Here at Network Scaffold, we get quizzed by our clients all the time about our scaffolding services. Find out plenty of answers in our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section below –

What accreditations does your company have?

Network Scaffold is proud to be accredited for BS OHSAS 18001:2007 which aims to reduce workplace hazards and boost employee morale. BS OHSAS 18001 helps to reduce downtime caused by accidents in our premises and demonstrates compliance with industry standards to our customers and suppliers.
This accreditation will be replaced by IS0 45001 in March 2021 which will be the new international standard for health and safety.
We are also proud to be part of the SMAS Worksafe Contractor Scheme, one of the most important accreditations in the construction industry. This renowned H&S certification is recognised by thousands of organisations across the country. Part of the certification is the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSiP), that many contractors have adopted as a working model for health and safety in the scaffold industry.

Holding the SMAS accreditation clearly demonstrates our capability to meet core criteria and enhances our level of recognition amongst industry peers.

Are your staff fully trained?

Network Scaffold prides itself on providing the latest relevant industry training for all our staff to make sure they can do their jobs to the best of their ability and industry standards.

Does your company have a safety policy I can read?

Network Scaffold’s Health and Safety policy can be read on page 9 of our Health and Safety Manual.

What areas of the country do you provide access scaffolding for?

Network Scaffold is based in Derby with our operating depot not far from the Toyota plant in Burnaston. Close links to the A50, a38 and M1 allows us to provide access scaffolding and scaffolding for other areas including Lichfield, Tamworth, Burton on Trent, Loughborough, Staffordshire and Nottingham.

Why should I choose Network Scaffold for access scaffolding?

No other scaffolding company will offer you such a rich amount of experience in different sectors than Network Scaffold. Our team of professionals will answer all of your questions before your project even begins putting your mind at ease and ensuring everything runs as smoothly and most importantly as safely as possible.
Our industry accreditations listed above show our commitment to being the leading scaffolding providers across the East Midlands and parts of the West Midlands such as Staffordshire.

Do you provide quotes before working with customers?

Network Scaffold provide no-obligation quotes for all of our services including access scaffolding and scaffold erecting to prospective customers.

Can you provide scaffolding for any size project?

During our time in business, Network Scaffold has worked on different sizes of projects in a range of sectors including projects for homeowners, building managers, local authorities, and house building construction companies.

How environmentally conscious are Network Scaffold Services?

We aim to strike the perfect balance between providing the finest service for our clients whilst reducing the number of negative impacts our operations could cause. Take a read of our Environmental Policy to see how Network Scaffold is looking to reduce harmful emissions plus waste and pollution from our work.

How much does scaffolding cost?

The cost of hiring scaffolding from Network Scaffold will depend on the size of your project. If you’d like a no-obligation quote for your next project please contact us today.

Is an internal ladder necessary?

Safety ladders are incorporated into all scaffold erecting operations. Scaffolders should not be going up and down scaffold without proper ladders access and safe working platforms on each lift being worked on.

Will I still be able to access my building if I have scaffolding?

All of our operations should take place during ‘quieter’ hours of the day thus not restricting access to your building. The person who has commissioned the building will need to obtain a temporary pavement or street closure permit whilst operations are being carried out. This can be acquired by talking to your local council in advance of your work commencing.
You will also need to incorporate barriers and signs nearby to inform the public to stay clear and take into consideration disabled access for members of the public that require pavement access.

Is it safe to lower or raise materials over other site workers or members of the public?

It is not safe under any circumstances to lower or raise materials over members of the public or other site workers.

Do I need to wear a safety harness at all times on scaffolding?

Scaffolders who could be exposed to falls of six feet or higher need to be equipped with a safety harness. Remember not to attach the safety harness to the scaffolding structure.

What other PPE Do I Need to Work on Scaffolding?

