Scaffolding: Stay Safe Up High

Scaffolding is integral part of construction processes. When working at height, you need something to access that place. You will naturally think of ladders. But instead of ladders, scaffolding is a better option when you have to work up high. Scaffolding provides you a safe and firm platform to work and keep your tools. With scaffolding, you can do your work efficiently, easily and half the time. You save time and energy with the use of scaffolding which you may have spent climbing up and down the ladder many times to adjust it. Also the guard rails at the scaffolding let you concentrate on your work without the fear of falling down. While doing home-repair jobs at certain height, you should rent scaffolding.

Let us discuss here few of scaffolding safety basics.

Though setting of scaffolding should be done by the professionals, but if you really want to do it yourself, you must follow the basic rules. You must hire a registered company for your scaffolding work. The company should have competent, experienced and trained workforce. While working on the scaffolding, there are certain basic checks you have to make to lessen the risk.

Foundation where scaffolding is set should be firm, not soft. For instance, if you set it on the frozen ground, it might melt and scaffolding frame might sink into the ground. Make sure that scaffold is supported on the adjustable stands and level is perfect. In case of a rolling scaffold, castors should be locked. While erecting scaffolding, it should be strong enough to hold the four times the intended load.

Before using the scaffolding, it should be complete from back to front and side to side. There should be no major gaps in planning and decking. Otherwise it may be risky to stand on it. On the all open sides, there should be toe nails and guardrails to make the person safe. Proper securing or pinning of all the parts of scaffolding is very important.

There must be provision of safe access to the scaffolding. Rather than climbing over the cross bracing, it is better to use a secured ladder. While using electrical wires, you require an electrical safety clearance. If you are working over 3m of height, you should be given the personal fall protection. The scaffolding should have at least 38” high handrails. Head protection is a must for anyone working in the close vicinity of the scaffolding.

When scaffolding is not in use, say at night, all the tools and materials should be removed from its platform. When there are adverse weather conditions like heavy rains, snow or strong wing, avoid using scaffolding. An employee must stay away from the rolling scaffolding when it is being moved.

A competent person should check all the scaffolding settings before usage.