It takes a team to work in the construction industry. This implies that you are accountable for both your teammates’ and other employees’ safety on the job site in addition to your own personal safety. Particularly if you work at a high level, as on scaffolding, this is true. Scaffold falls are one type of accident that needs to be prevented at all costs.
Work at heights can be done safely by using a sturdy scaffolding system as a starting point. At the end of the day, everyone must make it home safely, but your actions on the scaffold are equally important. The following six guidelines will assist you and your team work safely on the scaffold if you abide by them.
- Fall Prevention starts before climbing the scaffold.
It is very dangerous to fall off the scaffold. There are safety measures that can be done before climbing the scaffold. Before you enter the scaffold, make sure the three-part side guards are on each level you will be working on. This consists of the toe board, guardrail, and central rail.
The scaffold should be clear of any potential trip hazards before you start working. For instance, this category includes open hatches with ladder access. Before moving around freely on the scaffold, close them.
2. Avoid hazards brought on by falling objects.
You are aware that it is preferable to avoid doing it, but it can happen that something that is no longer needed is tossed from the scaffolding and hits the ground. The fastest route, after all, is that one. To make sure you and your crew can work safely on the scaffold, you should still take the longer route and refrain from tossing anything from it.
Work on multiple scaffold levels simultaneously, directly below and above one another, increases the risk of falling objects, whether they are dropped on purpose or accidentally. Aim to avoid this at all costs to avoid injuries from falling objects and to preserve lives.
3. Utilise the proper ladders and stairs.
Each scaffold needs to have enough ladders, stairs, or stair towers so that you may securely climb up and down the scaffold. It is best to refrain from jumping from one scaffold level to another or even from the scaffold to the ground.
4. Take into account the scaffold decks’ capacity for supporting loads.
A sturdy scaffolding is very resilient. On the other hand, you and your crew should always be aware of the scaffold decks’ capacity for supporting loads. Only place objects on the scaffold that the decks can sustain. Make sure the hallway is also spacious enough so that your office supplies do not pose a tripping hazard.
5. Don’t alter the scaffold while it’s being used.
When in use, your scaffold’s stability must always be guaranteed. As a result, you shouldn’t alter the scaffold while it is in use. For instance, you shouldn’t remove side guards, scaffold decks, or anchors by yourself. Rubble chute installation afterward is to be avoided if at all possible.
If the scaffold has to be changed, it cannot be used once more until it has been evaluated by a qualified individual who has received the necessary training.
6. Immediately report any scaffolding defects
You may discover defects or damage to the scaffolding. You need to notify the person in charge of the scaffolding or your boss right away.
Do you have any more queries about the scaffolding Safety? You can count on our staff to help you!
We provide two international safety courses at NIST Global: (1) scaffolding erector training; and (2) scaffolding inspector training, both from the Scaffold Training Institute, USA. After a successful completion, receive certification!
We also provide specialised scaffold training that is tailored to your business requirements.
For further details, kindly call our corporate team @ 91 8754465588 or mail us @ info@nistglobal.com
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