Top five: what SG25 says about getting on and off a scaffold safely

NASC's SG25 guidance sets out safe means of access to and from scaffolding working platforms, in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. It has been around a while now and is easy to take for granted, so here is a reminder of the five key messages.

1. Follow the hierarchy of access

CDM outlines that “clients, principal designers, principal contractors and contractors should consider what form of access may be needed at the planning stage” (page 1).

The preferred order is permanent stairs, passenger hoists (with alternative access when power fails), temporary stair towers, ladder access bays, and then ladders.

Ultimately, the customer will select their preferred access arrangements, but NASC recommends issuing them with a copy of SG25 and asking them to consider the hierarchy of access.

2. Temporary staircases for public use need designing properly

These must be designed with calculations by a competent person. They must be compliant with fire and building regulations, and capable of safely supporting public access and emergency evacuation.

3. Install and secure ladders, and protect the access point

Ladders must comply with the appropriate standard, extend at least 1 metre above the landing point, be installed at the correct angle of 65 to 75 degrees (1:4 ratio), and be securely fixed to prevent movement.

Access points must be protected using self-closing gates, ladder trap hatches or guardrails to reduce the risk of falls.

4. Inspection and maintenance are essential

All access equipment, including ladders and stair towers, must be inspected before use and at least every seven days, as well as after adverse weather, alterations or any event that could affect safety.

Defective equipment must be repaired or removed from service.

5. Maintain scaffold security and prevent unauthorised access

Clients, principal contractors and users must ensure unauthorised access to scaffolds is prevented. This includes preventing access to stair towers, removing first-lift ladders when not in use where practicable, or fitting locked ladder guards to make ladders unusable.

The ladder guard must match the ladder. As SG25 puts it: “A minimal rung width should be exposed when the locked guard is pushed hard to one side. Remember that trespassers are frequently very young and may have small feet”

SG25 can be accessed on the NASC website here: https://nasc.org.uk/product/sg25-20.html