introduction
A scaffold is a platform used to carry workers and materials in high places. Safety conditions must be followed during design such as stability, strength, slip prevention, safe means of accessing the scaffold, protective barriers, lighting, and proper training.
The materials used in the production of scaffolding must be free from defects, such as the use of flawed wood (with fractures, cracks, knots, wetness, or extreme dryness). Defects in design include using an inadequate number or size of screws, shortage of rails and braces or of fasteners such as clamps and ropes, shortage or absence of guardrails or side protection pipes or foot barriers. Additionally, narrow plates and unsecured ones or the lack of access to the scaffolding (climbing up and down) are problematic. Misuse issues include the use of moving loads on the scaffolding, objects falling or jumping on scaffolds, overloading, removing or damaging protective barriers or foot barriers or parts of the scaffolding structure. As well as using scaffolding for purposes other than intended.
scaffolding type
Scaffolding supports workers and materials during building projects. There are 4 types: tube and structural, mobile, and frame. Choice depends on height, load, and work type.
tuber scaffolding
It is used for difficult works in which structural scaffolding cannot be used due to the presence of obstacles or difficulty in accessing it. It also requires a longer time to install it, and it is widely used in industrial works.
structural scaffolding (with a frame)
It consists of steel and is simple to install. It is quickly installed with tape so that the surface on which it is installed is level, as well as in the absence of obstacles in the workplace.
mobile scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is used in painting operations, electrical installations, and maintenance of air conditioning and heating equipment. Mobile scaffolding has wheels at its base and has insurance means to stabilize it and prevent its movement during work.
typical scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is used in painting, electrical installations, as well as maintenance of air conditioning and heating devices. Mobile scaffolding has wheels at its base and has means of securing it to prevent movement during work.
- Ensure the validity and durability of the scaffold tying ropes.
- Provide workers working more than 6 meters above ground level with a safety belt that fastens securely, with the end of the belt rope fixed to a secure location able to withstand the weight of the worker in case of a fall or slippage.
- Ensure that the scaffold is securely fastened to prevent swaying or falling.
- The scaffold base must be at least 50 cm wide and must not have any openings between its panels that could allow materials to fall.
- Scaffolds should be enclosed on the sides opposite to the wall being worked on with barriers (handrails) that prevent people, tools, or materials from falling.
- Do not load the scaffolds designated for persons and transport the loads with cranes.
- Consider the length of the scaffolds when working so that the worker does not have to bend to reach a location far from the scaffold.
- Make sure that the specialized passages used to move from bottom to top are sturdy and wide enough for traffic without risk of falling, and that the area under the scaffold is marked with barriers or ropes to prevent people from passing under it.
- Provide workers in high-use areas with hard hats.
