User Information
Ringlock
General
77
999817902 - 10/2022
Additional Safety Guidelines
Scaffolding Operations
Please note that this guidance is offered to you as a
minimum requirement for scaffolder's to work safely. If
you work on a site with more stringent Company proce-
dures (i.e. continuous attachment policy, inertial reels,
etc.) then this will take precedence.
▪
It is recommended that scaffolders work in accord-
ance with TG4 (latest edition), at all times when
erecting dismantling or altering scaffolding. Working
at height PPE should be worn as dictated by proce-
dure and/or site requirements. Your fall arrest equip-
ment should be thoroughly checked each shift before
starting work. Report any suspected defects to your
Company management.
▪
Measures to prevent falls should always be consid-
ered before resorting to fall arrest equipment. Scaf-
folders should therefore install as a minimum, a sin-
gle guardrail to each lift at all locations in accordance
with TG4 (latest edition). Advanced guardrail sys-
tems, scaffolder steps or other propriety equipment
may be employed to erect the edge protection.
▪
Additional methods may be employed including
safety nets, inertia reel blocks, and horizontal line
systems. These should be considered when plan-
ning your job and if necessary be included in your
Risk Assessment. Specialist training or guidance will
be required to use this proprietary equipment.
▪
Scaffolders must erect the full width of the platform
by using the appropriate number of Planks.
▪
It is recommended the scaffolder clips to a suitable
anchorage point and remain attached at all times
when at risk of a fall (refer to 'Safety Harness Con-
nection Points' for suitable/appropriate harness loca-
tions.) This will include when:
- Working outside the protected area (i.e. decked
platform and single guardrail).
- Raising and lowering scaffolding compo-
nents(e.g. 'handballing').
- Fixing/dismantling scaffolding components.
- Moving the working platform (e.g. when raising
or lowering steel planks).
▪
Ladders should be fitted as early as possible during
erection and removed as late as possible during dis-
mantling to eliminate the need to climb the scaffold
structure. Refer to section 'Use of Ladders'.
▪
A suitable rescue procedure should be put in place
to urgently retrieve an individual in the event of an
arrested fall. This should be part of your Risk
Assessment and understood by all involved before
starting any job.
▪
The erection of Ringlock system scaffolding is a
skilled task and must only be carried out by trained
personnel. By the very nature of the work, the haz-
ards are severe and accidents frequently result in
serious injuries or fatalities.
▪
Before commencing work, check that all necessary
clearances or permits have been obtained and
always check the Risk Assessment and sign to sig-
nify your understanding.
▪
It is recommended that you check your scaffold tools
each day before work, to ensure that all parts are in
good condition, if you discover or suspect any
defects, report them immediately to your Company
management. Do not use faulty equipment.
▪
Be aware, and make your workmates aware of any
potential hazards near your place of work, i.e. nox-
ious fumes, acids, electrical plant, overhead conduc-
tors, excessive heat, working machinery etc.
▪
Obtain and use any required safety equipment, e.g.
inertia reel blocks, running lines respirator, goggles,
etc., and always wear a safety helmet, safety boots,
overalls, gloves, eye protection and a safety har-
ness.
▪
Where there is a possibility of other persons passing
through or near the work zone, ensure that suitable
barriers or signs are erected to warn and exclude
them from the danger area.
▪
During scaffold erection, ensure that you and all
other members of the scaffolding team, do the fol-
lowing:
- Use gin wheel and rope for raising and lowering
scaffolding components, DO NOT throw scaf-
folding components up or down. (Refer to Safety
Guidelines 'Gin Wheels and Ropes'.)
- When at height ensure that at all times you take
the necessary precautions to ensure a safe
method of work and prevent a fall.
- Erect advanced guardrails wherever possible
and as soon as practicable.
- Ensure that all members of the scaffolding gang
have sufficient experience of erecting 'Advanced'
or 'Special' structures. Do not take unnecessary
risks.
- Check all components are serviceable before
use. Reject and report to your Company man-
agement any defective components.
▪
Always ensure that the foundations or structure from
which a scaffold is to be built are adequate:
- Use Base Jacks and timber sole boards under
every standard. On soft ground or where there is
any likelihood of surface penetration ensure an
adequate base is provided for each standard.
- If the scaffold is to be erected on a roof or over a
basement or upper floor, check with the Client,
that the foundation is suitable or if back propping
or shoring is required.
- Inform your Company management if excava-
tions are taking place in the immediate vicinity of
the scaffold base.
- Ensure that the scaffold is erected in accordance
with the Ringlock Technical manual, Engineering
Solutions (if applicable) or a supplied design-
drawing. If the information is not received or if
you are in any doubt, contact your Company
management.
- Ensure that the scaffold is adequately tied to the
building or structure in accordance with the tie
patterns in the Technical Manual. During erec-
tion, fit ties progressively as soon as the speci-
fied height is reached. When dismantling each
tie should be removed as late as possible and if
necessary fit alternative means to maintain sta-
bility.
- Ensure that all guardrails and toeboards are fit-
ted to all edges of platforms (including return