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How to Make Sure That Your Exterior Renovation Work Goes Off Without a Hitch

9 October 2019

Tommy Franklin

If you have a major building renovation project ahead, then you may be planning to re-point or repaint the entire outside of a structure. This building may be seven or eight storeys high and be spread over half a city block, so you have certainly got your work cut out. While there will be many different types of contractors involved and a number of different stages to complete, your overriding concern will be safety. So, as you plan to erect the scaffolding to get the project underway, what do you need to bear in mind?

Danger Zone

Scaffolding is, of course, designed to make the job a lot easier and to provide a relevant amount of safety for those who are working at height. You will still, however, need to provide a safe environment when the scaffolding is being set up. Your first job, therefore, should be to set out and restrict an area around the building. This will be your 'danger zone', and you must ensure that nobody gets into this area while work is underway. Once the scaffolding has been erected, then you can always protect people below, by installing debris netting and other devices.

Risk Awareness

When the scaffolding has been set up, you must ensure that all of the different workers are aware of the risks and you should introduce signage that is clear and unequivocal. For example, if one particular area may be open to the elements, then a walking surface could be wet, and you will need to advise about this. Another area might be exposed overhead, and there might, therefore, be a potential for falling objects.

Inspection

If you live in an area that is prone to high wind, then you need to take extra precautions to ensure that the scaffolding is perfectly secure. You will also need to ensure that the structure is regularly inspected by experts, and this may be a legal requirement in your area too. Should they find anything untoward, then you must act upon this immediately and instigate a follow-up inspection before going any further.

Equipment

Remember, anyone who works at height or in and around your scaffolding must wear personal protective equipment, and this may include high-visibility jackets, boots, gloves and hardhats.

Working With the Best

Safety is paramount, but you do need to make sure that your job is completed efficiently and on time. To help to achieve this goal, make sure that you always work with professional scaffolding companies that have the relevant experience.

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