Though there are some well-defined standards regarding placements of scaffolds, scaffold-related accidents are still quite common. The easiest way to avoid injuries and fatalities on construction sites is by staying aware of all the safety requirements when assembling and installing the structure. Not only should the scaffolders undergo training but all the necessary safety measures should also be undertaken. Unless the scaffolding in your construction site is inspected thoroughly on a regular basis, you can’t ensure the safety of the people working on it.

6 Vital Pre-Check Requirements Of Scaffolding

• Erection of The Structure

Scaffolding in Crawley should always be erected under the supervision of a competent person. A licensed professional engineer should shoulder the responsibility of designing the scaffold without exceeding the safety limits recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Unsafe scaffolds made using blocks, barrels and boxes should be immediately disqualified.  

• Planks And Materials

Though the planks can be made using a wide variety of materials, it is always advisable to use strong metals like aluminium or stress-graded lumber. Scaffold-grade planks of 2”x10” should be used for planking. They should be within 6 feet if you are using it for heavy use, within 10 feet for light use and 8 feet if you require it for medium use. The poles and legs should be braced securely to avoid swaying.  

• Toe-boards And Guardrails

Examine the height of your scaffold and if it is more than 10 feet, ensure there are guardrails on all the open sides and ends. As far as the size of the guardrails is concerned, have a talk with the company you are approaching for scaffolds. There should also be toe-boards on all the open sides and ends of the structure if its height is more than 10 feet.  

• Integrity Of The Structure

Overloading the scaffold with equipment and other construction materials can compromise its safety. You need to ensure that the loads you are placing on the planks are capable of sustaining it. The easiest way to secure the scaffold is by using the right braces, supports and uprights. You should not remove them before substituting the scaffold with suitable replacements.  

• Ensure Proper Access

The construction workers should be capable of safely accessing the scaffold platforms without any blockage. If they are using some stairways or ladders to access the platforms, they should be located at a safe distance so that they don’t make the scaffold unstable. If a ladder is being used, you need to attach it securely with the structure.  

• Safety Precautions

Every safety precaution must be taken while working on the scaffold so as to prevent any sort of overhead hazard. Clean up slippery conditions quickly in case of high winds or steady rain. There should be no materials, tools or other debris on the scaffold while people are working on it. Since you are now aware of the common pre-check requirements, it’s time you ensure the safety of the people working on the scaffold.

Everyone in the construction industry will agree to the fact that two common reasons why scaffolds generally collapse are overloading and instability. This is why it is the responsibility of the people installing and using them to take every safety measure which will help in preventing such tragedies.  

How Frequently Should You Inspect The Scaffolding?

The best professional who can answer this is the company from whom you have hired the scaffold. A majority of them follow the OSHA regulations which state that the structure should be inspected,

• After it has been installed
• Before anyone starts using it
• At least once every week
• After adverse weather conditions like storm or rain
• You feel that its structural integrity has been affected.

Who Can Inspect The Structure?

Even if you think that inspecting a scaffold is quite simple, it is actually not so. This is why it is advisable to get it inspected from a competent person with adequate knowledge and experience about the structure you are using. The complexity of the scaffold is generally dependent on the size and type of structure you have hired for your construction project. When you get the structure inspected by someone who has the authorization to undertake the task, you can stay assured that they know how to identify hazards and eliminate those by taking prompt corrective measures.

How Is The Inspection Done?

It is the entire responsibility of the company offering scaffolding in Crawley to keep everyone away from scaffold-related hazards like structural instability, electrocution, falling objects, falls and overloading. Few vital components of the scaffold which should be inspected thoroughly are,

• Base

The easiest way to prevent any sort of accident caused due to electrocution is by keeping the structure away from electrical lines. If it is not possible for you to remove the power lines, de-energise them. There should also not be any tool or material within 10 feet of the structure.

• Planks

Even a minute split or crack on the wooden planks can lead to scaffold hazards. This is why you should get those inspected by a competent person at fixed intervals. They will ensure that the size of the crack is not more than ¼ inch or there are not many large loose knots. The planks should be constructed using high-quality scaffold grade lumber.

• Platform

If you want to ensure your safety when working on platforms, use those with midrails and guardrails. Construction workers installing or using those are also advised to use suitable fall protection and hard hats.

Importance of Scaffold Tagging

Everyone inspecting scaffolds is aware of the importance of scaffold tagging. A competent person should inspect the structure before marking it with appropriate identification tags. Using untagged scaffolds is a strict no-no. The tags are generally fastened at a suitable place on the scaffold where it is easier for the users to locate them. When you can identify safe scaffolds in Crawley, you can use them with complete peace of mind.

Are you thinking of hiring scaffolding for the upcoming construction project? Using sturdy scaffolds can indeed be the key to ensure the safety of your workers and worksite. But, is the cost of hiring scaffold structures one of your primary concerns lately? Fret not. All you need to do is learn the factors affecting scaffold rental costs and hire structures within your budget. Be it a residential building project or a commercial construction project, hiring reliable scaffolding in Crawley from a reputed company can be your most viable option. Scaffolding is a flexible system of walking boards which allow the workers to work safely at great heights. These are skeletal structures which surround one or more sides of a building which provides easy access to various floors of a building. But, how much should a scaffolding rental cost?

Listed below are a few vital factors which affect scaffolding rental prices!

Scaffolding In Crawley: 4 Factors Which Determine The Rental Costs

1. The height of The Structure

One of the most crucial factors affecting the cost of scaffolding hire is the height of scaffold. The higher you want your structure to go, the more money will it cost. Some of the other factors which attribute to the height cost are- placing footings on public land, scaling narrow alleyways, etc.

