Scaffolding Matters - Spring 2021 by NASC

SCAFFOLDING MATTERS

NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION

SPRING 2021

ABOVE AND BEYOND

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR THE UK SCAFFOLDING INDUSTRY SINCE 1945

NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION WWW.NASC.ORG.UK

STEP UP TO A NEW CAREER

GET CISRS TRAINING, GET SMART FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CISRS.ORG.UK

WELCOME

Welcome to your new-look Scaffolding Matters magazine.

This is the fourth edition of the NASC’s publication written exclusively for NASC members and we think it’s our biggest and best yet. Inside you’ll find a wealth of updates relating to recent NASC news and outputs, the NASC Guidance Index and Reports from the Regions.

New for this edition is what we hope will be the first of many member-led features – Buying into Safety on pages 14 to 15 – which explores the role NASC members play in ensuring the rate of accidents and injuries remain so low. More precisely, it looks at how members make sure their operatives are working safely at all times, a complex task that involves training, people management, technology and trust. I’d like to thank the members that contributed to this feature for sharing their working practices so openly. They all submitted much more than we had space to include!

As a result, we’ve made this content downloadable in full via the Buying into Safety page in the Members’ Area of the NASC website. We hope you find this feature both interesting and helpful and will look to include member-driven articles in all future editions. Please feel free to get involved.

News from the Regions

Employment Affairs

TG20:21

NASC Audit

Reverse Charge VAT

Flowchart for Builders

Health and Safety

Website Recommendations

Buying into Safety

Training

Lastly, I’d like to just sign off by thanking everyone who has contributed to recent NASC achievements outlined in the following pages.

Kickstart in Scaffolding

Despite the ongoing challenges we’re all facing, the NASC Committees continue to deliver for the good of the Confederation and the industry at large.

Members in Focus

Guidance

Community

Back to NASC news, there’s two updates I’d like to highlight in particular. The first is the TG20:21 piece on page 8. Hopefully by now you’ve got a good understanding of what will be included in TG20:21 (if not, take a look at the TG20:21 page under the Information tab on the NASC website). As such, we’ve focused instead on how you can access the new software and when. The second article to direct your attention to is the Reverse Charge VAT update on page 10. At the time of writing the Government has yet to perform a U-turn on the introduction of this scheme, which is set to come into effect on March 1.

Cover image supplied by Rose System Scaffolding Ltd

CONTENTS

If you haven’t put plans in place to prepare for this date please make sure you read Liz Bridge’s blog for an overview of the steps you might want to take in the next few weeks.

We’re all in this together and are stronger when we collaborate. As always, we’re keen to hear from you. Whatever you need please do get in touch. Lynn Way NASC President

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST Mike Lloyd, LTC Scaffolding Limited

The last 12 months have been well documented by others and I am sure will be adequately covered by my fellow regional chairs, but to sum up we have had a year of continual adjustment to the changes in the economic and social environment, whether due to Covid-19 and the various lockdowns we have been subjected to or the realisation of the ramifications of Brexit. Initial fears of an economic meltdown were not realised by our sector as most of us ended up having a pretty good year aided by the Central Government push to keep construction going. What about the challenges ahead:

1. We need more of the same from Central Government as we forge into 2021. Economic forecasts from the Bank of England look promising, however early signs are of a slowdown in some areas of public sector expenditure, but we must as a body exert pressure and influence to avert that slowdown which could have a negative impact on the construction industry, and thereby the whole economy if allowed to come to fruition. 2. The roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine seems to be the foundation from which our hope springs but this will need to be supported by successful treatments for the symptoms as the length of immunity seems unsure at the moment. We must be alert and respectful to our clients’ concerns and requirements regarding Covid-19 but also be respectfully mindful of over eager safety officers adding to risk. 3. The end of the furlough scheme seems imminent. This might have an impact on the short-term economic outlook, and we must be live to any impact to the economy as a whole, but recovery and re-employment should follow. 4. Covid-19 and the measures introduced have served to increase our costs on multiple fronts: - Reduced productivity as we seek to adhere to social distancing. - Increase in costs and amount of PPE.

- The increase in congestion charge and the introduction of the ULEZ scheme amount to no more than a tax on our businesses.

- We now have the onset of increased import charges resulting in the cost of our materials rising by as much as 15% in a short period of time.

- All have served to increase our costs whilst the rates being charged have been suppressed, thus eroding our margins.

5. In light of the recent case of The FSA v Hiscox and RSA, it might be worth checking your business interruption insurance with reference to notable diseases, the government having inferred Covid-19 to be a notable disease. This could be an avenue for bona fide loss recovery as a result of the impact of Covid-19.

6. The exploitation and manipulation of self employment by non NASC members is a challenge we have to overcome. The onset of IR35 will hopefully serve to close that avenue and level the playing field thus enabling NASC members to differentiate solely by the quality of their service and work. IR35 will place the construction industry under greater scrutiny by HMRC. NASC members should fare well, as this is one of the variables we are audited on. 7. Reverse Charge VAT has been introduced to weed out VAT fraud from the construction industry. The initial impact on our businesses will be to cash flow as we will not have the benefit of relying on VAT funds. This will work its way through very quickly for those exercising sensible financial planning and management. 8. Recruitment and training will continue to be key to the development of our industry, as we look to recruit fresh and enthusiastic individuals to strengthen our image and reputation. I urge all members to take advantage of the recruitment facility now incorporated into our NASC website and to spread the word about its existence especially with regard to opportunities for new entrants into the industry and apprenticeships, especially those of a more traditional route. Please post your apprenticeships adverts on the website as we will look to expand its exposure to other careers forums. 9. The next few months will offer more than the usual challenges. Nurturing existing client relationships will be essential as we strive to give customer focused service at all times. There is much great guidance and advice offered through the NASC so please take full advantage of what is available. Good luck to you all for the months to follow. 4

MIDLANDS

NORTHERN AND N. WALES

The country entered its third lockdown during the first quarter of 2021 but thankfully the scaffolding and access sector within the construction industry continues to perform with construction a key industry for the economy of the UK.

Well, who would have thought back in September when I penned our autumn report, that the country would go into another full lockdown? Here we are starting 2021 the same way we left 2020. But I suppose we can see light at the end of the tunnel, even though it’s small, it’s getting brighter, especially now that the vaccine is being rolled out (very successfully I may add) and the numbers are starting to decrease. Another plus sign to come out of lockdown is that we almost have full teams on Friday and Monday mornings. Long may that continue, but somehow I doubt it once the pubs are back open!

Phil Heffernan, Scaffold Erection Services Ltd

The Midlands region appears to mirror the continuance in the UK and almost all the region’s scaffold companies remain busy. The Job Retention Scheme remains in place during this quarter and some member companies continue to use this facility. This may well continue beyond March 2021. It is unknown when this lockdown will be eased or if indeed further lockdowns will be required throughout the year. We do though rely upon and forecast construction activity remaining at reasonably busy levels throughout the year. The good news about vaccine development and deployment has been offset by the emergence of a new, more transmissible, strain of the virus. There is significant positive news from the Scientists that variants in relation to the Vaccine will not limit its effectiveness, and we hope for the vaccine rollout to escalate and some normality return later in the year. After a couple of postponements HMRC are committed to introducing Reverse Charge VAT from March 1 2021. The main purpose of this is to combat fraud in the construction industry whereby some dubious suppliers of construction services were charging VAT on their invoices but not paying this across to HMRC. Organised crime is believed to be involved in this. The legislation seeks to stop this by making the customer pay HMRC direct rather than the supplier. NASC member companies are generally net VAT payers as most customers are charged VAT and the largest proportion of cost is PAYE labour. This legislation will adversely affect our cash flow (previously received cash from customer for VAT which is then paid over later to HMRC on a quarterly VAT return), create another administration burden to manage and accounting software will need to be updated including invoices being redesigned. HMRC are keen to go ahead despite the difficulties of the present pandemic and Brexit so hopefully all of our member companies are now ready for this major change.

