Following the final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and a recent fire at a residential block in Dagenham, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has released an important Safety Bulletin.
The bulletin provides key guidelines to scaffolding contractors, aiming to ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and HSG168, the Health and Safety Executive’s fire safety guidance.With this release, NASC reaffirms its dedication to improving safety standards within the scaffolding industry and clarifies the role scaffolding plays in fire risk management.The Safety Bulletin highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to fire safety on construction sites while noting that scaffolding poses a very low fire risk. It emphasises that external factors, such as the activities of other contractors often influence fire hazards. To address these risks, NASC encourages collaboration across all aspects of construction projects.
Key Points from the NASC Safety Bulletin:
Compliance with Legislation: NASC stresses the importance of scaffolding contractors adhering to the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022 and HSG168 fire guidance.This ensures that all scaffolding practices align with the latest safety regulations.
Risk Management: The bulletin emphasises proper management of combustible materials, recommending that contractors ensure all materials meet approved safety standards. It also calls for preventive measures to be put in place, including close cooperation with other trades to address potential fire risks throughout the construction process.
Enhanced Safety Protocols: To reduce fire hazards, the bulletin advises the integration of robust fire safety protocols into scaffolding practices.This includes ensuring proper material storage, maintaining clear access routes, and conducting regular inspections to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Training and Education: NASC has updated its CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) courses to include fire safety management. These updates aim to ensure that all scaffolding personnel, including managers and supervisors, are knowledgeable about fire risk management and fully compliant with updated safety regulations.
Commitment to Safety
NASC remains committed to supporting its members with clear and actionable guidance on fire safety, reinforcing its position as a leading authority in scaffolding safety. By following the updated safety guidelines and incorporating enhanced training, scaffolding contractors will be better equipped to manage fire risks effectively, helping to ensure safer construction environments.
A groundbreaking initiative, the Global Scaffolding Alliance (gSA), has officially launched, aiming to transform the scaffolding industry on a global scale.
Spearheaded by UK-based expert Mark Parkin, the gSA brings together vital international partners from Australia, Denmark, and Canada to create a unified platform for innovation, safety, and excellence.
The gSA’s mission is to unite scaffolding professionals worldwide, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices across borders.
The alliance is set to elevate industry standards by offering a global community where every member, from labourers to CEOs, can contribute to shaping the future of scaffolding.
Mark Parkin
Mark Parkin, the visionary behind the gSA, emphasised the need for such an initiative:
“The Global Scaffolding Alliance was born from the realisation that despite scaffolding’s crucial global role, the industry lacked a unified platform for sharing knowledge and innovations. The gSA is that platform, bringing together the brightest minds to shape the future of our industry.”
One of the key partners, Tony Nicolaisen, based in Denmark, highlighted the industry’s challenges and the GSA’s role in addressing them: “The gSA has the potential to make a significant impact by tackling issues like labour shortages, safety, and business practices. If the industry supports our vision, we can create solutions that benefit everyone.”
“Together As One”
The gSA aims to introduce globally recognised qualifications, enhance professional development through training programs, and foster a global network for scaffolding professionals. Members will have opportunities to influence industry standards, access cutting-edge innovations, and connect with peers worldwide.
As the scaffolding industry navigates new challenges, the gSA’s motto, “Together As One,” reflects its commitment to unity and progress.
By joining the gSA, professionals are not just becoming part of an organisation—they are joining a movement dedicated to building a safer, more innovative future for the scaffolding industry.
For more information about the gSA and membership opportunities, visit the official website.
Norfolk-based energy services specialist Stowen Group has launched a new scaffolding division to expand its service offerings across offshore sectors.
