Scaffolding Safety in Construction sites

Here’s a simple guide you can follow to control the hazards when working on a scaffold:

DO’s:

1. Inspect the scaffold using a checklist or before the work shift and ensure it is safe and in proper working order.
2. Provide proper training.
3. Have a toolbox talk before beginning work.
4. Wear appropriate PPE.
5. Always check inspection tags.
6. Know the weight capacity of the scaffold.
7. Have a handhold above the scaffold platform.
8. Level the scaffold after each move. Do not extend adjusting leg screws more than 12 inches.
9. Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more above ground level. Attach the lanyard to a secure member of the scaffold.
10. Safely use the ladder when climbing the cross braces for access to the scaffold.
11. Keep both feet on the decking.
12. Stay off scaffold during loading or unloading.
13. Ensure planking is overlapping or secured from movement.
14. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when erecting the scaffold, under the direct supervision of a competent person.
15. Be mindful of coworkers working above and below you at all times, as well as others working on the scaffold.
16. Use the debris chutes or lower things by hoist or by hand.
17. Chock the wheels of the rolling scaffold, using the wheel blocks, and also lock the wheels by using your foot to depress the wheel-lock, before using the scaffold.
18. Always use netting to catch anything that falls.

DON’Ts:

1. Leave anything on the scaffold at the end of your shift.
2. Overload the scaffold.
3. Use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick or concrete blocks to support scaffolds, increase your work height or planks.
4. Work on platforms or scaffolds unless they are fully planked.
5. Use a scaffold unless guardrails and all flooring are in place.
6. Stand on ties, guardrails, or extensions.
7. Use the scaffold if it appears damaged in any way, has been tampered with, or if there are components missing such as planking, guardrails, toeboards, debris nets or protective canopies.
8. Walk on scaffold planking covered in ice, snow or mud.
9. Avoid using a scaffold during adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice snow or strong winds.
10. Climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing.
11. Never climb with any materials or tools in your hand, they should be hoisted up to the scaffold separately.
12. Jump from, to, or between scaffolding.
13. Lean out or overreach outside the guardrails.
14. Rock the scaffold.
15. Throw anything “overboard” unless a spotter is available.
16. Move a mobile scaffold if anyone is on it.
17. Scaffold tags are used to protect the lives of your workers. It identifies if a scaffold is safe or unsafe for use. Follow the guidelines below when tagging scaffolds.
18. Inspection and tagging of the scaffold are to be performed by a competent person experienced in the erection of the scaffold.
19. A unique scaffold identification tag number must be clearly identified on all tags for tracking purposes.
20. All scaffolds shall be inspected after the erection per regulatory requirements.
21. All scaffold identification tags will be of solid green, yellow, or red colour with black lettering.
22. Front information displayed and completed for each tag.
23. It is common practice to use the following colour schemes: Green, Yellow, Red
24. Green– tags will be hung on scaffolds that have been inspected and are safe for use. A green “SAFE FOR USE” tag(s), and should be attached to the scaffold at each access point after the initial inspection is complete.