Frequently asked questions

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 a scaffold must be inspected by a competent person before it is first used, at intervals of no more than seven days while it is in use, and after any event that could affect its strength or stability, such as high winds or an alteration. We carry out these inspections and give you a written report each time.

Yes. A scaffold that stands on or over the public highway, including the pavement, needs a licence from the highway authority, which is usually the local council. We can apply for it as part of the job. Councils need notice, so tell us early if the scaffold will be on the highway.

NASC TG20:21 is the industry guide to good practice for tube and fitting scaffolding. Scaffolds that fall within its standard configurations are issued with a TG20 compliance sheet, which shows the scaffold has been checked against that guidance. Anything outside it, such as unusual heights, loads or ties, needs a bespoke design.

Yes, and most of our work is in buildings that stay open. We design gantries over entrances, covered walkways and segregated routes so staff, visitors and the public can keep moving safely, and we sequence the work around the building’s operations.

Yes. Arctic Group already works airside at Heathrow and on secure estates, and we plan vetting, passes, permits and escorts into the programme from the first visit.

Yes. Where a building needs to stay secure out of hours we fit scaffold alarms, secure hoarding and remove or board off ladders at the end of each day.

For as long as you need it. We agree an initial hire period in the quote, and the scaffold is inspected at least every seven days for the whole time it stands. If the programme changes, we will extend the hire or alter the scaffold to suit.

Yes. Arctic Access Limited is SafeContractor approved (ZV9708) and CHAS accredited (162487), both under the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP), and a member of the Scaffolding Association (24-1035). We hold public and products liability insurance to £15 million, employers’ liability to £10 million and professional indemnity to £5 million. Certificates and insurance schedules are available on request.

Yes. Standard scaffolds are issued with a TG20:21 compliance sheet. Anything beyond that, such as temporary roofs, cantilevers, gantries or loaded ramps, is designed by independent design engineers and system manufacturers, then checked and signed off before we build it.

Arctic Scaffolding does scaffolding and temporary access. As part of Arctic Group we can also bring in Arctic Fire for fire doors and fire stopping, Arctic Glazing for glass and Arctic Cooling for plant, so the access and the works it serves are in one programme.