Safe Guidelines for Scaffold
Erection
HSE Interview Questions & Answers
Scaffolding operation in any industry is considered as highly technical operations with serious hazard potential. Unless correct steps are taken, a loss prevention program at work site, it may end up with serious trouble with loss in job schedule, workmen, company image and property damage. Hence, to perform the job safely, knowledge on scaffolding , safe erection and maintenance & inspection are essential to the execution team.
The scaffolding is having many types
like roof scaffolding, hanging scaffold, suspended scaffolding, mobile scaffold
platform, rolling scaffold, aluminium scaffolding, mobile aluminium scaffold, u
jack scaffolding, portable scaffold tower etc.
Safe Guidelines for Scaffold Erection
Ensure the Supervision while
erection of scaffolding shall be done by a person competent by skill,
experience and training to ensure safe installation according to the manufacturer’s
specifications and other requirements.
Before start the erection, Knowledge
of the voltage of energized power lines and increased awareness of location of
energized power lines is essential. Safe clearance between scaffolds and power
lines must be maintained . (i.e., minimum distance of 1 meter for insulated
lines less than 300 volts; 3 meter for insulated lines 300 volts or more).
Pre Identify heat sources like
steam pipes. Anticipate the presence of hazards before erecting scaffolds and
keep a safe distance from them.
Be sure and double that fall
protection equipment is available before beginning erection and use it as
needed.
Have scaffolding material delivered
as close to the erection site as possible to minimize the need for manual
handling.
Always Arrange components in the
order of erection.
Ensure the availability of material
hoisting and rigging equipment to lift components to the erection point and
eliminate the need to climb with components.
Examine all the scaffold components
prior to erection. Return and tag “Do Not Use” or destroy defective components.
Prohibit or restrict the
intermixing of manufactured scaffold components, unless: The components fit
together properly, without force, The use of dissimilar metals will not reduce
strength, and The design load capacities are maintained.
Note that, All scaffold decks
should be planked as fully as possible (beginning at the work surface face)
with gaps between planks no more than 25 mm wide (to account for plank warp and
wane).
Scaffold Platform units must not
extend less than 150 mm over their supports unless they are cleated or contain
hooks or other restraining devices.
When platform units are abutted
together or overlapped to make a long platform, each end should rest on a
separate support or equivalent support.
Wood preservatives, fire retardant
finishes and slip-resistant finishes can be applied to platform units; however,
no coating should obscure the top and bottom of wooden surfaces. If fire
retardants are used, an engineer should ensure that the plank(s) will carry the
required load since fire retardants can reduce the plank load capacity.
Provide suitable access to and
between scaffolds, two way. Access can be provided by portable ladders; hook-on
ladders; attachable ladders; stairway-type ladders; integral prefabricated
scaffold rungs; direct passage from another scaffold, structure or personnel
hoist; ramps; runways; or similar adequate means.
Cross braces and scaffold frames
shall not be used for access scaffold platforms unless they are equipped with a
built-in ladder specifically designed for such purpose.