3 Important Safety Tips When You Will Be Working On Scaffolding For The First Time
If you are new to the construction field and have limited experience with scaffolding, the need to navigate its height can often be a bit intimidating. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can follow that will make working safer for you and your co-workers. In addition, you are likely to find that you may feel and be safer when you know how to recognize common symptoms of potential problems with the unit. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the following information every day when you work on scaffolding.
#1-Never Exceed The Weight Limit Of The Scaffolding
It is important to remember that your scaffolding was designed to hold only a specific amount of weight. Therefore, it is essential to the be aware of the approximate weight that it is present on the unit.
When determining the current or expected weight that the scaffolding will support, you will need to allow for the following items:
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The weight of workers
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Tools and other equipment
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Materials
#2-Organize, Maintain And Safely Store Everything On The Scaffolding
It is easy to forget that while many people are nervous about working above the ground, another risk to your safety that is frequently overlooked is clutter. Specifically, if a single can of paint, unused bucket or other item is allowed to linger in an inconvenient area, there is an increased possibility of accidents when workers are in a hurry.
Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the preferred spots for each item to be stored. In addition, you should also check materials to verify that they have been safely sealed and that the chosen storage area is organized.
#3-Know How Problems With The Scaffolding Manifest
Although there are many different problems that could appear over the years, it only makes sense that some problems are more likely to appear than others. One example of a problem that could appear more often is a missing or damaged guardrail.
If you notice damaged, non-functional or inadequate guardrails anywhere on the scaffolding, make sure that everyone nearby is aware of the issue so that the area can be avoided until the unit can safely be used again. You can typically expect to be protected by a top, mid and bottom guardrail. Other common symptoms of a possible problem with the scaffolding include frayed ropes or wires and stripped connections anywhere on the unit.
In conclusion, working on a scaffolding has the potential to be dangerous unless you know how to recognize the early symptoms of disrepair or other problems. As a result, it is a good idea to closely watch for the issues listed above so that you can be as safe as possible while working high above the ground. For more information, contact companies like All Star Equipment Rental & Sales, Inc.