UK trade-and-hazard guidance by the Riskora Editorial Team
Scaffolders work at height to build the structures that protect everyone else — but their work happens before the collective protection exists. A scaffolder's working at height RAMS must address the erection sequence specifically: the moment a guardrail is going on is the moment it is not yet in place, and most scaffolder fall fatalities occur during incomplete-scaffold transit. NASC SG4:22 is the industry's safe-system reference and any RAMS that does not name it will not pass a competent reviewer.
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Work at Height Regulations 2005
Regulations 6 & 7
Erection sequence must minimise time spent at unprotected heights. Personal fall protection becomes the working method, not a back-up.
NASC SG4:22 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations
Section 6 (advance guard rails)
Erect guard rails ahead of the working position where possible. Continuous attachment via twin-tail lanyards through transition points.
TG20:21 Operational Guide
Compliance sheets
Standard configurations covered by TG20:21 do not need a bespoke design. Anything outside the compliance set requires a calculation and named designer.
Every UK RAMS reviewer applies the hierarchy of controls in the order below. Defaulting straight to PPE is the single most common reason a RAMS fails review.
1. Eliminate
Use system scaffold (Layher, Cuplok) which permits advance guardrail installation, removing the unprotected leading-edge entirely on most lifts.
2. Substitute
Substitute mobile tower (PASMA) for tube-and-fitting where the scope allows — towers are erected from inside the protected base.
3. Engineering controls
Advance guard rails, double-tail lanyards rated to the SG4:22 cycle, integrated transom platforms.
4. Administrative controls
CISRS-carded operatives only. Daily TBT specific to the lift being erected. Hand-up only — no climbing with materials.
5. PPE (last line)
Full body harness, twin-tail lanyards (SG4:22 compatible), helmet, gloves.
Naming TG20:21 without specifying the compliance sheet number being applied. 'Scaffold to TG20:21' is not enough — TG20:21 is a library, not a single design. RAMS must name the eGuide compliance reference and any tie pattern variations.
An illustrative extract structured for principal-contractor review. Site-specific facts must be substituted and checked by a competent person.
Scaffold will be erected as TG20:21 eGuide reference 6.3.1A (independent tied scaffold, 2.0m bay, very heavy duty load class 4). Advance guardrails will be fitted ahead of the working lift in line with NASC SG4:22 Section 6. Operatives will use twin-tail SG4:22-compatible lanyards anchored to the inside ledger transom at all times during transit between lifts. CISRS-carded scaffolders only — no operative without a current CISRS card will work above the base lift.
Daily Reg 12 inspection by a competent person, scaffold tag updated. Photo of advance guardrails at start of lift. Wind speed log. CISRS card check at sign-on.
What is SG4:22?
SG4:22 is the NASC's safe-system-of-work reference for preventing falls during scaffolding operations. It mandates advance guardrails, twin-tail lanyards, a documented erection sequence and competence (CISRS card). UK RAMS for scaffold erection that don't reference SG4:22 won't pass principal-contractor review.
Can a non-CISRS labourer assist a scaffolder at height?
No. Above the base lift, only CISRS-carded operatives may work. A trainee may work at height only under direct supervision of a carded scaffolder and only on configurations covered by their training stage.
What wind speed stops scaffold erection?
SG4:22 sets the practical threshold at sustained wind speeds above 17 mph (Beaufort 5). Sheeted scaffolds require lower thresholds because sail loading increases dramatically. The threshold must be written into the RAMS, not implied.
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