Service Department Scaffold Safety Training
It is estimated that over 2 million worker frequently use scaffolding in t the construction field. Statistic show that the number of injuries from scaffold related accidents is an astounding 4,500 or more a year and deaths that occur from such accidents average more than 60 per year. To mitigate these risks and protect workers United Window & Door Safety Department has developed a Safety Training Program. This program provides workers with the necessary information and understanding on how to use scaffolds safely including how to protect ourselves and our co-workers. Let us begin now and learn how to stay safe while at work.
What Is a Scaffold? It's any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting employees or materials or both. It is important to properly construct and maintain the scaffold in order to keep people on the site safe.
[Audio] Materials necessary for scaffolding need to be robust and able to support considerable weight. Popular materials include tubes or pipes right angle couplers swivel couplers plutlog couplers sleeves planks screw extensions ladders ladder beans sole boards and base plates. Making sure that the size and strength of these elements is appropriate for the task is essential for maintaining safety..
The slide we are discussing today covers different parts that make up a scaffold. The base plate is the plate on the ground that supports the standards or vertical posts. Ledgers are horizontal members parallel to the wall. Braces form the bracing system. Putlogs are horizontal members normal to the wall. Transoms are putlogs whose ends are supported by the ledgers in double scaffolding. Boarding is the planks on which workers stand. Guard rails protect workers from falls at about a one meter level. Toe boards are placed parallel to boarding near walls to protect workers. And ladders provide access to reach the scaffolding platform.
[Supported scaffolds consist of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams brackets poles legs uprights posts frames or similar rigid support. This form of scaffolding is normally employed to provide access for maintenance and repair work in construction. It is essential to make sure that the scaffold is properly put up as it can be highly hazardous if inappropriately assembled..
It is of utmost importance that all employees understand and adhere to safety protocols when using these scaffolds. Every employee must receive appropriate instruction and training before using the equipment. Furthermore, training in inspecting and maintaining the scaffolds must be provided to guarantee its safety. If there is even the slightest doubt as to the security of the scaffold it must not be utilized. The Safety Department commits to providing the necessary education and support to ensure safe use of all scaffolding products.
Supported scaffold. When Working on a scaffold elevated 10 feet or more above a lower level, the installation of guardrails is imperative. These guardrails serve as a robust physical barrier to mitigate the risk of falling. It is essential to ensure that the guardrail system is effectively implemented along all open sides and ends of the platforms. Prior to the utilization of the scaffold by workers, the complete installation of the guardrail system is mandatory, underscoring our commitment to prioritizing safety in every aspect of our operations..
In this training we'll explore key definitions integral to our understanding: Competent Person: One who is capable, through training and experience, of identifying existing and predictable hazards relating to scaffolds and has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Qualified Person: One who possesses a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing; or has extensive knowledge, training and experience, and therefore, can solve or resolve problems related to the work or the project. Maximum Intended Load: The total of all persons, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to be applied to a scaffold or scaffold component at any one time. Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee’s fall. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness, lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline or combinations of these.
United Window & Door Safety Department is strongly devoted to providing a safe working environment. Here an overview of the tasks of the 'Competent Person' concerning scaffolding safety. The 'Competent Person' is accountable for inspecting the scaffold and parts before each shift assessing the possibility of providing fall protection and access assessing the connections to back up the load and avoid swaying analyzing structural strength when joining components from various manufacturers and training builders and dismantlers to detect potential work hazards. This pivotal role helps guarantee the protection of our staff and we highly value your attention to detail in this matter.
Scaffolding is an essential element of many construction projects but it can also come with risks. To ensure the safety of the employees working on the scaffold scaffolding should be constructed in accordance with the guidelines established by the safety department. This includes considerations for capacity non-adjustable support suspension rope and connecting hardware and adjustable stall load. Furthermore, all scaffolding should be designed and built to bear the maximum intended load for longevity and safety.
Platform construction protocols must be strictly followed such that each abutted end must rest on a separate support surface. Overlap platforms must not be less than 12 inches over supports unless restrained to prevent movement. When direction changes occur platforms that rest on a bearer at an angle other than a right angle must be laid first; platforms that rest at right angles over the same bearer must be laid second. All personnel must remain vigilant in following these safety protocols to maintain a safe and productive workplace..
When constructing a platform or walkway it is essential to ensure that it has been built appropriately and is secure. The platform must possess appropriate support be totally planked and have a gap of no more than 1 inch between neighboring units. The maximum openings between platform and uprights should be 9 -1/2 inch. The platform and walkways must be a minimum of 18 inches wide and for those not 18 feet wide guard rails and/or personal fall arrest systems must be employed. Safety is paramount so abide by these guidelines when constructing a platform or walkway..
Safety requirements for platforms used at all times. The front edge of platforms should not extend beyond 14 inches for general work, 3 inches for outrigger scaffolds, and 18 inches for plastering and lathing operations. For platforms that are 10 feet or less, an extension of at least 6 inches but no more than 12 inches beyond the support is required, while platforms exceeding 10 feet should not extend more than 18 inches past the support. Additionally, platform construction must adhere to safety requirements.
Platform construction must be in accordance with the safety guidelines. No paint on wood platforms, except edges that may be marked for identification. Fully planked between from upright and guardrail No mixed components, unless compatible and integrity maintained. No modification of mixed components unless approved by competent person. No components or dissimilar metals unless competent person determines galvanic action will not reduce strength.
