NASC Launches Updated Free Scaffold Specification Template

The scaffolding guide was originally developed by the NASC and is designed to 'improve the quality of scaffold structures erected on construction sites and other works of engineering maintenance in accordance with current legislation, guidance and protocol and to minimise the risk of accident or injury to operatives working on or near the scaffold and the general public'.

The 20 page Word document (free to download from the NASC Website or to be distributed by email to those who need it) is intended for use by anybody with responsibility for the management, use, monitoring and provision of scaffolding.

The Scaffold Specification Template features a wealth of information about tube and fitting and system scaffolding as well as lightweight mobile access towers. And there are sections on current scaffolding regulation, competence, training and proficiency of CISRS Part 1, Part 2 and Advanced scaffolding operatives, scaffold design, handover certificates, scaffold inspections, risk and method statements and client information.

In addition, there is a large section on the minimum requirements for scaffold tube, boards, fittings, loading bays, brick guards, sheeting and debris netting, access and egress, edge protection, ties and hop up and stage brackets.

The easy to read and navigate document also contains TG20:13 Compliance Sheet examples, Scaffold Inspection Report Sheets, examples of current CISRS cards and more useful documentation.

NASC President, Alan Lilley said: “For many principal contractors/clients specifying the criteria for a scaffolding contract at tender/pre-contract stage can be as onerous and uncertain a task as trying to manage the operations of an appointed scaffolding contractor.

“The information contained within this guidance published by the NASC will be of great assistance to those procuring, appointing and managing scaffolding contracts. It should help to ensure that correct and up to date scaffolding standards are incorporated into relevant contract documentation and will require that appointed scaffolding contractors adopt recognised scaffolding industry good practice upon their site(s).”

NASC managing director, Robin James added: “This is a very popular NASC document, for good reason – as it’s of great relevance to local authorities, contractors and other bodies with responsibility for and involvement with the erection of scaffolding. It’s just one of many free to access documents which the NASC produces with the aim of making the scaffolding industry safer. We hope it is widely downloaded, read, digested and adhered to by anyone involved in scaffolding projects.”

The NASC Scaffold Specification Template document was showcased to construction, health and safety and industry professionals on the NASC & CISRS stand (C66) at the Health & Safety event at NEC in Birmingham.

To obtain a copy of the Scaffold Specification Template visit www.nasc.org.uk