You may have been wondering if you can complete your next project with just a ladder for yourself or your team. We’re here to explain when a ladder is and is not suitable and when it is essential that you install secure and safe scaffolding to complete your project, meeting legal compliance and health and safety standards.
If you have been considering whether you require scaffolding for your next project, then we are here to help! KMS Scaffolding Ltd has many years of experience and is a trusted and reputable scaffolding company. Our expert team is fully trained and accredited to provide all aspects of scaffolding in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire. We have undertaken projects across multiple sectors irrespective of size and budget, and provide tailored scaffolding solutions.
In this blog post, we will explore the legal requirements and best practices regarding working at height and the essentials of scaffolding in safe work practices. We will discuss why ladders are not enough when creating safe work environments and how to ensure safe and legal practice with scaffolding installation and maintenance. We will also explain how KMS Scaffolding Ltd ensures safe work practices with our scaffolding installation and maintenance.
When can you use a ladder?
You can use a ladder in the following situations:
- Low-risk tasks that will take no more than 30 minutes
and
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- Environments where a ladder would be level and stable whilst in use
When to use scaffolding?
The reality is that for many tasks that need to be completed at height, a ladder will be an unsafe option. However, scaffolding offers a safe and secure alternative when it is ill-advised to use a ladder. Using a scaffold guarantees that not only will you be able to work at height safely, but also more efficiently.
You should use scaffolding for the following:
- You need to work at height for more than 30 minutes
- You have several employees working at height
- You require greater freedom of movement whilst working at height
- You need to transport materials or tools to a height
If you require scaffolding, then please get in touch with our friendly team. KMS Scaffolding Ltd is your expert solution for all your scaffolding needs. Contact us for a personalised consultation and a FREE no-obligation quote!
How does using scaffolding ensure safe work practices?
When it comes to any work that is completed at height, there is nothing more important than safety. Whether you’re repairing a large leak in a roof, painting a multi-story building, or carrying out a full-scale renovation, installing scaffolding guarantees a safe and secure platform to complete your work in a timely and compliant manner. There are a multitude of reasons why installing and maintaining scaffolding will ensure safe work practices. Here are the main ones…
Legal requirement for safe work practices
The Work at Height Regulations (2005)
The ‘Work at Height Regulations’ is core legislation that governs working at heights in the UK. These regulations place a legal duty on employers, facility managers, and contractors to undertake the following:
- Carry out in-depth risk assessments to decide if scaffolding is required
- Use appropriate equipment, such as scaffolds if required
- Ensure that all scaffolding is correctly installed and maintained
- All workers operating at height must be sufficiently trained
- All workers operating at height must be supervised
Failure to adhere to these safety regulations can lead to serious penalties, including heavy fines, legal proceedings, and even imprisonment in some instances.
As there are such stringent regulations for installing and maintaining scaffolding, you can rest assured that should you require scaffolding for your site or project, by choosing KMS Scaffolding Ltd, you will be adhering to safe work practices. We place strict emphasis on adhering to all legal requirements for working at height, at all times.
Incorporating SG4 into Safe Work Practices
The SG4 is a guide for safe work practices whilst working at height with scaffolding. It primarily focuses on preventing the risk of falling from a height and provides essential strategies for minimising these dangers. It does so by providing guidelines for safe working practices such as harness use, fall prevention measures, and step-by-step procedures for erecting, using, and dismantling scaffolds safely. It also outlines the use of edge protection and other collective safety measures to mitigate fall risks across all stages of scaffolding work. By following these guidelines, a company can ensure that its workers are adequately protected while on-site or working on a project, regardless of the complexity of the task.
When considering scaffolding for your project, it is essential that you opt for a company that not only upholds the legal requirements of scaffolding but is also fully trained and practices the SG4 guidelines as a standard. Here at KMS Scaffolding Ltd, all our staff are fully trained and are focused on incorporating safe work practices detailed in SG4 into their workmanship. We provide regular assessments to ensure 100% compliance and safety.
Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS)
Only trained and competent individuals can legally install, dismantle, or work on scaffolding. To know whether an individual or company can legally construct scaffolding, they must hold certifications such as CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme). KMS Scaffolding Ltd ensures that all staff hold these credentials and they are up to date.
How to ensure you are opting for safe work practices
The best way to ensure your home or work environment is safe and compliant when undertaking work at height is to hire a reputable and trusted professional scaffolding company. Not only does this offer you peace of mind and a hassle-free approach, but you can also ensure that everyone involved is safe. Due to legal requirements and safety guidelines, you can guarantee that by hiring a reputable scaffolding company such as KMS Scaffolding Ltd, you are opting for safe work practices.
How does KMS Scaffolding Ltd ensure safe work practices?
In line with the ‘Work at Height’ regulations (2005), the SG4 and CISRS, we undertake the following to ensure we operate safe work practices for all scaffolding.
Safe and considered design:
At KMS Scaffolding Ltd, we provide tailored solutions for the design of scaffolding, ensuring you are equipped to handle any project.
