Hoist guidance for scaffolders introduced

The NASC’s Safety Guidance on Transporting Scaffolding in Construction Hoists – SG26:14, has been published.

The good practice document has been produced by the NASC, working directly with the Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG) with the endorsement and support of the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

The 32-page guidance is a completely updated version of the document first published in May 2005. It provides guidance for scaffolders on the planning and safe use of construction hoists, including transport platforms, used for moving scaffolding materials during the erection and dismantling of scaffolding.

SG26:14 looks in detail at the working hazards associated with hoists used for transporting scaffolding, the planning, operation and installation of Temporary Scaffolding Transportation Systems (TSTS), loading, transportation and unloading of scaffolding materials, training in the use of hoists and TSTS, and contains illustrations showing examples of bad loading practice, suitable stacking methods, hoist characteristics and risk management.

The new document also gives guidance to hoist suppliers, on necessary procedure before supplying hoist equipment to scaffolding companies.

Robin James, NASC managing director said, “SG26:14 is a tremendous achievement, linking the needs of different major organisations. It is another step forward for better site safety, with procedural changes that will bring better control and a safer, clearer understanding of responsibility. The NASC and CHIG have worked together under circumstances that have different requirements and agreed what we believe to be good working practice without burden for the industry.”

NASC President, Kevin Ward, added, “The introduction of the NASC’s good practice guide for the safe use of transporting scaffolding using construction hoists cannot come soon enough. Hoist suppliers, scaffolding contractors and site management should work together using SG26:14 to help make the use of construction hoists as safe as possible – eliminating bad practice and reducing the risk of accidents and injuries caused in this area of our industry.”

Heather Bryant, HM chief inspector of Construction and chair of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC), further commented. “The use of construction hoists for the transportation of scaffolding materials, during the erection or dismantling of a scaffold, provides a safer means of lifting these materials than some traditional methods. However, as hoists used for this purpose may not have all the physical safeguards present in a fully installed hoist, there is scope for unsafe use, which has led to a number of serious accidents, tragically including some fatalities.

“HSE acknowledges the work undertaken by the construction industry to produce practical guidance to improve safety performance in this important area. It is recognised that the document contains some advice that may go further than the minimum needed to comply with health and safety law. I thank those involved in its production and commend the guidance to you.”

SG26:14 is available at www.nasc.org.uk