Use of mobile platforms or scaffold towers

We are aware that some congregations have purchased their own mobile platforms or scaffold towers, which they erect, use and dismantle on their own premises to carry out work at height. It is important that the Charity Trustees are fully aware of the risk and potential health and safety implications of working at height and have sufficient information to make an informed choice before allowing the use of such equipment in their buildings.

Such equipment must be fit for purpose and anyone using it must be competent and fully trained. It is likely that mobile platforms and scaffold towers will require annual inspection and maintenance (not including the regular checks undertaken by the congregation) to ensure that they are safe to use. However, the Church of Scotland recommends that such equipment is not purchased and used by congregations, and that any high-level work requiring its use should be undertaken by a suitably qualified external contractor that can demonstrate professional competency, relevant public liability and professional indemnity insurance cover for its use and that of their employees.