2. Ease Of Access

The accessibility of a construction site is another significant aspect of a scaffolding rental costs. For situations where experts can snap together frames quickly, the quotes will be quite cheap. But, the cost can be more in certain situations like- no access to side passages where everything needs to be carried through the house.

3. Duration Of Hire

Usually, the standard period in the scaffolding rental industry is between 6 to 8 weeks. You will be charged a fixed sum of money for this length of time. However, if the work is expected to take a longer time for completion, you will have to start paying weekly rental rates thereafter.

4. Number of Walking Levels

This is another factor which greatly affects the rental costs. The more walking levels you require, the more expensive will the scaffold become. While you will require only one walking level and lift for working on a roof or chimney, two or more walkways is needed if you wish to have your property painted.

Since you are now aware of these vital factors, what are you still here for? Quickly approach a reputed rental company and reap the exemplary benefits of scaffolding hire!

Do you know winter is one of the most dangerous seasons for construction workers? Well, low temperatures, rapid weather changes and snowfall are just some of the problems which workers face on the construction site almost every day during the winter months. Thinking about the ways to ensure the safety of your site and workers? No worries. All you need to do is be scaffolding savvy!

Construction sites can be dangerous for the workers at any time of the year. But, with shorter periods of daylight and cold weather, accidents are more likely to happen in the winter months. As the temperature gets colder, working around or on scaffold becomes difficult, leading to safety risks. Hiring scaffolding in Horsham from a reliable company and ensuring your construction site stays safe is thus important during this time of the year.

Here’s everything you need to know for ensuring your site stays safe throughout the winter!

Scaffolding in Horsham: Factors to Consider For Avoiding Risks on Site

• Bad Weather

Poor weather conditions like heavy snowfall, wind, rain or ice can significantly impact the ability of a construction team to complete their work. Likewise, if your workers are out in the cold for too long, it may result in major illness. Since the well-being of staff is always a priority, you should not take it lightly or expose them to the adverse elements.

• Slips, Trips & Falls

The greatest risk associated with using scaffolds is that with poor weather, comes an increased risk of trips, slips and falls. During the winter months, it is likely that the wooden planks and ladders will become very slippery when hit with ice, snow or rain. High winds can even risk workers losing their balance, resulting in fatal accidents.  

Measures You Must Take To Ensure Safety

1. Keep An Eye On The Weather

Experts believe it is best to postpone work until the conditions improve if the weather becomes too difficult. This includes heavy snowfall, torrential downpour and severe frost early in the morning. You should keep an eye on the weather forecast regularly so that you can identify the times where your work may be paused. Thus, it is always wise to be prepared for the worst.

2. Increase Safety Checks

Increased safety checks can help you ensure that all kinds of potential safety issues are identified and fixed before accidents occur. Though these checks should be done all throughout the year, these become more important in winter. General safety checks like assessing the scaffolding structure should be conducted regularly.

3. Avoid Risk Of Slip

Harnesses must always be worn by workers when working at heights. This becomes more vital in the winter months since harnesses prevent falls and slips. You can even install slip-resistant boards to reduce the possibility of accidents. Time to be scaffolding savvy and ensure safety on your construction site!

Winter’s almost here. And, with freezing temperatures, strong winds and lots of snowfall, weather during this time of the year has the capability to hit the UK hard. Each of these elements can cause hazards for the construction workers on a site. Taking adequate precautions to ensure you, your workers and site stay safe is thus essential! Whether you are a self-builder or someone who works on larger construction sites, safety should be your top priority all throughout the year. But, with the nights getting longer, it’s time you hire reliable scaffolding in Crawley and prepare for the additional risks. Low temperatures, falling ice and snow simply represent a small sampling of the many problems construction workers face every day. Ensuring your site stays safe in unpredictable weather is thus important.
Wondering how to get your construction site winter ready? Check out our brief guide below to learn everything you need to know!

Scaffolding in Crawley: 5 Aspects to Keep in Mind for Ensuring a Safe Construction Site in the winter

1. Check The Weather Forecast

No matter how much obvious it may sound to you, this is one key aspect you should definitely take into account for keeping yourself, your workers and the site safe. Check the weather forecast of your area for the days ahead and start taking preparations beforehand. Being prepared will save you hassle, time, money and possible injury.

2. Keep Your Structures Secured

Experts recommend you to check all your scaffolding and site structures more frequently. This is because with winter setting in, hoardings, security fencing and the like can take a real battering over the next few months. Not only can damaged structures take a toll just when you need them the most, but also affect your safety and security.

3. Lower Risks When Working At Heights

Poor visibility, cold weather and high winds can make working at heights very difficult and dangerous for your staff over the coming few months. If you know that the weather is expected to be bad as per the forecast, make sure no one works at height. Even if you work on a normal winter day, ensure you take precautions like-

• Make sure mud-free platforms and ladders along with access gates, toe boards and guardrails are kept all in one frame
• Check the towers and scaffolds regularly, make sure nothing is left on the structures

 

4. Get A Grip On Safety

During the winter season, expect lower temperatures and wetter conditions along with shorter daylight. Owing to early morning frost, slips become more common. Since wooden planks can be very deadly even with the slightest bit of frost and mud, getting sturdy structures can be a vital consideration.

5. Be Warm And Safe

As an employer, you must provide extra personal protection equipment to keep your workers safe and warm is a must. While additional gloves, socks, fleeces and hats will surely help, they shouldn’t get in the way for the necessary safety and health equipment like hard hats, ear protectors and high-visibility jackets. So, what are you still here for? It’s time to hire scaffolding from a reputed company and get your construction site winter-ready!