The majority of injuries can be prevented by following simple checklists, but on occasions bad habits will lead to corner cutting.
Establishing a compiled set of rules and standards will help ensure a business, especially those in the construction industry, will protect staff and the general public from harm.
Fall Protection
If staff are over 3m off the ground then fall arrest systems or guardrails should be in place to protect them and people on the ground. Ideally both of these should be in place.
Guardrail Height
These are physical barriers that prevent people being able to fall from erections. The height of the top rail should be at 1.2 m on the level that they’re working.
Cross Bracing
Cross bracing is a practice in the construction industry where braces are crossed to support a framed structure. This technique makes structures sturdier and able to support and hold heavy loads.
Midrails
These are the middle bars in the rails of a scaffolding construction, midrails are in place to ensure that workers do not fall through.
Footings
Scaffolding footings have to be levelled and should have the capacity to support the loaded scaffold. The legs, poles, frames and other upright components should carry the weight off the base plates.
Platforms
Scaffolding platforms should be fully planked or decked, and have proper guardrails, midrails and toe boards along the open sides.
Guying Ties and Braces
Guys, ties and braces are used to provide additional support for workers while they’re using scaffolds to prevent tipping. These should be installed according to the scaffolding manufacturers recommendations or when the base reaches a height ratio of 4:1.
Capacity
This refers to the loading capacity of a scaffolding equipment. It is required that every scaffold and its components should be able to handle 4 times the maximum intended load without failure.
Training
Training provided by employers should include:
- Handling and use of scaffolding as well as the materials on it
- Hazard assessment
- Methodology to control the erection and minimise hazards
- Assessment of maximum intended load and capacities of scaffolds being used
Inspections
It is required to have a construction visually inspected by a site supervisor and site manager before the start of every shift and at the end of the day. Identifying concerns and potential issues can help to reduce and eliminate hazards that can affect the health and safety of the workplace.
Conclusion
Our rigorous process helps to keep both people and property safe, meaning that we can carry out work on time and in budget. To see how Network Scaffolding can benefit your project and how we can deliver our expertise, get in contact on 0333 320 83 83 or via our Contact Page.
