NEW UNIQUE POLICY FOR BUILDING, MODIFYING, DISMANTLING AND USING MOBILE SCAFFOLDS

The legislator in the Netherlands says the following in the Working Conditions Decree (art. 7.23b) about the building and dismantling of mobile scaffolds: 'Mobile scaffolds are only build and dismantled by employees who have completed sufficient and specific training to demonstrate specific expertise'.

From 1-1-2025 it is mandatory to be certified to built, modificate or dismantle mobile scaffolds towers. After 27 March 2024 till the first of January, the following applies: 

1. The construction, modification and dismantling of mobile scaffolds may only be carried out by at least 2 employees, both of whom must be certified for this purpose and can therefore demonstrate specific expertise;
2. A user of a mobile scaffold does not necessarily have to be certified, but must have completed this toolbox and additionally the Powerpoint presentation "Practical tips, working safely with mobile scaffolds", see link: Practical tips, working safely with mobile scaffold towers.pptx.  

NEW REGULATIONS REGARDING MOBILE SCAFFOLDS

According to regulations, a work platform may only be installed after a handrail has been installed around it at waist height for that platform (so-called front handrail). The basic principle here is that the edge protection of a platform, consisting of at least one hip backrest, is always applied before entering the platform. This measure also protects the builder/user from falling during construction/dismantling. In addition, the work platforms must be equipped with a toe board to protect against falling material or equipment. The purpose of these regulations is to safely create a safe and healthy temporary workplace at height by means of a mobile scaffold, which reduces the number of accidents during assembly, dismantling and use. The only exception to the regulations regarding the leading handrail is when the distance between the mobile scaffold and the façade is less than 15 cm. Then this so-called leading handrail on the side of the façade is not mandatory to use.​​​​​​​

The risks when working with a mobile scaffold tower include:

1. Falling from height;
2. Collapse / toppling of the mobile scaffold in case of improper construction and/or use;
3. Risk of collision
4. Falling material/equipment

Accidents can occur during assembly, use and disassembly, both with standard and more complex configurations. Errors during preparation and construction may also cause mobile scaffolds to be constructed and installed unsafely, causing accidents during use. Avoid making any adjustments during use, such as removing braces or edge guards.

Many risks can be reduced with good preparation. Matters such as "who formulates the functional user requirements, who assembles the mobile scaffold, builds it, who checks whether the mobile scaffold can be put into use and who is responsible for any changes and relocations" are important.

The question of whether a mobile scaffold is the right equipment also needs to be answered. It may be better to opt for a fixed scaffolding or an aerial work platform (AWP). ​​​​​​​

To work safely with a mobile scaffold, the following measures apply:

• In the work preparation process, determine which equipment leads to safe working; 
• Use a mobile scaffold, as a better alternative to a ladder or stairs (See toolbox Ladders and stairs);
• Determine the user requirements and the correct scaffolding configuration in relation to the work (situation and height)
• Use a mobile scaffold that complies with current laws and regulations (standard EN1004);
• Check all parts for current inspection (< 1 year old) and do not use damaged parts;
• Always use only parts of the same brand, do not use brands interchangeably;
• Rent a mobile scaffold from our preferred supplier Boels; This ensures that the scaffolding complies with W&R;
• Always assemble the mobile scaffold according to the work instructions supplied and included with the scaffolding;
• Make sure you have enough expertise to build a mobile scaffold;
• Despite the instructions of the landlord, it must always be built and dismantled with at least 2 people;​
• Use a helmet during construction and work;
• Make sure you have a stable surface and make sure the mobile scaffold is level in both directions;​​​​​​​

• Use the mandatory handrails (from work floor height of 1.5 mtr.), (stabilizing) braces (from work floor height 2.5 mtr.) and toe boards;
• The maximum height between two (auxiliary) floors is 2.25 metres;
• An auxiliary floor may not be used as a work floor or for storage of materials;
• Cordon off the area, including taking any doors out of use, against the risk of collision;
• During operation, lock the wheels to prevent them from moving or turning away and never move the mobile scaffold while someone is standing on it;
• Stay sharp and be alert to the dangers while working with/on a mobile scaffold;
• Only use the standard configuration (superstructure) of the mobile scaffold;
• In the case of free-standing use, the maximum height of the work floor is 8 mtr.. When used indoors, it may be 12 mtr.
• Above these heights, the scaffolding must be properly anchored;
• Anchoring is also mandatory when it is equipped with advertisements, canopy, screens or sails against the wind and when these are left unattended and in wind force six and higher;
• If it is necessary to deviate from the standard configuration, it MUST be done at all times in agreement with the supplier. A drawing, a calculation and a construction and user instructions must be made and approved. This calculation, drawing, construction and user instructions must be present at the scaffold and the scaffolding must be provided with a so-called scaffolding card as a sign of approval, prior to use;
• Please be aware that the user is responsible for the construction of the mobile scaffold.

• NEVER climb the scaffolding on the outside, but always from the inside; Also, climb it only when the wheels are locked and after the stabilizer braces have been fitted;
• Make use of the floor hatches;
• Place the floorboards in such a way that the floor hatches are not directly above each other;
• Make sure that floorboards are secured and that the floor hatches are closed and properly secured immediately after use;
• While climbing the scaffolding, make sure you have both hands free;
• Prevent the fall of tools or materials at all times;
• The use of individual fall protection is NOT permitted, as the mobile scaffold is not suitable for withstanding the forces that occur in the event of a fall; The front handrails must prevent falls;
• NEVER stand on the handrail, stay on the in-between or work floors at all times during work;
• Effectively cordon off the work area (aids for (road) cordoning off and signalling) both because of the risk of collision and tripping by passers-by, as well as because of possible falling parts, as well as possible falling over;
• Ensure order and cleanliness in the workplace;
• NEVER increase the working height by using ladders, steps, pallets or other tools on the scaffolding;
• Never move the scaffolding when someone is standing on it. Only drive a scaffold if it is not higher than 4.2 meters. (height should not be more than twice the width, so a narrow scaffold should only be about 2 meters high when moved) Drive the scaffolding with the stabilizing braces still in place, a few centimeters from the ground. Take into account the required clearance and the wind.
• Take into account weather conditions, cold, wind, rain, snow, ice, sun power and protect yourself sufficiently against these;
• Ensure that the lifting of material is done in such a way that it does not compromise the stability and strength of the mobile scaffold; Take into account the maximum load of the scaffolding;
• Wear good safety shoes with sturdy soles and good tread (Type S3);
• Make sure that the mobile scaffold is free of dirt, mud, snow ice, grease, etc. In case of ice formation on the jetty, use is certainly not allowed!
• If the scaffolding is not (yet) suitable for use, mark it conspicuously by cordoning off with handrails, marking with ribbon, using red scaffolding card, etc.
• If the scaffolding is not used, dismantle it or take effective measures against unauthorised use;
• Only use measures if you are physically and mentally able to do so; (good condition, no use of medication that can affect alertness, no fear of heights);
• If using "own" mobile scaffolds (which is not preferred), ensure adequate maintenance and inspections, mark damaged parts immediately and remove them for repair or destruction. Avoid using these;

Talk to each other about the following:

1. Do you regularly use a mobile scaffold instead of a ladder or stairs?
2. Did you know there are laws/rules?
3. Is the mobile scaffold tower rented from Boels?
4. Do you know how to tell if the mobile scaffold parts have been approved?
5. Always check the current condition of the mobile scaffold during your LMRA. Does it still have the right configuration and setup/deposit?

You can find more information in ''A-blad Rolsteigers''.