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Whenever your workers are using a rolling scaffold tower, safety has to be ensured. Such temporary structures offer scalability for diverse construction projects. But, if the scaffold is not properly used, then it can lead to injuries. Serious accidents can also occur during the use of the scaffold. So, in this article, we have covered more about how to use rolling scaffold towers.
Why Scaffold Safety Matters Most?
In the present times, it’s important to maintain scaffold safety. While workers use a stable platform, it can make it easier to access hard to reach areas. A properly erected scaffold will also mitigate the risks of accidents. But, in the absence of a scaffold, it will be dangerous to paint or repair tall buildings. Workers will also be inefficient to carry out certain tasks. Their well-being will also be at stake as they proceed with the tasks.
The Importance of Proper Use
Diverse industries always use scaffold towers. But, if the scaffolding is not used properly, then it can lead to adverse outcomes. Hence, it’s important to comprehend its use. In the long run, proper use can help avoid costly mistakes. On the other hand, rolling scaffold towers can reduce labor costs significantly. These can be shifted to several locations with dismantling them. When used correctly, the scaffold tower offers a stable platform. This eventually reduces the risk of accidents and unexpected falls.
Common Accidents and Their Causes
Workers may have to cope with many accidents while using scaffold towers. Let’s check the accidents ahead.
Sudden falls from heights
If guardrails and toe boards are not used properly, then workers are likely to fall off. Improper maintenance can also lead to sudden falls.
Scaffolding collapse
In case the scaffold is not properly erected, then it can lead to a collapse. Besides, if the temporary structure is overloaded, then the scaffold will also collapse.
Slips & Trips
Wet surfaces of scaffold components can cause the workers to slip. They are also likely to trip when using the stable platform.
Electrical Hazards
Electrocution can arise when rolling scaffold towers aren’t erected away from the power lines. This can occur because workers will come in contact with the lines.
Struck by moving machinery
Mobile machinery can also lead to accidents. Workers can lose their balance when the machinery strikes suddenly.
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
When construction teams adhere to regulatory standards, they can maintain a safe environment. Workers will also use the scaffold safely when OSHA guidelines are followed. With the standards in mind, the team can also avoid getting caught up in legal repercussions.
How to choose a suitable Scaffold Tower?
Now let’s check the factors to consider before choosing a scaffold tower.
Before you choose a scaffold tower, you must evaluate the needs. Besides, it’s also equally important to understand the different types. Most of the time, rolling scaffold towers are used when mobility is needed. But, if the tower is fixed, then it offers additional stability.
Material Considerations
When you’re concerned about durability, you must consider the scaffold tower’s material. Among different materials, you must opt for aluminium. This material is lightweight and doesn’t corrode easily. In contrast, steel can be considered to sustain heavy loads. But, before making a decision, you must assess the pros and cons.
Load Capacity & Limitations
Every scaffold tower has its own limitations. The temporary structure must not bear load beyond a limit. In case it gets overloaded, then it can lead to failure. Moreover, you must use rolling scaffolds with great care. The structure will tend to collapse if the casters bear a lot of weight.
What are some Tips for assembling Scaffold Towers?
Let’s now check some tips for assembling scaffold towers.
Following instructions of the manufacturer
Once you erect the scaffold, you must first check its assembly. In those instances, you must follow the guidelines in the instructional manual. Once workers follow the steps, they will assemble the scaffold correctly. This will also mitigate the risks of certain issues.
Using appropriate tools
As workers commence assembling the scaffold, they must use the right tools. These include measuring tapes, wrenches and levels. In case they don’t use apt tools, then the structure’s integrity will be compromised. But, if your team can’t erect the scaffold, then hire professionals.
Inspecting Components
Before you assemble the scaffold, check the components for wear and tear. If the components are damaged, then they have to be replaced immediately. This maintains safety while working on the structure.
What to consider for Stability & Support?
Many things have to be considered for keeping the scaffold stable. Let’s now check these ahead.
