The NASC has launched the user-friendly SG4 You (2015) pocket guide further to publication of its core scaffolding fall prevention guidance note, SG4:15 ‘Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’ – with support from BuildUK.
The convenient, but detailed 86-page A6 pocket guide is designed for scaffolding operatives and managers to use as a handy reference document whilst out on site and to support the main, detailed SG4:15 A4 management guide – which is available as a free download via the NASC website: www.nasc.org.uk.
Copies of the SG4 You pocket guide will retail via the NASC website’s online shop, priced at:
- NASC Member 1-99 units: £3.00
- NASC Member 100+ units: £2.10
- NASC Information Members: £3.00
- Non Members 1-99 units: £6.00
- Non Members 100+ units: £4.20
The widely-recognised industry standard for safe scaffolding, SG4:15 was launched in its 2015 revised and updated format to the NASC’s membership at the 2015 AGM in November and has been widely praised by industry experts. The SG4 You guide completes the SG4:15 suite, offering both detail and convenience to scaffolding operatives, contractors, managers and those involved in scaffolding on construction sites.
Whilst many of the principles of SG4 remain unchanged, the fine-tuning “evolution not revolution” updates to the 2015 guidance (part of the NASC’s commitment to review guidance every five years) reflects the broader scope introduced by TG20 compliant scaffolds, changes to good practice and industry innovation in the scaffolding sector. These include:
- Erecting floor height lifts
- Bridging with beams
- Loading bay gate installation
- Cantilever scaffolding
- Chimney stack scaffolding
- Personal fall protection equipment
NASC Past President and member of the SG4:15 working party, Mr Kevin Ward said: “SG4 works! The NASC accident statistics speak for themselves and in light of these, this revision has been more of a fine-tuning exercise rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.”
And NASC MD Robin James added: “The updated SG4:15 safety guidance has been very well received as a free download, and we’re very happy to be launching the SG4 You pocket guidance note, as a condensed hard copy version. Since its inception 20 years ago, SG4 has stood the test of time and developed to become the established performance standard for the protection of scaffolders working at height. The A6 pocket guide only serves to strengthen its use and reference out on site.
“SG4 is a core NASC publication – supported by the the construction industry’s overarching trade association, BuildUK and used by principal contractors across the UK and beyond, internationally. It continues to focus on prevention and protection philosophy, like the ‘Scaffolders’ Safe Zone.’ But it now also includes a range of updates to reflect changes within the industry, such as the introduction of TG20:13 ‘Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding.’
“Work at height is by far the biggest risk faced by scaffolders and adhering to the principles in SG4:15 will not only serve to offer continual improvement in accident prevention, but will assist users to meet work at height legal obligations. And the affordable SG4 You pocket guide will only serve to assist in this process.”
To order copies of the SG4 You pocket guide, please visit www.nasc.org.uk or email: [email protected].
Jack’s family told the Gazette paper that he is currently on a ventilator as the fall damaged his lungs, and he has had surgery to relieve pressure from three skull fractures.
His other injuries include fractures around the eye socket and face, as well as to his arm and leg.
Medical teams at NHS North Bristol Trust, which runs Southmead, said Jack is in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit.
Jacks cousin Corey Williams said: “Jack is cheeky, funny and very popular, He is a very selfless person and his friends and family mean the world to him. He had only just moved into a new flat with his girlfriend two weeks ago.”
“He has had a very hard year as his baby son passed away and this week is the 10 year anniversary of when his dad died. Frankly the timing of all this couldn’t have been any worse.”
Mike Brown, Jack’s grandfather, added: “I have not spoken to the people who were with Jack on site, but I am in daily contact with the people that employ him.
“They have told me that they are unsure of what happened but that Jack was at the top of the scaffolding tower when he suddenly plunged from the top level.
“Obviously the Health and Safety Executive have been called in to investigate the accident and his boss is giving them all the necessary support and help.”
CPD is an issue which has been discussed at length within the
sector for over 10 years. Following correspondence with the HSE in 2015 urging CISRS to introduce CPD, as the scheme had been in existence for over 40 years without a formal route, it was agreed that the introduction of CPD would ensure that cardholders were kept up to date with the latest legislation and industry guidance.
“We are aware that good employers strive to keep their workforce up to speed with changes within the industry, but this is not always the case. With a transient workforce and no formal programme for achieving this we cannot be sure exactly what information has been passed onto whom.
“The basic principle of CPD and/or refresher training is a good one. However, we are all too aware that this comes at a cost not only for the training itself, but also loss of production etc. As such we are looking to ensure that the course provides the most gain for the least pain and offers the scaffolder and their employer some real value added training,” said Dave Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager.
CPD has been a regular agenda item at Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) meetings, and a working party of CISRS representatives, scaffolding contractors and training providers was formed to take this forward.
Mike Burr, Managing Director of LTC Group 87 and a member of the CPD working party said: “The introduction of CPD for CISRS card holders will be another much needed step forward within our ever progressing industry and will receive my full support in my role as ASITO Chairman. As both an employer and training provider to the scaffold industry we welcome the introduction of CPD to further underpin what is already an excellent nationally recognised scheme.”
The working group began to put together a “wish list” of topics which they felt should be included within a CPD course aiming to focus on essential areas.
Full details will be confirmed later in the year, but it is proposed that CISRS CPD Course Content will cover:
An exhibition is being held alongside the installation, reimagining how other buildings in the city can accommodate rooftop activities.
“With this installation and in our exhibition we show what this city could look like if we do that in many places, engaging a series of our existing buildings and giving access to their roofs, to create a new, much more interactive, three dimensional and denser urban topography for the next city generation,” added Maas. 
Following an independent audit by CISRS represented by Dave Mosley (Scheme Manager) the centre was certified to be compliant with the high standards required by CISRS.
Dave Mosley commented; “The centre here in Nepal represents a world class international training facility and Safety & Access and partners Aecor should be commended for this. The added value for candidates such as the accommodation and excellent welfare facilities make this a prime example of how we can continue to promote and enhance safety and quality using best practice techniques”
Rick Statham, Joint Managing Director of Safety & Access added; “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer CISRS international training here in Kathmandu. Nepal is widely regarding as an epicentre for scaffolders that work across the Middle East and beyond and we believe there is huge potential here. It is vitally important for Nepalese citizens to have recognised qualifications to enhance employability and to be able to support their dependants and the CISRS qualifications will enable this.
Following the tragic consequences of the major earthquake that occurred here just over one year ago that claimed almost 10’000 lives we are committed to supporting the Nepalese people and the international opportunities linked to the country”
Sandeep Lama Managing Director of Aecor Nepal commented;
“Nepalese scaffolders being considered one of the hardest working and best scaffolder’s across the Middle East for over 3 decades, it was only a matter of time that Nepal had its own international recognised scaffolding training.
With CISRS approved training centre we can be proud to provide international standard training to experienced scaffolders and aspiring scaffolders to have a safe and long career.”
Ricki Morgan, Area Scaffolding Manager for CCC Qatar has been involved from the early stages of the venture as technical adviser is also pleased with the outcome of the audit;
“This is the best thing to happen in the scaffolding industry relative to the gulf region in many years. I’m approaching 47 years in scaffolding and I fully understand the need for accredited, quality recognised training and certification. This will enhance the safety of the operatives and end user. The availability of CISRS training in GCC represents a huge step forward from current standards. In turn, this offers a career path for all participating”
For more details on the training in Nepal and course availability, please contact 