COVID-19: Safety Guidance for Scaffolding Operations

​The Work From Height (WAH) Regulations 2005 has set out clear parameters in terms of routine practice in working at height and on scaffolding. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that contractors are still operating in unprecedented circumstances and for some, there is still a little confusion surrounding the day-to-day compliance of working during these unprecedented times.
 
With this in mind, Only individuals and contractors who are competent and fully understand the risks from COVID-19 will be permitted to undertake scaffolding works on site. In keeping with the most up to date guidance and aligned with advice put out by the Scaffolding Association, here we have collated some of the important information to consider in regards to current scaffolding operations during COVID-19. You must also ensure you routinely refer to the latest Government Guidance advice on Coronavirus which can be found on the GOV website. 

Purpose

The purpose of a safe system for the workplace is to offer instruction, assign responsibility and to control, by a systematic sequence of actions, the manner in which the requirements for ensuring the spread of COVID-19 is reduced when working on scaffolding, it is advised that this guidance is adhered to.

Travelling to Work

It is highlighted that individuals should travel to work alone wherever possible using their own transport, a bike or via car for example. Although it’s understood, there may be situations whereby individuals have no option but to share transport, in these circumstances the following should be considered:
 

• Journeys should be shared with the same individuals and with the minimum number of people at any one time.

• Good ventilation (keeping the windows open) and facing away from one another other may help to reduce the risk of transmission. 

• The vehicle needs to be cleaned regularly, wear gloves and using standard cleaning products, with particular emphasis on handles and other areas where passengers may touch any surfaces.

• Lots of sites have ample car-parking available for instances of additional vehicles where persons may travel alone.

• If travelling via the bus, wear a mask and adhere to the designated and distanced seating.

 
Hand cleaning facilities must be available so that operatives can clean hands on their way in and out, for example, a hand sanitiser station. For each shift, measures should be considered for how someone would get home should they fall ill. This will rely on prompt reporting procedures so that individuals can take themselves home with basic mild symptoms.

Site Arrival and Leaving Site

Here we list a few pointers relating to the arrival and departure of a working environment or site:
 

• Prevent all non-essential visits to your workspace under your control.

• Use any welfare facilities in a courteous manner by wiping touch points before and after use.

• All operatives are required to wash their hands for 20 seconds using soap and water when entering and leaving the welfare areas.

• Signage is advised to be displayed throughout the working area all to remind staff of these measures and also to not attend site if they have symptoms of Coronavirus.

• Routine cleaning regimes must be implemented so those common areas and any onsite facilities are wiped down such as tables, chairs, doors, shared equipment and their controls etc.

Eliminate Risks

Here we list a few procedures for keeping the risk of contamination in the workplace to a minimum.
 

• Workers who are unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 must not travel to or attend the workplace.
• Rearrange tasks to enable workers to be done by one person, or by maintaining social distancing measures (2 metres) 
• Avoid skin to skin and face to face contact
• Consider one way systems on and off scaffolding for client use 
• Consider alternative or additional mechanical aids to reduce worker interface site meetings 
• Only absolutely necessary meeting participants should be in attendance  
• Attendees should be at least two metres apart from each other 
• Rooms should be well-ventilated with windows opened to allow fresh air circulation 
• Consider holding meetings in open areas where possible
• Minimise the frequency and time workers are within 2 metres of each other 

• Minimise the number of workers involved in these tasks 
• Workers should work side by side or face away from each other, rather than face to face 
• Lower the worker capacity of lifts and hoists to reduce congestion and contact at all times 
• Regularly clean common touchpoints, doors, buttons, handles, vehicle cabs, tools, equipment etc
• Increase ventilation in enclosed spaces 
• Workers should wash their hands before and after using any equipment

 
PPE 

• Sites should not use respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for Coronavirus (Covid-19) where the two-metre social distancing guidelines are met. 

• Where it is not possible to maintain a two-metre distance, each activity should be risk assessed using the controls and against any sector-specific guidance, mindful that masks (RPE) are the last resort.

•  Re-usable PPE should be thoroughly cleaned after use and not shared between workers. 

• Single-use PPE should be disposed of so that it cannot be reused.

Monitoring 

All systems and procedures shall be monitored to make sure measures remain effective, with this in mind, stocks of cleaning products such as sanitisers and wipes shall be monitored and replenished on rotation. As well as this, the cleaning of areas shall be recorded. In addition to this, the workforce shall be constantly reminded of the measures via briefings and toolbox talks. As part of this process, often a nominated person will actively monitor and review procedures and controls for effectiveness.

Additional Information Sources

As the situation is changing rapidly, and to make sure you are up to date and offering
The highest standard of health and safety and wellbeing for your employees, customers and the general public, you may also wish to refer to the following for further information:
 

• WHO - for their Situation Reports

 

• HSE - for rolling updates on COVID-19 safeguarding in the workplace

 

• Public Health England – for the latest situation reports in the UK

 
Rodells - Quality and Safe Scaffolding Services 

Here at Rodells, safety is always at the forefront of what we do. We are a family business who have provided a great service for over 100 years and continue to do so. We are committed to lowering our environmental impact, investing and supporting the local communities and to meeting all up to date regulations. As well as this, we, of course, offer scaffolding services, lightning protection, specialist access works and plenty more!
 
We have a history of providing excellent quality, reliable scaffolding in the commercial and industrial sectors. Rodells has been trading since 1898, so we certainly know what we’re doing! We have a long track record of helping our clients achieve their goals and ensuring that buildings are safe and secure. Whatever your needs are, our team of trained scaffolders can help. To find out more about what we do, please visit our website or get in touch with us, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can find us at Cell Barnes House, Cell Barnes Lane, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5AS. Alternatively, call us on 01727 841 855 or email us at [email protected].