Hinkley Point backs new safe scaffolding charter

Image: NASC

The company behind the development of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station are among the signatories to a new charter aimed at making scaffolding safer.

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has launched a Safe Scaffolding Charter, which is open to any organisation that has specified “NASC-only” in its scaffolding-related tender documents or has had an established commercial relationship with a full NASC member for at least a year.

In addition to Hinkley Point C developer Nuclear New Build Generation, construction specialists DE Construct and principal contractors Knight Harwood are also among the firms already to have signed up to the charter.

Robin James, NASC managing director, said: “We are delighted to launch our Safe Scaffolding Charter. We feel it’s incredibly important to celebrate the various organisations that recognise the value of specifying NASC-only for their scaffolding requirements.

“Signatories clearly understand that NASC members are demonstrably safe, compliant and independently audited every year to ensure the high standards demanded in order to gain NASC full-contracting membership are maintained.

“They also understand how this benefits their business; including the reassurance and peace of mind gained by using experienced and expert scaffolding contractors.”

Ashley Daniels, head of temporary works & lifting at Hinkley Point C, said: “I am delighted with our membership and look forward to working together with an organisation that proactively contributes to the safety of the construction industry. 

“Building on our own project values of humility, positivity, respect, clarity and solidarity, I also recognise the very significant contribution NASC provides to the scaffolding community. It’s clear that membership has a significant and long-standing positive effect in delivering safe and secure scaffolding across the largest project in Europe.”

Mike Robertson, head of HSE at Hinkley Point C, said: “I am very encouraged by this approach from NASC. Anything that facilitates consistency of standards, common understanding, and drives improvement and development in this extremely high-risk trade has got to be applauded.

“I am particularly proud of our own involvement with the NASC and look forward to seeing our positive contribution to change industry norms.”

Marc Smith, group SHEQ director, the DE group of companies, said: “Taking fully into account the high risk nature of scaffolding works it is vital that clients and key stakeholders have absolute confidence in the competence, quality and professionalism of their appointed contractor. 

“The NASC Safe Scaffolding Charter is regarded by our organisation as a benchmark of these attributes and is something that we are very proud to support.”

Steve Fitzpatrick, senior H&S manager at Knight Harwood, said: “As the head of health and safety for a small to medium enterprise such as Knight Harwood, it is reassuring to know that our Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers only have NASC member companies to choose from when compiling bid lists for new projects.  

“Scaffolding will always be amongst the most challenging aspects of the construction phase, especially during projects in urban areas. There is no higher benchmark than the NASC in the construction industry when engaging competent scaffold companies.

“Consequently, from a moral, civil and legal point of view, I am very comfortable signing this Safe Scaffolding Charter.”  

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