What is Scaffolding Safety? And How Does it Impact a Building Project

What is Scaffolding Safety? And How Does it Impact a Building Project 
The main issue in regards to scaffolding safety really comes down to whether or not the scaffold is safe to work on. This indicates that working on scaffolding that has been erected by qualified professionals under the correct supervision of a competent person and that the scaffold has been adequately inspected prior to use. It is also important that each worker is equipped with proper protective equipment and have been thoroughly trained on safe work practices when working on scaffolding.
 
There are three key things to remember in order to ensure scaffolding safety:
 

• The scaffold must be built under the supervision of a competent individual
• Workers must be trained by a qualified person before they use scaffolding
• The scaffold and its components must be checked by a competent person and properly tagged prior to the start of the shift to ensure its integrity and safety

 
Around 65% of the construction industry work on scaffolding and experiences 4,500 injuries and 60 fatalities. To prevent these staggering statistics from recurring better safety inspections, training and controls are needed.
 
This blog identifies who are competent and qualified persons as well as the basic Do’s and Don’ts of scaffolding safety, usage of scaffolding, this information can work as a kind of checklists to help you implement safety in your workplace.
 
While a qualified individual is one who ‘has successfully demonstrated their capability to solve or resolve issues related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.’ A qualified person has the right background such as education or degree in designing safe scaffolding, for example this could be someone from the scaffold manufacturer or trained scaffold engineer.
 
They are all aware of the fact that fall hazards are the leading cause of construction worker deaths. It is estimated that about 65% of all construction workers perform work on scaffolds annually. That’s a lot of people working on scaffolds potentially being exposed to a number of hazards such as falls, electrocutions and falling objects.
 
 Due to the standards for scaffolding in construction being extremely detailed, we can’t cover all the rules and requirements for every specific type of scaffold and every situation. Rather than this, we’ve made a general list of do’s and don’ts for scaffold safety in construction, as follows:

Do’s 

• Get professionally trained prior to using a scaffold. Training must be carried out by a qualified person and includes identification of electrocution, fall and falling objects hazards and the procedures for dealing with these factors. Training has to also also include the proper use of the scaffold, how to handle materials and the load capacities off the scaffolding itself.

• You have to be retrained when additional hazards make themselves present because of changes at the jobsite or if the type of scaffolding used changes.  As well as all protection or falling objects protection alters. You may also need to receive extra training if your manager feels that your initial training was not adequately retained.

• Before stepping foot on a scaffold you need to check that a competent person has inspected the scaffold before the work shift and that it is safe to use and in safe, working order. Scaffolds can only be erected, dismantled, altered or moved under the direct supervision of a competent person by trained personnel. If you are ever uncertain regarding the safety of a scaffold check with a supervisor before use.

• Always wear your hard hat when working on, under or around a scaffold. You should also get a good sturdy, non-skid pair of work boots and consider using tool lanyards when working on scaffolds.

• Be mindful of coworkers working above and below you at all times, as well as others working on the scaffold. If you witness improper use on or around a scaffold you should stop what you are doing and contact a supervisor.

Don’ts

• Leave anything on the scaffold at the end of your shift. This includes any building materials or tools that you may have been using on the scaffolding throughout the day. These items would certainly be blown off the scaffold or cause tripping hazards for the next person using the scaffold.

• Overload the scaffold. Professional training includes being informed of the maximum intended load of the scaffold you are working on as well as its load-carrying capacities. In most scenarios, scaffolds should be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended load.

• Use boxes or ladders to increase your work height. If you are unable to reach an area you should request that your supervisor has the scaffold platform raised. Don’t use stilts unless the guardrails on the scaffold have been extended to a height that is equal to the height of the stilts.

• Use the scaffold if it appears that it is broken or faulty in any way, has been tampered with or if there are components missing such as planking, guardrails, toeboards, debris nets or protective canopies. Inform a supervisor immediately to get the scaffold in proper working order and inspected by a competent person. Never tamper with or attempt to repair a scaffold unless you have received training in scaffold erection.

• Walk on scaffold planking covered in ice, snow or mud. Worn wood planking can be very slippery when wet. All snow, ice, mud and other debris such as wet leaves should be thoroughly removed before using the scaffold. You should also avoid using a scaffold during adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice snow or strong winds.

• Climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing. Always use a fixed ladder, internal access stairway or built-in ladder to access the working platform. There should always be a handhold above the scaffold platform. Under no circumstances climb with any materials or tools in your hand, they should be hoisted up to the scaffold separately.

Rodells - Quality Scaffolding Services

Here at Rodells we have a talented, reliable and safe scaffolding workforce. We have a history of providing excellent quality, reliable scaffolding in the commercial and industrial sectors. Whatever your needs are, our team of trained scaffolders can help. As an accredited member of NASC, our workforce is highly trained, has a great code of conduct and adhere to the regulations set out in the industry such as the TG20/SG410. We have a history of providing excellent quality, reliable scaffolding in the commercial and industrial sectors. Whatever your needs are, our team of trained scaffolders can help. Rodells continues its tradition of investing in both staff training and equipment.
 
The Company maintains it’s skills in lightning protection and special access works, including traditional steeplejacking, Church conservation and industrial rope access.Rodells is a well-known Scaffolding and Specialist works company that has been trading since 1898. We continue to always provide a professional and proactive service that meets and exceeds the growing standards in the construction industry. We are committed to lowering our environmental impact,  investing and supporting the local communities and to meeting all up to date regulations. Drop us a line, explore our website or get in touch today to see if we can fulfil your scaffolding needs. You can call us on 01727 82101, we’d be happy to help!
 
 
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