Rising to the challenge
February 1st 2008 Adisappointing increase in construction fatalities
in 2007 means all eyes and ears are on the
industry in 2008. With falls from height a major
cause of incidents in this sector, the National Access
and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) talks to HSM
about how it's helping to meet the challenge of
keeping the industry safe
This year is shaping up to be an important one for the
NASC, the trade organisation for the UK's access and
scaffolding industry as significant initiatives are
introduced to further develop best practice in this sector.
Revisions to TG20 Guide to Good Practice for
Scaffolding with Tube and Fittings
One of the most significant changes in technical guidance
for scaffolding will come into effect in 2008 is TG20. TG20
is produced by the NASC in association with the HSE and
offers practical but improved guidance for scaffolding
using traditional tube and fittings. The new guidance is
designed to meet the European directive BS EN 12811-1
TG20 does not seek to undermine BS5973, in fact as far
as it can it mirrors the original standard.
The current draft of TG20 has two distinct parts, the
first focuses on essential scaffolding methodology while
the second focuses more on the engineering based theory.
The NASC will be playing a pivotal role in
communicating changes to the market and how to work
under the new guidance. The communication programmes
will be aimed at all areas of the industry including
scaffolding companies, construction contractors and site
inspectors.
Code of Practice for hire and sale companies
Scaffolding, like many other products, is now
manufactured in many corners of the world. The amount of
imported scaffolding components finding their way into
the UK market is increasing and in some cases may fall
short of the required standards for use in the UK. To
ensure that contractors feel reassured that their
scaffolding supplier is only using legitimate components
the NASC has taken a proactive approach by introducing a
specific code of practice in 2007. Several key hire and sale
companies have already agreed to develop this formal code
of practice and are working hard to develop an
accreditation procedure. The intention is to offer
reassurance to contractors that equipment supplied from
by NASC members meets approved standards and quality to
eliminate the risk of any rogue components that could
create a potential hazard on site.
SG4:05 Training DVD
In January 2008 the NASC launched a 30-minute training
DVD entitled, SG4:05 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding and
Falsework. The DVD simply and effectively details how both
management and operatives can work to the latest
guidance on scaffolding assembly, SG4:05. The aim of the
DVD is to highlight the basic requirements and principles
of fall prevention and protection that can be adopted by
scaffolders and their employers when planning and
undertaking scaffolding operations.
The DVD is designed to accompany SG4:You, the user
guide to SG4:05. Over 40,000 of these booklets are already
in circulation throughout the UK, underlining the
importance this new safety guidance has in the industry.
Developing closer industry relationships
The NASC has for some years worked with some of the
most influential organisations in UK construction,
including the MCG and the HSE. 2008 will see the NASC
reach out further to work with other key specialist
contractor associations who are also focused on the
development of best practices across the construction and
building industry as a whole.
Continuing to develop improved dialogue with
contractors will also be a key objective for the NASC. By
working closely with these companies the NASC can more
easily understand developing site requirements and act
accordingly.
A number of contractors already recognise the advantages
of using NASC regulated members and are excluding nonregulated
companies from working on their sites. More articles from The National Access And Scaffolding Federation (NASC): | 
