Scaffolding can be a risky business, every year, thousands of scaffolding workers are badly injured due to the avoidance of following key safety regulations. Whether it comes to setting up the scaffolds, to undertaking the work on unsteady scaffolding structures, there are any ways that something can go badly wrong on the scaffolding site.
But which scaffolding rules matter most when it comes to working on a scaffolding project? In this post, we dive into the most important scaffolding safety rules you need to follow for every single scaffolding project you undertake. Find out more about them, below.
It all Starts with Design by the Experts Following the Right Regulations
A scaffolding structure is only as good as its design. This is why all scaffolding structures used in the UK need to follow stringent guides, matching certain formations, reaching particular heights, and falling in line with the right construction materials. Here’s what the government had to say about getting this aspect right:
“It is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 that unless a scaffold is assembled to a generally recognised standard configuration, eg NASC Technical Guidance TG20 for tube and fitting scaffolds or similar guidance from manufacturers of system scaffolds, the scaffold should be designed by bespoke calculation, by a competent person, to ensure it will have adequate strength, rigidity and stability while it is erected, used and dismantled.”
If you’re working on a scaffolding project, how can you ensure that the contractor you hire falls in line with these regulations? Firstly, ensure that you give them all the details they need to make sure they have the correct scaffolding structures to do the job. Things to include in your initial briefing of scaffolding businesses, may include the height and size of the building. With the right information, scaffolding contractors will come back to you to outline how they are going to fulfill the right regulations for the project.
Using the Right Safety Gear
Of key importance is using the right safety gear. Professional scaffolders will always come equipped with the right gear to protect themselves in their work, from hard hats to hi-vis work vests. Most importantly, scaffolding workers should always wear hard hats on site. Hard hats are a legal requirement, to protect workers from injury. The classic toe-capped boots also work well to protect feet working at height.
Awareness of Weather Conditions
Smart contractors in the scaffolding sector always have an awareness of the weather conditions and how this will impact their job. Poor weather conditions can really threaten the safety and security of scaffolding contractors as they go about their work. Severe rain, snow, or frost can all make completing a project difficult and can bring a strong element of danger to the job.
A responsible team takes on the role of ensuring they are fully aware of weather conditions and may opt to postpone work until a brighter, clearer day to undertake work adequately and protect the safety of their team.
An Introduction to Scaffolding Safety
These starting points show you what needs to be put in place to ensure scaffolding is safe. In our next post, we dive further into the safety of scaffolding.