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.

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!

Since the right scaffold can enhance the safety of every construction site drastically, hiring the right equipment is a must. When you are assured about the durability and functionality of the structure you are hiring, you can carry on with your construction project with complete peace of mind. Though a new one is quite sturdy and reliable, their quality deteriorates with the passage of time.

This is why it is your responsibility to ensure that the scaffold they are offering is new or well-maintained. The best you can do is to approach an experienced company offering high-quality scaffolds as their focus is always on making the components last longer without compromising its safety or functionality.

3 Cool Tips To Make The Components Of Scaffolding Last Longer

• Store Them Properly

Even if you are in a hurry to disassemble and stack the components after the construction work is completed, makes sure you rack them up in such a way so that they don’t bend due to carelessness or rushing. All of this can lead to expensive repairs and replacements which is quite time-consuming. The scaffolders shouldering the responsibility of storing the components should be well-trained, experienced and try to store the items with wedge positioned.

• Change Faulty Parts

Since the primary objective of using scaffolding in Chichester is to enhance the safety of the construction workers, replacing the worn out or faulty parts within the shortest span of time is a must. Since the components have to endure heavy loads and traffic on a regular basis, they have a tendency to suffer wear and tear. Using scaffolds whose parts have split or bent is not a wise thing to do.

• Keep Them Dry

Since almost every part of a scaffold is made of metal, try to keep the moving parts covered and protected from rain and moisture. This will prevent them from getting rusted which break the structure gradually. Even the wooden parts should be kept dry as moisture can turn out to be the worst enemy of Scaffolding in Crawley. The lifespan of the structure enhances automatically when the components are kept away from the rain. Change a component quickly if it has rusted to prevent any sort of mishap. Since you are now aware of a few tips to make scaffolding last longer, it’s time you start looking for a company offering the ideal structure which suits your construction needs.