Ground Conditions
A uniform terrain is needed to erect the structure. Just in case the ground’s surface is uneven, then the scaffold will tip over. But, you must use a screw jack to erect a scaffold on an uneven surface. Once the screw jack is adjusted, it can keep the scaffold stable.
Bracing
To maintain stability, proper bracing is also needed. Every scaffold leg supported adequately to a certain extent. But, it’s always better to use suitable bracing techniques as per the scaffold’s model.
Locking Wheels / Casters
Rolling scaffold towers are always known for mobility. But, in case the casters are not locked properly, the scaffold tower will be insecure. Hence, to prevent accidents due to motion, make sure that you lock the casters.
What Practices must you consider for safe use?
Many practices have to be followed for safe use of scaffolds. Let’s check these ahead.
Ascending & Descending
While workers use a rolling scaffold tower, they should be cautious. While ascending the structure, they must use ladders. An access style frame can also be used along with crossbraces. To prevent falls, it’s also important to maintain three points of contact.
Working at Height
When rolling scaffolds of more than 10 feet are used, guardrails must be placed. These will prevent workers from falling off. They will also not get injured when they are carrying out construction tasks.
Handling Tools and Materials
Workers can also maintain balance with the proper use of material handling tools. Once it’s time to lift materials, they can use tool belts. Moreover, they must keep their hands free so that they can remain stable. This, in turn, will reduce the likelihood of dropping materials.
How to inspect scaffold towers?
Now here’s how you can inspect and maintain scaffold towers. We have covered more about cleaning the scaffold in addition to inspections.
Regular Inspections
Inspecting the scaffold regularly can help maintain safety. Before workers use the scaffold, you have to check for wear and tear. This will help to identify issues before they become serious. Beyond everything else, you must hire a professional to conduct inspections.
Repairing Damages
If rolling scaffold towers are damaged around certain sections, they have to undergo repairs. But, before proceeding ahead, you must hire a competent individual. As he determines the repair work, he may also consider replacing some scaffold components.
Cleaning & Storage
Cleaning the scaffold properly can help enhance its lifespan. So, it’s essential to remove debris that can lead to wear and tear. Workers must also keep the scaffolding components in a dry area. This will prevent corrosion and future damage of the parts.
Training and Certification
Let’s now check the importance of training programs. The section will also cover why professionals must opt for certification programs.
Importance of Training
Training is quite important to ensure scaffold safety. Once training is imparted, workers must know how to maintain and install the scaffold properly. In the long run, proper training will prevent accidents through the safe use of scaffolds.
Certification Programs
Apart from usual training programs, certification programs must be conducted. While such programs offer in-depth training, workers can acquire essential skills. They can later use the scaffold safely while contractors stay compliant.
Continuous Learning
As the realm of scaffold safety evolves, it’s also important to know about new regulations. Hence, when workers are learning continuously, they can follow certain safety practices. A safe environment is also maintained when the construction work is in progress.
What needs to be followed for emergencies?
Here’s what the construction team must follow in case of an emergency.
Creating an Emergency Plan
An emergency plan is always important for scaffold safety. This plan must include the details of the procedures for handling accidents. It must also empower workers to handle injuries and many emergencies. But, to react to an emergency, regular drills have to be conducted.
Medical Assistance
In case an emergency strikes, then you must ensure that medical support is available. Workers must then know from where they can get first aid supplies. Moreover, training must be offered so that team members can offer swift assistance.
Communication Systems
Besides everything, communicating effectively is the key to responding to an emergency. This can be accomplished using mobile phones or radios. To make sure that everyone is informed, workers must follow communication protocols.
Conclusion
Finally, you must erect suitable rolling scaffolding towers for your construction project. Soon after its installation, you must also check the scaffold for structural integrity. If you are seeking a scaffold for a construction project in the USA, why not choose AAIT Scaffolds? As a leading scaffold supplier in the USA, we can provide you with high quality components. You can also expect quick delivery owing to our approach to logistics.