Along with your safety harness, you need the following PPE to work on scaffolding –

Hard Hat – Hard Hat that meets UK Safety Regulations are mandatory for every worker on a construction site. They are particularly important for those working at height as they provide protection against any falling debris, material or objects. Also, remember to wear a hard hat that fits and is appropriately sized.
Safety Glasses – If your job is deemed to be at risk of flying debris or loose materials that could potentially damage your eyes – protective goggles or safety glasses must be worn.
Protective Gloves – If you could be exposed to chemicals, very low temperatures, extremely high temperatures or electrical currents you are required to wear protective gloves.
Protective Boots – Protective or steel toe cap boots with an anti-slip tread will help workers when working with heavy materials on construction sites.

Do I need training before using scaffolding?

All workers who will be using scaffolding must have shown a level of competence before working commences on-site. If you believe your staff need further training please get in touch and we can either conduct sessions or direct you to an appropriate industry training provider.

When and how often does my scaffolding need inspecting?

The scaffold used for construction should be inspected before it’s used for the first time and then every 7 days until it is removed. It should also be inspected every time it is exposed to conditions that will likely cause deterioration such as following adverse weather conditions or following any substantial alteration.

How can I prevent falls whilst using scaffolding?

Handrail edge protection is part of our access scaffolding and helps to prevent falls for both operatives and materials. This system can be secured directly to a building or as a fully independent system. Edge protection is also useful to guide people around the site and can be incorporated into the design of your scaffolding prior to installation and be tailored specifically to every application.

How Do You Maintain the Stability of Scaffolding?

Scaffolding can be extremely dangerous when not installed correctly, this is why our team of highly skilled professionals are meticulous when erecting scaffold. They will add anchors and ties suitable for the base material to your scaffold. These anchors should not be removed too early during the dismantling operations and we will provide more ties if required for sheeted or netted scaffold to maintain its stability.
It’s also important not to overload the scaffolds with equipment, especially tube and fittings during erections and dismantling operations.

How much preparation do I need to make for scaffolding?

Preparation is vital when working with scaffolding. Constructing anything on grounds that can be deemed dangerous is a bad idea and will put your workers at risk. Inspecting your scaffolding before use and during as instructed above should eliminate any potential safety issues.

Why should I use scaffolding rather than ladders?

Scaffolding is much safer than using ladders on construction sites and large home improvement projects. Scaffolding provides you with more room to work in plus you can store working tools and materials on there without having to go up and down ladders; making it a great time saver on sites.

Can I use scaffolding on uneven ground?

Scaffolding should not be used on uneven ground. The ground or surface level should be as level as possible with soils compact and able to support the scaffold in all weather conditions.

Can I use access scaffolding all year round on my projects?

Access scaffolding can be used all year round but we would not recommend using any type of scaffolding during adverse weather conditions as this heightens the risk of injuries on-site.

What does WAHR mean?

WAHR means Working at Height Regulations 2005 which help to prevent death and injury caused by falling from a height.
Employers and those in control of any work taking place at height must make sure all work is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent staff. This includes selecting the right type of equipment for working at height. This also applies to the type of scaffolding you use on the project. Find out more about these regulations on the HSE website.

Do I Need a Scaffolding Permit?

Scaffolding permits are required where the scaffolding unit will be erected on or over a public highway including pavements and footpaths. Agreeing to work during quiet times may be required for the permit to be granted. Network Scaffold can help with the application process but you will need to ensure it is in place before construction begins.

Can Scaffolding Be Moved?

Scaffolding units cannot and should not be moved. However, if you require a mobile scaffolding unit for more than one location we can provide this for you. This unit will have castor wheels so it can be moved back and forth to locations as and when required. These can prove beneficial and functional depending on your requirements.

How early should I get in touch to order my access scaffolding?

Every project is different with some requiring greater amounts of scaffolding and in turn requiring more time to construct. We would recommend getting in touch a healthy amount of time before your project starts and we can suggest the perfect time to get your scaffolding delivered to the site.

Got Any More Questions? Get in Touch!

If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ section please contact us today and we can provide all the answers you need.