Darren Maratty, Interlink Scaffolding Ltd

We have probably all had our fair share of Covid-19 cases within our companies and January was a high level within ISL, at one point 12 of our employees either isolating or testing positive. This in itself creating problems, as all these cases are that out of the blue phone call “tested positive” or partner has “tested positive” amongst other reasons we have all probably received. This means we are short on staff that needs to be filled quickly. It’s a problem that is not easily solved as there isn’t enough time or enough labour and certainly not anybody willing to start for a weeks work at very short notice. Fortunately though, our main clients are having the same problems so understand the issue, but that still doesn’t stop them having a go at us. A lot of companies’ office staff are still working from home and to a certain extent “it works”, all the work that needs to be done gets done. Most scaffolding companies are built upon the closeness and camaraderie of their staff. A lot of business owners and senior managers are very family friendly and when you’re working from home, we all miss that office friendship and banter that is created when we are all as one. So even though the working from home works, deep down I think we all long for the days back in the office with the full team around you. Once this happens we know we are on the way back to the sort of normality that we are used too. As mentioned back in my autumn report in regards a mini boom. This doesn’t seem to be slacking in any way, but what is noticeable is a lot of uncertainty has crept into the market with the prices getting tightened not loosened, even though we all have tighter Covid-19 restrictions put upon us. But I suppose the ones who are still here and have made it through the toughest time of our business lives will prosper. “Things can only get better” - that song will probably be stuck in your head all day now. Now that we are slowly heading back to some type of normality. We have to start to worry about the normal run-of-the-mill company issues like Reverse Charge VAT, enough materials, enough labour and many more issues that go with the day to day issues of running a scaffolding company. But I also think we have to worry about what issues we will have further down the line. I don’t want it to sound like it’s all doom and gloom as hopefully it’s not. But recession, mini depression, economy wrecked and Brexit are all topics that have been mentioned in the MSM Media in recent months. And unfortunately these are all topics that we must consider and overcome to the best of our abilities. But for now, let’s all look forward to what we have hopefully coming up within our region and hopefully the rest of the regions. Lockdown finished, brighter and longer days, more work in the pipeline and most of all our own, our family’s and our employees’ physical and mental health. And hopefully that the Covid-19 legacy is left well and truly behind us. So stay safe everyone and think of the good times ahead. And a big thank you to the NASC team for the Covid-19 updates.

SCOTLAND AND N. IRELAND

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services UK Ltd T/A Lyndon SGB

It’s been a really tough 2020 for the industry where we have all faced unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19, be it home working, doing Zoom/Teams calls even for Council meetings as well as our own NASC AGM. To say we are all glad to see the back of 2020 would be an understatement. What was nice to see during the early part of this pandemic was how people pulled together to help each other as well as our own industry. We now enter 2021 faced with similar challenges but with a vaccine now getting rolled out hopefully a return to normal shouldn’t be that far off. Our focus still needs to remain on following the guidance issued to our industry where we have demonstrated we can continue to work safely with the tighter restrictions. The focus on health, safety and wellbeing of our colleagues needs to be of high importance. Following the Scottish Government’s announcement earlier this year, Scotland’s construction sector can remain open but the situation remains under review. There still remains confidence in the industry that there could be a bit of bounce back in 2021 which we all hope is the case.

SOUTH WEST AND S. WALES David Anderson , Allen & Foxworthy Ltd

As Chairman of our region I have had a number of conversations with various directors and managers since my last update in the Autumn 2020 edition of this magazine. It seems it’s been a very hit and miss time for most during this awful coronavirus pandemic. Some companies are reporting a steady flow of work during these difficult times depending on the scale and size of contracts. Others are experiencing slower turnaround on larger projects and is affecting labour numbers required on programmed works. There seems to be a large increase in numbers on smaller domestic property works such as extension and home repairs, spending intended holiday savings, I guess. Furlough has continued to be a godsend to fill the gaps between the peaks of current work situations for a lot of companies, it would be foolish not to take advantage of it going forward until it ends in a few months’ time. Administering this seems to be a lot easier with time and companies can organise their work loads around this very good and helpful scheme the Government has established for the majority of nation’s workforce. However, it will come to an end and we all should start to prepare to stand on our own feet in the future. The need to be aware of the mental health and wellbeing of our staff has become very evident during this period as I have been informed of pressures from outside our normal workplace affecting some staff members’ performance and normal attitudes. Please encourage your teams to discuss problems they may have at home and at work, who knows we all may be able to help them going forward. Also remember the Lighthouse Charity that can give fantastic support and advice to our industries operatives. Covid-19 isolating \ positive test has been an added bug bear for organising staff on projects but of course nothing like the distress caused by families that are sadly being put through the wringer with illness and deaths of loved ones. On the positive side vaccinations should help us all in the long run and sincerely hope our members and colleges can look forward to a brighter future.

If anybody within our region has any issues or things they would like raised in future publications or our regional meetings please feel free to contact me or call NASC Head office for assistance. The far South West region has continued to work well, following the latest NASC and CLC guidelines, and there has not been much of a downturn for the area. Many new opportunities have arisen, with businesses suffering from the enforced shutdown carrying out maintenance and renovations they may have been previously unable to do. There are lots of places which require additional space and temporary scaffolding extensions are popping up on warehouses and essential stores. There appears to be a solid pipeline of work coming through with enquiries still strong and a lot of long-term projects in the offing. If these carry on through the prospects for 2021 are even better than they were at this point in 2020, and although there is no immediate ending in sight – at least we all know a bit better what we are doing now, and how to handle the current situation Wales in Focus Like other nations in the UK, the scaffolding industry in Wales has continued to make a valued contribution to the wider construction sector and has assisted in the recovery of the economy during the pandemic. Despite a promising summer, Wales faced tighter restrictions during the second half of 2020, entering 2021 in a Tier 4 lockdown, but cases continued to rise. Those working in construction have not had the option of working from home or being furloughed but have still been expected to continue working under Covid-19 guidelines from the CLC and the NASC. Many have the added stress of bouts of self-isolation and the immense loss of loved ones. With no absolute end in sight, and the realisation that things will not return to what they were before, it is hard to keep spirits up. The impact of Brexit is yet to come and after speaking with one of the main suppliers of scaffolding and access equipment in Wales, it appears that Brexit will not really affect the supply or pricing of goods in the long term. Many distributers have taken the precaution of ordering in anticipation of problems, but these goods have not materialised yet. The wider issues around global logistics, steel prices and the exchange rate may see availability and prices of all scaffolding equipment in the UK increase significantly in the first six months of this year.

This year the age bands to which they apply have been changed to bring more employees into the highest rate band. The National Living Wage has previously applied to those age 25 and over, however from April 2021 it will apply to those age 23 and over. The Government has stated that the highest band rate will apply to those age 21 and over by 2024. Additionally, the Government has set a target that by 2024 the National Living Wage rate will reach the level of two thirds of median earnings.

