GB2539375A

GB2539375A - Scaffold safety apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2539375A
Application number: GB1507034.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roberts Steve
Original assignee: SRC CONSULTANCY Ltd
Current assignee: SRC CONSULTANCY Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-24
Filing date: 2015-04-24
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Also published as: GB201507034D0

Abstract

A scaffold safety apparatus for installation on an upper level of a scaffold from a lower level comprises at least one panel and at least two mounting members 2. Each mounting member comprises a scaffold tube fixing member 15b and a panel retaining member 20 that receives a lower region of the panel. The retaining member prevents lateral movement of the safety panel. The apparatus further comprises at least one securing member 4 comprising a scaffold tube fixing member 14b and a panel engaging member 19 that engages an upper region of the panel. The retaining member may be in the form of a U-shaped bracket and may comprise a holding member that engages with an aperture in the panel. The holding member may comprise an engaging member such as a captive cotter. A method of assembling a scaffold apparatus includes the first step of attaching mounting members to scaffold tubes.

Description

SCAFFOLD SAFETY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to safety apparatus for scaffolding and to a method of assembling safety apparatus on scaffolding.

Scaffolding is used as a temporary structure to support workers and/or materials during construction, for example during construction of a building. The scaffold generally comprises a combination of tubes, couplers for joining the tubes together, and boards. The tubes, which are usually of metal, are attached together using the couplers to form a framework onto which the boards are secured to form platforms at vertically spaced apart levels called lifts. The horizontal extents between adjacent posts are called bays. Tubes in a vertical orientation are usually referred to as standards and tubes in a horizontal orientation are generally referred to as ledgers if they run parallel to the structure and transoms if they are generally perpendicular to the structure.

Safety regulations require that at each lift safety railing is present to help prevent an operative from falling from the side of the scaffold. Safety railing has historically included just one or more fixed horizontally spaced tubes mounted on the standards. However, there is now a desire to enable the use of safety railing in the form of a panel, such as to provide increased safety.

It is also preferable to enable safety railing to be fixed in place before an operative is allowed to ascend to the new lift. This requires the railing to be installed from the lift below, i.e. the safety railing for the next lift above must be installed from the current, lower lift which has already been made safe, so that operatives are protected at all times.

Various attempts have been made to produce temporary safety railing apparatus which can be easily installed on a higher lift by an operative at a lower lift. Some prior apparatus utilise temporary tubes which extend telescopically. Others involve a temporary step or platform which must be secured to the lower lift and which is to be stood upon by the installer whilst safety railing is fixed into position above their head.

Prior apparatus are unsatisfactory in one or more respects. Most are prohibitively expensive, easily damaged and/or unwieldy and time consuming to install. Furthermore, many of the previously considered apparatus, such as those the need steps, require an operative to be attached to the scaffold by a harness and lanyard or similar whilst assembling the safety railing. The use of harnesses and clipping is considered to be a last resort. Such an individual safety approach is less effective than a solution which provides so called "collective fall prevention", in which all operatives are protected regardless of whether they have taken individual responsibility for their own safety.

It is an object of the present invention to provide safety railing apparatus for use on scaffolding that addresses one or more of the abovementioned, or other, problems. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide safety railing apparatus for scaffolding that is more compact and easier to install from a secure lower lift According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided scaffold safety apparatus for installation on an upper level of a scaffold from a lower level, the safety apparatus comprising: (i) at least one safety panel; (ii) at least two mounting members for mounting the safety panel on a scaffold, each mounting member comprising scaffold tube fixing member for attachment of the mounting member to an upright scaffold tube, each mounting member further comprising a panel retaining member operable to receive a lower region of the panel, wherein the panel retaining member is operable to prevent lateral movement of the safety panel arranged in the panel retaining member; (iii)at least one securing member for securing the safety panel on a scaffold, the securing member comprising scaffold tube fixing member for attachment of the securing member to an upright scaffold tube and a panel engaging member operable to engage an upper region of the panel and secure the panel to the scaffold.

