Four Crucial Tips for Safe and Effective Scaffolding

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Harry's Home Improvement Blog

Hello, my name is Harry and this is my home improvement blog. Welcome! On this blog, I will be discussing many different home improvement and construction topics. I should explain that I am not a professional contractor. However, I have just come to the end of a home renovation project which took over 2 years to complete. During that time, I worked with dozens of different contractors in order to get my house into shape. I have spent hours working alongside plumbers, electricians, surveyors and roofing specialist. I learnt so much about their different trades that I decided to start this blog.

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Four Crucial Tips for Safe and Effective Scaffolding

12 November 2019
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog


When using a scaffold on your construction site, you should prioritise the safety of the workers. In general, this elevated structure will allow you to build or maintain your building with ease and at an affordable price. However, if you are not diligent in promoting the wellbeing of the people on site, the at-height unit could result in serious accidents. Here are core guidelines to keep in mind for safe and effective scaffolding.

Check the Setup Space

It is advisable to look at the scaffolding setup space with a critical eye before installing the system. Often, elevated structures fail to work as expected and increase workplace dangers because of the area in which they are established. For instance, if the system is placed on uneven ground, it will be more susceptible to collapse when loads are exerted. Therefore, ensure that the ground is even before setting up. If the area is sloped or otherwise unstable, consult your scaffold provider for suitable solutions. Also, beware of overhead dangers, such as trees and power lines, because they can harm the workers on the scaffold.

Follow the Manual

When installing the scaffold on your site, you must not overlook the provided manual. This is important even if you have dealt with another scaffolding system. You should keep in mind that different scaffolds have some unique aspects. If you do not follow the provided instructions, some aspects that influence safety will be ignored. Where possible, your scaffolding should be set up by your scaffold provider or other experienced individuals in elevated access systems.

Inspect the System Often

You should not assume that your scaffold will work perfectly from the initial setup to the end of your construction work. It is important to inspect and confirm that it is in working order. Naturally, you should conduct a check-up before each use. This evaluation should determine if there are weak points in connection joints, warped metal or missing components. It is also advisable to inspect if something unusual happens on the worksite. For instance, if you decide to alter the scaffold or the weather is bad, conduct a thorough assessment before using it again.

Understand Proper Loading

Finally, you should understand proper loading practices. Poor loading will weaken the scaffolding and increase the risk of structural failure. The most important consideration is overloading. It is crucial for you to check and adhere to loading limits. You should make special limit considerations if your system will be exposed to high winds because the force will increase the load.