Stowen Scaffolding and Access Ltd, led by technical director Cameron Silom, marks the company’s latest move to strengthen its position in offshore wind and oil and gas markets. Silom, who brings a wealth of experience in scaffolding management, will spearhead the initiative, ensuring that the division meets the growing demands of the offshore energy industry.“Our new scaffolding division allows us to support clients during the construction phase of offshore wind projects, as well as throughout their operational life,” said Silom. “This addition enhances our ability to provide a full-service solution, addressing the unique challenges of working offshore.”The scaffolding team is being trained and upskilled through a partnership with Hexis, a group training company. By investing in personnel development, Stowen aims to ensure its teams possess the expertise required to excel in the offshore environment, where safety and precision are paramount. Senior offshore scaffold supervisors are also pivotal in guiding the team through these advancements.
Expanding Service Offerings
Stowen’s new scaffolding division is tailored to serve a wide range of industries, from offshore renewables to oil and gas. The company’s comprehensive approach integrates scaffolding with its existing portfolio of services, including construction, maintenance, and decommissioning of offshore installations.“We are often involved in the construction phase of offshore wind projects, especially around offshore substations,” said Kieron Ford, managing director of renewables at Stowen. “This new division allows us to offer scaffolding as part of a wider package, enhancing the efficiency and safety of these projects.”
A Strategic Move
The scaffolding division is part of Stowen’s broader strategy to bolster its capabilities in key sectors. Through close collaboration with Hexis Training, the group ensures that its workforce receives the necessary technical skills and meets the stringent safety standards required for offshore operations.This focus on training is designed to provide clients with a highly skilled and certified workforce ready to meet the complex demands of offshore energy projects. Stowen’s holistic approach to service delivery combines practical expertise with a strong emphasis on safety and operational excellence, ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently.
Offshore Expertise
The division is fully equipped to handle onshore and offshore scaffolding projects, providing services ranging from design and installation to maintenance and dismantling. In offshore environments, Stowen’s teams are prepared to work on a variety of installations, including mobile offshore drilling units and wind energy substations.“Our scaffolding solutions are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of offshore environments,” said Silom. “By adhering to rigorous safety standards, we ensure that every project is executed with precision and reliability.”With the addition of its scaffolding division, Stowen is positioned to provide comprehensive support across a wide array of offshore projects, reinforcing its commitment to meeting client needs with tailored, high-quality solutions.
NASC President David Brown is set to take on a significant personal challenge this month as he participates in two triathlons to raise funds for Young Epilepsy, a charity that supports children and families affected by the condition.
Brown, who is also the Managing Director at IBN Scaffolding based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, will be swimming, cycling, and running across two gruelling events this month, all in the name of charity.
His first triathlon will be the Shropshire Triathlon on September 8th, followed by the North West Triathlon on the 22nd. Despite joking about his swimming skills, he is determined to complete both events and raise awareness and sponsorship for the cause.
The Shropshire Triathlon will see him tackle a 750m swim, a 25km cycle, and a 5km run, while the North West Triathlon features a slightly shorter 500m swim but similar bike and run distances of 21km and 5km, respectively.
Brown explained that these challenges will push him to his limits, particularly in the swimming sections.“Swimming isn’t my strong suit – I swim like a brick! So, I’ll need to make up time on the bike and run,” he said.
Young Epilepsy is a charity close to Brown’s heart, and his fundraising efforts are aimed at ensuring the organisation can continue its critical work.
The charity offers vital support to young people diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that affects nearly one in every hundred children in the UK. Through fundraising, Brown hopes to contribute to research, treatment advancements, and practical support for those impacted.
“Epilepsy can be one of the most frightening and isolating conditions a young person can experience,” Brown explained. “Together, we can improve research, treatment, and support for those affected.”
He has also set up a fundraising page where supporters can contribute to his effort. He will be sharing updates and photos of his progress through the events, and he jokes that he hopes they won’t include any pictures of him being rescued during the swim.
Those wishing to sponsor David can do so via his fundraising page: JustGiving. Every donation, he says, will help bring hope and support to young lives affected by epilepsy.
Layher UK’s 2024 Open Morning series continued with a highly successful event today at the Eggborough Depot.