As such, the present invention relates to scaffold safety railing apparatus wherein the railing is in the form of a safety panel. The panel retaining member of the mounting member is able to independently prevent lateral movement of the safety panel arranged in the panel retaining member, i.e. without the assistance of a securing member engaged with an upper portion of the panel. This means that the securing member can be applied subsequently and as such can be separate from the lower panel retaining member. Preferably, the securing and mounting members are separate components and as such are not directly connected to one another.

The apparatus of the first aspect of the invention has the advantage of reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the safety railing apparatus, lowering costs, and reducing the size of the safety railing apparatus, making the apparatus easier to store and transport. Furthermore, as the mounting members are installed by an operator at or around head height, the reduced size and weight of the mounting members reduces the effort required to fix the mounting members in place on the tube.

Commonly, the safety panel is a rectangular panel having a thickness substantially less than the width of the panel. In use, the panel can be understood to have a longitudinal horizontal axis extending along the length of the panel, a lateral horizontal axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and a vertical axis extending along the width of the panel. "Lateral movement" when used herein is intended to include translational movement of the panel along the lateral horizontal axis and rotational movement of the panel about the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Generally, the panel can be held in a substantially vertical orientation by the panel retaining member.

It will be appreciated that in addition to preventing lateral movement of the safety panel, it is also required that translational movement in relation to the vertical axis and rotational movement about the lateral horizontal axis is avoided in use. One mounting member of sufficient width may be effective to prevent such movement; however, preferably, the apparatus comprises two mounting members per safety panel. Suitably, the apparatus comprises at least X + 1 mounting members, wherein X is the number if safety panels.

Suitably, the mounting member has a base operable to support the weight of a safety panel arranged on the mounting member. The mounting member may comprise at least one panel retaining member in the form of a bracket, preferably a U-shaped bracket. Suitably, panel bracket comprise at least one arm distal to the scaffold tube, in use, wherein the arm is upwardly extending from the base.

Preferably, the arm is operable to prevent lateral movement of the safety panel arranged in the panel retaining member. It will be appreciated that generally the scaffold tube will oppose the distal arm and as such may function to provide the second arm of a U-shaped bracket. Optionally, the base of the panel bracket may further comprise an arm proximal to the scaffold tube, in use. Alternatively, the base of the mounting member may be substantially planar and comprise no distal arm. In such an arrangement, advantageously, the safety panel may be more easily arranged on the mounting member.

Suitably, the panel retaining member comprises at least two U-shaped brackets operable to each receive a safety panel. Preferably, each U-shaped bracket is operable to prevent lateral movement of the respective safety panel. Suitably, the panel retaining member of the mounting and/or securing member may comprise at least two spaced distal arms upwardly extending from the base.

The mounting member may comprise an upper holding member. Suitably, the upper holding member is arranged on the mounting member, preferably on the proximal arm of the panel retaining member, above the base of the panel retaining member such that the upper holding member is operable to engage with an upper portion of a safety panel arranged in the panel retaining member compared to the base of the panel retaining member.

The upper holding member may comprise a projection operable to extend through the safety panel. Generally, in use, the inner face of the safety panel is arranged to face the upright scaffold tube to which the mounting member is attached.

Suitably, the projection of the holding member comprises an engaging member operable to engage the outer face of the safety panel. Suitably, the engaging member may be operable to move from a first non-engaging position to a second engaging position. For instance, the engaging member may comprise a captive cotter. When, for example, the panel comprise a mesh portion at the point at which the holding member abuts the panel, the captive cotter may be moved from a first position wherein the cotter is substantially parallel to the projection of the holding member and as such operable to pass through the mesh of the safety panel, to a second position wherein the cotter is substantially perpendicular to the projection and as such engaging with the outside face of the panel Generally the engaging member is arranged toward the distal end of the base of the projection of the holding member, wherein the base of the projection is the point at which the projection of the holding member meets the panel retaining member. The holding member may comprise means operable to allow the distance of the engaging member from the base of the projection to be varied. Suitably, the distance varying means is a thread.

