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,
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.
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.
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.
