Can you put scaffolding in Swansea on public property?
Erecting scaffolding in Swansea on public property is always more difficult than on private property. This is because there are so many other things to take into consideration. In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the questions that need to be asked so everything is done correctly and safely.
Questions to ask before erecting scaffolding in Swansea
When is scaffolding necessary?
Your trader is responsible for determining the level of risk and using the right tools. It wouldn’t be comparable to placing solar panels 20 floors up to fix a single damaged tile on a small roof. So it depends on the specific type of work you conduct and the degree of danger involved.
Traders must make sure their employees are secure when working on their property. If at all possible, this entails working on the ground. But if they must work at a height, they must reduce their danger of falling by employing scaffolding.
What kind of scaffolding are they going to need?
The majority of scaffolding used around residential properties will adhere to a predetermined, typical structure. A set scaffolding design is followed as supported and constructed from the bottom up.
You need to ensure the strength, stiffness, and stability of the structure while it is being erected, utilised, and dismantled. Therefore, a qualified person, usually a scaffold contractor must develop a bespoke design. This is only if it is not possible to use a simple standard arrangement. But your trader will be able to tell if this is required.
Do I require a licence?
There is no need for a licence if your builder or scaffolder has to erect scaffolding inside the perimeter of your property. However, your builder or scaffolder in Swansea must obtain a licence from the Swansea council if any portion of the scaffolding needs to be placed on a public walkway or the road in front of your property. Then they are in charge of getting the license. But it is your job to make sure they have the necessary documentation.
You must plan scaffolding work for quiet hours or request a road/street closure from your local government if there is a risk to the general public.
Who is in charge of maintaining health and safety?
The builder, scaffolder, or contractor utilising the scaffolding is in charge of ensuring site safety for work done on your property that is NOT related to any business.
However, there are various rules for people, partnerships, and businesses that conduct construction work as part of their line of employment. This covers companies that manage domestic properties, such as landlords, rental agencies, or estate agents, as well as property developers. According to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, their primary duty is to ensure that their project is properly managed, protecting the health and safety of anybody who might be impacted by the work, including the general public.
Who can erect scaffolding?
You must hire a builder or scaffolding company who is qualified to erect scaffolding in Swansea. They must, therefore, possess the required training, expertise, and information to manage health and safety. A competent scaffolder will possess a current Construction Industry Record Scheme (CISRS) Card. However, it is the responsibility of your trader to confirm this individual is qualified before any work is started.
When should the safety of a scaffold be checked?
According to the law, the person who rents or uses the scaffolding must inspect it to ensure its safety.
- Before their initial use.
- When it is up, every 7 days.
- Following modifications, damage, or adverse weather.
Do you have insurance?
Due to their job at a height, scaffolders confront a particular set of risks. Builders or scaffolding companies need insurance that covers those risks. The first is including employer’s liability insurance to protect their staff if they sustain an injury while working at heights. The second is public liability insurance to cover any injuries to the public brought on by falling objects from the scaffold. Before beginning work, it is important to confirm that they have this insurance in place.
Conclusion
So as you can see from this blog post you can put scaffolding in Swansea on public property. But it’s not as straightforward as when it is on private land. Therefore, if you are hiring a scaffolding firm and they can’t answer any of the questions above then you should maybe look