![PP Construction Safety logo and link to home page [1]](http://www.ppconstructionsafety.com/wp-content/themes/ppcs960/images/ppcslogo.jpg)
INDUSTRY BODY CALLS FOR LEGAL CHANGE ON ‘COMPETENCE’
NASC urges replacing ‘competent’ with ‘qualified’ in new work at height regs
The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has called for the words ‘competent’ and ‘competence’ to replaced with ‘qualified’ and a requirement for ‘qualification’ under any new Work at Height Regulations (WAH) introduced by 2013. The call is in response to the recent government report by Professor Löfstedt.
NASC argue that one particular ‘grey’ area in the current WAH Regulations concerns the use of the terms ‘competent’ and ‘competence’ which occur frequently throughout current legislation.
The terms are said to be “at the heart” of the regulations yet both are “ambiguous and open to interpretation” resulting in different interpretations and standards. The NASC recommend that these terms be replaced by the term ‘qualified’.
Change will improve standards in poor performing sectors
The NASC has written to Government calling for the change which it says is a simple yet effective recommendation to help the government meet its objectives of the review. The NASC accounts for over 75% of the UK’s scaffolding industry turnover and members must meet the NASC objectives of maintaining and developing best practice throughout the scaffolding industry.
In a statement the NASC state:
The work at height industry, including scaffolding can demonstrate clearly and accurately that an individual is ‘qualified’ by virtue of the fact that he has completed suitable training, which includes theoretical, practical and on site experience – the aptitude of the Scaffolder to continue to carry out his/her skilled works is also challenged every five years to ensure continued compliance.
Scaffolding contracting companies are also able to be audited to ensure continued compliance/qualification via existing regulated protocol such as the NASC’s membership criteria which is already acknowledged by many clients and main contractors as the only method of determining scaffolding prowess that meets all current Scaffolding and Health & Safety legislation.
By replacing the terms ‘competent’ and ‘competence’ with the clear and indisputable term ‘qualified’ the new edition of the regulations in 2013 will help achieve the objectives of the report’s recommendation – ensuring that those actions carried out in accordance with the Working at Height legislation are proportionate. Adoption of the term ‘qualified’ will also help overcome those continually legislation challenging sectors, such as SMEs and the self-employed.
Latest Construction Health and Safety News
SEVENTH LONDON CYCLIST DEATH DURING 2018
Building products vehicle involved in death of Queens doctor
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th August 2018HSE ENFORCEMENT WEEKLY UPDATE 15th AUGUST 2018
Prosecutions and enforcement notices register latest version
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 15th August 2018MAJOR CONTRACTOR FAILED TO SUPERVISE LIFT
Errors whilst lifting pre-cast concrete blocks fined £600,000
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th August 2018FIRM FINED £400,000 OVER VIBRATING TOOLS RISK
Hand-held orbital sanders, rivet guns, grinders and drills caused harm
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 14th August 2018OVERHEAD POWER AND EARTHING OF SCAFFOLDS
NASC combines updates advice on scaffold electrical risks
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 9th August 2018REVERSING VEHICLE CLAIMED LIFE OF ‘BANKSMAN’
Workman trapped whilst assisting colleague in reversing lorry
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 7th August 2018TWO WORKMEN DIED IN SPRAY BOOTH EXPLOSION
Flammable vapour ignited by ignition sources present at the scene
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018SOLAR SPECIALIST FAILED TO PLAN FOR SAFETY
Fragile roof failed under weight of solar installation worker
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018DIRECTOR AND COMPANY FINED FOR SAFETY BREACHES
Basic work at height risks and welfare requirements ignored
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018REFURB PROJECT REQUIRED ASBESTOS ASSESSMENT
Property management firm fined over lack of asbestos survey
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018CLIENT FAILED MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS TEST
Homes developer prosecuted for breaching CDM 2015 client duties
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018JAIL TERM FOR DEVELOPER AFTER BUILDING COLLAPSE
Inexperienced workers demolished structure without Principal Contractor
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018CDM 2015 DUTYHOLDERS IGNORED HSE ADVICE
Contractor, client and director convicted after dangerous site conditions
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 6th August 2018MASSIVE FINE OVER USE OF UNSAFE GAS FITTINGS
College gas installation contractor exposed after multiple gas leaks
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018TEMP WORKS DESIGNED BY MANAGER AND UNCHECKED
Collapse of platform highlighted failure in temporary works management
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018RAISING SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CRANE LIFTING OPS
Major crane seminar seeks to raise standards and share best practice
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018WORKMAN SURVIVES 6m FALL THROUGH ROOFLIGHT
Unsecured boards provided to cover nearby fragile materials
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018MAJOR FACILITIES FIRM FAILED ON FLAT ROOF SAFETY
Site specific planning lacking and safety standards not monitored
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018HSE ALERT: UNAUTHORISED ACCESS TO SCAFFOLDS
Regulator sets out new guidance to protect children and the public
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018ASSUMING OTHERS WILL ACT IS NO DEFENCE
Incomplete edge protection caused 8m fall from roof
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018LEADING ROOFING SPECIALIST FOUND WANTING
Risk to employees and the public after failure to meet required standard
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 17th July 2018SCAFFOLDER DEVELOPMENT EMBRACED BY INDUSTRY
CPD training attracts over 2500 scaffolders during first year of operation
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 11th July 2018SECURITY PANELS FELL DESPITE EARLY WARNING
Firm fined £1/4 million after worker crushed by falling fencing
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 10th July 2018VEHICLE STRIKE TRIGGERED FALL OF ROOF TRUSSES
Manufacturer failed to identify a suitable safe system of work
Read the rest of this article »
Posted on 10th July 2018INCIDENT: CHILD STRUCK BY FALLING OBJECT
Wood falling from scaffold triggers arrest of two on construction site
Posted on 10th July 2018
January 7th, 2014 at 11:27 am
[…] NASC recommended that this terminology be replaced by the term ‘qualified’ (as adopted in the gas fitting […]