Safety Check : Scaffold Safety

Safety Check : Scaffold Safety 

When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, fall hazards can occur. Million construction workers frequently work on scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent an injuries and fatalities at job.

Take these steps to help protect workers and reduce accidents:

• Follow industry guidelines for erecting scaffolds: verify that each scaffold and its components is capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. Erect and dismantle under the direction of a scaffold competent person.
• Inspect scaffolds daily before use; check footing, guard rails, connectors, fastening, tie-ins and bracing.
• Do not use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks, or concrete blocks to support scaffolds or planks.
• Fully plank platforms on all working levels.
• Install guardrails and toe-boards on all open sides and ends of platforms on scaffolding over 10 feet above floor or ground.
• If a scaffold is more than two feet above or below a level, provide adequate access, such as a ramp, ladder, or steps.
• Do not erect, use, dismantle, alter or move scaffolds so they, or any conductive material handled on them, might come closer than 10 feet to energized overhead power lines.
• Obtain scaffold user training prior to working on scaffolding.
• Inspect all scaffolds prior to use or at least on a daily basis.