The main rates from April 2021 will be: • National Living Wage £8.91 per hour (+2.2%) • 21 – 22-year-old rate £8.36 per hour (+2.0%)

Rates for those under 18 years of age and further information is available online. From April each year ‘benefit’ rates are also reviewed. For 2021 Statutory Sick Pay will be £96.35 per week and Statutory Maternity (Paternity) Pay will be £151.97 per week. Further information and the full schedule of benefit and pension changes is available online (this link and others referenced below can be found in the Members’ Area of the NASC website on the Employment Affairs page).

As part of the continuing review/modernisation of employment practices the Government has opened a consultation proposing reform of post termination noncompete clauses in contracts of employment. The aim is to help foster a business environment where business start-ups can flourish. The options for consultation are to ban non-compete restrictions altogether or to require employers to pay employees during any non-compete period, at a rate to be determined, but between 60% and 100% of pay. The Government cites existing practice in other countries as the basis of these consultation options. Further information can be found online. From April the previously deferred ‘off payroll rules’, (IR35) which apply to the public sector are extended to large and medium sized business in the private sector. The aim is to ensure that workers who provide their services like employees are taxed like employees, even if they provide their services through a personal services company. The basic decision for business affected will be whether, without the personal services company, the worker would be regarded as an employee for tax purposes. There is a free online tool for checking employment status, which is called ‘Check Employment Status for Tax’ (CEST) and can be found online. This can be a complicated and contested area, should there be any concerns it is suggested specialist advice should be sought. Last year the CIJC Employers determined that the pay & conditions review of the CIJC Working Rule Agreement due in June 2020 should not take place consequent on the national and industry circumstances at that time. It is anticipated that the CIJC Trade Unions will submit a 2021 pay and conditions claim shortly. Gray Rigge, G&E Services (UK) Ltd

EMPLOYMENT AFFAIRS

The statutory minimum National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage for younger employees are reviewed each year following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. Any changes take effect from the following April.

TG20:21

HOW TO ACCESS THE NEW SOFTWARE

The NASC’s eagerly-anticipated eGuide scaffolding compliance software update and expansion – TG20:21 – will be launched in March.

TG20:21 compliance sheet

Sign-off Contract no:

A tied independent tube and fitting scaffold in accordance with TG20:21 chapters 06 and 07.

ABC-1234 Client:

ABC Construction Ltd.

TG20 provides the definitive guidance document for scaffolding constructed with tube and fittings throughout the UK. TG20 comprises 4 elements – the Operational Guide, the Design Guide, the User Guide and the NASC’s innovative, user-friendly and widely-adopted eGuide software. Full details of what will be included in TG20:21 and an itemised price guide are available on the NASC website.

Below we explain how existing and new users will be able to access TG20:21 when it goes live.

Site reference:

NASC, 12 Bridewell Place, London, EC4V 6AP Scaffold reference:

0001 Company:

Scaffolding Services Ltd. NASC membership no:

Not an NASC member Prepared by:

Fred Jones Position:

Site Manager Signature:

Date:

01/01/2021 Checked by:

John Smith Position:

Contracts Manager Signature:

Date:

01/01/2021 Notes:

Some notes may be provided here. Wind factor 20

Maximum height

Maximum boarded lifts

Maximum lift height

Maximum bay length

Maximum boards wide

Maximum loading

Tie load Very light duty

Maximum leg load

Low

12 metres

2 metres

5+2

2.0 kN/m²

1.6 kN

11.4 kN

Please see the important accompanying notes on the reverse. Use of this NASC document does not infer NASC membership, which can be confirmed at www.nasc.org.uk.

Page 1 of 4

Existing users of the TG20:13 eGuide

•T G20 eGuide users are identified by 16-digit serial numbers allocated at the time of purchase. Existing users can find their serial number by pressing the information i on the eGuide home screen. •E xisting TG20 serial numbers will be uploaded to the NASC ePortal Subscription Management system before the launch. Each number will be marked as either an NASC member or not an NASC member, and given a free period depending on the original date of purchase. •O ne serial number for each NASC full member will be set up as a continuous free subscription, the free subscription will last for as long as they remain an NASC member.

TG20:21 compliance sheet Fan specification

•T he free periods will start on the date of the launch and will last for months, 9 months or 15 months depending on the user’s original date of purchase. •U sers with TG20:13 serial numbers will be able to follow a link to the new Portal and use their existing serial number to register a login. The name of the business will be already in the system. •T o change the business name, users will need to email enquiries@nasc. org.uk. The registration process will set up a user name, email address, job title and password. The process is designed to be quick and easy.

Sign-off

A cantilever protection fan supported by a TG20 compliant tied independent scaffold, to TG20:21 chapter 10.

Client:

ABC Construction Ltd. NASC, 12 Bridewell Place, London, EC4V 6AP

  

•T G20:13 eGuide is built using software which is increasingly difficult to support. The TG20:13 eGuide is likely to be withdrawn before September 2021.

Site reference:

Scaffold reference:

0001

 Intended to catch small objects such as fittings from a maximum distance of 6 m.

Company:

Scaffolding Services Ltd.

Protection fans cannot be guaranteed to catch and retain falling objects and must be used as part of a safe system of work based on a risk assessment. The effectiveness of a fan less than six boards wide will be reduced accordingly. Minimum clearance of 2.44 m required for pedestrians and 5.05 m for vehicles.

NASC membership no:

Site Manager

Not an NASC member Prepared by:

Fred Jones Position: Signature:

 Supports a maximum load of 0.75 kN/m².  Must not be used for the storage of materials. Aggregate or snow must be cleared.

Date:

01/01/2021

Ties  The lift supporting the fan must be tied at alternate (ledger-braced) standards with

5.3 kN (standard duty: class A) ties. The facade must not have significant openings.

Checked by:

John Smith Position:

Contracts Manager

Construction

Signature:

 Supported by propped cantilever main transoms matching the bay spacing of the main scaffold.  Connected below the inner ledger and above the outer ledger of the main scaffold with right-angle couplers.  Preferably supported by raking props connected to the lift below, or by raking hangers to the lift above, at each standard.

Date:

01/01/2021

 Decked with 38 mm thick timber scaffold boards, close boarded and restrained from lifting off.

Notes:

 Decking supported by intermediate transoms with a maximum spacing of 1.2 m. 

Some notes may be provided here.

Toe boards and guard rails must remain in place at the lift supporting the fan. Wind factor 20

Maximum loading

Maximum scaffold height

Maximum scaffold lift height

Maximum scaffold bay length

Tie load Standard duty

Low

0.75 kN/m²

16 metres

2 metres

5.3 kN

Please see the accompanying drawing on the reverse. Use of this NASC document does not infer NASC membership, which can be confirmed at www.nasc.org.uk.

TG20:21 compliance sheet

Contract no:

ABC-1234 Client:

ABC Construction Ltd. Site reference:

NASC, 12 Bridewell Place, London, EC4V 6AP Scaffold reference:

0001 Company:

Scaffolding Services Ltd. NASC membership no:

Not an NASC member Prepared by:

Fred Jones Position:

Site Manager Signature:

Date:

01/01/2021 Checked by:

John Smith Position:

Contracts Manager Signature:

Date:

01/01/2021 Notes:

Some notes may be provided. Wind factor 20

Maximum height

Maximum boarded lifts

Maximum lift height

Maximum bay length

Maximum boards wide

Maximum loading

Tie load Very light duty

Maximum leg load

Low

16 metres

2 metres

5+2

2.0 kN/m²

2.3 kN

13.3 kN

Please see the important accompanying notes on the reverse. Use of this NASC document does not infer NASC membership, which can be confirmed at www.nasc.org.uk.

