Safe Construction Scaffolding
AJW Scaffolding Design Example
What is Scaffolding?
In the construction business it is a frame to support workers and any material they may need temporarily to complete a construction project. Scaffold workers can repair and build large buildings without being impaired by building height using a scaffold lift system.
Make Scaffolding Safer!
For accessing scaffolds OSHA issues a safety standard manual to make tasks on scaffolds safe for users. According to OSHA it is mandatory for employers to “furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees“. In 2007 there were 88 deaths reported from staging and scaffold related accidents.
To keep scaffolds safe there are certain precautions you should always take.
- Clear areas of access
- No Debris around access ladders
- A professional Inspection
- Practice Preventing Hazards
- Good Housekeeping manners on your scaffold
- Toe boards as required
- Employ Debris-nets
- Always wear hard hats
- A clean workplace helps prevent falls
- Takes height requirements
- Safe guardrail requirements
Examples of AJW Scaffolding
Accessing Construction Scaffolding
When construction scaffolding is used workers will generally use ladders to gain access to scaffold towers. Ladders cannot have a pitch that exceeds 90 degrees. Ladders are often the chief cause of accidents in the construction workplace. Old ladders should be stress tested before being used on the construction site. They come under load when being used and may not tolerate the stress of the load and person carrying it. Even with new ladders there are rails that are joined and locked. If they are not properly secured the latches may not be seated safely. This is also be very unsafe, always check your rails and latches to insure they are locked.
What is Truss Out Scaffolding?
It is not the safest type of scaffolding but is used in the workplace to work on greater building heights. It is also nicknamed “suspended scaffolding”. When the construction team needs to reach the higher points of a building this type of lift system is often used. A secondary cantilever system can be employed to lift the load (material) from the ground to the suspended scaffold, making the job safer.
Branding Your Scaffolding
Why brand Scaffolding? It sounds a little “off the wall” but there is one good reason why companies brand scaffolding–it adds value to your work. Oftentimes projects are long term. This means scaffolds are hanging in high traffic areas for weeks or months even. Why not add value to your construction firm by branding the scaffold while your team works through the construction project?
Educational Scaffolding Tutorial
It is always best to obtain scaffolding education before engaging in a project where scaffolding platform lifts are used. You can get scaffolding instruction from many sources online and offline. It is in your best interest to be a responsible learner and understand how to secure scaffolding and be safe. What you might want to learn before using a scaffold for your project…
- How To Build
- Masonry
- How To Become A Certified Scaffold Builder
- Assessments
- Acceptable Loads
- Best Suppliers
- Stores That Rent
- Different Types
You can get construction scaffolding for your construction projects sooner than you think; all you need is professional planning. Your local construction engineer is a good place to start if you’re looking for more details on custom scaffolding.
Once you know that you have the facts you will find that you have several choices for creating safe scaffolds for every project. If you need any more information on building your scaffold system contact the staff at AJW Engineering for a scaffold quotation.
Be Safe!
AJW
