Top 10 scaffolding safety tips

As an artisan or someone around a building site, you must be trained in the best safety procedures because scaffolding accidents result in serious injuries or even fatal events.

With proper knowledge, you can easily mitigate scaffolds generated accidents. However, you must carefully follow the safety tips to ensure a secure work environment when using scaffolds.

In this article, you will learn the basics of scaffolds and how to eradicate the associated risks.

Let’s get started.

1. What is scaffolding?

Scaffolding, also known as scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used in building, maintenance, and construction to offer raised safe platform for constructors to access higher levels.

It provides a stable and secure working environment that enables workers to complete their jobs quickly and safely. Scaffolding is built to carry the weight of workers, equipment, and materials, but safety regulations must be strictly adhered to prevent mishaps and injuries.

2. What are the scaffolding types?

In Nigeria, the most common type of scaffold is the bamboo scaffold. Other scaffold types include:

●     Tube and Coupler scaffold

●     Suspended scaffold

●     Mobile scaffold

●     Tower scaffold

●     Cantilever scaffold

3. Scaffolding safety tips

3.1 Conduct a proper examination

Avoid being in a hurry to climb and start working on a scaffold. Examine the scaffold thoroughly to look for any trace of damage, cracks, loose sections, or weak foundations.

Confirm the integrity and condition of every scaffolding part. If a problem is detected, notify your supervisor and dismantle the scaffold till fixed or replaced.

3.2 Wear protective equipment

Stay protected with your protective equipment even if you are merely strolling around the site. A simple work helmet shields you from any potential accident. Wear appropriate foot wears to avoid slipping.

Additionally, to reduce the risk of injury from falling objects or dangers, use protective eyewear, gloves, etc.

3.3 Choose suitable equipment

Its crucial to choose the right scaffolding equipment. Ensure the scaffold parts, like platforms, guardrails, and ladders, are built to safety requirements and can handle the desired load. Avoid overload when in use.

Suitable tools lower the possibility of accidents and guarantee a strong and stable scaffold construction.

3.4 Ensure training for all workers

Working from height is different from working on leveled ground. Provide complete scaffolding safety training to all workers using or working near the scaffolding.

This training should include safe assembly and disassembly methods, danger recognition, fall protection, and emergency protocols. The knowledge should be kept current by conducting regular refresher sessions.

3.5 Introduce fall protection measures

There is a substantial risk of falling from a height when working with scaffolding. To prevent this incident, install guardrails, toe boards, and mid-rails on the open and end sides of the scaffold platform.

If there is a need for a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) or safety nets, ensure everyone on the job can operate the equipment.

3.6 Keep the work environment clean and organized

An unkept workspace increases accident risk. Keep equipment, materials, and garbage away from the walkways and scaffold platforms. This clutter can even make one stumble and pull down the scaffold.

Designate storage locations for tools and materials to maintain a neat, risk-free working environment.

3.7 Build the scaffold properly

When constructing your scaffold, ensure to build by the manufacturers precise instructions; do not improvise.

First, ensure the space is entirely secure before constructing your scaffold. The people installing or building the scaffolds must be competent and conversant with safety regulations. They ought to have completed OSHA-approved training and earned the related title.

3.8 Inspect again

As it said, you always go right with crosschecking. Inspect the scaffolds frequently, even after the initial inspection, to confirm their integrity and safety. Ensure you always inspect them at the start of every day before the start of work.

Regularly evaluate and update safety procedures to stay current with industry standards and best practices.

3.9 Stay aware of the weather conditions

Some weather conditions are unfavorable for working with scaffolds. Be aware of conditions that may affect the security of a scaffold. For instance, the scaffold can become unstable or slippery due to strong winds or rain.

When the weather is adverse, avoid working on scaffolding and take the necessary safety measures to secure the scaffold. After a windy day, inspect the scaffolds before climbing to resume work.

3.10 Climb safely

Have a safety mindset when using scaffolds. Dont jump on them to see what happens. When going up or down the scaffold, keep your head up, and maintain three points of contact with it at all times.

Avoid rushing, skipping steps, or carrying anything that can impair your stability or vision. Be cautious when using the scaffolding parts, dont be a reckless scaffolder.

4. Where to rent scaffolding

It’s important where you rent your scaffolds. You must ensure the company is safety-conscious and its scaffolds are in good shape.

At Daibau Group, we connect you to the best-rated company and contractors. We are your best bet if you are searching for where to rent scaffolding anywhere in Nigeria or how to erect a scaffolding tower.

We take safety seriously, get in touch, and we will connect you to the best professionals in the industry. Use this link here.