Scaffolding Safety 1 Copyright 2009 Progressive Business Publications

The Cost of Poor Scaffolding Safety Every year: l 50 -60 deaths l 4, 500 injuries l 72% of scaffold injuries due to either planking or support giving way, or employee slipping or being struck by falling object 2 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Types of Scaffolding: Supported l One or more platforms braced by: – Beams – Brackets – Poles, or – Other rigid support l Most common type of scaffolding 3 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Types of Scaffolding: Suspended l Platforms suspended by ropes or cables from an overhead structure l Two-point “swing stage” most common l Used by window washers and in high-rise construction 4 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

What are the Hazards? l Falls l Collapses l Struck-by injuries l Electrocution 5

Hazard #1: Falls l Falls are the primary cause of fatalities l How they happen: – Unstable working surfaces – Misuse of fall protection equipment – Human error 6 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Fall Safety Solutions l Personal Fall System – Harness, attached by lanyard to lifeline – Must be fastened to a fixed safe point l Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards – Installed along sides, ends of platforms – Has to withstand a force of at least 200 lbs. l Screens, mesh, etc. 7 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Personal Fall Systems l Above 6 feet l Keeps both hands free l Used

Personal Fall Systems l Key to safety: Inspection! l Check your rescue line and

Guardrail Systems l Top rails: 39”-45” above walking level l Midrails: Between top edge of guardrail and walking level l Toeboards: Prevent equipment, materials from falling over edge l Absolutely no rough/jagged surfaces! 10 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Hazard #2: Collapses l Scaffolds collapse when the structure is: Unstable Overloaded l When a scaffold collapses, safety’s compromised for everyone! 11 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Collapse Solutions: Inspections l Key to safe scaffolding: Inspections l Who does it: – Trained erectors/dismantlers – They are involved in pre-planning l When it gets done: – Before every shift – After any damaging event 12 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Collapse Solutions: Inspections l What goes into an inspection? – Power line position – Location of tools, materials – Can it handle the weight? The weather? – Footings – Foundations – Metal – Planks 13 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Hazard #3: Struck-bys l Falling/flying objects a risk for anyone underneath scaffolding l Dropped tools/equipment; debris from pushing, pulling, prying l Unstable objects: boxes, barrels, bricks l Result: Minor abrasions, concussions, even death 14 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Solutions: Overhead and Underneath l If you’re overhead: – Secure materials – Post warning signs; put up barricades – Use debris nets l If you’re underneath: – Avoid being underneath – Wear your hard hat 15 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications

Summary l Wear personal fall protection l Set up guardrails l Regularly inspect scaffolds l Keep equipment secure l Post warning signs l Wear your hard hat l Report any hazard you see 16 Copyright © 2009 Progressive Business Publications