Between 2007 and 2008 34 construction workers in the UK died after a fall from a height, and every year over 4,000 major injuries are reported by the UK construction industry, with over half of these injuries resulting from a fall. Working at height can be extremely challenging and dangerous, no matter the size of the job. So it’s important that construction workers have the correct equipment and protection, to ensure that they can complete their work quickly and safely. Scaffolding is an extremely important component in the protection of construction workers, but sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether a job actually requires it or not. So how do you know if you need scaffolding? Accessibility If elements of your job involve workers accessing hard to reach areas, scaffolding will definitely be a requirement in order for the job to be completed safely. Even seemingly straightforward jobs like painting a building can require scaffold structures, if external areas of the building are difficult, or impossible to reach with ladders. An extensive scaffolding job When you’re undertaking a big job, you’ll most likely require scaffolding. The likelihood of a job requiring scaffold structures increases with the number of people who will be working at a height simultaneously. In addition, if the job is likely to take a decent amount of time to complete, it would be advisable to erect scaffold. Using scaffolding means that your safety equipment can stay erect 24/7, saving set up time in the mornings, while scaffolding can also help to protect work sites from the elements, which is helpful during bad spells of weather. If your job involves an extensive amount of work then the use of scaffolding is almost always advisable. Does the ground need protection? Scaffolding is designed to protect not only the workers at height, but also workers, and any other passers-by, on the ground. If your job involves many tools and materials being used at a height, then there is a chance that they could be dropped or knocked to the ground, and potentially cause a life-threatening injury. In this case, scaffolding with edge protection is essential, regardless of the nature of the actual job itself. Contact us for more...
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Safety decking from Network Scaffold Services, are often utilised indoors to undertake repairs and redecorating work at ceiling height. These systems are almost always constructed on the inside of the new build properties so tasks such as installing floor joists, plaster boarding and painting ceilings can be completed safely and securely. Because they are internal deck scaffolds, safety decking is usually a lighter duty structure which means they can be built and dismantled quite quickly. Although there should still be full consideration for health and safety regulations. Trade contractors such as painters and joiners need to be assured of a safe working environment just as much as builders working on an open construction site. It is important to remember, this type of decking system needs to be built by qualified scaffolders. What Does Safety Decking Look Like? Safety decking needs to be tied or braced to the scaffolding to make sure that the top boards are stable. This system needs to be tested before it is used to ensure that it does not sway or list to the side. For a safety deck to be safe, close attention needs to be paid to the top work platform which should be built with no gaps. It is advisable that appropriate protective measures like toe guards or rails are included. This structure must offer an enclosed working area for contractors, avoiding any risk of falling through any gaps to meet industry standards. Talk to the Scaffolding Specialists If you are looking for the complete scaffolding system, include safety decks, get in touch with Network Scaffold Services today. We are the leading scaffolding company for clients across Derby and Nottingham, servicing both the domestic and commercial sectors. Network Scaffold has also recently started providing plastic hoarding, which is ideal to protect your construction...
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Plastic hoarding can be seen every single day, whether to cover up building works or keep us safe from construction sites. Network Scaffold has recently expanded its services to provide both hoarding and safety decking for our established clients plus new ones. For this blog, we will share some of the ways plastic hoarding can be used in different settings. The Many Uses of Plastic Hoarding Typically a hoarding tends to serve two common purposes – to promote and for health and safety, however, there are a few more to consider – Advertising and Marketing – Hoarding is often used for advertising and marketing by companies or organisations to promote a product where there is high public footfall. Historically these hoardings are cheaper to place than a similar-sized billboard. Entice Customers – Hoardings can also attract business to a company, creating curiosity for development or attraction that is coming soon. The nature of hiding a site behind a hoarding naturally piques people’s interest and with the correct messaging can leave them awaiting the big reveal. Construction Site Hoarding – Health and safety is the main reason for having a building site employ hoarding. Separating the general public from a construction site prevents unauthorised access and improves site security. Additionally, having secure fencing along your perimeter means you can have controlled access to the site for contractors. Plastic hoarding can also be used to communicate health and safety information, providing warnings about potential hazards. This is essential to comply with on-site regulations. Get in Touch to Place Your Order If you would be interested in ordering hoarding, safety decking or scaffolding, please contact Network Scaffold Services today. We offer all of the aforementioned services to customers across Derby, Nottingham and the surrounding areas. Despite the recently announced third UK lockdown, we are classed as an essential business and will remain open and able to serve our...
