Scaffolding and Hoardings
When carrying out any building work, maintenance or removal of any part of a property near to a public highway, the safety of all highway users is paramount.
Safety is achieved by having safe areas at ground level or a platform at high level. The Council's permission is needed when it is necessary to use hoardings on the highway around the work or scaffolding. The Council will need a form and a sketch of the proposals.
Scaffolding and Hoarding application form
Once permission has been granted, the conditions attached to the licence must be carefully read and followed. The basic requirements of the conditions are as follows:
Hoardings
- To be at least 2.5m high
- To be able to withstand high winds
- Illumination may be required if street lighting is not adequate
- Must have a smooth finish with no protruding parts
- Pedestrian walkways of satisfactory width are to be maintained or provided and regularly inspected by the Contractor
Scaffolding
During the erection or dismantling period, a safe working area at ground level is required to be provided to prevent pedestrians gaining access. This means that in the town centre, this work is to be carried out outside normal working hours, i.e. after 6.00pm or before 8.00am on a Sunday.
Scaffolding will require lighting unless no part of it is less than 0.45m (18 inches) from a carriageway in a horizontal direction and no part of it over a footway is less than 2.4m (8 feet) above the footway.
A pedestrian walkway is to be maintained around the scaffold. If this cannot be arranged, the scaffolding must be designed to allow access under and through it safely. There must be no trip hazards, no projecting tubes or fittings, covered adequately to provide a working platform and prevent materials or debris falling through. Poles are to be highlighted. A reasonable free walking width must be maintained to enable persons in wheelchairs or prams and the like to pass safely.
The Council has the necessary powers to issue licences for scaffolding; to require erection of hoardings to separate building works from the street; and to ensure hoardings are securely erected. Contravention of these is an offence with maximum fines of £5,000 (non-compliance with scaffolding licence), £1,000 plus £2 per day (contravention of Section 172 of the Act) and £200 plus £1 per day (contravention of Section 173 of the Act).
Copies of the Highways Act 1980 can be purchased from Her Majesty's Stationery Office.
A copy of the Highways Act 1980 can be inspected at the Council offices, where you can also get further advice.