Advantageously, variable distance between the base of the projection and the engaging member allows the holding member to be adjusted to the required length 10 which is dependent on the thickness of safety panel and the number of safety panels used.

The mounting member may comprise means operable to vary the distance between the base of the panel retaining member and the holding member. Suitably, the panel retaining member comprises an aperture operable to receive the holding member at the first distance from the base of the panel retaining member and at least one further aperture operable to receive the holding member at a second, greater distance from the base of the panel retaining member. Suitably, the second aperture is arranged above the first aperture.

The first and second apertures may each comprise means, suitably threads, operable to allow the distance of the engaging member from the base of the holding member to be varied.

The tube fixing members of the mounting member and/or the securing member may be operable to reversibly attach the respective member to the scaffold tube. Suitably, the tube fixing members comprise a bracket, such as a U-shaped bracket. The tube fixing member may be operable to secure the respective member to the tube by progressive friction engagement, such as a wedge passing through opposing apertures on a bracket, or with the use of a scaffold coupler to provide scaffold friction fitting.

The apparatus may comprise at least two securing members. Suitably, the apparatus comprises X + 1 securing members, wherein X is the number of safety 35 panels.

The panel engaging member of the securing member is operable to secure an upper region of the panel to the scaffold. Suitably, the securing member comprises at least one panel engaging member in the form of a bracket, preferably a U-shaped bracket. Suitably, the panel bracket has a base and at least one arm distal to the scaffold tube, in use, wherein the arm is downwardly extending from the base.

Optionally, the base of the panel bracket may further comprise an arm proximal to the scaffold tube, in use.

The railing of the apparatus of the present invention is a safety panel. Such a panel is required to have sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand adverse weather conditions and to support the weight of any workers that may lean or fall against the panels. Accordingly, in accordance with the regulations, such safety panels are built with rigidity and are necessarily heavy.

The safety panel preferably comprises a frame portion containing a blocking portion extending between the frame, preferably at least part of the blocking portion is mesh. Optionally, the safety panel may comprise a solid lower toeboard. Suitably, the solid lower toeboard is the lower portion of the panel that is received by the panel retaining member of the mounting member. When the lower portion of the panel is solid in such a manner, preferably the blocking portion of the safety panel is formed of mesh at the height at which the safety panel engages with the holding member, when present.

Advantageously, the combination of a blocking portion comprising part mesh and part toeboard provides sufficient safety whilst also being easier to use due to reduced weight compared to an all solid blocking portion.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a scaffold safety apparatus to an upper level of a scaffold from a lower level, the method comprising: (i) attaching a mounting member to each of at least two upright scaffold tubes on an upper level of a scaffolding system from a lower level of the scaffolding system, the mounting members comprising panel retaining members operable to receive a lower region of a safety panel and cooperatively hold the panel in a vertical orientation; (i) arranging in the panel retaining members of the mounting members a lower region of the safety panel from a lower level of the scaffolding system, the panel retaining members preventing lateral movement of the safety panel arranged in the panel retaining members; and (ii) attaching a securing member comprising panel retaining members to at least one upright scaffold tube such that the panel retaining member of the securing member engages with an upper region of the safety panel and secures the safety panel to the scaffold.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting member and a securing 15 member of safety apparatus according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

Figure 2a to 2f show schematically a sequence of steps according to a first embodiment of the method of the second aspect of the present invention.

Figure 3a to 3c show a frontal, a side and an underneath view of the safety apparatus after installation according to the method of Figures 2a to 2f.

Figures 4a to 4d show side, top and frontal views of a mounting member according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

Figures 5a and 5b show side and top views, respectively, of a mounting member according to a fourth embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

Figures 6a to 6c show side, rear and frontal views, respectively, of a mounting member according to a fifth embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

Figures 7a to 7c show side, top and underneath views, respectively, of a securing member according to the fifth embodiment of the first aspect of the present 35 invention.

Figures 8a to 8c a show perspective view of a mounting member and a securing member of safety apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, an enlarged persepctive view of the mounting member of figure 8a and an enlarged perspective view of the securing member of figure 8a, respectively.

