Scaffolding: What Are The Rules?
Here at 360 Scaffolding, we recognise that those who are looking to hire scaffolding for the first time might be a bit unsure of the rules surrounding scaffolding.
After all, scaffolding is needed when contractors are working at height – a high-risk activity that still commonly leads to commercial lawsuits in the UK every year.
Of course, there are certainly rules surrounding the use of scaffolding that you may not know of just yet. Here are a few of the biggest rules to remember before you organise scaffolding for your own project.
When Commissioning Scaffolding
When commissioning the building of scaffolding for a domestic or commercial project, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the selected contractor is competent, trained and insured to work on scaffolding in this way. Don’t be afraid to ask to see some credentials.
Licencing
If any scaffolding is going up onto a public highway or pavement, it’s the responsibility of the builder or contractor to seek a licence for this work. As for checking that this licence has been granted, this is your responsibility. If work is taken on without a licence, there’s no guarantee that there would not be consequences for the home or business owner.
Checking For Approval
Some local councils have a list of approved scaffolding contractors. Ensure that your chosen contractor appears on this list if your town has one, or you may risk being held partly responsible for work carried out illegally.
Public Safety
If scaffolding is built for work taking place in a public area – this includes outside private homes if the scaffolding is built onto the pavement – then work must be scheduled outside of peak time. If this is not possible, you may need to as your local council to close the road whilst work is happening.
Final Checks
By law, all scaffolding structures must be checked and approved by a trained contractor before it is used, every 7 days that it is up and following any alterations, damage or exposure to severe weather conditions.
When Is Scaffolding Required
Scaffolding is required for any exterior project which will require contractors to work ‘at height’.
There are no cut and dried measurements of what exactly ‘at height’ means, though many consider ‘at height’ to mean anything above 6ft away from the ground. This rule applies to both commercial and domestic projects, no matter whether or not the work will take one day or several months.
Any Further Questions?
If you have any further questions about the rules and regulations regarding scaffolding, or other scaffolding based questions, check out our blog for further information on scaffolding and best practices.
If you’re looking to have scaffolding erected for a project of your own, whether commercial or domestic, we could be the company that you’re looking for!
At 360 Scaffold Services, we help domestic and commercial clients throughout South Yorkshire deliver their projects on time. From access solutions to temporary roofing, our team in Rotherham are members of the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme, so you’ll receive the highest quality service, guaranteed. We care about our customers, which is why we’ll price match, or beat any other reasonable quote. That’s a promise. Get in touch to find out more.
