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Scafftag's new Tie Tag lightens the load

Scafftag has launched a new range of tags designed to help firms comply with the Code of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds (2007) requirement to inspect scaffolding ties.

Scaffolding ties play a vital role in securing scaffolding to structures and Scafftag’s new Tie Tag product enables firms to visually record the latest test results and identify when future inspections are required.

The product launch comes just months after an inquest revealed that severe bearing loads caused the collapse of a scaffolding structure attached to a Milton Keynes hotel, which resulted in a worker’s death.

Following the accident, the HSE recommended that future project planning should make arrangements for ‘securing scaffolding to structures’ and incorporate ‘intended and actual loadings on scaffolds, including the impact of wind’.

Jonathan Edwin, Business Manager for Scafftag, says: “Tie Tag helps businesses meet the current code of practice, which is legally enforced, and improve their overall scaffold safety procedures. Using Tie Tag could help avoid a large fine or even prosecution by reminding site personnel not to remove scaffolding ties and for the requirement of testing.” 

Scafftag advises that scaffolding tie tests should be carried out, prior to commencing work, by a suitably competent person other than the installer of the original fixings. In addition, a minimum of three anchors must be tested and at least five percent of the overall quantity (1 in 20).

If, when using load test equipment, any of the ties fail to meet the safety margin a full inspection is required and the rate of proofing should be doubled to 1 in 10. Each anchor should also be tested to at least one and a half times the required tensile load with no significant movement of the fixing.

There are two types of Tie Tags available from Scafftag. A prohibition only tag for those ties not being tested and a test tag which records the specific scaffolding test date, safe working load (SWL) and a unique reference number for ongoing monitoring. The system can also work in conjunction with Scafftag’s unique electronic monitoring and recording system, Safetrak, which saves time and costs associated with equipment inspections throughout projects.

Free scaffolding guidance pack

A free Scafftag Equip scaffolding inspection guide poster, fact sheet, pocket memo and set of monitoring system guides is available at www.scafftag.com/scaffolding.
As the same time as requesting the Equip pack, users can also arrange a free one-to-one assessment carried out by a dedicated Scafftag expert who will advise on safety regulations and good practices and identify ways to improve business performance.