National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Week is taking place this week. The State House dome scaffolding was successfully finished by the Maryland-based company Scaffold Resource without any problems. This challenging undertaking is a prelude to our iconic dome’s stunning exterior makeover.
Although scaffolding is quite useful, it must be used carefully. Scaffolds account for roughly 15 percent of fatal falls in the construction industry, which results in over 60 fatalities and 4,500 accidents annually. Because of this, those who use scaffolds must receive scaffolding safety training and follow certain safety guidelines.
Scaffolding is the name for high, transient work platforms. These could be suspended scaffolds or supported scaffolds, with the platforms suspended by ropes or other flexible supports and one or more platforms supported by hard, load-bearing supports. Scaffolds can also be called lifts, especially aerial and scissor lifts. Scaffolding-related risks include falls, collapses, tool strikes from falling objects, and electrocution.
To avoid mishaps, scaffold users should be aware of these risks and take appropriate safety measures. Employees using scaffolding must receive training from a qualified individual on how to identify and reduce risks. The following scaffolding safety training criteria must be met:
*Platform scaffolding must be built in a way that complies with particular specifications.
A maximum of 1 inch must separate each platform from the uprights when it is planked and decked. The maximum width of an opening caused by side brackets or unusually shaped structures is 9 12 inches. The planking must be strong enough to support at least four times the expanded load in addition to its own weight. Solid sawn wood, manufactured planks, or manufactured platforms can all be used to make scaffold planks as long as they are made in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, those of a lumber grading association, or those of an inspection agency.
*The working environment must be secure and reliable.
Guardrails or personal fall arrest systems must be used, and each scaffold platform or walkway must be at least 18 inches wide. There shouldn’t be any clutter on the work table.
*Suspension scaffolds have unique specifications.
At least four times the projected load must be supported by the supporting equipment. Before using and installing the scaffolding, a qualified individual must assess any direct connections. Suspension scaffolds need to be fastened securely to prevent swaying. Every employee who is more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected by guardrails and/or a personal fall-arrest system. Each work shift must begin with a qualified individual checking the ropes for flaws.
