Scaffolding Safety

Scaffolding is an essential and highly risk filled component of most building projects and its safe implementation is vital. All scaffolding work must be overseen by a Scaffold Supervisor. A Supervisor, Scaffold Erector, Scaffold Inspector and Team Leader must be competent and fully trained to ensure safe scaffolding on site. These appointments must be made in writing using an appropriate appointment form. 

 The Scaffold Inspector must conduct scaffold inspections weekly as well as after inclement weather and alterations. These reports are recorded and kept up to date in the register.  

There are four main types of scaffolding:

• Access System Scaffold
• Freestanding Scaffolding
• Mobile Scaffold
• Suspended Scaffolds

Access System Scaffold

The following requirements need to be adhered to when assembling Access Scaffolds:

1. The foundation of the access scaffold must be firm, stable and visible.
2. The base jacks must be firmly placed on sole boards and be spaced correctly according to the design.
3. The area surrounding the scaffolds must be clear of material and rubble.
4. The scaffolding must have adequate bracing to ensure that the structure is stable without any backwards, forwards or sideways movement.
5. The Working Platforms that are being used should have sufficient platform boards to cover the entire platform.
6. The platform boards must be in good condition and secured correctly and there must be no open gaps on the platform for workers, materials or tools to fall through.

Objects falling from heights can seriously harm or even kill workers below and can also damage property. The edges of working platforms must be protected with toe boards and with adequate, double handrails. Toe boards are used to prevent materials, tools and equipment from being kicked off or falling from the platform.

Stairs found on Access Scaffolds must have correctly secured and positioned handrails. Only access ladders that are secured and positioned on the inside of the access scaffold should be used.  The platforms that these access ladders lead up to need to be fitted with trap doors which should be closed at all times. It is recommended to place ladders away from other trap door openings.

Scaffold tags are signs on a scaffold which indicate whether the scaffold is safe to use. These tags include “Sufficient”, “Safe” or “Unsafe” and should be strategically positioned on the scaffold.  The date and time of the last inspection must be recorded on the reverse of the scaffold tag.

Access Scaffolding must always be tied back into the structure as per the design specifications.

All Access Scaffolding must comply with the:

• Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations
• SANS 10085
• Specific design criteria

Freestanding Scaffolding:

When erecting a Freestanding Scaffold, it should be erected on a foundation that is firm, stable, adequate for the load and constructed at a reasonable level.

The area directly under the scaffold, as well as the surrounding area, must be inspected to make sure that it is clear of material and rubble.

Reinforce the Freestanding Scaffold with sufficient and correctly secured bracing as per the design criteria.  This will prevent the scaffolding from having any backwards, forward or sideways movement. As with most other scaffolds, it is extremely important to ensure that the platforms being used have sufficient platform boards covering the entire platform and the edges are protected with toe boards and adequate, double handrails. NEVER climb on the outsides of any type of scaffolding because doing so can lead to a fatality or a serious injury.   Therefore, only stairs and access ladders that have been secured and positioned correctly should be used.

In addition:

• Ladders leading to higher scaffold levels must be placed away from each other.
• Platforms must have trap doors in place and these should always be kept closed
• “Safe” or “Unsafe” signs must be placed on the scaffold because these indicate whether or not the scaffold is safe to use. The reverse of the scaffold tag should include information such as the date and time of the last inspection. The Scaffold Inspector is responsible for the inspection and recording of this information
• A scaffold can become very unstable if the height to base ratio exceeds 3:1. This means a scaffold can never be higher than 3 times its narrowest base side.
• The scaffold must at all times comply with OHS Act and Regulations, SANS 10085 and the design criteria.

Mobile Scaffolds

Due to the nature of Mobile Scaffolds, it is very important that they are only used on sound and stable bases or where the floor conditions are appropriate. Mobile Scaffolds follow the same principles and requirements as Freestanding and Access Scaffolds with regards to bracing, platform boards, handrails, toe boards, access ladders and trapdoors.

It is critical to check that:

• There is adequate bracing installed.
• There are sufficient platform boards in place
• The edges are protected with toe boards and adequate, double handrails.

In addition:

• An adequate amount of access ladders must be positioned and secured correctly.
• Working platforms accessed by ladders must have trap doors installed and these must be closed after use.
• All ladders must be positioned away from trapdoor openings.
• The scaffold tag must be checked before using a scaffold to determine whether the scaffold is safe to use. The wheels or swivels must be in good condition, fitted in position and suitable for the job.

The brakes should be inspected to ensure that they are in good condition.  This is important as a mobile scaffold should NEVER move or be moved whilst persons are still on it. Persons must first get off and then it may be repositioned to avoid any “out of control” situations.

Before using a Mobile Scaffold, it is essential to make sure it is reasonably level, stable and its height is no more than 3 times the narrowest base.

The installation and use of Mobile Scaffolds must comply with the OHS Act and Regulations, SANS 10085 and the design criteria.

Suspended Scaffolds: 

Suspended Scaffolds require adequate outrigging as well as suitable components that are secured and correctly positioned. Platform handrails must be of a substantial and correct height, secured, and installed around all edges of the scaffold.

A valid test certificate must be available on site for the corresponding suspended scaffold.

Swing Scaffold:

Swing Scaffolding also requires adequate outrigging. The outrigging must comply with the scaffold design. The condition of the steel wire ropes must be checked and any potential defects identified. 

Winches, cable attachments and brakes must all be checked to ensure that they are in good working condition and the corresponding test certificate must be available. Electrical controls on the scaffold must be accessible and functional at all times and all cables must be protected and in good condition.

Both Suspended and Swing Scaffoldings must comply with the OHS Act and Regulations, SANS 10085 and the design criteria.

All other scaffolds fall under the Special Scaffolds category. The following requirements must be met when erecting a Special Scaffold. The Cantilever, Jib and Truss-out must be installed as per the design.  Scaffold material must be in good condition and adequate for the design. There must be suitable, sufficient and substantial access to and from the scaffold.

Neil Enslin

Head: Occupational Health and Safety

Sources:

• SANS 10085
• Construction Regulations 2014