TG20:21 compliance sheet Loading

Contract no:

ABC-1234 Client:

 Maximum leg load 19.7 kN, at the supporting standards,

load class 3, maximum 2 m bay length, 5 + 2 boards wide and 12 m height to the top lift.  Supports a maximum of 4 lifts above the bridge.  Maximum span of 6 m, supporting three bays.  The opening may extend vertically to form a partial opening in the scaffold or to extend to the foundation.

Page 1 of 2

Sign-off

A bridge supporting a three-bay opening in a TG20 compliant tied independent scaffold to TG20:21 chapter 09.

Bridge specification  Suitable for an unclad TG20 compliant tied independent scaffold of

for the foundation design.

ABC Construction Ltd. Site reference:

NASC, 12 Bridewell Place, London, EC4V 6AP

Ties  The scaffold must be tied at the supporting standards

with 1.6 kN (very light duty) ties.  The facade must not have significant openings.

Scaffold reference:

0001 Company:

Scaffolding Services Ltd. NASC membership no:

Beam specification

Not an NASC member

Supported by a pair of 610 mm deep steel unit beams or equivalent aluminium beams with these minimum properties:

Prepared by:

Beam property

Position:

Fred Jones

Minimum value

Site Manager

Safe working moment resistance with top chord 27.0 kNm restraints at 1.2 m spacing Safe working shear resistance

Signature:

15.6 kN Date:

Beams fixed to the supporting and supported standards at the top and bottom chords with right-angle couplers.

01/01/2021 Checked by:

John Smith Position:

Beam fixing and bracing

Contracts Manager

 Lacing tubes between top chords at 1.2 m spacing and between bottom chords at 2.4 m spacing.

Signature:

 Plan braced within the top third of the beams at 1.2 m spacing. Section bracing at 2.4 m spacing.  At least one braced bay of scaffolding is required both sides of the opening and between openings.  Facade braced both sides of the bridge at the inner and outer faces, within six bays of the opening, to the height of the bridge.  Supporting standards ledger braced both sides of the opening to the height of the bridge.

Date:

01/01/2021 Notes:

Some notes may be provided here. Wind factor 20

Lifts above the bridge

Maximum lift height

Maximum bay length

Maximum boards wide

Maximum loading

Tie load Very light duty

Maximum leg load

Low

2 metres

5+2

2.0 kN/m²

1.6 kN

19.7 kN

Please see the accompanying drawing on the reverse. Use of this NASC document does not infer NASC membership, which can be confirmed at www.nasc.org.uk.

Page 3 of 3

Sign-off

A tied independent tube and fitting scaffold in accordance with TG20:21 chapters 06 and 07.

•U sers will be able to continue to use the TG20:13 eGuide while they try out the new Portal version. Users will need to purchase a subscription renewal, via the NASC website shop, in order to continue using their serial number when the free period expires.

• I nitially the NASC website will not be connected to the NASC ePortal so there will be a delay between subscription renewal on the website and activation on the Portal. In time the two systems will be connected so the Portal subscription will be updated automatically immediately following a purchase.

ABC-1234

bays and 16 m height to the top lift.  Maximum one fan per scaffolding elevation.  Maximum fan width: 6 boards.

Fan usage

•T he link to the new Portal will be publicised on the wind map page of the TG20:13 eGuide and also on the NASC website, social media, e-shots and so on.

•S ubscription renewals can be bought before the expiry of the previous period, the new subscription period will be started from the end of the previous period.

Contract no:

 Suitable for a sheeted TG20 compliant tied independent scaffold of maximum 2 m

Page 4 of 4

New users New users will purchase a subscription via the NASC web site shop. The purchase process will capture the business name, purchaser name, purchaser email address and any NASC membership details. Initially the NASC web site will not be connected to the NASC Portal so there will be a delay between subscription purchase on the website and activation on the Portal. Purchasers will receive an email telling them when their subscription has been set up and how to log in. In time the two systems will be connected so the Portal subscription will be added automatically, immediately following a purchase.

NASC AUDIT

ONLINE PORTAL IN DEVELOPMENT

The audit and application process is currently going through an overhaul following the arrival of new committee chair, Wayne Connolly (Connolly Scaffolding Ltd).

REVERSE CHARGE VAT

A new online audit portal is currently being built which will make the completion process easier for the auditee, as well as being easier for the auditor to verify compliance with NASC Criteria. The new system is being built in the same programme as the NASC’s CRM database which will improve the administration process and automation, as well as provide more security.

The focus of the NASC audit continues to be reviewing PAYE records to ensure compliance with the minimum 75% directly employed requirement. We are developing our system when auditing this information to give us a more precise calculation. With the impending off-payroll working (IR35) rule coming in to effect from April this year we want to make sure our audit process is even more robust. We are delighted to announce that Ian Fyall (pictured) has recently joined the audit team covering existing and prospective member audits in the North West of England. Ian Fyall was a Director at Simian Skill until 2019 and has lots of experience of working closely with the NASC including being part of the NASC Contracts Committee. Upon joining Ian said: “It’s great to be back helping the NASC and the scaffolding industry. I have always been passionate about continuous improvement and I feel with my experience I can add value to the role and in turn help the members.” We say goodbye to our South West & South Wales based auditor Colin Stevens who is stepping down from audit duties in April. Colin has been auditing for the NASC for almost 15 years and is very well respected by the NASC and its members. He will be sorely missed but I am sure we all wish him a long and enjoyable retirement. There will be more additions to the audit team in 2021 so stay tuned for more announcements.

Have you been hoping that reverse charge will just go away? Have you thought that no Chancellor in his right mind would test the cashflow of Construction to the limits in the middle of a pandemic? Think again. Reverse charge is a big ship and it takes a lot of money and effort to move it; that money and effort has now been spent and there is no going back, it is too late to stop the change. The software has been commissioned and installed and people trained to use it. The answer must be that you must get going immediately. At this point I think you should look very carefully at the contracts and contract partners that you expect to pay you in March and April, and the firms that you expect to have to pay in those months. This whole scheme turns on knowing your customers VAT number, and CIS UTR. The work a scaffolding firm does is squarely within the scope of CIS so that fact is a given. Once you know your customers VAT and CIS UTR, you must ask them whether they are an end user on the project. If they fail to answer, you will reverse charge, if they say they are not an end user you will reverse charge. Only if they respond positively that they are an end user will you charge VAT as you do now. Most main contractors are not end users speculatively building for themselves, most work for clients so you will reverse charge the invoices to them. Now ask yourself - of the customers who should pay me in March, which of them have already supplied their VAT and CIS details and where am I storing them. Do I have a specimen reverse charge invoice and a reverse charge application for payment that I can use after 1 March?

Following on from this thought , do you have subcontractors who supply construction services to you? You should warn them that after 1 March you will not be paying VAT and that they should reverse charge you. Give them your VAT number and CIS UTR now and tell them that on the projects they do for you, you are not the end user. That will allow them to set up their systems correctly.

You must also think about what your business cashflow will look like. Now for every £100 of work done you put £120 into the bank and can use that £20 VAT for some weeks till it is payable to HMRC. In the time you hold, you can use it to pay the VAT on any Vatable purchases you make. After 1 March you will receive VAT from householders and private customers, but probably none from the main contractors. You will still be buying tube and fittings and boards and lorries. You will be paying out VAT daily with no incoming VAT to set against the expense. You must think about becoming a VAT repayment trader and putting your VAT returns in monthly or else you will find yourself banking with HMRC and only getting your money back quarterly. Do your accounts staff know what they will be doing? Do they know how to use the new software? Have you got new software because you will need updates that can cope with reverse charge. Use these last few weeks to get ready. This is not a slow change that will take a few weeks and you can pick up as you go along. This is a change where the world of VAT alters entirely from one day to the next. HMRC has a good webinar at: https://register.gotowebinar. com/recording/7408388812446812174. Watch this, watch the training video on the NASC site and then watch both of them again - it will then begin to make sense. Liz Bridge, Joint Taxation Committee

Q.1 IS ANY PART OF THE SUPPLIES YOU ARE MAKING TO THIS CUSTOMER WITHIN THE SCOPE OF CIS?