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Scaffolding and construction services will continue despite the UK being put under a third lockdown to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 5th January 2021, but guidance has been published regarding the scaffold industry, with the lockdown coming into effect on 7th January. Lockdown Statement Explained All members of the public will need to stay home until at least 15th February and to leave only for exercise and work from home, if possible. Johnson said in the statement, “You can only leave home for work purposes where it is unreasonable for you to do your job from home, including but not limited to people who work within critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing that require in-person attendance.” Tradespeople will continue to work on and in other people’s homes while adhering to COVID-19 social distancing measures. Scaffold hire and sale yards (such as Network Scaffold) and builders merchants are classed as essential retail and will be allowed to stay open alongside food shops, supermarkets and pharmacies. During the third lockdown, the government aims to roll out a mass vaccination program and vaccinate around 15 million people by the middle of February and help to combat the virus. The prime minister Boris Johnson added, “With every jab that goes into our arms, we are tilting the odds against Covid and in favour of the British people. And, thanks to the miracle of science, not only is the end in sight but we know exactly how we will get there. But for now, I am afraid, you must once again stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.” Get in Touch for Competitive Scaffolding Quotes Now If you are urgently looking for scaffolding, safety decking or plastic hoarding for your building, please do not hesitate to contact Network Scaffold Services now. We offer scaffold services to customers across Derby, Nottingham and the surrounding...
Read Moreabout Scaffolding Services Continue During Lockdown 3.0Safety decking, sometimes referred to as a crash deck is meant as a temporary scaffolding platform that is used to stop falling objects during the demolition process. When it comes to working on scaffolding; there are two options for working at height – a work platform or safety decking supplied by Network Scaffold. If an employee is working on safety decking, they will not fall. If they were to fall onto a fall arrest bag, the bag will be cushioned which therefore makes the g force limited. The fall is not cushioned on typical decking and falling is still potentially dangerous. It is recommended that a falling person is not exposed to a force of more than 14g. An 80kg person falling as a deadweight from just one metre on to a safety deck that yields no more than 2cms will be exposed to a g force of 50g. The more rigid the safety deck, the greater the g force. If the deck only yields 1cm, the force is doubled to 100g. Safety Decking from Network Scaffold Services Network Scaffold has recently started supplying safety decks as an innovative fall prevention system plus a light-duty access platform. Our team of specialists have moved into the safety decking market recently with our systems being used for New Build construction sector. After initial research, we decided that a new product would best complement our existing clients plus help us to build up a portfolio of new clients looking for safety decks. Network Scaffold’s decks are easy to erect and consist of components that form an access deck, which helps to prevent falls from structures and can reach the storey height for floor joists, concrete beams and roof trusses installations. Get in Touch with Any Questions If you have any questions about safety decks, please contact Network Scaffold today. We provide scaffold...
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During winter, erecting scaffolding can be tricky but don’t worry as Network Scaffold Services have tips to keep you safe. In this blog, we will give you our top 10 of scaffold safety this winter. Top 10 Scaffolding Tips 1. Be Seen and Be Warm – When visibility is low and the cold weather starts, using a high-vis jacket will help keep you warm and safe. It is important to be seen plus it reduces the risk of being struck by moving vehicles on construction sites. 2. Keep the Rain Out – A good set of waterproofs is essential for comfort plus they will also be necessary to deal with the conditions. If it is milder then you may prefer something more breathable, just make sure you get the balance right. 3. Protect Your Hands – A good pair of gloves will protect your hands during everyday tasks and keep them warm. Dexterity is a necessity, so you will still need a pair of gloves that allow you to do your job. If you have to take off your gloves to work, then you have probably got the wrong pair. 4. Keep Your Head Warm – A helmet liner is an ideal addition to a hard hat in winter to help keep your head warm. Fastening under the chin will protect your head, ears and part of your neck from the cold. Ensure you get a liner that is easily attached to a helmet for increased comfort. 5. Look After Your Feet – Winter footwear needs to offer great protection plus being durable and comfortable. A quality pair of waterproof and insulated safety boots improves productivity as you will feel better on your feet for longer. 6. Heavy-Duty Scaffold Sheeting – If you are working on scaffold this winter, you could be subjected to unsavoury conditions. Heavy-duty sheeting will keep out the wind and rain and helps you to focus on the job at hand. There is a number of options such as flame-retardant and certified sheeting. 7. Tether Your Tools – Cold, wet and numb hands could mean you drop your tools with catastrophic results. Tool tethering will ensure you are attached to your tools and protecting those...
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