Tips for safety

When using a scaffolding structure some tips must be followed for safety of workers.

Workers should be trained to design and operate scaffolding. Workers must be trained enough to work safely on scaffolding structure. Safe work practices like getting on and off the scaffold must be included in the training, unless the scaffold is specially designed. Lifesaving details and protecting oneself from fall should also be included in the training.

When the scaffolding structure is to be set up, one has to make sure that the base is strong. The base should be level and adjusted. The structure on which the scaffold is supported, is measured. The tying and locking devices, decks, guardrails and planks must be installed well and should be secured. Slopes, overhead wires, any sort of obstructions and elevation must be scrutinized well before setting up a scaffolding structure.

The scaffolding must be strong and capable to handle the load that is desired to put on the scaffold. If the weight estimation is not done correctly the scaffold may collapse. The major mistake done during setting up a scaffold is the failure to estimate the required load. The scaffold is sometimes overloaded with workers or material, this leads to collapse of scaffold. Anything should not be rested on guardrail.

It is very important to ensure that the scaffold is properly secured. The scaffold may have a lot of safety measures, but if the scaffold is not tied to the building adequately it might collapse. Dislocation of an end may take place if the braces are not secured properly. The scaffold locking system and bracing should be of good quality. It must be easy to assemble and dismantle the scaffold. Instead of nails and other things, locking systems must be used.

It is necessary to inspect the scaffolding at regular intervals to ensure safety. A supervisor must be appointed for proper inspection of scaffold. Welds, stirrups, pins plates, trusses and beams must be tested and inspected, especially in case of suspended platform scaffolding. Quality of lumber should be checked. Any kind of rust, bend and damage must not be ignored.

Guardrails must be incorporated in the design of scaffold. If the scaffold is high above the ground then guardrail becomes more necessary for safety. If guardrails are to be removed for some reason, fall protection kit must be worn.
The scaffold is not very spacious. Therefore, space must be judiciously utilised. The tools and materials must be stored orderly to keep the platform obstruction free.

These are tips to keep in mind to make the scaffolding structure safe for working and risk free.

Tips to choose scaffolding services

Some tips should be followed while narrowing down your options to find the best service provider. Quality and safety are the main criteria for selecting the scaffolding service provider.

A company’s objective should be to choose a scaffolding service provider that meets all the needs of the company. A good scaffolding service provider takes up the responsibility to set up scaffolding as per the client’s needs. The scaffolding designs are specifically customised to fit client’s requirement. Scaffolding service provider should also offer dismantling service to dismantle the scaffolding set- up after the completion of the project. The scaffolding service provider must actively participate and contribute in the scaffolding design.it must also advice the client on the engineering of various types of scaffolding, its erection and dismantling.

A good scaffolding service provider will take up a project only after a proper research. The scaffolding service provider must ask questions related to the project requirement and must analyse the needs of the client. A good scaffolding company pays attention to details while discussing the project to ensure safety.

A scaffolding service provider must be experienced. A research into past projects of the service provider will help you to know the quality of work provided by the scaffolding service provider.

The scaffolding service provider must be reliable in providing quality services.

Safety is very important when scaffolding is being set-up. It is necessary to ensure that the scaffolding service provider adheres to proper safety standards. A verification of registration of the scaffolding service provider should be made to make sure that proper regulations and safety standards are followed by the scaffolding service provider. It should be inquired whether the workers involved in setting up the scaffolding structure are well trained or not. The equipment used should be of proper standard and licensed. All the equipments must be checked.

Discussing project with scaffolding service provider

Project manager or contractor must discuss the project with the scaffolding service provider. Emphasis should be made on detailing, design and safety. The scaffolding company will decide the type of scaffolding required based on this discussion. It is important that the key area of scaffolding plan is identified and attention is paid on the key points.

In nutshell, a service provider that provides better, safer and cost-effective scaffolding services without compromising on quality should be chosen.