NORMAL VAT RULES APPLY

DOMESTIC REVERSE CHARGE VAT APPLIES

YES

Q.2 IS THE SUPPLY STANDARD RATED OR REDUCED RATED?

YES

Q.3 IS YOUR CUSTOMER VAT REGISTERED?

YES

Q.4 IS YOUR CUSTOMER REGISTERED FOR CIS?

FLOWCHART FOR BUILDERS

This flowchart is to help businesses supplying building and construction services decide whether to apply normal VAT rules or apply the domestic reverse charge. It is not to be used for supplies by employment businesses. They will invoice with VAT under normal rules.

YES

Q.5 HAS YOUR CUSTOMER PROVIDED CONFIRMATION THAT IT IS AN END USER?

YES

NORMAL VAT RULES APPLY 11

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Two new guidance documents have recently been published by the Health & Safety Committee; SG39 and SG40.

These resources are all available for free download via the NASC website.

SG40:20 Scaffolding Yard Operations is intended to be used by those who have management, supervisory or other health, safety and environmental management responsibilities, to help reduce yard-based serious incidents (fire), injuries, cases of occupational ill health or harm to the environment.

The NASC Health and Safety Committee continues to reach out to other industry trade bodies and organisations, to build a working relationship and share knowledge and good practices.

SG39:21 Guidance on Appointing a Scaffold Contractor provides an overview of the free publication A Guide to Appointing a Scaffolding Contractor, previously called the Scaffold Specification Template.

The guide will assist clients in appointing a compliant trained scaffolding contractor with appropriately trained scaffolding operatives to undertake all access and scaffolding works. A Guide to Appointing a Scaffolding provides advice and instruction for all organisations (or individuals) who are responsible for appointing, monitoring or managing scaffolding contractors. It sets out what organisations (clients / principal contractor etc) should be asking for from a scaffolding contractor when procuring their services. It is for the organisations to evidence how they have assessed the contractor’s organisational capability for the job to carry out the work safely as per The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).

We continue to work with the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) and have helped with the development of the NFDC Scaffolding video that addresses the need for better understanding of scaffolding in the demolition sector. However, there has been a delay in assisting the NFDC in reviewing their Guidance for Scaffolding in Demolition, this is mainly due to the pandemic. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is leading on the Wellbeing in Construction project involving NASC and a number of other organisations including the Samaritans, CITB and Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. Funding to develop a Wellbeing in Construction app has been approved and is now on hold due to the pandemic. Further details to follow in due course.

Main site Website managers are encouraged to add content to their member profiles if they haven’t already done so. This includes uploading a company logo, short promotional description and contact details. Many website managers have successfully completed this task – ensuring visitors to the site get a more detailed and personalised understanding of NASC member businesses. However, only a small number of website managers have fully updated their list of users within their organisation and assigned areas of interest as applicable. These areas include Audit, Marketing and Safety. Website managers can assign multiple areas to each user. Please make the most of this facility as it will help the NASC tailor its correspondence to the most appropriate contacts within your business. Currently, to ensure NASC correspondence reaches every member, we’re sending e-shots out to every contact on our database – meaning you may be receiving information that isn’t particularly relevant to your role. We want to phase this approach out as soon as possible, replacing it with a much more efficient and targeted approach. So, if you can give this your attention at some point soon, we’d appreciate it. Members’ Area content The Members’ Area of the website has more content than ever before. Pages include:

• Employment Affairs

• H&S Toolbox Talks Suite • Legal Advice

• Marketing Materials – videos and tender submission form • Taxation Issues

• Training Fund Application Forms The Members’ Area is updated on a regular basis, with additions communicated via e-shot. Careers site The scaffolding careers site is live. Members are encouraged to upload their job vacancies to the site (via the simple Post a Job Vacancy form in the Members’ Area). While all vacancies are welcome, we would particularly appreciate roles that appeal to jobseekers looking to join the scaffolding industry rather than progress in it. This will strengthen the proposition to target audiences such as school leavers, Armed Forces personnel and ex-offenders.

NASC WEBSITE REMINDERS

The NASC now operates two websites; the main NASC site and the Scaffolding Careers site. We’d like to issue reminders relating to both of these sites.

Please make sure to send details of any careers / recruitment news you may have to simon.robinson@ nasc.org.uk or henry.annafi@nasc.org.uk. This will help us keep the news page current and show site visitors that the industry as a whole is working hard to bring new recruits in. SOCIAL MEDIA Lastly, please make sure to follow, engage with, tag in and share the NASC social media channels: Twitter: @NASCscaffolding Facebook: NASCscaffolding LinkedIn: NASC – National Access & Scaffolding Confederation Instagram: nascscaffolding

BUYING INTO SAFETY

NASC members work to the highest safety standards. This is evidenced in the annual NASC Safety Reports, which have shown in recent years that the number of accidents and injuries suffered by operatives and third parties remain incredibly low. The Safety Reports and their headline figures receive a great deal of attention from those in the scaffolding industry as well as those employed in the wider construction sector. But less focus is given to how members ensure these numbers are so low. This includes the great lengths members go to in order to make sure their operatives fully buy into safe working practices each and every time they step on site.

It also relies on the NASC’s ongoing commitment to improving safety standards through the review and addition of Safety Guidance titles, all of which are available for free download via the NASC website, the creation and dissemination of safety-related toolbox talks and site posters, regular liaison with other bodies such as Build UK and the Health and Safety Executive and review of NASC Safety Report data to identify ways to further drive injury incidents down. It’s clear that NASC members’ outstanding safety statistics are no accident.

We asked NASC members to explain the various steps they take to keep health and safety and compliance with core NASC health and safety guidance such as SG4 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations at the forefront of their operatives’ minds while working at height. Roy Rogers, QSHE & Energy Director at Enigma Industrial Services Ltd, said: “The purpose of a safety culture is to encompass the expectations, feelings, and perspectives of employees toward the safety in an organisation; commonly known as ‘how we do things around here’.

