HSEQ INITIATIVES
GOING BEYOND SG4
In 1996, NASC introduced SG4 as best practice for scaffolders working at height. Since this time companies affiliated with the NASC have seen a continued reduction in falls from height. TRAD Scaffolding is committed to going beyond the Industry guidance SG4. We have made it policy for all scaffold lifts to have double guardrails installed in advance, even on those non-working lifts.
TRAD scaffolders remain clipped on during scaffolding operations and only unclip when they are in a full Safe Zone, which is a fully completed scaffold lift with double guardrails & toeboards fully installed.
Hence the title of the Safe working Practice SAFEZONE+. Which is an internal ALTRAD Group standard.
For more information view our SAFEZONE+ booklet
REMOVAL OF 21ft TUBES
TRAD Scaffolding removed all stock of 6.4m tubes and spigots in 2012; we now only use 5.0m (16’) tube and sleeves. To reduce the risk of manual handling.
REMOVAL SPIGOTS
TRAD Scaffolding does not use spigots. They were removed from stock in 2012, to reduce the risk of toppling and falling hemp (uprights).
SYSTEM SCAFFOLDING
TRAD are pioneers in the use of ring system & continue to embrace the use strongly as part of its stock capability, the advantages of projects constructed using system scaffolding have been realised by many of our long term clients, who have commented particularly on the speed & versatility of the Metrix system scaffold that TRAD have fully invested into. The reduced number of small components further helps to improve on safety.
TRAD’s GUARDRAIL SYSTEM TRAILER
TRAD were one of the first scaffolding contract companies in London to fully address the safety issue of working at height while operatives are Loading & unloading vehicles.
We developed a guardrail system that creates a detachable safe zone around the load on a lorry, permitting safe and easy access.
The guardrail system can be fully installed from the ground. In only five minutes erection and removal time, no productivity is lost, and the lorry can be unloaded anywhere. When not in use, all the components are stored under the flatbed, in a purpose built locker.
BIG BEN BRAKED GIN WHEEL
The TRAD Scaffolding Safety Leadership Team approached our suppliers with an idea & helped develop a safety gin wheel with a gearing system – the blueprint for the idea was taken up by one of our global sourcing partner’s, Leach’s. We encouraged the company to create and market the “Big Ben” Braked Gin Wheel to improve safety throughout the industry.
Our innovative gin wheel is different to other ‘safety’ gin wheels. It eliminates the risk of the rope going into freefall. The pulley has a built-in descent control that gently and smoothly lowers items to the ground. It gives the operator fingertip control, so descent can be started or stopped with minimal effort.
NO KNOT POLICY
To further improve on safety, during Gin Wheel operations, TRAD have adopted a “No Knot policy”. Having realised how the method of securing materials using traditional scaffolding knots, could sometimes go wrong subsequently allowing the materials to slip and potentially fall when being lifted or lowered to the ground. TRAD decided to remove the Knots ,and replaced these with a variety lifting accessories including tube & board slings & hooks for the securing of sacks etc.
Improving Lifting Operations
ALTRIX® ROOF
TRAD also supply the Altrix roof – a complete modular roofing and weatherproofing system. It is made from durable PVC sheeting with Keder tracking. Lengths of track are joined using internal, aluminium connectors which make the system easy, safe, and simple to assemble. Its modular design means that the Altrix roof can be designed to fit any project, and fitted to almost any scaffolding type.
TRAD MINI CATCH FAN
The TRAD Mini Catch Fan is an innovation from TRAD UK, and it’s the result of an idea from our Safety Leadership Team.
We wanted a lightweight but robust alternative to heavier system protection fans. The TRAD Mini Catch Fan offers significantly more protection when it comes to the containment of falling objects over that of a traditional boarded fan during the erection and dismantling of a scaffold. The lightweight design means that a crane is not required for its installation, or any movement – it can all be done manually
FULLY ACCREDITED
TRAD Scaffolding is an audited member of the industry’s premier trade association, the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). TRAD Scaffolding is also proud to be accredited by both Achilles Build Confidence & Constructionline, which demonstrates our robust Health and Safety management system