NASC has published new product purchasing guidance

Six product guidance documents have been released by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), which aims to support contractors in ensuring they are sourcing equipment that is up to current standards.

The six new product guidance (PG) documents – numbered PG1:18 to PG6:18 – cover a range of product categories; EN 39:2001 tube [4mm], EN 10219-1:2006 high tensile tube [3.2mm], BS 2482:2009 timber boards, EN74-1 couplers, aluminium beams and BS EN 12810/11 system scaffolds.

Each document outlines a number of areas in sourcing equipment including:

• What to look for in products
• Information they should request with regards to products
• Test certificates and what they look like

The guidance aims to tackle the lack of approval schemes with regards to scaffolding and access equipment, meaning that equipment is not checked by a third party against BS EN standards. Due to the fact that incorrectly or inappropriately manufactured scaffolding equipment can have severe consequences for those in the industry, this guidance adds a new layer of protection for scaffolding businesses dedicated to working safely.

You can find out more about the new product purchasing guidance and download the notes on the NASC website.