“Taking a proactive approach to building a positive safety culture has had a large impact on the company and taken time to evolve. The aim of our positive safety culture will lower staff turnover, reduce absenteeism, lower training costs, decrease workplace accidents, reduce possible insurance claims, and have a positive effect on our reputation.” “In general, safe employees will be more productive and produce higher quality work. At Enigma we have developed and implement several proactive procedures to drive cultural change at all levels.” “These include monitoring behaviour and quarterly campaigns. In terms of behaviour, workplace health, safety and wellbeing interventions are commonly focused on addressing an individual’s behaviour (unsafe act) and / or environmental (unsafe condition).“ “The Enigma Positive Intervention programme reinforces the company ‘Stop Work’ process, until suitable control measures have been implemented to permit the continuation of work safely. The Positive Intervention Programme provide positive rewards to change unsafe

behaviours, reduce job-related injuries, minimise lost production hours, and improve workplace morale all essential ingredients for creating a strong safety culture.” “Our quarterly campaigns are based on key trends identified through audit, inspection, incidents and / or industry trends. The first two campaigns ‘Get It Right the First Time’, ‘Stop the drop’ and Return to Work 2021 campaigns consisted of a video summarising the campaign and key messages, with a series of posters designed to help further support toolbox talks. “A video demonstrating the consequences of dropped objects was produced under controlled conditions with an Enigma client. The next campaign will cover Work at Height.” Helen Gawor, Strategy Director at GKR Scaffolding Ltd, said ensuring all operatives are working as they should could be a difficult challenge. “There is no quick answer to this one,” she said. “We have a health and safety league that means that all sites are rigorously audited on compliance through to behaviour. They get quite competitive. “We obviously have things like the Virtual Reality training but in my opinion, good safe behaviours come down to the level of high-quality supervision. It’s been seen on our end of results for our safety league. The top sites for safety have better supervision. “Good supervisors do not tolerate unsafe behaviours. They set the example, create psychological safety to drive improvements but rewards when deserving or uses the disciplinary process for any negligence. “We use basic herd theory from behavioural science, everyone follows the herd. No one wants to be the one doing things differently.” Rob Long, Operations Director at Tubes Scaffolding Ltd, said maintaining high safety standards was a balancing act between supervision and trust. He said:

“Working together, acting on client and operative feedback, supervision and communication are strong values of ours and key to maintaining a safe working culture, we believe.”

“Tight supervision is carried out by not only the Site Supervisors but by Scaffold Inspectors, Contracts Managers and Estimators too, who regularly visit their ongoing projects. In addition to this, photographs are taken of every project, both work in progress and completed, which is overseen by management and helps to ensure projects meet compliance. “There is a huge element of trust involved. We operate an extensive training programme, with highly experienced,

longstanding employees with a great work ethic, and don’t believe in micro managing to get the best out of our teams. “Our site operatives complete ‘Point Of Work’ risk assessments on every project which will highlight any residual risks and additional controls required. These are in addition to the Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) carried out and are an extensive measure taken to ensure a safe working environment.” “There is a fine line between balancing trust and undermining skillsets. We’re using technology to walk this line. “ “We’re continuously monitoring technological advances on safety measures. We are currently improving our reporting process and converting to a digital solution. By developing an app, electronic reports will help to monitor projects, advance communication, automate notifications, provide increased visibility of projects and ultimately enable tighter control.” Dave Kearney, Senior Health & Safety Manager at MR Scaffolding Ltd, said: “When it comes to ensuring compliance with both MR Scaffolding policies and procedures and NASC Guidance, we employ a full time Health and Safety Team, headed up by Matthew Trayfoot (H&S Director). The H&S team comprises of two H&S managers and two assistant H&S managers.” “Between the team, they ensure that all projects receive a proportionate amount of direct monitoring, with records of site visits recorded via internal auditing processes from which we evaluate our performance. Striving for employee ‘buy in’ to cultural changes is a key factor in driving standards ever upwards and we strongly believe that by actively engaging with our workforce they understand our commitment to them.” “MR also employ the services of Simian Risk Management to provide additional compliance monitoring and training of operatives where a needs analysis identifies any requirements. The H&S Team assisted by the Operations Management team also provide pro-active monitoring of all our activities on site and engage with mentoring of the workforce regards to best practice and improvements, which are discussed with the workforce on a regular basis.” “As part of our continual improvement and development, the identification of personal protective equipment plays a significant part of reducing risks to both the company and the individuals. By investing in high quality PPE rather than the cheapest option, which is not always the best or most comfortable to use, the employees are more likely to adopt these changes and see them as a benefit to themselves and not just another company directive.” “We also see investing and researching into new and existing technologies as an overall benefit to the company, such as the introduction of tablets with cloud-based systems for site-based operations, this again is seen by the employees as a good thing as is welcomed from all levels of employees.” The member supplied content above has been edited to fit in this edition. The full versions can be downloaded from the Members’ Area of the NASC website under the Buying into Safety page.

TRAINING

Training Availability Hopefully in the not-too-distant future we will be returning to some sort of normality. In the interim, a number of providers have temporarily suspended training. Others are continuing to offer a reduced service with strict Covid-19 precautions in place.

Those staying open must continually review their Covid-19 procedures to ensure that they are operating safely in line with ever changing government guidance. All centres will be responding to telephone and email enquiries and anyone with concerns about upcoming course bookings or rearranging training dates should contact their training provider directly. CISRS is calling on Build UK, employers and those responsible for site access and card checking procedures to show leniency towards those holding CISRS cards which have recently expired and allow them access to work, until wider centre capacity is readily available. We would urge those with cards approaching expiry to make the necessary bookings to schedule/reschedule the relevant training and assessment. Apprentices and other trainees can continue to work on site. Their training is suspended, however End Point Assessments are possible. CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) testing centres in England and Wales will remain open; however, those in Scotland have closed. CITB HS&E LITE on-line Test is still being accepted as an exemption for course attendance and card issuance.

Change is on the Cards From February 1 2021 the wording of certain endorsements and the order in which they appear has changed on most CISRS cards. From this date the first endorsement on all cards will show the card category (e.g. Advanced Scaffolder) Any following endorsements will show additional training modules/qualifications held by the cardholder at the date the card was issued. It should be noted that endorsements showing the route to achievement for Scaffolder and Advanced Scaffolder cards e.g., Pt1, Pt2 Vq2, Assessed Route of Entry etc will no longer appear on cards. Cards can still be checked by calling the CISRS Helpline on 0844 8157223 or online by going to www.nocnjobcards.org/CISRS/ S/NVQ Review In recent months several NASC/ASITO members have been involved with the industry wide occupational working group reviewing the National Occupational Standards for Accessing and Rigging Operations – Scaffolding. Work is nearing completion and it is unlikely that wholesale changes will be made to the current qualification. Funding In 2021 CISRS will be collaborating with approved providers to offer a series of subsidised CPD courses across the UK. Courses will be available for only £50. Dates and more details to follow. NASC funding (£125) is still available to members to offset the costs of employees who have completed COTS and CPD training. Up to £1,000 of NASC funding is available for anyone taking on and training ex-military personnel. For more on these and other NASC training funds go to the Members’ Area of the website. Pre-Employment Training Schemes (PETS) We are looking for members across the UK to get involved with various local Pre-employment training schemes. To give advice, support, work experience, interviews, job offers etc to new entrants into the industry. Rules of engagement vary but most will offer the chance to give an opportunity to someone with basic pre-employment training and a COTS qualification. Please contact henry.annafi@nasc.org.uk for more information.

NASC members will provide more than 300 young people across the UK with scaffolding industry experience through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.

A total of 50 NASC members – both contractors and suppliers – have signed up to the Kickstart Scheme through the NASC, committing to provide six-month work placements to out of work 18–24-year-olds. The vast majority of these members will take on more than one candidate under the Scheme, with a handful providing 20+ positions, helping to push the combined total of vacancies to 310. Henry Annafi, NASC Training Officer, who successfully co-ordinated the NASC’s gateway organisation bid and will support the 56 NASC members through the Scheme, said: “I am absolutely delighted but not surprised by the fantastic interest and take-up of the Scheme by NASC members.” “These members are as committed to training and recruitment as the NASC is as the UK trade body for the scaffolding industry and I’d like to applaud each and every one of them for their effort and enthusiasm to date.”

“Through my conversations with these members it’s become clear that they’re all intending to go well beyond the parameters of the Scheme and will look to place all successful participants on apprenticeships or full employment once the six-month placement ends.”

