Scaffolding Safety for Construction Sites

Is your construction company in need of scaffolding? Will you be renting scaffolding for an upcoming construction project? If so, it's important to know the tenants of scaffolding safety and to follow those rules. Following best practices around scaffolding can help keep your workers safe.

Scaffolding Safety Training

Any time you're hiring workers to work with a large piece of equipment, it's important to provide them with proper safety training. Hopefully, you already hold daily safety meetings with your workers. Include scaffolding training in those meetings.

Scaffolding safety training should include basic operation of the scaffolding, how to tell when there's a problem, and some basic information about what not to do with the scaffolding. Training your workers to be safe with any type of equipment can stop accidents and save lives.

Scaffolding Safety Dos

• Use Proper Safety Equipment

A scaffolding's height makes it important to wear proper safety gear during operation. Basic examples of safety gear that your workers should wear include hard hats, non-slip footgear, and fall arrest equipment. As you're training workers, show them how to wear it and use it to ensure your workers are safe. 

• Assemble Properly

Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer when assembling (and disassembling) scaffolding. Build your scaffolding on level ground. Have one person on the premises during the construction. If you are renting from a rental equipment company, they may perform assembly for you. Find out at the time of rental if this is a service they will provide.

• Stay Up to Date with Regulation

Scaffolding use is regulated, and regulations can vary from one location to another. Stay in compliance by staying up to date with the various regulations, including all OSHA regulations and local regulations. Know the scaffolding laws where you're working, so you can avoid breaking the law and causing an accident.

• Inspect the Scaffolding

Scaffolding is subject to wear and tear like anything else. Inspect your scaffolding before each use. Look for cracks, improper assembly, damage, or rust and corrosion. Be sure that the parts all match properly.

• Don't Overload the Scaffolding

Scaffolding has a load limit, so when you're assigning workers and equipment, it's vitally important not to overload the scaffolding. Know and respect the load limits to ensure that your scaffolding stays up.

• Give Heavy Vehicles Proper Clearance

Know how much clearance heavy vehicles are required to give your scaffolding, and provide that clearance. Set up barriers between heavy equipment and your scaffolding.

• Maintain Your Scaffolding Properly

Know how to maintain your scaffolding. Store it properly when it is disassembled. Keep your scaffolding in a dry location where it is not subjected to damage or wear.

If you rent your scaffolding, rent from a company that maintains its equipment and has a reputation as a good construction equipment rental company.

• Know the Weather Predictions

Maintain safe working conditions. Never work in harsh weather. When high winds or a storm are predicted, do not work on the scaffolding that day. If the weather changes and becomes hazardous while on the scaffolding, get off the scaffolding as soon as possible.

• Know Proper Climbing Technique

Ensure that everyone who uses the scaffolding uses proper climbing techniques when they're using the scaffolding. This means maintaining at least three points of contact with the scaffolding at all times. Some parts of the scaffolding may not be intended for use during climbing, such as the cross braces. Only use the parts of the scaffolding that were intended to be used while climbing.

• Keep the Platform Clean

Keep your scaffolding platform clean and clear of debris. Never leave scraps or garbage on your platform. Remove any tools or equipment from the platform every night.

Scaffolding Safety Don'ts