Scaffolding

[codger]

Hello lads. Was wondering if you could help me with an issue we have at work?
I'm a lecturer in electrical installation at a local college training young apprentice sparks. Part of the training involves getting the 1st stage lads to build a tower scaffold two sections high with all the necessary accessories that go with it.
The issue is that we feel we should be certificated in a suitable level of building. We have had advice before saying that we should be qualified not just to build the scaffold, but qualified to train people to build scaffolding.
Can anyone give me guidance on this or point me in the correct direction for advice. I've tried the HSE, but, to be honest, contacting them is like looking for the Holy Grail.

Much appreciated.

 

[dean.diy]

not right you should have to teach scaffolding. When do sparks get involved in this.

 

[Short Circuit]

How can you say when do sparks get involved with this ??
Unless you only do domestic, it is likely that you will use it regularly!
I think it's a cracking idea to teach them that! It's basic safety!

 

[Knobhead]

The instructor should be trained In the use of the various types of scaffold.

Before a scaffold is used it should have a ScafTag stating who inspected it and like PA testing a “next inspection due”.

Have a look HERE

 

[dean.diy]

read the post, he's talking about building not safe using

 

[Darkwood]

I have issues with tutors asking such questions ....surely if your already teaching such areas these concerns you have should have been addressed before taking on the responsibilities its almost scary you come on an internet forum to ask this kind of question... its health and safety and not saying you are giving wrong info but in your lack of training on the subject - what if you are?

EDIT.... Ignore the above post ... due to a later postt from the OP who has now made it clear he is not actively training students with scaffolding use and is only enquiring about who to contact regarding attaining the appropriate recognition to allow him to train and instruct others.

 

[Mr Hehound]

Possibly something like CISRS?

 

[Mr Hehound]

I have issues with tutors asking such questions ....surely if your already teaching such areas these concerns you have should have been addressed before taking on the responsibilities its almost scary you come on an internet forum to ask this kind of question... its health and safety and not saying you are giving wrong info but in your lack of training on the subject - what if you are?

And I agree with you but at least the OP has given this some thought (if belatedly) and is looking to cover his arse and ensure the safety of his trainees rather than just crack on regardless.

 

[Darkwood]

Yes but if he was trained then his advice may differ ... how many trainees would have passed with either misguided info or not fully informed ... (not saying this is the case) ... if its already happened then as i stated ... its scary that he comes on a forum to ask such a question.

 

[Marvo]

......getting the 1st stage lads to build a tower scaffold two sections high with all the necessary accessories that go with it.
The issue is that we feel we should be certificated in a suitable level of building. We have had advice before saying that we should be qualified not just to build the scaffold, but qualified to train people to build scaffolding.

Maybe I'm missing something. When you say a scaffold tower that's 2 stages high then you're talking about a working platform that's about 2 or 3 feet above finished floor level????

What makes you uncomfortable about this? Are you actually instructing about scaffold tower building or are you instructing on how to work safely on a tower that might be supplied and installed by somebody else in real life conditions?

 

[Darkwood]

Im thinking standard scaffolding approx 5ft sections so 10ft high with a 6-7ft platform height?

We can only assume but my last post still holds true either way.

 

[Marvo]

When he says 2 stage tower I picture something like this that would allow teaching of good working practices whilst at height. You can only put the working platform across the top of the first stage if it's a 2 stage tower. The second stage forms the rails to prevent man overboard.

 

[Engineer54]

Maybe I'm missing something. When you say a scaffold tower that's 2 stages high then you're talking about a working platform that's about 2 or 3 feet above finished floor level???

Always thought tower stage heights are around 1 m to 1.25m each, if so, 2 stages will be around 2 to 2.5m high. Plus base plates or wheels if it's a movable tower...

 

[ipf]

When he says 2 stage tower I picture something like this that would allow teaching of good working practices whilst at height. You can only put the working platform across the top of the first stage if it's a 2 stage tower. The second stage forms the rails to prevent man overboard.

View attachment 20660

For goodness sake, next we'll need lessons for having a dump without over balancing and banging our heads on the bog roll holder....H&S going bananas.

 

[Marvo]

Well that was pretty much where I was going but maybe the OP meant something else more industrial with his 2 stage tower.

 

[UNG]

I'm thinking this is a tower with a platform at about 3 to 4 metres

The people you need to talk to are PASMA - Home They are the recognised industry body that oversees training on scaffold towers

 

[Mr Hehound]

I would think something like this:

Youngman 377518 Minimax Tower (Stage 2) 3.7M working height.

And whats been done previously can't be undone but can be done right in the future.

 

[Essexboy7]

There was nothing wrong with the good old days when we put a couple of scaffold boards between 2 youngmans and if that wasnt high enough added a milk crate with a pair of steps on top

 

[Darkwood]

Their was nothing wrong with a folk -lift truck a hung-over driver and a pallet .... ruddy H@S has the work place a mind field of regulation :nonod:

 

[High Tower]

When he says 2 stage tower I picture something like this that would allow teaching of good working practices whilst at height. You can only put the working platform across the top of the first stage if it's a 2 stage tower. The second stage forms the rails to prevent man overboard.

View attachment 20660

That's called a podium mate, ATM there are no qualification requirements for using these but I wouldn't be surprised if this changes, these are what step ladders were banned in favour of.

The op is referring to a proper ally tower, 2m high sections built in situe with a final working height of anything up to 12m. IMO the op should be at least qualified to PASMA standard to be instructing on this.

 

[ChrisElectrical88]

Surely the lads companies should be getting them PASMA trained. It's one of the first courses we put our lad on!

 

[High Tower]

That's what it looks like, notice my complete disregard for H&S !!

 

[codger]

Darkwood. We do not teach it, but it has always been a sticking point with management that we refuse to teach it based on the fact that none of us are certificated to any degree in scaffolding....of any type. The reason I ask is that it has come to that time of year again where we are being asked to do it and the whole debate has started again. What I'm looking for is some advice/guidance on the issue from guys who are actually dealing with this on a regular basis so that I am better informed for the debate.
Hope that clears that up for you.

 

[High Tower]

Codger, the basic requirements on any site is PASMA at a minimum.

 

[UNG]

View attachment 20661

That's what it looks like, notice my complete disregard for H&S !!

Yes you don't have any toe boards on that platform LOL