“There’s a long-term commitment being made and that’s because the members aren’t just keen to provide young people with short-term jobs, they want to give them a career.” The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new job placements for young people on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Kickstart Scheme applications originally had to be for a minimum of 30 job placements. If a single employer was unable provide this many placements, they could apply for a smaller number through a Kickstart gateway. Henry Annafi added: “The NASC has for many years led the way in the promotion of the industry to potential jobseekers. This took a huge step forward in 2020 through the launch of our dedicated careers website, aimed at encouraging would-be employees of all ages and backgrounds to take up a position in the scaffolding industry.”

KICKSTART IN SCAFFOLDING

NASC MEMBERS TO GIVE 300+ YOUNG PEOPLE A START IN SCAFFOLDING

“Our Kickstart Scheme efforts – supported so admirably by our members – is another huge step forward. We can’t wait to get started.” Any members interested in joining the NASC’s Kickstart Scheme gateway should email Henry Annafi on henry.annafi@nasc.org.uk

NASC MEMBERS IN FOCUS 18

APEX SCAFFOLDING (EXETER) LTD NASC member since? A long time! But at least since the early 90s.

Company biog and specialisms? Apex Scaffolding is a local family company with the mindset of a multi-national. This has enabled us to remain true to our roots, whilst still being able to service the blue-chip contractors who often come into the region. To us, it doesn’t matter if it is a house front for gutters, or a multi-million pound refurbishment, every job is as important and requires the same standards, care and attention. We think that our operatives buy into this, and they are rewarded with working on the most high profile and prestigious jobs in the region. Reasons for joining NASC? Although back in the mists of time, the management of Apex Scaffolding has always recognised the importance of being members of a trade association – especially one which has the history and drive of the NASC. What do you gain from NASC membership? To be at the forefront of the industry, by not only being members, but by making sure that we take an active roll in the committees. There is no doubt that the NASC are fully committed to improving the industry, and this shows in our work, and it is great when you see it filtering down to the non-members too. This way, you know you are tendering competitively. Membership also sets us in good stead with the companies who may not be based in the SW, but know that they can come to us, and get the same level of service and safety that they would do from other member companies in the rest of the country. During lockdown, the information coming from the NASC was second to none, and this gave so much comfort, that we were supported and appreciated for what we’re still trying to do.

TUBES SCAFFOLDING LTD NASC member since? 2007

Company biog and specialisms? Tubes Scaffolding Ltd provide safe and bespoke scaffold solutions for the domestic and commercial sectors in a wide range of industries throughout East Anglia and the UK. Confined space specialists with an experienced highly qualified team, we pride ourselves on service, training and exceptional safety standards. Reasons for joining NASC?

• Access to resources, credibility • Client frameworks • Quality • H&S

• Meet accredited H&S standards, quality management What do you gain from NASC membership?

• Advise and support if required • Technical guidance

• Regular updates – best practice • Updates on code of practice

• Chance to tender for more work- associated with credibility • Quarterly meetings informing of updates • NASC Training funds

MG SCAFFOLDING (OXFORD) LIMITED NASC member since? 2008

Company biog and specialisms? Based in Cheltenham, Birmingham and Banbury, MG Scaffolding is a well-established scaffold contractor offering a professional, reliable service supported by realistic prices. We are CHAS Premium Plus Approved, Constructionline members, and SMAS worksafe Contractor. We specialise in complex projects like The Queens Hotel, Cheltenham and Legoland Windsor. Reasons for joining NASC? The highest accolade in the scaffolding industry, which is recognised by most reputable construction companies. Health and safety are at the heart of everything we do and this ensures that we are audited and our systems and procedures are all in place. What do you gain from NASC membership? NASC membership gives kudos with the bigger construction companies and many now insist on this as a pre-requisite when going through the procurement process. It also ensures that we are doing everything correctly through the rigorous audits, and having expert advice on hand and up to date health & safety information.

ENIGMA INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD

NASC member since? Incorporated in 1935, Enigma Industrial Services Limited was one of the founder members of the NASC since its inauguration in 1945.

Company blog and specialisms? Enigma Industrial Services Ltd provides an accredited safety-first professional service, operating one of the UK’s largest scaffolding asset bases with our own in-house Engineering Design Team. The organisation supports multiple market sectors and provides a full range of costeffective solutions that can be delivered individually or seamlessly integrated as multi-disciplined packages for new build, refurbishment, project, outage or maintenance contracts. Enigma is the official UK distribution partner for HAKI System Scaffolding and also provide additional services including insulation, protective coating and industrial cleaning with nationwide coverage. Reasons for joining NASC? Being an NASC committee member provides Enigma with a platform to become an advocate for the wider scaffolding industry community and actively contribute to its development. By sharing specialist knowledge and connecting with like-minded industry leaders across the UK Enigma has benefited from privileged access to industry events and conferences, that have provided invaluable insights and helped the organisation contribute to the latest innovations and new developments.

What do you gain from NASC membership? Unfortunately, the Government is unable to listen to every person or company requesting help or raising concerns, let alone respond and support them. The NASC provides Enigma and the industry with a focused group of industry leaders and Government Department specialists, who can bring common issues to the Government’s attention. The ability to strategically work with the government to create viable and applicable solutions for issues i.e. Scaffold Guidance Notes will help move the industry forward. The NASC provides the focal point to collect information that it needs to make informed decisions. In essence, the NASC becomes a liaison platform with the government, for the overall good of the industry. Being a member demonstrates Enigma’s commitment to maintaining the enhanced industry standards set by the NASC when compared to non-members. By ensuring the latest legislative compliance and scaffold product accreditation are maintained. The NASC Code of Practice (CoP) audit validates Enigma’s stance on only using BSI approved products or materials. Also, access to industry-wide safety statistics between members should ultimately make the scaffolding industry a safer place for all operators by helping to set new standards.

Active membership enhances the organisations’ reputation and trust by reassuring customers that Quality, Safety, Health and Environmental best practice standards are maintained. With the CISRS training courses assisting employee professional development and maintaining high levels of competence throughout the organisation. The NASC is the recognised scaffolding industry benchmark for professionalism, providing Enigma with a competitive advantage when tendering for new business opportunities, by influencing client decisions.

GUIDANCE

TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

The following guidance notes have recently been completed:-

• TG11 - Stress Corrosion Cracking in High Tensile Steels. • TG14 - Supplementary and Check Couplers.

The following guidance notes are currently in the final approval stage and should shortly be available:-

• TG16 - Anchoring to the Ground.

• TG23 - The Lacing and Bracing of Beams. • TG25 - Tube Storage Racks.

• TG26 - Galvanic Corrosion of Aluminium Tubes and Beams. The following guidance note has been withdrawn:-

• TG24 Ancillary Scaffolding Components Not Covered by British Standards. Soon to be reintroduced as ‘Purchasing Guidelines’. The following guidance notes are due for their 5 year review and update:-

• TG10 - Fire Retardant Treatments for Timber Scaffold Boards and Battens. • TG13 - Non-standard Boarded Platforms.

• TG17 - Identification of EN74-1 Couplers. In addition to these the NASC guidance document for safe working ‘Guidance for Scaffolding Operations During the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic’ has been updated to issue 6 to suit the recent updates to the CLC document ‘Site Operating Procedures – Protecting Your Workforce’ and Government guidance.