Figure 1 shows a mounting member 2 and a securing member 4 of safety apparatus according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention attached to an upright steel scaffold tube 1 0 such as is used as part of a larger scaffold structure (not shown). Mounting member 10 has oppositely extending U-shaped panel bracket 15a and U-shaped tube bracket 15b.

Tube bracket 15b is shaped such as to form a close fit around cylindrical tube 10. Mounting member 2 is arranged on a lower portion of tube 10 by retaining tube 10 in bracket 15b using wedge member 18 which has been driven through opposing apertures in the arms of bracket 15b. The wedge member 18 is held in place by friction. Panel bracket 15a has linear base 20 and linear abutting member 20a extending perpendicularly upwardly from base 20.

Securing member 4 has oppositely extending U-shaped panel bracket 14a and U-shaped tube bracket 14b. Tube bracket 14b is shaped such as to form a close fit around cylindrical tube 10. Securing member 4 is arranged on an upper portion of tube 10 relative to mounting member 2 by retaining tube 10 in bracket 14b using wedge member 18 which has been driven through opposing apertures in the arms of bracket 15b. The wedge member 18 is held in place by friction.

Panel bracket 14a has linear base 19 and linear abutting member 16 extending perpendicularly downwards from base 19.

In use tubes are connected together using coupling devices to form a 30 framework which can support working platforms for operatives to stand on whilst undertaking construction or maintenance of a structure, for example.

Figures 2a to 2f show the installation of safety railing apparatus 8 according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. Referring first to figure 35 2a, this figure shows an operative 29 attaching a mounting member 2 to one of the five upright scaffold tubes 10a. Also shown is operative 30 securing another lower mounting member 2 onto vertical scaffold tube 10b by tightening the wedge 18. This process is repeated on vertical scaffold tubes 10c and 10d. Also shown are the horizontal ledger tubes 10f, and horizontal transom tubes 10g.

Turning to figure 2b, with all the mounting members 2 secured to the upright tubes 10a to d, a pair of operatives 29 and 30 lift planar panel 24 into position. Panels 24 each comprise a tubular steel frame 26, a mesh 28 of steel bars, and a steel toe board 28a at the lower end of the panel. Each panel 24 is lifted through the transoms lOg and slid through the panel bracket 15a of the lower mounting member 2 attached to vertical tube 10b. The substantial weight of panel 24 is supported by the channel o f bracket 1 5 b. The operative 29 lifts his end of the panel which is lifted upwards and slid through the panel bracket 15a of the adjacent mounting member 2 attached to vertical tube 10c.

To mount the panel 24 on the mounting member 2, firstly the lower edge of the frame 26 is located into the panel bracket 15a. This can be done by lifting the panel 24 over the mounting member 2 at each end of the panel. Alternatively the lower portion of panel 24 may be fed into the mounting member 2 from the side. This can be achieved by raising one end of panel 24 then sliding it into a panel bracket 15a mounted on tube 10 from the side. The other end of panel 24 can be raised to allow the lower end of the panel 24 to be slid in the opposite direction into a second panel bracket 15a.

The safety panel 24 should be located with its ends projecting equally beyond vertical tubes 10b and 10c. The panels are made to overlap so that adjacent panels can share a common mounting member as necessary. The panels thus resting in the mounting members 2 are held by the mounting members in a vertical orientation.

In figure 2c operative 29 lifts an adjacent safety panel 24 into the lower mounting member 2 attached to vertical tube 10c. The lower portion of the safety panel 24 locates adjacently to the previously installed panel in mounting member 2 attached to vertical post 10c. The operative 29 then lifts the free end of the safety panel 24 and locates it into the mounting member 2 attached to vertical tube 10a. The safety panel is manoeuvred to a position that both ends project equally beyond vertical tubes 10a and 10c.

In figure 2d panels 24 have been mounted between each of the tubes 10b and 10d and also rearwardly to 10e. In figure 2d operative 30 is beginning to construct a platform above the one he is currently working, using planks 32.

