Scaffolding collapse can be dangerous and expensive. Avoid it with trained personnel and proper equipment. Hear the four elements of constructing scaffolds.
Do you need a Competent Person, a Qualified Person or an Engineer? Dan Clark explains the difference between the three.
Scaffold construction and inspection are also covered in this podcast, as well as staff training.
TRANSCRIPT:
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Dan Clark: We don’t set up scaffolding and then expect it to fall down. But still, sometimes, scaffolding does collapse — a big danger to workers, not to mention the expense. Let’s prevent scaffolding collapses next.
Hi, I’m Dan Clark with The Safety Brief. We take on health and safety hazards in today’s demanding industrial and construction worksites, a service of Creative Safety Supply.
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A recent scaffolding collapse at a construction site in Houston spotlights the importance of a well constructed and maintained scaffold. Injuries related to scaffolding can be quite common and even life-threatening. Here are 4 Steps To Prevent Scaffolding Collapse.
1. HAVE THE RIGHT PERSON. Someone should ensure scaffolding is constructed and used safely. Depending on the situation, a Competent Person; Qualified Person; or Engineer are needed.
— A Competent Person assesses scaffolding daily.
— A Qualified Person is one with mondo-knowledge and training, and experience in designing and loading scaffolds.
— An Engineer is the registered pro for more complicated scaffold designs.
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2. USE PROPER CONSTRUCTION.
— Planking must be able to support at least four times the intended load.
— Avoid using defective materials such as planks with signs of damage.
— Screw jacks, supports and braces need to be fully functional and load appropriate.
— The maximum platform overhang must not be exceeded.
3. SCAFFOLDING MUST BE INSPECTED DAILY.
— Have a system in place for reporting problems so they get fixed right away.
— Defective materials and parts should be 86’d from the worksite.
— Debris: Work cannot begin until the walking surface is clear.
(1:47)
4. PROVIDE APPROPRIATE TRAINING. All those who work on scaffolding — including those who construct, deconstruct and move it — must be properly trained and know the OSHA standard.
That’s all for this episode 4 Steps To Prevent Scaffolding Collapse. Join me again for more ways to stay safety compliant in today’s always-changing landscape of safety requirements. I’m Dan Clark of The Safety Brief, a service of Creative Safety Supply. Save 10 percent off your entire order at creativesafetysupply.com with coupon code BIG10. That’s B-I-G-1-0.
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Scaffolding collapse (with truck) image by HSE UK; Scaffolding collapse (with inspector) image by HSE UK; scaffolding collapse (building wrapped) image Copyright Gareth James / Creative Commons http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/; scaffolding worker images by the U.S. Capitol
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