Key factors to ensure safe Scaffolding execution

??Key factors to ensure successful Safe execution

Scaffolding is a term mainly used in the construction/ heavy infrastructure industry/manufacturing industries. ?Scaffold is a temporary means of support required whenever there is a need to work at height. The system is to provide a temporary platform wherein a worker may position himself, place tools and materials and perform the job. Scaffolds are constructed in industry during operation and maintenance while work at height. Scaffold being temporary structure, should be stable, strong and rigid which is necessity during execution and use of scaffold.

Scaffolding execution is complex activities but at the same time essential and mandatory safety processes. A systematic approach towards scaffold construction is a necessity to prevent accidents. Scaffolders are to be trained and certified, they need have knowledge, of scaffold components, scaffold procedures and skill to execute scaffold work and undergone practical training in systematic scaffold erection, modification and dismantling.

During scaffold execution, to maintain scaffold standards and procedures, design and engineering considerations are the first step. Any activity which includes work at height need scaffolding. Now a days in most of industries scaffolding requirement is considered as a separate vertical with required budget, operating cost and trained and certified manpower.

?Important factors to ensure safe scaffolding execution

Design Consideration

When scaffold is to be erected at a height of 20m and above or the scaffold is considered critical, a structural engineer to be consulted to decide on the design aspects of the scaffold. A structural engineer to design considering load duty on platform for hanging scaffold, cantilever scaffold or suspended scaffold.

The scaffolding management software are available for critical scaffold and scaffold above height of 20. 0 m. The basic design and engineering give details of component sizes and placing distance, where tie is to be provided etc. The scaffold design ensures scaffold strength, stability and rigidity of scaffold being erected. To ensure safe dismantling, modification, or alterations of structure such software may be used as required. ?

Know load on scaffold, a temporary structure and load combinations

While designing the scaffold structure a safety factor 4 for scaffold is to be considered. Each scaffold and scaffold component are capable to withstand its own weight and at least 4 times (Safety Factor 4) the maximum load applied or transmitted to it.

A scaffold withstands axially compressive load vertically and applied forces horizontally, such loads are categorized as dead load, live load and environmental load or wind load. The dead load of all the scaffold components and live load of people and load of materials on platform, and wind load in terms of environment load are to be considered for load analysis. The load acting on each level creates stresses in all the members of the scaffold structure, which is also consider for load analysis. In such cases a structure analysis software and proprietary 3D can provide solution on load bearing and different forces/movement considerations for the scaffold. The load combinations are as per IS 2750 – 1964 (Indian Standards, specifications for steel scaffolds).

Scaffolding Execution Plan

A planning for safe execution of scaffold can be done based on scaffold design and related load duty calculation and analysis are available and it become very easy to carry out execution of scaffold. Scaffolds itself a temporary structure are vulnerable structures with an inherent risk exposing the workers to work at height. A policy to be developed for safe scaffold execution and use of scaffold with appropriate planning.

Safe scaffold policy and work rules:

• Sound design
• Select the right type of scaffold
• Assign trained and certified personnel
• Periodic training & assessment
• Scaffold fall protection
• Guidelines for proper scaffold erection modification and dismantling methodology
• Guidelines for proper use of scaffold
• Guidelines for alteration and dismantling of existing scaffold
• Scaffold Inspections & Audits and Tag system
• Maintenance and storage of scaffold components
• Scaffold management and monitoring with fall protection
• ?Weather conditions and working conditions
• Entry and exit from the scaffold
• Ensuring Health and safety of the workers and people around the scaffold.

For safe execution of scaffold, at the start of scaffold there are critical aspects to be considered like job safety analysis, safety inspection and follow up procedures. The process of erection of scaffolding involves safety aspects. There is a need of fall protection devise by providing mid rails, top rails and toe guards while working on scaffold. There is inherent risk of work at height to be mitigated via safe work practices and awareness. ?

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