Common Regulations When Using Various Forms Of Scaffolding

Scaffolding is often used as a working platform when you need to reach over your normal reach or height. There are other alternatives to using scaffolding for example ladders or even stilts but scaffolding remains one of the safest methods of gaining additional height or creating higher level working platforms.

Indeed, when properly erected, scaffolding can safely be used at very great heights. No matter whether high or low level, scaffolding of all kinds is often used to help workers reach those areas that are normally inaccessible.

When using scaffolding, however, there are rules and regulations that must be adhered to in order to avoid injury and ensure the safety of anyone using it.

A lot of the regulations covering scaffolding should be common sense. In general, regulations when using scaffolding include:

* Before you use scaffolding, ensure that all the wheels are locked and rigid. This is to ensure that the scaffolding is kept safe and stable for climbing.

* Any person working on mobile scaffolding must get off and stay safely on the ground before the scaffolding is ever moved.

* No one should ever remain in the “fall-zone” of the scaffolding. This is the area below the scaffolding where you might be in danger of falling objects from the scaffolding.

* Always wear safety or hard hats when working on or around scaffolding. Workers should maintain a center of gravity above the part of the scaffolding that they are working on.

With regard to the actual scaffolding itself, the following rules should be adhered to:

* All of the braces, bolts and pins must be present, accounted for, and in good working order.

* Keep all planks and walk boards 36 inches or 950mm below the highest point on the scaffolding. This is the minimum scaffolding regulations allow.

* Keep any steps on the side of the scaffolding in line.

Small hand tools and other work items are often part of the job being done on scaffolding. To this end there are other scaffolding regulations and safety precautions that must be followed.

The following are some of these regulations:

* All employees, irrespective of seniority or duration of time spent on the scaffolding, must wear protective headgear at all times. This must be a form of approved hat e.g. a hard hat.

* Other protective items must also be installed on the scaffolding in the event that work tools or debris should happen to fall. These include – debris nets, canopies, screens and catch platforms and toe or kick boards.

All personnel in the construction and use of scaffolding must be properly trained. Anyone who is planning to use or erect scaffolding of any type must be properly trained by someone qualified in its use first. Erecting or using scaffolding without proper instruction from someone who has used and is familiar with its components could be putting themselves and any other workers in danger of injury or death.

The popularity of scaffolding use is on the ruse at job sites everywhere, there are companies ready and willing to help train your personnel with the construction and safety regulations surrounding scaffolding and its use. By looking on the internet and in the local phone directory can get you will be able to find someone licensed and insured in your area.

Getting your staff properly trained in all aspects of scaffolding safety and scaffolding regulations will not only benefit your company, since those operating the scaffolding will be able to construct it faster and skillfully, but it will also benefit those using it because their safety and security will be assured.