Page 86 - Student Hand Book - Scaffolding - L&T CSTI Serampore

Safety (Problem area) in Scaffolding

Erecting and dismantling scaffolds

From 15 to 20% of scaffold-related injuries involve
erecting and dismantling. The most common prob-
lem is the failure to provide an adequate working

platform for a worker to use when installing the
next lift of scaffold. Working from one or two

planks is not recommended.

Adequate working platform

The next important consideration involves compo-
nents, such as tie- ins, which you should install as

the assembly progresses. Failure to do so makes
the scaffold less stable and, while it may not top-
ple, it may sway or move enough to knock someone off the platform. This happens more often

when platforms are only one or two planks wide and guardrails are missing, as is frequently the
case during erection and dismantling.

Climbing up and down scaffolds

Approximately 15% of scaffold-related injuries occur when workers
are climbing up and down. Climbing up and down frames is a com-
mon but unacceptable practice that has resulted in numerous inju-

ries and fatalities. Climbing up and down braces is also a frequent
cause of accidents. You must provide adequate ladders to over-
come this problem. In addition, workers must use proper climbing

techniques.

Planks sliding off or breaking

Many scaffold injuries involve problems with planks. If scaffold
planks are uncleaned or otherwise unsecured they easily slide off
– this causes a Irregular planking

Proper 3 point contact surprising num-
ber of injuries.
Scaffold planks can also break if they are in

poor condition or overloaded. It is therefore im-
portant to use proper grades of lumber and to
inspect planks before erection to ensure that
there are no weak areas, deterioration, or

cracks. Another common problem is insufficient
Participant Handbook : Scaffolding 86