In figure 2e platform 34 has been constructed and operative 30 is now able to work on the next level up whilst already enjoying the protection of the safety railing that had been installed from the level below. All that remains in order to complete the safety railing 8 is to attach securing member 4 onto the tubes such that it engages with an upper part of panel 24. When securing member 4 is secure and preventing any movement of the safety panels 24 then wedge (not shown) can be driven through the holes in the securing member 4.

As shown in figure 2f, to install a further safety railing apparatus, the 15 above process of figures 2a to 2e is repeated on vertical tubes 10a to d.

Figures 3a to 3c show that mounting and securing members 2 and 4 have panel brackets that are sufficiently wide to accommodate two overlapping panels 24.

If a mounting member 2 is mounted on each end of a plurality of upright scaffold tubes then a plurality of safety panels, overlapping in necessary, can be put together to form a substantially continuous safety railing apparatus extending horizontally along the scaffold. Since the panels can be made to overlap to variable degrees the apparatus is inherently flexible, and different spacing between the upright tubes can readily be accommodated without the need to provide panels of different lengths.

Figures 4a to 4d show a second embodiment of a mounting member 202 according to the first aspect of the present invention. Mounting member 202 has circular tube mounting bracket 206, in the form of a scaffold coupler, and U-shaped panel mounting bracket 204. Panel mounting bracket has base 208 and supporting walls 212 and 210 extending perpendicularly upwardly from base 208. Walls 212 and 210 are opposed and spaced apart along base 208 such that, in use, wall 212 may form the outer abutting portion of the panel bracket 204 for a first panel and wall 210 may form the outer abutting portion of the panel bracket 204 for a second overlapping panel.

As shown in figure 4c, mounting member 202 has tube bracket 206 containing fixing pin 214 which has a screw thread and securing nut 216. In use, fixing pin 214 is removed from tube bracket 206 whilst tube bracket 206 is placed around a vertical tube. Fixing pin 214 is then replaced and nut 216 is tightened until tube bracket 206 is securely fixed around the tube.

Figures 5a and 5b show a fourth embodiment of a mounting member 402 according to the first aspect of the present invention. Mounting member 402 is the 10 same as mounting member 302, except that the upper holding member 414 is formed of cylindrical projection 418 and captive cotter 416.

Captive cotter 416 comprises a closed elongate aperture extending along the central longitudinal portion of the cotter. The aperture of the cotter allows the cotter 416 to be rotated from a first position wherein cotter 416 is substantially parallel with projection 418 to a second position wherein the cotter 416 is substantially perpendicular to projection 418.

Projection 418 passes through mounting member 402 at aperture 420.

Projection 418 and aperture 420 have reciprocating thread that allows the distance between captive cotter 414 and aperture 420 to be varied.

Mounting member 402 has a second aperture 422 arranged above aperture 420. Aperture 422 is also operable to receive projection 418 and also comprises a reciprocating thread that allows the distance between captive cotter 414 and aperture 422 to be varied.

Figures 6a to 6c show a mounting member 502 that is substantially the same as mounting member 402, except that mounting member 502 has a scaffold coupler tube bracket 504 according to the tube bracket 206 of mounting member 202. Mounting member 502 further differs from mounting member 402 in that short abutting member 412 is not present. Furthermore, mounting member 502 does not have second aperture 422. Mounting member 502 also has nuts 518 and 520 provided on the antiluce pin to allow for adjustment and replacement in case of damage.

Figures 7a to 7c show securing member 506, Securing member 506 is substantially the same as securing member 4, except that securing member 506 has a scaffold coupler tube bracket 508 according to the tube bracket 206 of mounting member 202.

Figures 8a to 8c show mounting member 502 and securing member 506 in position on an upright scaffold tube 510.