Safe Access Points
Our scaffolding is designed with safe access points to enable your team the ability to move without obstruction.
Fall Prevention Elements
We ensure that we include fall arrest systems, toe boards, guardrails, safety harnesses, and more to minimise risk.
Safe Load bearing
We design our scaffolding to be able to withstand your project’s needs. Our design team will factor in tools, workers, and materials into scaffolding. We assess the weight limits and ensure that we distribute loads evenly.
Expert installation
Our trusted scaffolding installation provides a safe and secure platform for your workers, reducing the risk of accidents and falls. Following our comprehensive design process, our installation team will expertly install the bespoke structure, which has been tailored to your project. Our installation team has an unrivalled attention to detail and is highly trained.
Scaffolding Inspections
Our expert team performs an in-depth inspection before anyone is permitted to use the scaffolding. Following this, an inspection will occur after any event that could compromise the stability of the scaffolding, and at least every 7 days thereafter.
Why choose KMS Scaffolding Ltd?
- Fully Certified
- 5-Star Feedback
- Flexible Locations
- Project Efficiency
- Tailored To You
Here at KMS Scaffolding Ltd, we specialise in delivering scaffolding in line with safe work practices that are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner. With many years of experience and a passion for delivering industry-leading standards, our team guarantees safe, compliant, and fully insured scaffolding.
As a CHAS, CISRS, CITB, and Suffolk County Council Trading Standards-approved scaffolding company, we are committed to delivering the highest quality of scaffolding that meets rigorous safety standards. From new construction projects to commercial projects, we are well-equipped to provide reliable scaffolding solutions tailored to your needs and in line with safe work practices. For professional scaffolding solutions you can trust in KMS Scaffolding Ltd. Contact us today for your FREE quote and consultation!
How to get started on your scaffolding for safe work practices
- Contact Us
Contact our expert team today to discuss your requirements. We listen to your needs and provide trusted guidance for your project. - FREE Quote
We believe in providing absolute transparency in our work, including pricing. Therefore, we will provide you with a FREE no-obligation quote. - Expert Installation
Our expert team will design, deliver, install, and dismantle your scaffolding. Our certified team ensures safety and compliance with all regulations at each stage. - Comprehensive Inspections
We perform in-depth inspections at the start and during your project, offering you peace of mind regarding structural stability and safety. - Scaffolding Dismantling
Once your project is finished, we will arrive to safely dismantle the scaffolding and remove it from your site, leaving the area pristine.
FAQs
Why are safe work practices important?
Why are safe work practices important?
Ensuring safety when working at height prevents accidents, injuries, and legal consequences while maintaining project efficiency.
Which type of scaffolding do you install?
Our team can provide commercial, domestic, and access scaffolding, and our clients range from independent contractors to large-scale developers. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, and we can advise accordingly.
Are there different types of scaffolding?
Yes. Options include tower scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, chimney scaffolds, and temporary roofs—each suited to different tasks. Our team can install the scaffolding best suited to your project needs. Please contact us for more information on which scaffolding you require.
Do I need a permit to install scaffolding?
A permit is needed from your Local Authority when a scaffold is placed near or over a public footpath or road. It’s integral that you contact your Local Council and follow the required steps involved if this is the case. If you would like our assistance on these matters, please contact us for more information.
How do I know if scaffolding is safe to use?
Our team will let you know upon completion of the inspection if the scaffolding is safe to use. In addition, a visual tag system (such as Scafftag) will indicate if your scaffolding has passed inspection.
Can I install scaffolding myself?
No. Only trained and certified professionals should install or dismantle scaffolding to ensure correct compliance and safety.
Can scaffolding be used in bad weather?
Work should be paused in high winds, icy or rainy conditions, as adverse weather could increase the risk of slips or scaffold movement.
How much does scaffolding cost?
The cost of scaffold installation will vary depending on the size, scope, and duration of the project. Please contact us for a FREE no-obligation quotation.
How long does scaffolding take to install?
The length of time it takes for scaffold installation will vary depending on the size of the project and the type (e.g., domestic or commercial). A simple scaffold tower can take a few hours to fully install and be ready for use. More complex commercial scaffolding with multiple access solutions can take much longer.
Will scaffolding installation cause any damage to structures?
KMS Scaffolding Ltd is fully CISRS registered and holds full liability insurance, so for any accidents that do arise, we are fully covered. In addition, we take health and safety very seriously and will always ensure our customers have complete peace of mind. Furthermore, we hold certifications with CHAS and CITB to show we work to a specific standard.
What locations do you operate in?
KMS Scaffolding Ltd is based in Bury St Edmunds, but we travel to Suffolk, Cambridge and Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas.
At KMS Scaffolding Ltd, we’re here to support your project with trusted scaffolding services tailored to your project requirements. Our team is here to help you reach safer heights with safe work practices! Please contact us today for our FREE quote and consultation.
