Working on raised scaffolding can be very serious or dangerous whenever the proper safety precautions are not sustained or maintained.
However, when the safety protocols & the practices are correctly followed, working on these structures can be the just as safe as any additional or other elevated construction technique or way. Let’s have a look at the ten scaffolding safety tips, and how they keep you safe while working.
Get the right training.
New safety regulations mandate that all workers who will be working on or near scaffolding be suitably trained and educated on how the scaffolds are invented and performed. This includes how to get on and off of the scaffolding safely, how to prevent the falls and how to respond to the emergency situations while on the scaffolding.
This type of training is necessary to keep not only yourself but the everyone else on and below the scaffolding secure & safe at all times.
Be prepared
Always ensure that you are inspecting scaffolding thoroughly before using it. Check to make sure the base is secured, and that it is level and adjusted for any lean in the building & Make sure that every single guardrail and plank is installed or fitted safely and securely, and also look out for elevation changes, obstructions (such as wires), and weather conditions.
Ensure everyone is licensed
OSHA (Occupational Safety And Health Administration) has claimed that rogue employers are a significant risk when it comes to working on scaffolding. These employers are unlicensed to be working but do so.
Rather than go through the proper channels and become licensed, they throw together a pick-up truck, some workers, and uninspected building material. Not only does this put the workers in danger, but it also puts the future occupants of the building in danger as well.
Understanding load capacity
During the design stages of scaffolding, one of the leading mistakes that are made is failing to consider all of the different types of load that the material will be under during construction and setup.
To maximize the safety of everyone involved, do not attempt to overload the scaffolding with more workers than it is rated for to save time. Also, take care to ensure that equipment does not overload it and that nothing is pushing against any guardrails.
Secure the platform
Scaffolding is designed to be braced by or entirely attached to a building. If bracing isn’t adequately secured, scaffold movement may dislodge an end, which will reduce the stability of the scaffold. There are a few types of brace retention or locking systems on scaffolding.
These systems need to operate freely during assembly and dismantling, and also be able to secure or lock to prevent the brace from dislodging. You shouldn’t try and replace the proper parts supplied by the manufacturer with nails or other miscellaneous substitutions.
Take advantage of guardrails.
When taking the design of the scaffold into account, a construction company must assure that any scaffolding over 10 feet high has guardrails on the three sides facing apart from the building, at the very slightest.
The side facing the building is still the danger, so it is recommended to have them there as well. Guardrails should not be observed as a replacement for right fall protection gear, which should be worn at all times while on the scaffolding.
Inspect it
Scaffolding structures need to be constantly maintained and inspected to retain their structural integrity and safety. Someone knowledgeable about the construction of the scaffolds themselves needs to examine the structure to ensure that it is still functional and safe, making sure that boards are all still intact and that all of the components are still in good shape. Failure to keep these crucial components regularly maintained could lead to extremely hazardous conditions.
Keep things organized
Scaffolding structures are notoriously cramped, so it is essential that tools are not left out and are put up neatly on the scaffolding itself. Keep all of the walkways free of obstructions and trash that might be able to cause a fall.
Balance yourself
Scaffolding must be perfectly level to minimize the risk that workers can fall off and be injured or killed. Still, stay alert when on a scaffold, and watch your balance at all times.
Use protection, or PPE
This can include things like head protection, fall prevention gear, and non-slip footwear. It is essential to wear these measures at all times to maximise your safety and the safety of all who are around you.
If these safety tips are followed, then you or your workers should have no problem operating on scaffolds to complete the job.