PRODUCT PURCHASING GUIDANCE

The NASC’s portfolio of Product Purchasing Guidance is growing, with one title added recently and another to follow shortly. PG7:21 Purchasing Guidelines for Prefabricated Structural Transom Units details best purchasing practice for Prefabricated Structural Transom Units. If the PST Unit is sourced from an NASC compliant company, as demonstrated by the product assessment audit report, then no further action is required. However, if the PST Unit is not sourced from an NASC compliant company the guidelines contained within PG7:21 should be followed. PG8 will address ‘ancillary’ product, for which in many cases no standard exists. It offers guidelines to members wishing to purchase products such as girder couplers, ‘band and plate’, scaffolding ladders, aluminium or plastic (composite) scaffolding boards, debris nets and sheeting – all of which are not covered by the NASC Code of Practice product audit. PG8 will address the performance that can be expected from these products and include conformance and test data and recommended safe working loads.

GUIDANCE INDEX Product Guidance

Guidance No.

Publication Date

Title

PG1

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 39:2001 Tube (4.0mm)

PG2

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 10219-1:2006 High Tensile Tube (3.2mm)

PG3

Purchasing Guidelines for BS 2482:2009 Timber Boards

PG4

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 74-1 Couplers

PG5

Purchasing Guidelines for Aluminium Beams

PG6

Purchasing Guidelines for EN 12810/11 System Scaffold

PG7

Purchasing Guidelines for Prefabricated Structural Transom Units

Safety Guidance Guidance No.

Publication Date

Title

SG1

Control of Substance Hazardous to Health in Scaffolding (COSHH) (UR)

SG2

Asbestos Licences and Ancillary Work Involving the Scaffolding Contractor (UR)

SG3

N/A

Document incorporated into SG5

SG4

Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations (UR)

SG5

Overhead Power Sources and Earthing of Scaffold Structures

SG6

Manual Handling in the Scaffolding Industry

SG7

Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)

SG8

Reporting of Accidents Procedures and RIDDOR

SG9

Use, Inspection and Maintenance of Lifting Equipment […] in the Scaffolding Industry (UR)

SG10

Use of Brickguards

SG11

Noise (UR)

SG12

N/A

Document not in system

SG13

Health Surveillance in Scaffolding

SG14

N/A

Document not in system – for information about Safety Nets refer to FASET

SG15

Drugs and Alcohol at Work

SG16

Management of Fall Protection Equipment (UR)

SG17

N/A

Document incorporated in SG16

SG18

Welfare Facilities for the Scaffolding Contractor (UR)

SG19

A Guide to Formulating a Rescue Plan

SG20

Consultation & Participation with the Workforce

SG21

Entry into Confined Spaces

SG22

Induction Training

SG23

N/A

Document not in system

SG24

N/A

Document now incorporated in SG7

SG25

Access and Egress from Scaffolds (UR)

SG26

Scaffolding & Hoists (UR)

SG27

Temporary Edge Protection on Open Steelwork (UR)

SG28

Safe Systems of Work for Scaffolding Associated with Timber Frame Building Construction

SG29

Internal Edge Protection on Scaffold Platforms

SG30

Management of Road Haulage for the Scaffolding Contractor

SG31

Management of Slips and Trips

SG32

Provision of Extended and Telescopic Transoms and Board Brackets

SG33

Guide to the Construction of Scaffold Loading Bays and Loadbearing Platforms (UR)

SG34

Guidance on Protection of the Public

SG35

Guidance on Handover of Scaffold Structures (UR)

SG36

Unauthorised Modifications to Scaffolds

SG37

Effective Supervision

SG38

Guidance on Mental Health Wellbeing

SG39

Guidance on Appointing a Scaffolding Contractor

SG40

Scaffolding Yard Operations

SG41

Long Standing Scaffolding Structures

(UR) = Under Review

Technical Guidance Guidance No.

Publication Date

Title

TG1

TBC

Temporary Edge Protection for Sloping and Flat Roofs (UR)

TG2

N/A

No longer used

TG3

Erection, Use and Dismantling of Temporary Rubbish Chutes on Scaffolding (UR)

TG4

Anchorage Systems for Scaffolding

TG5

Timber scaffold boards BS2482:2009 (UR)

TG6

Care and Maintenance of Scaffold Boards

TG7

Scaffold Board Nailplates (UR)

TG8

Fire Damage (UR)

TG9

Guide to the Design and Construction of Temporary Roofs and Buildings

TG10

Flame Retardant Treatments for Timber Scaffold Boards and Battens (UR)

TG11

Stress Corrosion Cracking in High Tensile and Alloy Steels (UR)

TG12

Tying Down of Scaffold Boards

TG13

Non-Standard Boarded Platform

TG14

Supplementary Couplers and Check Couplers (UR)

TG15

N/A

No longer used

TG16

Anchoring to the Ground (UR)

TG17

Identification of EN74-1 Couplers (UR)

TG18

N/A

No longer used

TG19

N/A

No longer used

TG20

Guide to Good Practice for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding (UR)

TG21

A Guide to Commissioning Scaffold Design

TG22

TBC

Design of Part Boarded and Other Scaffolds (Not Referred to Elsewhere)

TG23

TBC

Lacing and Bracing of Beams

TG24

Scaffold Products not Covered by Standards (UR)

(UR) = Under Review

Contractual Guidance Guidance No.

Publication Date

Title

CG1

Pavement Licences

CG2

Set-Off

CG3

Programmes

CG4

N/A

Document not in system

CG5

Contractual Issues Relating to Hiring of Hoists

CG6

Scaffolding Design

CG7

Late Payment of Commercial Debts

CG8

Preparation of Quotations

CG9

Payment Under the Construction Act

CG10

Adjudication – Its use by the Sub-contractor

CG11

Preparation of Schedule of Rates

CG12

Contract Clauses

CG13

Pre-Tender Information from client

CG14

Pre-Contract Meetings

CG15

NEC3

CG16

Employment Contracts

CG17

Commercial Pitfalls for the Scaffolding Contractor (UR)

CG18

Daywork (UR)

CG19

Liquidated and Ascertained Damages

CG20

A Guide to Monitoring and Chasing Debt (UR)

CG21

TBC

Eligibility to Work

CG22

Early Payment Schemes

CG23

Training Costs Agreements

CG24

TBC

Guide to Staff Handbook

CG25

TBC

Common Contract Terminology

(UR) = Under Review

COMMUNITY

ENJ Scaffolding Ltd has found a novel way of boosting its sustainability credentials and supporting the local community at the same time.

The Essex-based contractor donates its end-of-life scaffolding boards to the Forest Recycling Project, a social enterprise charity that runs a Green Champions carpentry course for marginalized adults to learn new skills. Participants use materials such as old scaffolding boards to make a broad range of products such as garden planters, bird and bat boxes and table tops and shelves.

Edmond Carolan, Director at ENJ Scaffolding, said: “We do a lot with our end-of-life boards, from cutting them down into usable sizes and sole boards and selling them to businesses that up-scale them into furniture. We also give them away free of charge to schools, garden centres and charities such as Forest Recycling Project, which really resonates with everyone at ENJ. They do tremendous work for people in the local community for their mental health and emotional wellbeing, which plays a big part in everyone’s life, especially at the moment.” Greg Dickson, Project Manager and Volunteer Mentor at the Forest Recycling Project, said: “ENJ Scaffolding has been one of our largest donors over the last year. They have been extremely generous and have gone out of their way to help us.”

“Their donations make such a positive impact to our operations.” For more on the Forest Recycling Project visit www.frpuk.org

Back cover image supplied by JDC Scaffolding Ltd

NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION

NASC.ORG.UK

Scaffolding Matters - Spring 2021

Articles inside

Community

Members in Focus

Buying into Safety

News from the Regions

Health and Safety

Training

Employment Affairs

Kickstart in Scaffolding

Flowchart for Builders

Website Recommendations