Scaffolding Safety 1 The Cost of Poor Scaffolding

Scaffolding Safety 1

The Cost of Poor Scaffolding Safety Every year: l 50 deaths l 4, 500 injuries l 25% of injured workers had no safety training 2

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

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

So 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

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

Personal Fall Systems l Above 6 feet l Keeps both hands free l Used when working near an open edge l Slows speed, momentum if you fall 8

Personal Fall Systems l Key to safety: Inspection! l Check your rescue line and hooks for damage l Is your weight system certified? 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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