Top 5 Scaffolding Safety Essentials Tips Worth Considering in 2017

Working on scaffolding can pose a serious danger especially if basic safety measures aren’t put in practice. In this regard observing scaffolding safety essentials can help a great deal.

According to a report released by Delloite in 2015 scaffolding have caused an average of three hundred and five deaths in the construction industry.

Construction Review Online interviewed experts on how to work better from heights. The following scaffolding safety essentials tips are worth considering:

1.      Avoid last minute rush:

While the pace at which construction work gets finished is often important for projects and budgets, it will influence careless and costly mistakes.

You can invest in tools and techniques which allow greater efficiency so that safety is not compromised to get the project done on time.

2.      Keep your workplace organized:

Avoid slip, trip and fall hazards by keeping the construction worksite organized. When working with scaffolding, keeping tools organized can reduce the risk of tools falling from scaffolding. It can also make moving around on the scaffolding safer for workers.

3.      Identify Hazards:

This must be done before work starts and while work is being done. You can identify potential hazards and solutions prior to the start of work.

While working near power lines make sure that scaffolding are far away to prevent risks of electrocution.

4.      Proper training:

As with all aspects of a construction jobsite, make sure that your workers are trained and up to date with OSHA requirements.

Training in the setup and construction of scaffolding will make sure that a solid work space for overhead workers guarantees a rig that won’t unintentionally collapse from instability.

5.      Review the site:

Besides identifying hazards, you can continue to review the worksite all through the construction project to recognize any new hazards that can arise during construction.

Keeping an eye out for possible hazards will help eliminate them from happening. Workers will become more comfortable as work continues.

Necessary Elements of Safe Scaffold Construction:

Two out of three construction workers execute some part of their job on scaffolding. Among the many types of scaffolding, the most common is the fabricated modular frame.

It’s easy to assemble and provides height adjustments depending on the task at hand.

While most scaffold-related accidents occur as a result of human factors, a percentage is caused due to indecent scaffold construction.

Below are necessary guidelines in the proper construction of scaffolding:

1. Platforms

Platforms on scaffolding should:

·         be completely planked without gaps measuring more than one inch

·         Be fully planked between front upright and guardrail support.

·         support weight four times its maximum load

·         be made up of scaffold grade wood

·         at least eighteen inches wide

·         Overlap at least twelve inches over its supports, unless restrained.

2. Height:

The height of the scaffold shouldn’t be more than four times its minimum base dimension unless ties, or braces, guys are used.

3. Ends:

Each end of a platform, unless cleared or otherwise restrained by hooks, should extend over its support by at least six inches.

4. Support:

·         Platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, uprights legs,  posts, & frames

·         legs, posts, frames, scaffold poles, and uprights must be on base plates and mud sills or other firm foundation

·         Restrain from tipping by guys, ties, or braces

Seven Safety Essentials for Working with Scaffolding:

Those who work on scaffolds face some workplace risks that can be minimized if the proper precautions are taken. Care should be taken throughout the construction operation.

 The following are seven important precautions that can be taken to ensure that a construction site stays safe and secure while scaffolding is being used:

1.       Proper training:

Workers should get training about safety features and practices that go along with the use of scaffolding equipment.

They should develop an understanding regarding the design and the functioning of scaffolding equipment to avoid hazards.

2.       Understanding load capacities:

When it comes to scaffold, a careful understanding of load capacity is very important. It is important to factor in ALL loads putting stress on the scaffold.

3.       Adequately securing scaffolds:

When a scaffold is used, it should be braced or tied to a secure structure.

4.       Using guardrails

Guardrails are important safety features on scaffolds. There must be a guardrail along the top, middle, and bottom of the scaffold.

When materials are hoisted guardrails should be temporarily removed. They should be immediately replaced.

5.       Keeping things organized:

Scaffold platforms generally do not offer a lot of space. Keeping them well ordered and free of obstruction is of utmost importance for worker’s safety.

6.       Preparing properly:

Preparatory work is an important aspect of scaffold use. Preparatory work must ensure that the scaffold base is sound and secure.

Also, ground conditions should be examined to prevent hazards and to keep obstruction away.

7.       Keeping up on maintenance:

Maintenance tasks are important for keeping a scaffold safe. Scaffolds should be regularly inspected for damaged parts that need to be replaced.

8.       Keeping things level:

Scaffolds should be completely levelled before they’re mounted by workers. It is probably a good idea to re-verify that a scaffold is level all through the day.

About Author:

Baba Jagta Shuttering is a well reputed scaffolding manufacturer & supplier in Gurgaon. We offer best scaffolding material on hire services.

We provide our customers with best services every time. Your requirements are our main concern. We’re highly pleased and delighted to serve you with our idyllic services.