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Safe Practices When it comes To Scaffolding

Scaffolds are essential equipment when it comes to building construction. These temporary structures provide platforms workers can use when performing tasks. Due to this, construction companies in Sydney normally work with scaffolding hire Sydney-based companies to provide for their scaffolding needs if they do not have the necessary scaffolding equipment. Since scaffolds are used for buildings with multiple floors, it is necessary for companies to ensure they follow scaffold safety requirements set by the government. The following are some safe practices companies can observe when it comes to scaffolding.

  • Scaffolds should be built according to standards

This is one important safety requirement since substandard scaffolds may result in injuries to the people working on the building. Aside from meeting the safety requirements of the government, it is also important for all the components of the scaffold to be complete. While cutting corners may save money, it will also increase the risk of injury in the construction site. Equipment meeting government scaffold safety requirements will allow scaffolding Sydney-based companies to avoid fines, which can be quite hefty.

  • Plan the setup of scaffolds properly

Meeting government safety standards does not automatically mean the scaffold can be set up immediately. It is necessary for scaffolding companies to plan the setup of the scaffolds properly. Planning means visiting the construction site and checking the locations where the scaffold will be set up. The area should offer a solid foundation for the scaffold, especially when it comes to buildings with considerable height. Planning also entails using the appropriate type of scaffold. Moreover, as construction work progresses, it is also important to consult workers working on higher floors. Consulting or discussing the scaffolding work gives construction workers on the things they can and cannot do while they are using the scaffold. It also allows the scaffolding professional an idea about the scaffolding requirements of the workers.

  • Prevent unauthorized alterations or modifications

As the construction of the building progresses, there may be instances when a construction company may not wait for the scaffolding company to add additional levels on the scaffold. They would try to increase the height of the scaffold to speed up work on the project. In these situations, it will put workers at risk especially if the added scaffolding levels are not installed by a licensed and competent professional. Due to this, scaffolding companies should constantly communicate with the construction company to ensure all the necessary materials are available whenever they are needed. Licensed professionals should also be present to work on the additional scaffolding levels. The construction company should be made aware of the risk they are taking when they alter the scaffold by themselves without discussing it with the scaffolding company.

  • Regularly conduct safety checks

While safety checks are normally done when the scaffold is initially set up, scaffolding hire Sydney-based companies should check the structure regularly while the construction is in progress. Regular safety checks will allow the company to spot issues with the structure, such as unsafe access and egress points, inadequately planked areas, or planks that may have weakened due to the load they carried. Checking the structure regularly will prevent any untoward incidents at the construction site. It is also important to conduct a safety check after adverse weather to ensure the integrity of the scaffold was not affected.

  • Employing trained and licensed professionals

This is another important safe scaffolding practice since an untrained individual will not be able to set up a scaffold properly. The professional setting op the scaffold or performing the scaffolding work should have the necessary scaffolding license. There are several scaffolding license classes, depending on the type of scaffold being used. Employing unlicensed individuals will result in an on-the-spot fine for both the individual and the supervisor. Training is also important since licensed professionals may have their licenses suspended or revoked if they are not setting up the scaffold properly. Due to this, both training and a suitable license are required for anyone performing the scaffolding work.

These are just some of the safe practices scaffolding Sydney-based companies can observe to reduce, if not, eliminate the risk of untoward incidents at a construction site. Aside from keeping the workers safe, these practices also allow scaffolding hire Sydney-based companies to comply with scaffolding safety requirements set by the government.

 

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