Following the well-received kickoff in Leytonstone earlier this year, the Eggborough Open Morning offered industry professionals yet another opportunity to learn about Layher’s cutting-edge scaffolding solutions and forward-thinking approach.The event began at 9 a.m., and attendees were warmly welcomed with bacon butties, tea, and coffee—a perfect start to a day of learning and networking. The relaxed atmosphere set the tone for a productive morning, allowing participants to engage in informal conversations before diving into the day’s agenda.Attendees had the chance to experience hands-on demonstrations of Layher’s innovative products, including the much-discussed Twix Beam and Flex Beam, as well as the established Allround® Modular Scaffolding System.These practical demonstrations provided a clear understanding of how Layher’s solutions can enhance efficiency and safety on construction sites.As in previous events, the presentations were a highlight of the morning. Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher UK, and Des Moore, Layher’s Brand Ambassador, again took the stage to share their extensive industry knowledge. Sean Pike began by reiterating Layher’s core values and the four ‘S’ promise: Service, Support, Solutions, and Supply. He emphasised how these principles have driven the company’s commitment to providing high-quality scaffolding solutions that cater to projects of all sizes.Des Moore followed with a compelling presentation from a contractor’s perspective, reinforcing the long-term cost benefits of Layher’s systems. Drawing on his extensive experience with TRAD Scaffolding, Des explained how the initial investment in Layher’s products is not only recouped but often surpassed by the savings in labour and the potential to access new markets. His insights, particularly on the durability and efficiency of the Allround system, resonated with the audience.In addition to the new Twix Beam, which has been designed for suspended scaffolding, and the versatile Flex Beam, the event also showcased the Layher Keder XL Roof and other essential products such as loading bays and site stairs. The practical demonstrations of these products highlighted their potential to improve efficiency and safety on construction sites.The intimate setting of the Eggborough Depot allowed for meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. Attendees praised the event for its informative presentations and the chance to engage directly with Layher’s team.To conclude the morning, a fun and interactive quiz was organised, challenging attendees to find deliberate faults in a constructed Layher scaffold. This exercise not only tested their knowledge but also reinforced the importance of safety and precision when working with scaffolding systems.Reflecting on the success of the event, Sean Pike remarked, “Our goal with these Open Mornings is to foster an environment where professionals can learn, engage, and envision the future of their businesses with our solutions. The turnout and the enthusiasm we’ve seen here in Eggborough are a testament to the growing interest in Layher’s approach.”The Eggborough event marks the second in a series of Open Mornings that Layher UK has planned across the country. The next stops include Livingston on 26th September and West Brom on 8th October, where Layher is set to continue its mission of empowering the construction industry with innovative scaffolding solutions.
In a significant boost for the construction sector, PERI, a leading provider of formwork, system scaffolding and training, has announced that its courses will now be heavily subsidised for levy-registered employers in London, with many other regions across Great Britain also eligible for the funding.This initiative is part of PERI’s recent partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) through the Employer Networks programme. Under this scheme, CITB will fund 70% of the cost for any course offered by PERI, a move designed to make high-quality training more accessible to a broader range of employers across the industry.The Employer Networks initiative, launched by CITB, aims to address the growing skills gap in the construction sector by encouraging employers to invest more in workforce training. By partnering with trusted delivery organisations like PERI, CITB hopes to provide more workers with the necessary skills to meet industry demands and ensure safer working environments.PERI, which has been a CITB Approved Training Organisation since 2020, views this initiative as a vital opportunity to expand its training services and reach more employers. The company offers an extensive range of scaffolding and formwork courses, including specialised jumpform climbing courses, at its 600-square-metre flagship training facility in Brentwood. Additionally, PERI provides on-site training across the UK upon request.Terry Hall, Field Services Manager at PERI, expressed enthusiasm about the new funding opportunities: “We are on a mission to make formwork training compulsory across the construction industry. Joining forces with CITB and being part of the Employer Networks initiative widens our reach and will enable us to demonstrate the importance of proper, regulated training to more contractors. We hope to see more employers in the industry at our Brentwood training facility as they make the most of the funding offered by CITB.”Currently, the funding is available to employers in parts of England, Wales, and Scotland, with plans to extend it across all of Great Britain by the end of October 2024. This expansion aims to ensure that more companies can benefit from the initiative, ultimately leading to a better-trained and safer workforce in the construction sector.
