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CSCS Scaffolding Advanced study materials
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Method Statement and Rescue Plan for a Chimney Scaffold

CSCS Scaffolding Advanced · Put your knowledge to work in context.

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Method Statement and Rescue Plan for a Chimney Scaffold

A 22 m high chimney stack on a rural industrial site requires repointing. The scaffold will be a independent scaffold wrapped around three sides of the stack, founded on a concrete base, with a ladder access and a materials hoist. The site has no mobile phone signal, the nearest ambulance response is estimated at 25 minutes, and the only access is a single-track lane. The scaffold contractor's draft method statement says: 'Erect scaffold, inspect, hand over. Operatives to wear harnesses. In the event of a fall, call 999.' The client's SHE adviser is reviewing the document.

1. Critique the draft method statement and identify the gaps that must be closed before work starts.

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Gaps:

  1. No rescue plan. 'Call 999' is not a rescue plan. A suspended fall victim can deteriorate rapidly (suspension trauma); a 25-minute ambulance response plus single-track access means the site must be able to rescue the casualty itself. A rescue plan must name trained rescuers, equipment (e.g. rescue kit, harness, lowering system) and a practiced procedure.
  2. No communication plan. No mobile signal means a documented alternative (e.g. radio, landline, satellite phone, or a runner) must be in place and tested.
  3. No access plan. The single-track lane must be assessed for ambulance and delivery access, with a meeting point and a banksman.
  4. No detail on the scaffold: design reference, foundations, ties, bracing, loading, access, hoist arrangements.
  5. No inspection and handover arrangements.
  6. No emergency arrangements for the hoist (e.g. power failure, trapped load).
  7. No environmental controls for repointing (dust, mortar washout, waste).
  8. No supervision arrangements or named competent persons.

Before work starts: The method statement must be revised to include all of the above, reviewed by a competent person, and briefed to the workforce. The rescue plan must be practiced.

2. Draft the key elements of a rescue plan and communication arrangement for this site, and explain how you would test them.

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Rescue plan elements:

  • Identification: who can fall, from where, and the likely suspension position.
  • Rescuers: at least two trained rescuers on site at all times when work at height is in progress, with names and training records.
  • Equipment: rescue kit (harness, ropes, descender, edge protection for rescuers), stretcher, first-aid kit, and a means of lowering a casualty.
  • Procedure: step-by-step, including how to reach the casualty, how to attach and lower, and how to hand over to the ambulance service.
  • Assembly point and access route for the ambulance, with a named person to meet it.
  • Suspension trauma awareness: keep the casualty as horizontal as possible after rescue.

Communication:

  • Radios for the scaffold team and the site office, with a tested range.
  • A landline or satellite phone at the site office as backup.
  • A nominated person to call 999 and to direct the ambulance.
  • A runner if radios fail.

Testing:

  • Practice the rescue at least once before work starts, and periodically thereafter.
  • Test radios across the full site and along the access lane.
  • Confirm the ambulance service has the location and access details, and record the estimated response time.
  • Record the test results and any lessons learned, and update the plan.