Being long-standing members of the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation – www.nasc.org.uk ) we are audited annually to ensure that our standards of work and management systems conform to the nationally recognised “best in class” standards required for membership. We were also delighted to be certified to the ISO45001 standard in 2018, which is a testament to the importance which the company places on H&S.
Apex Scaffolding core expertise is traditional tube and fittings scaffold; it is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 that unless a scaffold is assembled to a generally recognised standard configuration, e.g. NASC Technical Guidance TG20 for tube and fitting scaffolds or similar guidance from manufacturers of system scaffolds, the scaffold should be designed by bespoke calculation, by a competent person, to ensure it will have adequate strength, rigidity and stability while it is erected, used and dismantled.
Apex Scaffolding can supply and install Haki system scaffold (www.haki.co.uk), which is a world leader in modular scaffolding systems with over 50 years of experience in the industry. Apex Scaffolding has chosen to use Haki because of its adaptability in providing cost-effective access, working platforms and containment systems, which we and our clients have confidence in.
To maintain high standards, all our operatives are on the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) training scheme. Many of our long-standing employees have gone through the whole process from trainee to fully qualified scaffolder here at Apex.
We also have an internal training programme, which focuses on Health, Safety and industry skills; this encourages individuals to achieve their full potential in a safe working environment. Apex Scaffolding also works closely with our clients and construction partners to ensure that our policies and procedures achieve the same goals. As well as regular CPD for all our staff, we also carry out non-vocational training and Occupational Health monitoring for all staff. Weekly, company-wide toolbox talks, allow us to pass information to operatives efficiently and as new information comes to light.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 state that regular statutory inspections of the scaffolding shall take place at least every 7 days or after any event likely to have affected the scaffold stability and recorded in the scaffold register. It is the duty of the main contractor/hirer to carry out these inspections and provide a suitable means of recording them.
In the event the main contractor is unable, or unwilling to, Apex Scaffolding may be contracted to fulfil this service. To this end, Apex have employed a full-time scaffolding inspector, thus dedicating the time and effort that is required to this highly important task. From this service, the main contractors are given the comfort of knowing the inspections are being carried out effectively.
To compliment this service, Apex have implemented the Inspect7 system from Safetime (www.safe-time.co.uk) This system has revolutionised H&S reporting by becoming a leader in digital inspections.
Combining a physical tag with online reporting allows all parties to ensure that the inspection has been carried out, and the asset is safe to use. Inspection information can be accessed by anyone associated with the project online.
The Inspect7® cloud-based portal (accessed from your web browser) allows users to
view or download full inspection information. By using a cloud-based system there is no need to install/upgrade software. This approach also allows access from any PC with internet connectivity and a web browser installed.
Users of Inspect7® can finally say goodbye to pen and paper and carry out their scaffolding inspections and other inspections using our bespoke app. The inspection app implements the latest technology, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) and cloud-based integration, to create an effortless solution to the current and outdated method of carrying out inspections. As well as this, documentation and photographs can be uploaded and linked to the jobs, allowing contractors quick access to digital versions of RAMS and designs etc whilst inspectors and operatives can add photographs to handovers and defect reports.
The flexibility of the system, type of tag and ability to create custom questionnaires has also allowed Apex to diversify, and we are in the process of moving other statutory inspection regimes online, including harness, vehicle defects and lifting equipment.