Des MooreAs someone with experience both of using systems scaffolding to build a business, and a CEO of a group that offered hire and sale options, I’m often asked about my opinions on this issue. I’ve set my personal thoughts and experience here, to give you an idea of the considerations and advantages of each option.First, I think it’s important to note that there can be benefits to both hiring and buying system scaffolding. The well-known hire and sales companies working in this area all provide an essential service to the industry, but my preference – and advice – is always to buy. That’s why I’ve written other articles that set out the commercial argument for investing in system scaffolding.However, if you use the hire facility in the right way at the right time, you can make it work for your business, in the short to medium term only. There is a big ‘but’ here – you must have a business model and a way of working that supports the efficient use of hired system scaffolding – otherwise you are almost certainly making a poor commercial decision.
Why do some manufacturers and H&S companies offer a hire option?
These companies want to be able to maximise their profits, as do we all, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It makes sense to give clients options – system scaffolding looks like a big investment, so many contractors think it is best to hire instead.You can see that this makes some sense – it gives contractors the opportunity to use system scaffolding in practice and see what potential labour savings and other benefits they can gain. As someone who has managed a large and well-known hire and sales business, I know that hire is always more profitable for the manufacturer than sale. Why? Because, despite the investment in stock and other overheads such as drivers, additional yard staff and commercial vehicles etc. hire rates are set to deliver more profit.Again, you can understand this. For companies offering both hire and sale options, hire underpins that business. It gives them consistent, predictable, profitable income. That’s because the hire model is pretty much the same as the model that credit card companies use. Rates are set higher because customers tend to have less cash, and so are more likely to default on their payments. Hire companies have to cover themselves for this significant risk, so they charge more to customers who hire. Taking that risk, on balance, produces a greater level of profit.So, that’s why some companies offer a hire option – but should you take that option?
Is it worth hiring system scaffolding?
My view is that, if you are running a highly disciplined and efficient operation, you can do good business with hire. If you are not, you will almost certainly lose or misplace equipment. And that equipment will be charged for by the manufacturer at full replacement cost. So you will be paying twice – and sometimes more than that.But more importantly for the commercial impact on your business, if you choose to hire for the medium or long term, you will be paying out a lot of money in hire fees and have absolutely no equipment or assets to show at the end of it. So you can save money in the short term, but you can, much more easily, lose money too. In my experience, a small number of companies do manage hire very well – but they are very few and far between. As an example, in the early years of TRAD Hire & Sale in the late 1990s, GKR Scaffolding, a well-known and respected London scaffolding company, hired significant volumes of equipment from us – and it worked for them. The reasons why they were successful are straightforward – but are often very difficult to manage in practice:
They hired equipment for one dedicated project.
The equipment was always counted off at the start of the project.
They never transferred equipment to another project, or brought equipment over from an existing project.
No equipment was ever left unprotected on site overnight.
Returns were always counted back in and signed for.
They maximised profit and invested in their own equipment as soon as it was financially viable.
