Scaffold safety should be a priority concern to employers, particularly when working at heights is a hazard in itself if protection measures are not properly implemented.
Scaffolding Standards
It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a scaffold that is in a safe condition and comply with these occupational safety standards:
– Provides safe access and egress to the job site
– Be made of scaffold-grade lumber with unpainted planks
– Be placed on a stable foundation
– Have guardrails and toeguards
Scaffolding Essentials
1. Provide sufficient training to personnel. Training in the design and operation of scaffolding equips the workers with comprehensive fall protection knowledge, particularly to the type of scaffolding to be used, erecting and dismantling procedures.
2. Properly inspect scaffolding prior to any work. Ensure that scaffolds are installed on a stable base and is secure. Check all mechanisms such as legs, braces, cross members are in perfect working condition. Location of the scaffold must be free from hazards like debris, overhead wires and other obstructions.
3. Never move a rolling scaffold when a person is on it.
4. Scaffolds should have guardrails composed of top rail, a mid rail and a bottom rail (toe board) and if they are to be used 10 feet and above from the ground, guardrails should be incorporated on the three sides of the scaffold facing away the building.
5. Scaffolds should never be near power lines
6. A scaffold’s platform must be perfectly level so that workers are never at risk of losing their balance.
7. Workers should stay off scaffolds during high winds and stormy weather
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