7 tips for safely assembling scaffolding
The construction industry relies on a variety of equipment that increases productivity and safety on construction sites. When it comes to working at heights, i.e., activities that are performed above two meters above the ground, scaffolding is a fundamental piece.
Using this support platform, workers can perform various masonry, painting, cleaning and maintenance tasks. Since it is essential for renovations and construction, this structure needs to be assembled properly.
Continue reading to find out tips on how to assemble scaffolding safely and how to rent the equipment.
Don’t try to make adaptations
Only companies regularly registered, A legally qualified professional on their staff or in partnership, may manufacture complete scaffolding or any structural components”.
Therefore, it is forbidden to use ladders to increase the size of the tower or make any other type of adaptation to the scaffolding on your own. If necessary, request additional accessories from the partner company.
Be careful with the parts
To ensure the durability of the scaffolding and the safety of the professionals, it is important that all professionals know how to use the structure properly. Banging the parts together, throwing the structures, hitting them with a hammer or other tools are examples of behaviors that should be avoided.
Define the type of scaffolding:
It is necessary to analyze the type of terrain and the work that will be carried out to choose the most appropriate type of scaffolding. There are several types of scaffolding, including:
facade scaffolding;
tubular scaffolding;
suspended scaffolding;
industrial scaffolding.
Choose a suitable area:
Carefully analyze the location where the scaffolding will be installed. It is not recommended to assemble a scaffolding tower near the power grid or on uneven ground. The floor must be made of non-slip material and be fully lined, fixed and leveled.
Perform an inspection:
There are several rules in current legislation to ensure that scaffolding is manufactured with the highest possible quality. To avoid problems, in addition to the manufacturer’s quality inspection, it is necessary to have a qualified professional perform a new (and careful) inspection on the site.
Use PPE:
More than a legal obligation, providing protective equipment to construction professionals is essential to avoid accidents and, consequently, huge losses. The list is long and includes the following items:
- Safety belt;
- Helmet;
- Gloves;
- Non-slip boots.
In addition to providing safety equipment, those responsible for the site must supervise and ensure that all professionals are using PPE properly. Click Here for Scaffolding Course
Provide training to workers:
All workers must be qualified and receive specific training for the type of scaffolding being assembled. Determines that, when assembling and disassembling scaffolding, “workers must wear an identification and qualification badge, which must include the date of their last occupational medical examination and training”.
Why is it important to assemble scaffolding properly?
There are several guidelines on the manufacture, use, assembly and disassembly of scaffolding. These guidelines can be found.
This is not a mere formality. Assembling scaffolding incorrectly can have very serious consequences for the health and safety of workers. Among these, we can highlight:
Breakage of scaffolding parts;
Collapse of the scaffolding;
Fall of professionals;
Electric shock;
Fall of scaffolding structures or other construction tools.
Do you need to rent tubular scaffolding?
Most of the time, it is not worth buying scaffolding. After all, the investment to acquire and maintain the structure is very high. Therefore, if the scaffolding will only be used for a few hours or days, it is much better to opt for renting.
