Tools to Help You Understand the Construction Industry

Tools to Help You Understand the Construction Industry

Scaffolding Safety Tips: The Dos and Don'ts

Tommy Franklin

Scaffolding will help you conduct construction or repair works in upper floors. Improper use of the scaffold could lead to severe accidents. Below are the dos and don'ts of scaffold use.

The Dos

Training 

Train your workers on how to install, move and use the scaffold. It helps prevent accidents as they use the equipment. Additionally, hire an experienced professional at your site. They will supervise employees as they use the scaffold. Besides, they will guide them as they add or remove platforms on the scaffold.

Inspection

Inspect the scaffold daily. The inspection will help you identify structural defects such as broken planks, cracked or bent poles. Do not use a scaffold with structural defects. Conduct repairs and test the system before using the scaffold.

PPEs

Workers should have personal protective clothing as they work on the scaffold. It includes helmets, boots, gloves and reflective jackets. You may also need to provide a fall protection system. It is especially so when constructing a multi-storey building.

Communication and Emergency Plan

Your employees should have an effective communication strategy as they use the scaffold. For instance, walkie-talkies will help them communicate with the supervisor. Have an on-site emergency plan. Your site should have a first aid box and emergency medical supplies. Workers with first-aid skills will act as first responders to alleviate the suffering of injured personnel. Besides, provide emergency contacts to ambulance services. 

The Don'ts

Overloading

Do not exceed the scaffold's weight limits. If you do, the poles could bend, and the structure could collapse. Go for a heavy-duty steel scaffold if you will have many people working on the scaffold.

Scaffold Misuse

Encourage your workers to observe discipline as they use the scaffold. For instance, mobile scaffolds should not be moved with someone onboard. Clean the scaffold at the end of every shift. Painting cans, hammers, cement and other construction equipment, could trip your employees. Dangerous behaviours such as standing on the guard rails and jumping from one scaffold to the next could cause serious accidents. Dropping a tool or construction waste to people working on platforms below could cause an accident. 

Poor Working Conditions

Do not use the scaffold in poor weather conditions. Rain will make the platform slippery, thus exposing your employees to falls. Install a floodlighting system if you intend to use the scaffold at night.

Choose a scaffold that meets your needs. Most scaffold hire companies will conduct a site inspection and advice which type of scaffold you should use. 

For more tips, reach out to a scaffolding hire company near you.


Share

2024© Tools to Help You Understand the Construction Industry
About Me
Tools to Help You Understand the Construction Industry

To be a savvy consumer, you need to understand a little bit about the industry you are engaging with. For example, if you don't know anything about car repairs, you risk getting bad advice. This blog is devoted to teaching readers about construction. There are going to be a few DIY posts, some advice on hiring construction crews, a look at products such as surety bonds for construction projects, and more. There may also be posts on industries related to the construction industry. I hope these posts give you the "tools" you need to be a savvy consumer. Take a look around, and if you like the posts, please share them on social media. Thanks for reading.