HSE-Approved Scaffolder RAMS Template

Unsecured scaffolders falling from height before edge protection is established.

Wear a full-body harness with a double lanyard, practice 100% clip-on technique to suitable anchor points, and utilize advanced guardrail systems (Shoring/Scaffolder's Safe Zone).

Repetitive lifting, carrying, and passing of heavy poles leading to musculoskeletal injuries.

Perform team lifting for large poles, rotate duties, use hoists or gin wheels, and ensure adequate footing before lifting.

Unstable or poorly designed scaffolding collapsing under load.

Erect scaffold only by competent, certified scaffolders, tie the structure to solid anchor points, inspect weekly and after bad weather, and never exceed maximum design loads.

Scaffold fittings, clamps, boards, or tools falling onto other workers or members of the public.

Establish rigorous exclusion zones underneath erection zones, use brick guards, secure all hand tools with lanyards, and wear safety helmets.

Scaffold tubes or metal structures coming into contact with live overhead power lines.

Maintain a minimum safe distance of 15 meters from overhead lines on wooden poles (or 6m with barriers), and consult the electricity provider before commencing.

Planks made slippery by mud, water, ice, or cluttered with excess fittings.

Keep platforms clear of loose fittings/debris, use grit or salt on icy planks, inspect boards for splits or warping, and maintain neat storage stacks.

Loss of footing, balance, or scaffolding board displacement during storm force winds or heavy rain.

Constantly monitor wind speeds using on-site anemometers, suspend all scaffold works if average wind speed reaches 23 mph, and secure all loose boards before leaving site.

Rust flakes, metal scaling, or galvanized coatings breaking off tubes and entering eyes during coupling or hammering.

Enforce mandatory wearing of safety glasses with side shields during all scaffold assembly and dismantling works.

Fingers getting pinched or crushed between heavy metal clamps and tubes during tightening or locking.

Wear heavy-duty split-leather or impact-resistant gloves (EN388), use the correct size scaffolding spanners, and maintain a secure grip.

Workers accidentally stepping onto empty transoms or unanchored boards, leading to severe falls.

Affix highly visible 'Scafftag - DO NOT USE' warnings on incomplete sections, install temporary double guardrails, and block access ladders.

Excessive storage of heavy bricks, mortar, or structural beams on a platform, causing buckling or collapse.

Clearly calculate and signpost the maximum load-carrying class of each scaffold section, and enforce a strict clean-deck policy daily.

Members of the public or children attempting to climb incomplete or unsecured scaffolds outside working hours.

Remove or securely board over the bottom lift of all access ladders at the end of every shift, and install secure anti-climb perimeter fencing.