Right Guys, heres a one for you. We now seem to realise that these Tea trays are here to stay, as part of complying to the new SG4:10 that has been introduced following the NASC Appendix A guidance sheet.
We Know the 'Scaff step' is the most cost effective measure of complying, to SG4:10, however, as many a combination of posts and threads have identified, what will be the long term effects on the individual user? and also their validity of being a safe means of access, to attach a 'Advanced Guardrail/Handrail'.
My question being: Who of us, when basing out, actually uses the 'Scaff step' to instal their 1st lift handrails.:suspicious: I for one do not:embarrest:
There is a definition of Work at Height -
•Work in any place from which a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury
•Includes access and egress
•Includes work below ground level
•Does not include ’slip or trip’ on the level.
When above a couple of lifts, in my opinion, you are using your 'Step' within the confines of a 'Fully boarded,Guardrailed and Toe boarded scaffold'.
One of the reasons for a Toeboard is to prevent loose materials, being accidently, dislodged from a Scaffold. When using the Step, you are, well i do, place 2 doubles on your 'Tea tray', and maybe even a 'Sleeve', clamber up, to affix them. However, due to the size of the platform, plus the need for albeit,2 fittings,sleeve and your foot space, there is a high risk of materials falling from that platform, to the ground below. There is no edge protection round the rim of the 'scaff-step'.
If the guys that do the job, had a chance for some 'Input' to Scaffolding, Regs,ACOPS and guidelines, would we still be facing a 'Blinkered approach' to WAHR 2005 and the Intro of Appendix A and therefore SG4:10 ?
Hopefully, now that 'Simian Risk Management,HSE,NASC,CISRS and the Unions are aware of the 'Forum' and most of all the SCCR, we with the members backing of SCCR will be able to try and gain some 'Consultation rights' for the guys on the 'Coalface'. However, we need you as a member to represent you.
Regards
Paddy Carr
SCCR H&S development officer
Hopefully, now that 'Simian Risk Management,HSE,NASC,CISRS and the Unions are aware of the 'Forum' and most of all the SCCR, we with the members backing of SCCR will be able to try and gain some 'Consultation rights' for the guys on the 'Coalface'. However, we need you as a member to represent you.
Regards
Paddy Carr
SCCR H&S development officer