Safety and risk management

An estimated 2.3 million construction workers, or 65 percent of the construction industry, work on scaffolds. This course aims to protect workers from scaffold-related accidents such as support giving way, or the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object. 

Scaffolding is a temporary structure in the form of a timber or steel framework over which the workmen can sit and carry on the construction work.


Scaffolding is needed for the **new construction, repairs of structure **or even demolition of a building.


Scaffolding is generally needed when the height of the structural member (wall, column, etc.) is greater than 1.5m.


Types of Scaffolds

Employers must provide access when the scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 meters) above or below a point of access.


Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is NOT more than 14 inches (36 centimeters) horizontally and NOT more than 24 inches (61centimeters) vertically from the other surfaces.


Steps and rungs of ladder and stairway type access shall line up vertically with each other between rest platforms.


The OSHA standard strictly prohibits the use of crossbraces as a means of access.


The OSHA standard strictly prohibits shore and lean-to scaffolds


Employees are also prohibited from working on scaffolds  prior to removing snow, ice, or other slippery materials on it's surface.


The OSHA standard for the specific distance clearance between scaffolds and powerlines must be strictly followed


Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity.


Any part of a scaffold damaged or weakened shall be immediately repaired, replaced, or removed from service until issue has been fixed.


Never load scaffolds and it's components beyond their rated and maximum capacities.
Do not move scaffolds when employees are on them.
Maintain a safe distance from energized power lines
Do not work on scaffolds until snow, ice and other materials that could cause slipping and falls are removed
Protect suspension ropes from contact with sources of heat (welding, cutting, etc.) and from acids and other corrosive substances.
Do not use scaffolds during storms and high winds.
Remove debris and unnecessary materials from scaffold platforms.
Never use ladders and other devices to increase working heights on platforms


Guidelines for Use


Access & Use

Scaffolding is as much a necessity as it is a requirement when it comes to most types of construction.


Overloaded scaffolding is more often than not the most frequent cause of accidents involving scaffolding.


Scaffolds and scaffold components must **support its own weight **and at least 4 times the maximum intended load.


Capacity

Birdcage Scaffolding
are useful for a variety of different interior and exterior works, from maintenance to deep cleaning and even construction


Birdcage scaffold also known as an independent scaffold, consists of more than two rows of  poles (standards) in both directions connected by ledgers and transoms to give access and carry out various work


One of the most practical and commonly used types of scaffold, birdcage scaffolds are almost always fully enclosed so workmen are protected from falls


Birdcage scaffolding is designed to **access ceilings **and exterior areas which are only a floor high and is essential for a wide range of different work types such as light fixing, ceiling painting and access to ventilation points.


Fall prevention working platforms
Improves accessibility & productivity
Easy to install
Scaffolding poles and pipes are light weight and portable
Installation and dismantling is simple and quick
Materials are rustproof and is resistant to corrosion


Advantages of Using Birdcage Scaffolds


Only use birdcage scaffold to support formwork if it has been specifically designed for this purpose.


Use longitudinal bracing or a tied face at every third longitudinal row of standards.


Brace the outside row of standards on each face and each third row internally with longitudinal bracing.


Use transverse bracing at every fourth bay on the ends of the scaffold.


Use elevating work platforms to assist with erecting or dismantling birdcage scaffolds.


Birdcage Scaffolding

Ladder Beam
are widely used in scaffolding related activities


Ladder Beams are used where clear span is required in scaffolding or where greater strength is required in the horizontal members.


Since the beam is in a ladder form, they are suitable for carrying light loads and weights and are available in varying length and width.


**Strength **
Ladder beam strength increases with increasing characteristic length, aggregate volume, aggregate roughness, aggregate stiffness and decreasing bond thickness and beam height.


Span
The span of a ladder beam is dependent on a few variables: the materials used, size and the load it carries.


Anticipated Load
Define the nature and magnitude of hazards or external forces that a ladder beam must resist to provide safe and reliable access.


Permissible Strength & Compatibility
Ladder Beams are designed to safely support only a certain amount of load and as such can only accommodate as much force as is designed.


New

free course

Scaffold Safety

Scaffold Safety Lessons

Course overview

The full course includes

Explore more

EdApp is easy to use and free for you and your team. No credit card required.