The way GKR Scaffolding handled its approach to hire, probably comes as no surprise when you see the quality of work they do. That only comes from running a highly disciplined and efficient organisation. The attention to detail and methodical way of working reduces the risk of mistakes with components and equipment, so means that the contractor is less likely to face a big bill for replacement.In my experience, both at TRAD H&S and my knowledge of the workings of other well-known hire and sales companies, materials are counted out and back individually, diligently and honestly. But with the levels of stock and sheer scale and number of components – well into the thousands – mistakes can easily happen, and frequently do.In addition, it’s important to remember that the H&S company naturally will have set the hire costs so that their own costs are covered, and profit is built in. So when you hire, you are essentially paying for the depreciation of the equipment, the manufacturer’s overheads and their profit margin – and potentially the default rates from other customers that we mentioned earlier. All you have to show for it is any profit you make on the project you hire for. Is that worth it? My experience is that many companies have hired system scaffolding on a long-term basis and are paying for a substantial amount of stock that they no longer have, due to damage or loss. That’s why, in my opinion, you should always be extremely wary of companies that encourage long-term hire without offering any realistic and viable sale options – they are almost always looking for ways to maximise hire to underpin their business, rather than helping to support your business growth. This is particularly true of some – but not all – manufacturers.That said, there are three times when I think hiring can benefit your business:
When you are hiring solution components or specials that have low utilisation.
When you have a short-term ‘spike’ in normal trading, and you need to hire to meet your commitments.
When the agreed programme timescale is more convenient for hiring than buying.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, hiring is a good option. But you should always approach it from that position of discipline and efficiency, so you don’t end up paying more than you need to.
Why is buying system scaffolding better?
As I have written elsewhere, investing in system scaffolding is a much better commercial investment over a 10-year period. When you purchase, your balance sheet is stronger because you have an asset with a clear value, and that strengthens your business and can also bring significant tax advantages. As Layher UK’s Brand Ambassador, I think its Rent to Own is a very sound option. That’s because:
It doesn’t encourage expensive long-term hire.
It offers significant financial options to allow you to purchase.
It’s a unique model in the UK market, and it’s designed to encourage scaffolding contractors to take a serious look at the commercial benefits of system scaffolding. It’s definitely not a foray into long-term hire – instead, you can start by renting, to get a taster of the equipment and what it can do, before moving onto the purchase. This shouldn’t be mistaken for an opportunity to ‘dip your toe’ into system scaffolding. Layher genuinely believes that the best route for clients is to buy rather than hire, and it has finance options and significant customer support to help contractors go down this route.Layher has two clear offers: Rent to Try and Rent to Own. You can find out more about both of these options at Layher’s Open Mornings, which take place across the UK this year. The next one is in Yorkshire on September 3rd and there are four more opportunities this year where you can get close up to the equipment, see how it works and talk to the Layher team. I’ll be at every Open Morning, speaking on the commercial and operational benefits of investing in system scaffolding from a contractor’s perspective. Future dates are:
Nominations have officially opened for the Scaff Star Awards, a key feature of the upcoming National Scaffolding Week (NSW) 2024.
This annual event, set to take place in October, seeks to recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions within the scaffolding and access sector, a vital part of the UK’s construction industry.National Scaffolding Week 2024 aims to spotlight the achievements of individuals who have made significant impacts in the scaffolding industry. With over 33,000 scaffolding operatives working nationwide, the Scaff Star Awards are designed to honour those who have gone above and beyond in their roles.The awards are open to a wide range of nominees, including professionals who have supported charitable initiatives, those who have played a crucial role in mentoring and training the next generation of scaffolding talent, and veterans of the industry whose long-standing dedication warrants recognition.Nominations can be submitted via the official NSW website. Nominees will be featured on the NSW website and across its social media platforms. The winners will be celebrated at the Scaffolding Conference in October, hosted by the Scaffolding Association.The deadline for nominations is Friday, September 27th, 2024. Industry professionals and members of the public are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals to ensure their contributions are recognised.National Scaffolding Week serves as a platform to celebrate industry achievements and inspire the next generation of scaffolding professionals. The week-long event highlights the diverse career opportunities available, promotes best practices, and showcases innovative projects within the sector.Further details and nomination forms can be found atwww.nationalscaffoldingweek.com/scaffstar.
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has released a newly updated 2-day System Scaffolding Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) Cuplok course.