Figures 9a to 9c show safety panels 512 and 214 in position on mounting member 502 and securing member 506. The safety panels were installed according to the method of figures 2a to 2f. Safety panels 512 and 514 are generally in the same configuration as safety panels 24, except that holding member 502 is used to support the safety panel on the mounting member instead of abutting member 20a. As it can be seen in figure 10c, holding member 516 passes through both safety panels 512 and 514 before the cotter is rotated such as to abut the outer face of the outer safety 512 panel, thus holding safety panels 512 and 514 on mounting member 502 and enabling the operator to ascend in a safe manner to the upper level to fix securing member 506 into position.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. Scaffold safety apparatus for installation on an upper level of a scaffold from a lower level, the safety apparatus comprising: i. at least one safety panel; ii. at least two mounting members for mounting the safety panel on a scaffold, each mounting member comprising scaffold tube fixing member for attachment of the mounting member to an upright scaffold tube, each mounting member further comprising a panel retaining member operable to receive a lower region of the panel, wherein the panel retaining member is operable to prevent lateral movement of the safety panel arranged in the panel retaining member; iii at least one securing member for securing the safety panel on a scaffold, the securing member comprising scaffold tube fixing member for attachment of the securing member to an upright scaffold tube and a panel engaging member operable to engage an upper region of the panel and secure the panel to the scaffold.
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises at least X + 1 mounting members, wherein X is the number if safety panels.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the panel retaining member has a base operable to support the weight of a safety panel arranged on the mounting member.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claims, wherein the mounting member comprises at least one panel retaining member in the form of a bracket, preferably the panel bracket comprises at least one arm distal to the scaffold tube, in use, wherein the arm is upwardly extending from the base.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting member comprises an upwardly extending arm proximal to the scaffold tube, in use.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Apparatus according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the base of the panel retaining member is substantially planar and does not comprise a distal upwardly extending arm.

Apparatus according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the panel retaining member comprises at least two U-shaped brackets each operable to receive a safety panel.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the panel retaining member comprises an upper holding member, preferably the upper holding member is arranged on the proximal arm of the mounting member above the base of the panel retaining member such that the upper holding member is operable to engage with an upper portion of a safety panel arranged in the panel retaining member compared to the base of the panel retaining member.

Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the safety panel comprises at least one aperture and wherein the upper holding member comprises a projection operable to extend through an aperture of the safety panel.

Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the projection of the holding member comprises an engaging member operable to engage the outer face of the safety panel, preferably the engaging member operable to move from a first non-engaging position to a second engaging position, for example the engaging member may comprise a captive cotter.

Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the holding member comprises means operable to vary the distance between the engaging member and the base of the projection, preferably, the distance varying means is a thread.

Apparatus according to claims 8 to 11, wherein the mounting member comprises means operable to vary the distance between the base of the panel retaining member and the holding member.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tube fixing members of the mounting member and/or the securing member are operable to reversibly attach the respective member to the scaffold tube, preferably the tube fixing members comprises a scaffold coupler to provide scaffold friction fitting.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises X + 1 securing members, wherein X is the number of safety panels.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the safety panel comprises a frame portion having a blocking portion extending between the frame, preferably at least part of the blocking portion is mesh and the safety panel comprises a solid lower toeboard.
16. A method of assembling a scaffold safety apparatus to an upper level of a scaffold from a lower level, the method comprising: i. attaching a mounting member to each of at least two upright scaffold tubes on an upper level of a scaffolding system from a lower level of the scaffolding system, the mounting members comprising panel retaining members operable to receive a lower region of a safety panel; ii. arranging in the panel retaining members of the mounting members a lower region of the safety panel from a lower level of the scaffolding system such that the panel retaining members prevent lateral movement of the safety panel arranged in the panel retaining members; and iii. attaching a securing member comprising panel retaining members to at least one upright scaffold tube such that the panel retaining member of the securing member engages with an upper region of the safety panel and secures the safety panel to the scaffold.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the mounting member, the safety panel and/or the securing member is according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
18. Scaffold safety apparatus as described herein and with reference to figure 1.
19. Scaffold safety apparatus as described herein and with reference to figures 4a to 4d
20. Scaffold safety apparatus as described herein and with reference to figures 5a to 5b
21. Scaffold safety apparatus as described herein and with reference to figures 6a to 9c.
22. A method of assembling a scaffold safety apparatus to an upper level of a scaffold from a lower level as described herein and with reference to figures 2a to 2f.