Scaffolding Safety

What Is a Scaffolding ? A scaffold is an elevated, temporary work platform. There are two basic types of scaffolds:

• Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc.
• Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.
• Other types of equipment, principally scissor lifts and aerial lifts, can be regarded as other types of supported scaffolds.

Who Works with Scaffolds?

Erectors and dismantlers are workers whose principal activity involves assembling and disassembling scaffolding before other work can begin, and after that work, or a portion of it, has been completed.
Scaffolding safety is a set of preemptive actions in building, inspecting, using, and tagging scaffolds. To ensure scaffolding safety, the scaffold must be built under the supervision of a competent person, and workers must be trained by a qualified person before they use the scaffold.              

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Training and Competent Person Requirements

OSHA requires employers to provide training by a competent person to each employee who is involved in erecting and/or disassembling a scaffold. A competent person is defined as one who:

• Is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards.
• Has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate such hazards.

Requirements for Designing and Constructing Scaffolds

Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person and be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. OSHA defines a qualified person as one who:

• Possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or
• By extensive knowledge, training, and experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project

A qualified person must do adequate preplanning to assure the safe erection and use of the scaffold. Preplanning includes:

• Determining the type of scaffold necessary for the job.
• Determining the maximum load for the scaffold.
• Assuring a good foundation.
• Avoiding electrical hazards

Here are some of the best ways to observe proper safety precautions on the job and minimize the risk of scaffolding injuries.

• Prepare properly
• Ensure adequate training
• Securing the scaffold
• Don’t forget guardrails
• Regular maintenance and inspection
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

Safety precautions for scaffolding:

Start with training. The safe use of scaffolds demands that they be erected, moved, dismantled, and maintained properly, and that all workers who perform tasks on the scaffold fully understand the correct safety …

• Follow the instructions. …
• Consider the hazards. …
• Use a tagging system. …

Inspect and re-inspect.

Major Hazards: Scaffold Safety

• Falls are attributed to the lack of guardrails, improper installation of guardrails and failure to use personal fall arrest systems when required. …
• Scaffold collapse. …
• Struck by falling materials. …
• Electrocution.

  Types Of Scaffolding :

There are three basic types of scaffolds: Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load-bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc. Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other no rigid, overhead support.

Scaffolding safety checks should be made on:

1.  Footings
2. Standards
3. Legers
4. Bracing
5. Putlogs
6. Transoms
7. Couplings
8. Bridle