Since their introduction in 2005 these regulations have provided an increased awareness to both operatives and employers on the inherent risk when working at height, including what the requirements are to work safely and legally. However some aspects of the regulations can be improved.
One particular ‘grey’ area is the use of the terms ‘competent’ and ‘competence’ which occur frequently throughout the current legislation. These terms are both ambiguous and open to interpretation. This non-specific term has resulted in different interpretations and hence different standards of safety protocol – yet these terms are also at the ‘heart’ of the regulations.
The NASC recommend that these terms be replaced by the term ‘qualified’ (as already adopted in the gas fitting industry). The work at height industry, including scaffolding can demonstrate clearly and accurately that an individual is ‘qualified’ by virtue of the fact that he has completed suitable training, which includes theoretical, practical and on site experience – the aptitude of the Scaffolder to continue to carry out his/her skilled works is also challenged every five years to ensure continued compliance. Scaffolding contracting companies are also able to be audited to ensure continued
compliance/qualification via existing regulated protocol such as the NASC’s membership criteria which is already acknowledged by many clients and main contractors as the only method of determining scaffolding prowess that meets all current Scaffolding and Health & Safety legislation.
By replacing the terms ‘competent’ and ‘competence’ with the clear and indisputable term ‘qualified’ the new edition of the regulations in 2013 will help achieve the objectives of the report’s recommendation – ensuring that those actions carried out in accordance with the Working at Height legislation are proportionate. Adoption of the term ‘qualified’ will also help overcome those continually legislation challenging sectors, such as SMEs and the self-employed.
The NASC has written to Whitehall to reaffirm this point which would appear a simple yet effective recommendation to help the government meet its objectives of the review. U.K. Edition
This will bring the total spent on scaffolding to more than £3,200,000 since staff at Keir Stoke were forced to stop using ladders for minor repair work on city council properties.
The ban was introduced by health and safety officials at the company after a worker was seriously injured after falling off a ladder.
Scaffolding is now used by workers for repairs such as putting up security lights.
By the end of March, Stoke-on-Trent City Council will be facing an expected bill for £957,000 for the use of the equipment, which costs £35-a-day to erect.
On average the structures remain in place for eight days.
The bill for 2010/11 is up by around £42,000 against the previous year despite efforts to reduce costs by using cheaper alternatives.
Use of the scaffolding has been criticised as an ‘unnecessary expense’ by residents and a cause for delays.
Chairman of East Bentilee Residents’ Association, Alan Joinson, pictured below, said: “It’s stupid because they are putting scaffolding up for little jobs.
“If there is an issue with a roof or something, I agree that scaffolding should be used but they’re using it for things that can be fixed with a step ladder.
The 64-year-old, of Bentilee, added: “It’s not just time consuming it’s become an expense that we could all do without with all the cutbacks at the moment.”
Meir resident Christopher Shenton, who is disabled, has been waiting almost three years for repairs to the roof of his Brookhouse Road home.
The 46-year-old said: “I have had damp problems for ages. The concrete supports in the eaves of the roof have been falling off and the tiles are coming loose.
“We have problems with our kitchen too but I have had to try and repair it myself because we can’t live like this.
“I know it is procedure for Keir to use scaffolding but it means nothing ever gets done because we are all having to wait for so long. It infuriates me to think how long I have been waiting.”
The scaffolding bill reached a record high of £1.4 million in 2009/10.
Council officials vowed to try and reduce the cost by persuading Kier to use cheaper platform towers.
A council spokesman said: “The city council and Kier have worked closely together over the past 18 months to reduce the costs of using scaffolding in our repairs.
“We are committed to maintaining the standard of service our customers can expect while also reducing costs where possible.
“While the city council and Kier cannot compromise on the safety of the workforce, alternative means of access have been investigated and are being used where appropriate.”
Via: 
With its 700 rooms, 67 staircases, 2,153 windows and 27 acres of roofing, the sprawling 17th Century Palace outside Paris sets the international standard for a challenging restoration programme.
Forming one part of the massive seventeen year, €390 million restoration project, the UBIX® temporary roof system from Combisafe has been integral in providing protection to the exposed elements of this fragile building during the renovation of the King’s private apartments.
The palace has been in a state of restoration for much of the last four centuries, however the latest masterplan ‘Great Versailles’ is the largest in history. Launched in 2003 by President Chirac, the entire estate is to be restored to its former glory by 2020 through a combination of public funding and support from businesses and individuals.
