SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD SAFETY
Suspended scaffolds are plays a major role in the industry for executing the various height works. Suspended scaffold platforms
suspended by ropes, or other non-rigid means, from an overhead structure.
Suspended scaffolds include swing stage, multipoint scaffolds, and catenary
scaffolds. Suspended scaffolds can pose serious risks if there is a failure in
integrity of the structure or the ropes. In addition, workers at heights risk
serious injury or loss of life from falls if fall-protection systems are not in place.
Follow these tips to ensure
safety:
Suspended scaffolds must be
designed, inspected and certified by a competent person.
Make sure all suspension support
devices are resting on surfaces capable of supporting at least four times the
intended load. Supporting devices include outrigger beams, cornice hooks,
parapet clamps and similar devices.
Verify that each suspension rope,
including connecting hardware, is capable of supporting, without failure, at
least 6 times the maximum intended load.
FALL PROTECTION SAFETY TRAINING VIDEO
When inspecting scaffolds for
capacity, keep in mind that adjustable suspension scaffolds are designed to be
raised and lowered while occupied by workers and materials, and must be capable
of bearing their load whether stationary or in motion.
Restrain outrigger beams to prevent
movement. Barricade below the work area.
To keep a scaffold from falling to
the ground, use counterweights and attach them to an acceptable anchor point.
Use fall protection (either a
guardrail system or a personal fall arrest system) when working on any scaffold
10 feet or more above a lower level. When working on a suspension scaffold, use
both a guardrail and a personal fall arrest system.
