Scaffolding is unlike any other 9 to 5 job. It is an area of work that is subject to the weather, tricky environments and, most notably, the factor of working at height. Because of these extraordinary conditions, scaffolding is an industry that requires immense skill and an extensive level of training. Due to the specialist nature of this line of work, scaffolders must adhere to strict health and safety protocols, and with that in mind, Safeway Scaffolding asks the question, “what are the most important factors in ensuring every scaffolding site is a safe one”?
Plan Ahead
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, as the old adage goes. This sentiment could not be more true for scaffolders and their industry. To prepare for working at height, scaffolders must be suitably qualified and understand the risks of every scaffolding site; this is the first step in ensuring that every site is safe and secure. There are a number of courses and training programmes available for prospective scaffolders to learn their trade, and you can find out more about how to become a scaffolder in our recent blog post.
The next step in preparing for a site is to make sure the environment is safe and that every possible eventuality is accounted for. The weather must be assessed and any other extraneous factors which may affect your ability to work effectively. When working at height, it is always best to air on the side of caution and plan every single action to avoid any mishaps.
Pick The Right Equipment
Depending on the type of work you are carrying out, you may need a variety of tools for your site. Working at height is like any other construction site, so the basic safety equipment of a hard hat, protective goggles and steel toe capped boots, as well as hi-vis jackets, are still necessary. To contend with the fact of working at height, however, scaffolders may have to equip themselves with harnesses and bungee lanyards for that added protection and peace of mind.
The importance of checking your equipment before you start your work cannot be stressed enough. Do not compromise on the quality of your equipment, and if necessary, postpone any work if your tools are missing or damaged. There are workplace guidelines in place to ensure that all workers are in the correct gear on site, and these rules are in place for the protection of yourself and those around you, so make sure you conform to these guidelines at all times.
Keep An Eye Out
Continuously assessing and reviewing your site is the key to ensuring your site remains safe throughout the entirety of your job. When working at height, you are even more susceptible to the elements, so pay close attention to the conditions and postpone any work if the weather reaches a stage where it is putting you and your team at risk or if it is limiting the quality and effectiveness of your work.
Contact
These golden rules have been designed to act as the perfect checklist for your site, to ensure it is completely safe and continues to be in the distant future. For more information on our services, contact Safeway Scaffolding on 0845 601 7738 or use our online form to leave us a message.