16 March 2023
The Health and Safety Inspectorate would like to highlight that the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has recently revised the core scaffolding safety guidance SG4:22: Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations.
NASC: National Access & Scaffolding Confederation.
The publication updates the outgoing SG5:15 guidance with the key changes including:
- the removal of obsolete technology
- the inclusion of case studies highlighting accident and enforcement learning
- the embracing of new technology (e.g., drones and 3D modelling)
- updates to reflect changes brought in with TG20:21 (such a TG20 loading bays)
- the inclusion of modular system scaffolding as well as traditional tube and fitting
- additional safety guidance on working on beams
- hazards, risks and control measures required when working on fragile roofs
- improved Safe System of Work (SSOW) for temporary roofs and the prevention of falls
SG4:22 was produced by the NASC’s Health and Safety committee, which is made up of a selection of scaffolding industry, health and safety experts and representatives from SME and large scaffolding contractors.
Lynn Way, NASC President, emphasises the impact SG4 has with an 87% reduction in the rate of falls from height by NASC members with 93 in 1999 to 12 in 2021. Talking about the revised publication she explains, “the core principles of SG4 remain unchanged, albeit with continued emphasis on the scaffolders safe zone method of working”.
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