Scaffolding Erectors in Brighton | How do Scaffolders Stop Unauthorised Site Entry?
Ensuring the safety of scaffolding is of paramount importance. Fall protection, safety barriers, effective safety training and proper maintenance collectively contribute to minimising the risk of accidents for scaffolding contractors. Our safety measures extend beyond the construction site. In instances where our scaffolders erect in public spaces around Brighton, the absence of perimeter fencing or barriers makes domestic scaffolding and commercial scaffolding easily accessible for children, passers-by and potential opportunists.
Unauthorised climbing onto scaffolding hire equipment can swiftly escalate into a hazardous situation. As per the guidelines of the HSE, NASC and TRBS 2121, only qualified scaffold erectors and trained contractors can access scaffolding. Steps must be taken to secure against unauthorised entry.
There has been an increase in the number of incidents in the Brighton area over recent years that our scaffolding company is very much aware of.
The level of security required to prevent unauthorised access to domestic, commercial and temporary scaffolding hinges on location. A crucial initial step of scaffolding hire is a comprehensive assessment which will gauge the vulnerability of the site and the potential harm to people that could ensue.
If an assessment reveals inadequate measures against unauthorised entry, the following tactics can be employed to restrict access:
Removal of Ladders
Whether using stairs, stair towers or internal ladders, preventing unauthorised use is paramount to the safety of sites in Brighton. During non-working hours, it is imperative to remove the lowest and most easily reached ladders, storing them in inaccessible areas and then safely securing the ladder openings.
In cases of ladder frames with retractable ladders, supplementary security measures like cable locks can be utilised. Our scaffolding contractors will fit all security measures included in the original project specification. We build domestic scaffolding, commercial scaffolding and temporary scaffolding.
Securing Stair Towers
In scenarios where ladder removal isn’t feasible, padlocked fence panels or scaffold enclosures can be employed. However, exceptions must be made for stair towers set up by our scaffolders to serve as a rescue or evacuation route. Measures taken to thwart unauthorised entry should never impede an emergency evacuation. A reputable scaffolding company will always make a fair evaluation of risks and produce methods statements to keep sites safe.
This is achieved through scaffolding hire enclosures equipped with escape doors that permit outward opening but bar entry into the scaffold itself. This is an excellent way for scaffolding contractors to make Brighton sites safer.
Ladder Guards
In situations where scaffold ladder removal is unviable, ladder guards prove effective. These robust metal plates are fastened over multiple ladder rungs and secured with locks to obstruct scaffold access. Wooden alternatives, if durable and lockable, may also be acceptable according to HSE guidelines.
With ladder guards, scaffold erectors should consider the following:
1 – Ladder guards must be attached securely and locked to prevent removal by unauthorised individuals (with padlocks serving this purpose). Attachments like ropes are not permissible on sites in Brighton and the East Sussex area.
2 – The ladder guard should cover a minimum of 6 rungs to render ladders as unusable. A practical interpretation of this rule requires that a gap exceeding 50mm should never be exposed even if the guard is pushed to one side.
3 – Handles or slots on ladder guards should not provide climbing footholds.
4 – Fabric-based ladder guards are not suitable for use in public spaces
Safeguarding a scaffolding hire system from unauthorised access is one of the most essential responsibilities for domestic scaffolding and commercial scaffolding contractors, especially in prominent areas like Brighton.
By adhering to established safety standards and adopting proactive security measures, a scaffolding company can create a safer environment for their scaffold erectors, their clients, other contractors and the public.
Scaffolders must be vigilant to safety risks on any type of tower. A temporary scaffolding structure in Brighton will present just as many risks, if not more, because it will grant access to the roof space. While dangerous for anybody without approved access, temporary roofs become especially hazardous at night when visibility is poor or when weather conditions are cold, wet and icy.