This development is part of CISRS’s ongoing efforts to standardise training across the UK, ensuring that all SSPTS courses are thorough and in line with the latest industry standards.As the use of system scaffolding continues to expand within the UK construction industry, the demand for structured and consistent training has become increasingly important. The updated 2-day SSPTS Cuplok course addresses the distinct differences between various system scaffold products, providing scaffolders who have previously been trained mainly in tube and fitting methods with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely use system scaffold products in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines.This course is available to all CISRS cardholders who have completed their Part 1 training. It represents a significant step in ensuring that scaffolders are well-prepared to work with system scaffolds and are kept informed of the latest advancements and best practices within the industry.
More Updates Coming Soon
CISRS has also revealed that updates to other SSPTS courses, including those covering the Layher and Plettac Metrix systems, will be introduced soon. These updates are part of CISRS’s commitment to providing scaffolders with the most relevant and up-to-date training as the construction industry evolves.CISRS has expressed its appreciation to David Abraham of Fulcrum Scaffold Safety Training & Working at Height Safety Solutions for his expert contributions to the development of this course.The CISRS website provides additional information on system scaffold training and inspection and details on how to book an SSPTS course. A complete list of training centres offering the relevant courses is also available online.For more information, visit CISRS System Scaffold Product Training Scheme.To locate a training centre, visit:CISRS Training Centres.
In response to recent incidents where scaffolding has obstructed swift nest sites, RSPB volunteer Kerry Dawson is issuing a heartfelt plea to scaffolding companies across the UK.
This summer, two alarming cases have been seen in Ramsgate and Eltham, where scaffolding unintentionally blocked the nests of swifts, a species now red-listed and at serious risk of extinction in the UK.Swifts are unique and remarkable birds that spend nearly all their lives in the air. Their ability to enter nesting sites at high speed through small gaps makes them particularly vulnerable to obstruction by scaffolding. Swifts cannot perch due to the lack of a ‘thumb’ claw, meaning they rely solely on their flight skills to access their nests.
Legal and Conservation Urgency
Speaking to Scaffmag, Kerry Sabin-Dawson emphasised the legal ramifications of blocking swift nests. Obstructing these nests’ entry or exit routes is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. With swift populations in steep decline, it is vital that scaffolding companies take proactive measures to ensure they do not inadvertently contribute to this crisis.“Nest sites are often hidden,”Dawson explains,“but there are signs to look out for, such as the calls of nestlings, droppings, or adult swifts trying to access the site. Even if you don’t see a nest, it doesn’t mean one isn’t there. That’s why it’s so important to check carefully before erecting scaffolding.”
Guidance and Resources for Scaffolders
Dawson calls on scaffolders to avoid placing scaffolding around roofs or fascias between April and September, the critical swift breeding season. If scaffolding is unavoidable, she urges companies to inspect for potential nesting sites thoroughly.“Swifts can squeeze through the smallest of holes, so it’s crucial to be vigilant,”she adds.She also recommends using the RSPB’s Swift Mapper website (https://www.swiftmapper.org.uk/) to check for recorded nest sites, although she cautions that many nests remain unrecorded.Credit: RSPB
A Call to Action
Kerry Dawson notes that once scaffolders understand the unique situation swifts face, they are often very willing to make accommodations.“This is a collaborative effort,” she says.“By taking these small but significant steps, scaffolders can make a huge difference in the survival of these incredible birds.”For more information on how scaffolders can help protect swifts, visitRSPB’swebsite.
Young Epilepsy is a charity close to Brown’s heart, and his fundraising efforts are aimed at ensuring the organisation can continue its critical work.
The charity offers vital support to young people diagnosed with epilepsy, a condition that affects nearly one in every hundred children in the UK. Through fundraising, Brown hopes to contribute to research, treatment advancements, and practical support for those impacted.
“Epilepsy can be one of the most frightening and isolating conditions a young person can experience,” Brown explained. “Together, we can improve research, treatment, and support for those affected.”
He has also set up a fundraising page where supporters can contribute to his effort. He will be sharing updates and photos of his progress through the events, and he jokes that he hopes they won’t include any pictures of him being rescued during the swim.
Those wishing to sponsor David can do so via his fundraising page: 
