations guidance.

This long awaited, core NASC document replaces SG4:15, providing industry best practice for fall prevention when erecting tube and fitting and now also includes system scaffolding. It features detailed scaffolding sector analysis and safety guidance, with key figures and illustrations, to bring it to life.

The key changes are:

removal of obsolete technology and embracing of new
updates to reflect changes brought in with TG20:21
inclusion of modular system scaffolding as well as traditional tube and fitting
additional safety guidance on working on beams
hazards, risks and control measures required when working on fragile roofs
improved Safe System of Work for temporary roofs and the prevention of falls

Click on this link to Download SG4:22 for free from the NASC shop.

Scaffolds

What you need to do:

The law requires that employers and self-employed contractors assess the risk from work at height and go on to organise and plan the work so it is carried out safely. Suitable precautions must be taken to prevent falls. General access scaffolds provide a means of working at height while preventing falls and should be provided whenever practicable.

Issues to consider include: General access scaffold requirements - Guard rails, toe boards and other barriers -Scaffold design - Scaffold structures that normally require bespoke design - Competence and supervision of scaffolding operative - Scaffold inspection.

If you click on the HSE’s website Scaffolds link it will give you more detailed information on the above issues to consider. You can also download for free a copy of the SG4:22 from the NASC shop (see the link in this bulletin).

Brief description on Working at Height to consider to prevent this from happening:

Managing work at height follows a hierarchy of controls – avoid, prevent, arrest – which begins with the question – can the work be done safely from the ground? Fall restraints and safety netting should only be considered as a last resort if other safety equipment cannot be used.

Assessing work at height - Assess the risks, take precautions, and issue clear method statements for everyone who will work at height.

Roof work - Plan safe access, and prevent falls from edges and openings.

Fragile surfaces - The hierarchy of controls for working on or near fragile surfaces is avoid, control, communicate, co-operate.

Ladders - When it's appropriate to use ladders – and the three key safety issues – position, condition and safe use.

Tower scaffolds - Select the right tower for the job; erect, use, move and dismantle the tower safely; ensure that it is stable; inspect it regularly; prevent falls.

Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) - Care must be taken to select the most appropriate MEWP and ensure use of the machine is properly planned and managed. Operator instruction and training are important requirements.

Suspended access equipment - for difficult to reach areas at height, specialist access equipment may be necessary. Examples include rope access, travelling ladders and gantries on the premises exterior or suspended access equipment (SAE) such as cradles and Building Maintenance Units.

Safety harnesses - Personal fall-protection systems are placed at the lower end of the work at height hierarchy. The two most common types of personal fall-protection systems used in roof work are work restraint and fall arrest. Appendix 3 of Health and safety in roof work (HSG33) provides further guidance.

Scaffolds - Information about the use of general access scaffolds, when scaffold design is required and what level of training and competence those erecting, dismantling, altering, inspecting and supervising scaffolding operations are expected to have obtained. Safety nets and soft landing systems – can be used as leading edge protection to mitigate the consequences and distance should a fall occur. These are a collective passive safety measure as they protect everyone working within their boundary.

More detailed information can be found by clicking on the links below for the HSE’s website for information and guidance on: