Typically, performing work at heights on site will require the use of scaffolding courses. Safe installation of scaffolding is vital to ensuring a safe site, as there are inherent risks associated with materials in an elevated position (such as scaffolding elements themselves or tools) or for workers to fall on their own. Here we profile the trade and guide you to the safe use of scaffolding for your next job.
What’s the scaffolding?
By definition, scaffolding is a temporary structure that is designed to allow access to elevated site positions or to create a safe work platform.
What is Scaffolding Used for?
Most construction jobs require scaffolding, whether they are new constructions, demolitions, renovations or minor repairs. If the task being undertaken is above ground level, it would not only be unsafe to operate without proper scaffolding, but also highly impractical. There are a number of types of scaffolding, but the main ones are:
Supported scaffolding: the most common type that people associate with construction work. The structure is built from the ground up to the side of the building and is usually made of metal tubes and couplings. This is a highly flexible method that allows the addition of levels (for constructions) or their removal (for demolition) as required, and is also very robust.
Mobile scaffolding: also known as rolling scaffolding, it is erected in the same way as supported scaffolding, but is mounted on castors and is self-contained. Often used on large building sites with multiple worksites, as it can be repositioned and negates the need for regular dismantling and reconstruction.
Suspended scaffolding: used when working on very large buildings and where supported or mobile scaffolding would be impractical. The scaffolding is suspended from the roof of the building and can be raised or lowered to different levels of the building as required. This method is often used for cleaning windows or for moving tools and equipment between levels.
What Do Scaffolders Do?
Scaffolders assemble and disassemble temporary structures or platforms at a variety of work sites. The elements of their role shall include:
Assessing plans and blueprints for the selection of appropriate scaffolding materials
Secure fitting of selected materials together, lifting and positioning on site
Disassembling the structure upon completion of the work and ensuring that the site remains neat and tidy
Scaffolders may work at a number of different locations, such as construction, music or entertainment venues. They need to have a strong working knowledge of scaffolding safety requirements and a high-risk work licence. Work can be physically demanding and requires individuals to work comfortably at heights, outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
Is Scaffolding a Dangerous Job?
If it is carried out safely and in accordance with the approved techniques taught by the Registered Training Organization (RTO), scaffolding does not need to be a hazardous job. However, under-planned structures, the use of inferior materials or the construction of scaffolding by anyone other than an untrained professional can make it a very dangerous job (and equally dangerous for anyone else utilising the scaffolding).
Safe Work Australia confirms that between 2008 and 2013 48 workers were killed as a result of “falls from heights” between the five years. Of these, 20 deaths were from buildings, 12 were from ladders, and 5 were from scaffolding.
What are some of the safety precautions for scaffolding?
There are a number of safety precautions that should be considered in order to avoid scaffolding hazards in your next job. These include the following:
Installation by a Trained Scaffolder
Worker safety should never be left to chance, and this is particularly the case when dealing with the hazards that height may pose. Always insure that your scaffolding has been designed, installed, managed, moved and disassembled by a qualified scaffolder. If the finished structure results in a potential fall of a person or object of four metres or more, a high-risk scaffolding work licence is required.
Training workers on the Use of Scaffolding
Invest time to insure that all workers working on scaffolding are thoroughly trained on how to do so. This includes access to and scale of scaffolding, use of scaffolding materials and rated load capacity. Training should also include awareness of hazards such as electrocution, falling objects, worker falls and procedures to deal with them.
Regular inspection of the structure;
In addition to the inspection when the structure is initially erected, insure that structural integrity is regularly reviewed if it is in place for a significant period of time. With the movement and load created by workers, tools and equipment, it is important to insure that the structure remains robust and that no elements have been moved or compromised.
Foster a “first safety” approach to the use of scaffolding
While much of it is common sense, insure that workers understand the guidelines below and feel empowered to report any violations:
Remove all materials or tools from the work platform at the end of the shift.
Never use objects such as boxes or ladders to increase their working height.
Never overload the structure beyond what is rated to hold
Never work on the structure if it appears damaged or damaged
Never climb onto elements of the structure that were not intended for it (such as handrails)
Ensure that personal protective equipment is worn
While the structure is, by definition, designed to keep workers safe, it must not be based on the exclusion of personal protective equipment. Ensure that all workers are wearing hard hats (whether on, around or under the structure) and non-skid work boots, also consider using tool lanyards and fall arrest systems for additional safety.
Watch out for the weather
Conditions can change dramatically over the course of a shift, so make sure you keep an eye on the skies and stop working when the weather is bad. This includes high winds, rain, sleet and even snow, while you’re still working. Ensure that all debris is removed from working platforms after a period of bad weather before workers re-enter the structure.
Can you use a scaffolding ladder?
Freestanding ladders should not be used for scaffolding. Depending on the type of scaffolding structure that has been built, there may be a fixed ladder, built-in ladder or even an access stairway to allow workers to access different levels. They are part of the structure that has been designed and are fine for workers to use.
The general rule of thumb is that if additional height is needed, your trained scaffolder should modify the structure to give you the right access to where you need to perform your next task.
How Long can the Scaffolding be Left?
While there are no set standards for scaffolding as to how long it can be left, the guidance is that it should be as long as possible for all project tasks requiring a secure completion of the structure. There are, however, a few points to be noted concerning the inspection of a scaffolding structure that encompasses this, which state that the competent person must inspect the structure.