The Work at Height Regulations 2005

PART 2ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDING

Additional requirements for scaffolding

7.  Strength and stability calculations for scaffolding shall be carried out unless—

(a)a note of the calculations, covering the structural arrangements contemplated, is available; or

(b)it is assembled in conformity with a generally recognised standard configuration.

8.  Depending on the complexity of the scaffolding selected, an assembly, use and dismantling plan shall be drawn up by a competent person. This may be in the form of a standard plan, supplemented by items relating to specific details of the scaffolding in question.

9.  A copy of the plan, including any instructions it may contain, shall be kept available for the use of persons concerned in the assembly, use, dismantling or alteration of scaffolding until it has been dismantled.

10.  The dimensions, form and layout of scaffolding decks shall be appropriate to the nature of the work to be performed and suitable for the loads to be carried and permit work and passage in safety.

11.  While a scaffold is not available for use, including during its assembly, dismantling or alteration, it shall be marked with general warning signs in accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996(1) and be suitably delineated by physical means preventing access to the danger zone.

12.  Scaffolding may be assembled, dismantled or significantly altered only under the supervision of a competent person and by persons who have received appropriate and specific training in the operations envisaged which addresses specific risks which the operations may entail and precautions to be taken, and more particularly in—

(a)understanding of the plan for the assembly, dismantling or alteration of the scaffolding concerned;

(b)safety during the assembly, dismantling or alteration of the scaffolding concerned;

(c)measures to prevent the risk of persons, materials or objects falling;

(d)safety measures in the event of changing weather conditions which could adversely affect the safety of the scaffolding concerned;

(e)permissible loadings;

(f)any other risks which the assembly, dismantling or alteration of the scaffolding may entail.