Inspecting Scaffolding

Working on, around, and with scaffolding can be a dangerous experience, especially since it is typically a temporary framework and may become destabilized easily, when not properly assembled.

Many scaffolding structures are just a few feet above the ground while others can go up for hundreds of feet. The chance of serious injury or death is greatly increased with the location and height of the scaffolding structure, which is why scaffolding inspection is crucial. Contractors should inspect the scaffolding systems on a daily basis to ensure the maximum safety for all construction crew.

Scaffolding inspection should occur on a regular basis – each day before the work shift is due to begin. It is also important to inspect scaffolding after any event, no matter how small, that may have caused any damage to the scaffolding itself or any of its components. For example, an event as small as dropping a bucket from the top level that may hit any part of the scaffolding below is cause for inspection. This may seem insignificant, however any damage, no matter how small can lead to serious safety hazards later.

Contractors should assign a responsible employee the daily task of aluminium scaffolding inspection. This individual should be properly trained and could even be trained and certified through the official Scaffolding Inspection class. If there is no one at the construction company who has completed the scaffolding inspection courses, the contractor should outsource this responsibility to a qualified individual. Safety should not be taken lightly on any construction site, especially one that features a complicated scaffolding structure.

There are many different things to inspect on any scaffolding structure which include nearby power lines, footings, legs, base plates, planks, guardrails, and so on. The checklist below will help any contractor ensure the safety of the construction crew and help guarantee that nothing is overlooked when inspecting the scaffolding.

* Make sure that all scaffolding, tools, and materials are at least 10 feet away from energized power lines.

* Confirm that the scaffolding is the correct type for materials, employees, loads, and weather.

* Check the footing as well as legs, posts, frames, uprights, mudsills, and baseplates to ensure stability of the structure.

* Check all metal components for holes, rust, cracks, bends, welding splatter, and any other damage.

* Check all wooden planks for cracks, mold, splits, or any other damage that may cause breakage.

Hire Scaffolding