Scaffold plank snapped

[MisterBoy]

I've had a full-height scaffold on my house for several months. Up on the top eaves-height lift today, I had the quite scary experience of a plank snapping directly under me. A very lucky escape as the snap was right in the middle between two supports . Inspecting the plank it was rotten in the middle where it snapped

This is NOT a "how much do I sue for" thread(!), just after advice on if this is something that happens from time to time or something really serious. Do I just inform the scaffolder or make a big stink about it? I am fine but could easily have had quite a nasty accident. I was only up there checking before my roofer arrives today, now there is a missing plank!

 

[footprints]

First thing to do is ring them and see how they respond, if they are horrified and come down to check the rest fine.
If not check the rest yourself and then insist on replacement of any questionable boards.
Last resort is HSE I guess but knowing roofers / scaffolders you might bite off more can you can chew!

 

[kp00110]

what centre was the transoms installed at? Cant see a board snapping unless you have a completely rotten board that would be so obvious you wouldnt use it, or massive overspan

 

[MisterBoy]

what centre was the transoms installed at? Cant see a board snapping unless you have a completely rotten board that would be so obvious you wouldnt use it, or massive overspan

3-4 feet it looks like, what I can see from this room. It seems like localised rot as the rest of the board is solid, bit of a crack was maybe holding water. I've been on it as have various trades several times and never noticed it until my foot went right through it today Should a scaffolder do periodic checks for a longer-term rental over the winter or is this just bad luck?

 

[kp00110]

Yes technically scaffolding should be inspected every 7 days once installed. This is the responsibility of the hirer/user and not the scaffold company, although in big sites this task is passed back to the scaffolding company and paid for extra or included in the price as weekly inspections.

 

[kp00110]

Seeing how bad that is, should never passed its first pre-use inspection. But hey ho scaffolding for extensions and residential work is what it is - just want it done cheap and cheerful mostly

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It begs the question if they used a rotten board what other shortcuts have they done .....

What did they say when you rang them?

 

[MisterBoy]

Yes technically scaffolding should be inspected every 7 days once installed. This is the responsibility of the hirer/user and not the scaffold company, although in big sites this task is passed back to the scaffolding company and paid for extra or included in the price as weekly inspections.

I had not realised this (that it should be done or was my responsibility). The company said exactly the same thing and that often they charge to do it on larger projects.

Seeing how bad that is, should never passed its first pre-use inspection. But hey ho scaffolding for extensions and residential work is what it is - just want it done cheap and cheerful mostly

Well we have had this scaffold for over 6 months and this is the top lift. I don't know how long it takes to fail but it seems reasonable to say it was not seriously damaged when installed, the crack along the length allowing water in? Or would that take years and it's dodgy?

It begs the question if they used a rotten board what other shortcuts have they done .....

What did they say when you rang them?

Basically that it should be inspected regularly and that's the installer's responsibility unless otherwise agreed. That this is pretty unusual and normally only seen on long-term installations. Offered to come replace any that need doing ASAP.

Seemed reasonable to be fair, the only thing is I wish I'd been told the need/responsibility to do these checks regularly. I suppose maybe I should have asked, but then I might argue as a home-owner I wouldn't know TO ask.

I will have a look around for anything else dodgy, no real complaints. Filed under "things you don't know you need to know".