Building

Expert advice on structural work, home extensions, renovations and understanding building regulations.

Scaffolding Basics

22nd March 2024

If you are planning on doing work on the upper part of your property, your trader will need to access the spot safely. They may or may not include the cost of scaffolding in any quotes that they give you. If you are keen to keep costs low, it can be useful to know when you must use scaffolding, and when it is a matter of preference.

Regulations about scaffolding use

Many people assume that stepladders and long ladders are not permitted for traders when working at height. However, if the situation is low risk, scaffolding is not required. Assessing this risk is down to your trader; a quick gutter fix or chimney paint may be doable with a set of roof ladders and other appropriate safety precautions, but a complete reroof will almost certainly need scaffolding.

Types of scaffolding

The type of scaffolding that your trader will need will also depend on the job in hand. For more expansive work, full scaffolding, which is built up from the ground and wraps around some or all of the property may be the safest option. For other work, such as window repairs or painting at height, a scaffold tower will probably be sufficient.

Reasons for using scaffolding

Using scaffolding is not just about working at height safely; in some cases, scaffolding can help the job to be done more efficiently. When looking at the cost of, for example, no scaffolding, a scaffold tower or full scaffolding, remember the time that your trade team are saving going up and down and safely relocating the tower or ladders. Scaffolding does cost money, but it saves money in labour costs too.

Scaffold licence

Provided that your scaffolding is remaining on your property, you don’t need to get a licence. However, if your scaffolding needs to go on public property at any point, then your tradesperson or scaffolder needs to get a licence from the local authority. Although it is the trader’s responsibility to get the licence, it is your responsibility to make sure that there is one in place before the scaffolding goes up. If you are getting scaffolding for a DIY job, you need to take care of the licence. Check with your scaffolder if you are unsure.

Scaffold erection and ongoing safety

Scaffolding is as safe as the team that put it up, so it is essential that you used a trained scaffolder or builder to erect your scaffolding. Before you employ a scaffolder – or your trader does – check that they have a Construction Industry Record Scheme card (CIRS) and that they are appropriately insured for any accident that might happen to them, their staff, you, your property, other property, or the public.

At Trust A Trader we check every trader before they are added to our online directory to ensure that they have the appropriate accreditations, qualifications and insurance to undertake work safely and to the standard that we expect. If you are looking for a builder, roofer or scaffolder that you can trust, take a look at our directory. For more guidance, follow us on Facebook or X.

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