The Dos and Don’ts of Scaffolding: All You Need To Know

A scaffold is an exceptionally useful tool to have in a construction project. It boasts of excellent versatility, and its usage can be in both domestic and commercial projects. This fact explains why over 65% of construction experts use scaffolds in their projects.

Although scaffolds have safety capabilities, about 16% of slip and fall accidents that happen in construction are scaffold-related. One way to ensure that those working under your supervision don’t end up being part of these statistics is keeping the following points about safe way scaffolding in mind.

Do: Ensure That all Workers are Trained and Aware of the Risks

Scaffolding is meant to make work easier and not put anyone at risk. That said, to ensure each of your personnel maintains his safety and that of others, make sure he gets appropriate training.

This training should cover how to use a scaffold properly and how to move materials on the scaffold. He should also know how to identify potential electrocution dangers, hazards from falling objects, and also how to handle such risks when they happen.

Don’t: Exceed the Scaffold’s Capacity

Scaffolding frames have varying weight capacities. This feature depends on the design, how it is assembled, and the material used to construct the scaffold platform.

In a bid to speed up the construction process, most contractors often make the mistake of having too many workers on the scaffold or having too many materials moved on it. Doing so not only puts those on it but also everyone on the construction site in danger.

Do: Ensure Proper Inspection

Your personnel might be highly competent, but if the scaffold frame isn’t in good condition, then they will still be at risk. It is your responsibility as the main contractor to ensure the equipment used in a construction zone is in good shape.

Therefore, before you give the green light to start the project, make sure a professionally qualified person inspects the scaffold. He should make sure it is properly grounded, all the nuts and bolts are tight, and the scaffold matches the site terrain. Confirming that the scaffold is safe for use will not only ensure the safety of your workers but will also give you peace of mind. 

Don’t: Use Incorrect Scaffolding

There are different types of scaffolding. All of them are exceptionally durable and are designed for one purpose - to offer support. However, this doesn’t mean they are all made for the same job.

The purpose of some scaffolds is mainly to provide support for workers, while that of others is to support the structural elements of the building under construction.

Using a scaffold meant to support workers to prop up a brick wall might seem like it’ll help you save some money, but in reality, it puts everyone in danger. Therefore, use the right scaffold for the job. Although it might seem costly, the right scaffold keeps everyone safe and helps you achieve structural integrity.

Conclusion

Although scaffolds make work easy, they are also quite risky and are responsible for approximately 4,500 of the fall accidents that take place in construction.

The only way to ensure you or your personnel don’t end up being part of these statistics is by knowing the dos and don’ts of scaffolding. You can also provide a safe way scaffolding by buying and renting scaffolds from a reputable and established company.