Scaffolding full details in Hindi

                  SCAFFOLDING SAFETY

What is Scaffolding?

Scaffold is an elevated temporary work platform used for supporting workers, materials and both.

Parts of Scaffolding

1. Standard
2. Ledger
3. Transom
4. Cross Bracing
5. Top Rail
6. Mid Rail
7. Toe Board
8. Brick Guard
9. Base Plate & Sole Plate

Types of Scaffolding :-

There are three basic types of scaffolds :-

•   Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc.

•   Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.

•    Other scaffolds, principally man lifts, personnel hoists, etc., which are sometimes thought of as vehicles or machinery, but can be regarded as another type of supported scaffold.

Mobile Scaffold

•       Braced to prevent collapse.

•       Casters and wheels locked to prevent movement while in a stationary position.

•       Platforms must not extend beyond the base supports of the scaffold, unless stability is ensured.

•       Not allowed to ride on scaffolds unless the surface on which scaffold is being moved is free of pits, holes and obstructions.

 

Suspended Scaffold Safety

•       Counterweights secured, and not removed until scaffold disassembled

•       Tiebacks secured to sound anchorage on the building or structure

Aerial Lift

•       Ensure proper fall protection prior to using

•       Includes use of guardrails

•       Never exceed load capacity

•       Do not move lift truck with workers in basket unless adequately designed (upper controls – personnel carriers)

•       Brakes set for outrigger use (wheels chocked)

Displaying of Tag

•       RED scaffold tag (holder) to be built into scaffold, near each point of access, by scaffold craftsmen

•       Only qualified scaffold craftsmen are allowed on a scaffold with a RED scaffold tag

If Scaffold EQUAL TO or LESS THAN  6 meters (20 feet) high:

•       Scaffold Supervisor signs GREEN or YELLOW scaffold tag and prints date when next inspection is due

•       “Date of next inspection” must not be more than 2 weeks ahead

•       Supervisor inserts the signed GREEN or YELLOW tag into the RED holder

•       Scaffold Inspector inspects scaffold

•       As soon as possible after Scaffold  Supervisor’s inspection

•       Scaffold Inspector also fills in and signs separate “Scaffold Field Inspection Checklist”

•       Inspector gives this checklist to Work Permit Issuer’s unit, who will keep it until scaffold is taken down

•       If Scaffold Inspector agrees that scaffold is safe to use, he will:

•       Fill in and sign GREEN or YELLOW scaffold tag

Scaffold Erection Requirement

•       Only competent & experienced person must be permitted to erect & dismantle the scaffolding at site.

•       Guardrails, mid rails & toe boards must be placed on all open side of platforms more than 1.2 meters above ground (or) floor.

•       The top rail must be placed approximately 1200 mm high from the platform.

•       The mid rail must be placed approximately 600 mm high from the platform.

•       The toe board must be placed approximately 300 mm from the platform.

•       All scaffolds shall be provided with an access ladder that extends to at least 1 meter above the platform.

•       Platforms should be 220mm wide & 25mm thick and it should be tightened with scaffolding to prevent movements in high winds.

•       Scaffolds should be cleaned after the completion of work.

•       Should be on a firm foundation with base plates.

•       Should be properly braced & tied up.

•       Should have a properly tightened platform.

•       Should have guardrails over 1.2 meters.

•       Should have adequate means of ingress & egress.

•       Must be able to support its own weight and 4 times the maximum intended load.

•       Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person.

•       Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause shall be immediately repaired and shall not be used until repairs have been completed.

Planking

•       All planking or platforms shall be overlapped (minimum 12 inches) or secured from movement.

•       Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 18 inches.

Platform Construction

•       No paint on wood platforms, except edges that may be marked for identification.

•       Fully planked.

•       No mixed components, unless compatible and integrity maintained.

•       No modification of mixed components unless approved by competent person.

Common Scaffold Safety Tips

•       Never use scaffolds that do not have proper guardrails installed

•       Must bear on adequate foundations

•       Unstable objects will not be used as working platforms

•       Lifeline support must be checked for compatibility prior to use.

Access

•       Must have safe access

•       Cross-braces prohibited as means of access

•       Rest platforms required at 35 feet intervals

•       Slip-resistant on all steps and landings

Restrictions

•       Don’t overloaded.

•       Don’t Erect & move near power lines .

•       Repair damaged components.

•       Restrict horizontal movement of workers unless provided with fall protection.

•       Prohibit work activities during high winds unless authorized.

•       Remove whole scaffold from service until repaired.

Note – Scaffolds must be erected 10 feet away  of the overhead power line with 300 volts to 50KV.

Training Required

Employees must receive training from qualified person that covers:

•       Nature of hazards, electrical, falls, and falling items

•       Use of scaffold / handling

•       Maximum intended load and load carrying capabilities of scaffold

•       Procedures for setup, dismantling or moving the system

In General

•       Follow the manufacturer's instructions when erecting the scaffold.

•       Do not work on scaffolds outside during stormy or windy weather.

•       Do not climb on scaffolds that wobble or lean to one side.

•       Initially inspect the scaffold prior to mounting it. Do not use a scaffold if any pulley, block, hook or fitting is visibly worn, cracked, rusted or otherwise damaged.

•       Do not use any scaffold tagged "Out of Service".

•       Do not work on platforms or scaffolds unless they are fully planked.

•       Do not use a scaffold unless guardrails and all flooring are in place.

•       Do not walk or work beneath a scaffold unless a wire mesh has been installed between the top rail and the toe board or planking.

•       Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height.

•       Attach the lanyard to a secure member of the scaffold.

•       Do not climb the cross braces for access to the scaffold. Use the ladder.

•       Do not jump from, to, or between scaffolding.

•       Do not move a mobile scaffold if anyone is on the scaffold.

•       Chock the wheels of the rolling scaffold, using the wheel blocks, and also lock the wheels by using your foot to depress the wheel-lock, before using the scaffold.