On pretty much every kiwi building site, you’ll see scaffolding. But, how many of us really know the correct rules and regulations around fixed scaffolding?
Below we outline the key aspects and what you should look for when using scaffolding on your current, or next, site.
Scaffolding – by definition – is a temporary platform that is used to elevate, offer support, and provide materials during a construction process for building, repairing or cleaning of a structure.
Let’s break it down:
Scaffolding can be a tricky subject, and because of this, there are many areas that we get asked to advise on. Below we outline some of the most important aspects of working with or around scaffolding.
All scaffolds must be checked by a competent person before handover. This involves tagging the scaffolding. All scaffolds, regardless of height, must have a tag clearly displaying important safety information at access points. Included on the tag:
Depending on the height of the scaffolding there are varying regulations and qualifications that determine who can construct scaffolding.
For scaffolding up to 5 metres a competent person – someone who has the knowledge and skills to carry out a particular task must erect the scaffolding. Skills and knowledge may be acquired through training, qualification, or experience.
For greater than 5 metres the person who erects the scaffold must hold the appropriate class of certificate of competence (COC) for that type of scaffolding.
Access to working platforms must be adequate and safe for the working conditions and type of work to be carried out. Plan for the number of people using a scaffold and the weight and size of materials on the platform.
Other points to consider:
Once you’re up and working on the scaffolding be aware of the following rules around the distance between you and the surface you’re working on:
Non-proprietary platforms must have a minimum bay width of 675mm wide. All platforms must allow 450mm of clear access past stacked material and obstructions.
Guardrails must be between 900 and 1100mm high with a mid-rail located halfway between the work platform and the top rail. Toeboards are also to be fitted to prevent materials falling from the platform.
Following the correct guidelines and having adequate health and safety measures in place is critical when you’re working with scaffolding. Whether you’re organising scaffolding for a site, constructing the scaffolding or working on it, the key is to take your time and be careful.
If you have any further questions regarding scaffolding, we’re always here to lend a hand. Get in touch.
Explosive. Flammable. Oxidising. Toxic. Corrosive.
When you put it like that, hazardous substances sort of sound worthy of a certificate, don’t they?
So it’s hardly a surprise that from 1 December 2019, if you store class 6 and 8 substances over certain thresholds you are now required to have a Location Compliance Certificate.
A certificate to keep hazardous substances in check. Protecting everyone on site from harm caused by toxic and corrosive materials. A location compliance certificate is issued for 1 year and is required in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.
If you are working with any big, bad substances on site, it’s vital you check whether you do.
To see whether a hazardous substance location exists for the substances at your site you can use this handy hazardous substances calculator. This will give you a pretty good idea of what’s what.
You’ll need to find yourself a compliance certifier who is authorised for locations and the hazardous classifications of your substances.
You can track one down by searching the compliance certifier register. Simple as.
Another step towards a safer working day on site, get your certificate sorted for a compliant Kiwi workforce you can stay proud of.
Here at HazardCo, our aim is that every worker on a construction site comes home healthy and safe at the end of every day.
That’s why we’re constantly on the button. Listening to you, listening to what’s going on out there on-site: your pain points, your concerns, your needs. Because who knows better about life on-site than the people out there on the ground doing the work?
Recently, we’ve heard a lot from our customers surrounding improvement notices – primarily around health monitoring and asbestos.
Let’s take a closer look:
In short, an improvement notice will require changes to be made to improve a risky situation (as identified by the regulator) within a certain time period.
In accordance with the requirements outlined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, enforcement measures give a WorkSafe inspector power to issue improvement notices if they reasonably believe a person –
WorkSafe has recently identified a lack of knowledge and planning around the subject. Notably, the vagueness around procedures in place to identify asbestos materials, and more pressingly, creating plans of action in working safely with asbestos and how to have it removed.
Needless to say, this stuff is important and could and will save lives, so managers and workers need to get on board – sharpish.
A selection of our customers have been issued improvement notices by WorkSafe regulators. Off the back of this, they’ve had to develop a safe and effective method for determining the presence of asbestos before commencement of any demolition or renovation work.
And that’s where we come in.
After following the guidance from our Advisory team and using HazardCo tools, WorkSafe were happy with the development of many of our customer’s procedures, agreeing that the improvement notice had been met and they wouldn’t be taking the matter any further.
But this isn’t just about WorkSafe. It’s about our customers feeling they are informed enough to get on with their workday safely. With knowledge, comes a better and safer way of working – and this knowledge is what anyone working in hazardous situations deserves.
With HazardCo as a tool of empowerment, resource and dedicated support, our customers have the information they need to keep their workers safe and to be fully compliant with ease.
Embedding positive health and safety practices around the country, we collaborate to educate – giving workers the power to be the best at their job they can. And what could be a better improvement than that?