Until June 2012 a huge artistic canvas will hide scaffolding and building works in the Palais de Versailles’ Royal Courtyard as the roof and main building undergo restoration. To provide weather protection to both the building and workers while the delicate gold leaf is being replaced on the roof of the King’s private apartments, the fast application of the lightweight and robust UBIX temporary roofing system proved ideal.
Specialist scaffolding contractor Ulma specified the UBIX system to cover an area of 800m². With superior strength and durability, UBIX was easily adaptable with Ulma’s multidirectional scaffolding whilst offering the protection the building and contractors required.
Designed with safety as the top priority, UBIX is the lightest and most economical temporary roofing system on the market. With a choice of bay widths – 2.07m, 2.57m and 3.07m – and two beam depths of 45cm and 78cm, UBIX allows for totally bespoke solutions to meet cost and span requirements. Due to its innovative structure and engineered approach, UBIX has the ability to create very large spans of up to 40 metres and more.
By choosing the UBIX system the working at height risk is removed, and the scaffolders were able to benefit from its quick and easy handling and simple erection. Requiring no specialist tools or lifting gear, it can also be managed at height by a relatively small team, and with the boltless fixings and loose components eliminated, all parts snap together for a rapid assembly process.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Versailles is France’s most visited historical monument. While there is some way to go before this glittering palace is restored to all its baroque glory, Combisafe has ensured the building and workers can remain unaffected by the weather, further enhancing the company’s reputation for providing cutting edge temporary roof systems. 
Scaffolding by its nature can be a high risk occupation if it is not carried out in accordance with the latest standards and in compliance with the correct skills. The only recognised training scheme for scaffolders is the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme), within this scheme there are currently 8 different cards that identify what the particular individual can (and cannot) do with regards to the construction/assembly of a scaffold structure. The 8 cards range from Labourer and Trainee through to Advanced Scaffolder and Scaffold Inspector.
In accordance with CDM (Construction Design Management) Regulations 2007 all clients and contractors must be legally satisfied with the “competence of those engaged” in any works, including scaffolding. To help inform clients and contractors on the scope of any of the 8 CISRS cards available in the UK today two new aids have been launched.
Free Site Poster
CISRS have launched an easily read and informative A2 poster that clearly explains the scope of work that any individual holding a CISRS card can carry out. Designed to be an ideal aide-memoire to any site the poster provides a simple to follow explanation ensuring that any individual’s card can be verified prior to any scaffolding works commencing.
The poster is available free (subject to stock availability) and can be requested directly by contacting CISRS at telephone number 0844 815 7223 or via email at 
Apache Workwear Trousers
The apache brand seems to amaze me every time top quality gear at such a cheap price and these trousers did not disappoint.
First off great styling with different color stitching on the knee area with a simple but effective velcro pocket to place the knee pad in. The trousers have seven pockets including a handy mobile phone pocket.
Very comfortable to wear although not as lightweight as the snickers, the apache pair are made from Cordura Brand Fabric which guarantees hard wearing reliable durability.
Overall the best pair of work trousers for your hard earned money, unbelievable price for what you get.
Price £25.99
ScaffMag Rating: 
Snickers Ultimate Trousers
Probably the most well known brand of work trousers out there and quite rightly so. The Snickers trousers performed well during the review, they felt very comfortable and durable to wear.
The trousers are made from Cotton/Polyamide which make them incredibly lightweight. I also found the velcro pockets for the knee pads great for quick easy access to the pads.
Each pair comes with enough pockets to suit everybody including a handy mobile phone pocket for easy access.
Overall an amazing pair of work trousers but I cannot help but think you would be paying a premium just for the name.
Price £49.15
ScaffMag Rating: 
Blaklader Craftsman Trousers 1570
All the seams on the Blaklader Craftsman Trousers are triple stitched and guaranteed for life. The knee pad pockets are made from Cordura for extra durability with plenty of pockets to keep you happy but thats where the good news stops.
I think there is a few things lacking with the blaklader trousers, they seem to lack any kind of style at all also the knee pad pockets lacked velcro to keep the knee pad in position which was quite frustrating.
Overall if you are looking for a pair of work trousers in this price range I would say save your money and get your self a pair of Apache’s.
Price £41.00
ScaffMag Rating: 
The Greater Manchester services to Eccles and MediaCityUK were suspended while police negotiated with the scaffolders to move the trucks.
The protest was over the collapse of Grace Scaffolding Limited 