[Audio] The maximum height of our scaffolds should not exceed four times the minimum base dimension in order to ensure the safety of our workers as per the regulations set out by the Safety Department. Additional measures such as guys, ties, or braces should be implemented if the height is increased. The slide show provides an example of a 20-foot-high scaffold which is the upper limit of our scaffolds..
[Audio] Ensure the platform of the scaffolds is secure: it must extend at least 6 inches beyond its support and not be cleated or restrained otherwise by hooks. Do not cleat or hold down the platform as this will guarantee the safety of personnel on the scaffolds..
it is important to understand the components of a proper base system. Masonry blocks and bricks do not meet the safety standards for serving as a scaffold base due to their instability and lack of security. The only acceptable foundation for a scaffold is a combination of a base plate and mud sill, providing a stable and secure platform. It is imperative to prioritize safety in construction practices, and using anything other than a base plate and mud sill compromises the stability of the scaffold, potentially leading to hazardous situations. Always adhere to professional standards and guidelines to ensure a secure and reliable foundation for scaffolding structures.
Access No one can access by cross braces. When using ladders, should extend at least 3 feet above the surface of the platform to give climbers something to hold onto so they can keep their balance when reach the top. The access must be designed to be suitable for both erectors and dismantlers with end frames to be used as needed. Can use some end frames. Can access from another scaffold, structure or hoist. Always use both hands to hold when going up the ladder or down don't hold any material.
No work should be carried out on a platform covered in snow or ice and barrels boxes or ladders should never be situated on top of scaffolds. Scaffolds used in the service department should be set up and used according to industry standards and workers must always observe the appropriate safety measures.
[Audio] When working near energized power lines it is essential to keep a safe distance to meet O-S-H-A regulations. This is even more important in the case of scaffolds to ensure the safety of employees when erecting using dismantling or altering them. A minimum distance of 2 feet should be maintained for voltage less than 300 volts and a minimum distance of 10 feet should be maintained for voltage of 300 volts or more. This is extremely important for preventing hazardous situations and for the safety of everyone involved.
All scaffolds must be erected moved dismantled and altered under the supervision of a competent person who is responsible for selecting and directing workers and determining the feasibility of fall protection. It is important that all instructions and procedures outlined in this training are followed in order to ensure the safety of all personnel..
Scaffolds must be assembled and inspected correctly to guarantee a safe working environment. It is necessary to Check for proper support under every leg of every frame. Check for wash out (if outside) due to rain. Check to ensure all base plates or adjustment screws are in firm contact with supports. Check frames for plumbness and squareness in both directions. Check the serviceability and correctness of all cross braces. Check to ensure that all planking and accessories are properly installed. Check to ensure that all guard rails are in place. Recheck periodically to ensure conditions remain safe. Safety Inspections should be done before erecting a scaffold, during erection of a scaffold, reject, periodically and after dissembling a scaffold, Component person should check all parts.
Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person and initialed each day for safety purposes. Additionally, if repairs maintenance or replacement are required the scaffold must be 'red tagged' and taken out of service until these modifications have been implemented. Furthermore, the scaffold must be kept in a clean environment that is free from debris materials.
Dismantling must be carried out by competent person. Area shall be barricaded and signs board to be displayed. Manufactures dismantling instructions shall be followed. PPEs shall be used by all engaged for the dismantling job. Scaffolders must follow safe system of work to prevent people falling. Display Warning sign “Scaffold under Dismantling’’. Job shall be suspended in case of heavy wind or rain. Dismantling starts from the top. Remember when a scaffold has been up for a long period of time, rust or deteriorations of parts can cause it to become more difficult to take apart.
It's important to understand potential hazards when using a scaffold. Specifically, we need to be aware of five major dangers: falling from an elevation due to slipping unsafe access or the lack of fall protection; being struck by falling tools or debris; electrocution due to a scaffold being placed too close to energized overhead lines; scaffold collapse caused by instability or overloading; and bad planking giving way. It's our job to ensure that these risks are minimized. let's work together to protect against any of these incidents.
PPE When carrying out your tasks, always prioritize your safety by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to shield yourself from potential hazards. The essential PPEs include: Hard hat/helmet Safety glasses Safety shoes A8 gloves – When glass is being replaced by service employee required. Safety full-body harness – when 10 feet from ground required. Chain straps- when 10 feet from ground required. Arm guards- When glass is being replaced by service employee required. One should never take safety lightly and equip oneself with the necessary safety gear.
Falls from scaffolds are among the most frequent and hazardous risks. To minimize these risks, we must be continually alert to potential dangers and take the right safety measures when operating at any elevation. Before using the scaffold, it is important to carry out a thorough inspection and to always wear the right protective gear. Anyone found to be ignoring safety protocols while working on a scaffold will face disciplinary action.
we have implemented safety measures in our Service Department to protect workers from potential falls. To do this guardrail and/or Personal Fall Arrest Systems are required when workers are on scaffold heights that exceed 10 feet. This is just another way we are ensuring the security and wellbeing of our employees while they are at work..
Scaffolding erectors and dismantlers must use Personal Fall Arrest Systems or guardrails that are at least ten feet in height as a safety measure. Since January 2000 Regulations mandate that the top-rail of said guardrails must be within the range of 38 to 45 inches high. In certain cases, a cross bracing system of the same height range may be used in lieu of the top-rail or mid-rail..
[Audio] Guardrails are essential for ensuring the safety and stability of a scaffold. All open sides and ends must be protected, and the front edge of the platform must be no more than 12 inches away from the work unless guardrails and/or P-F-A-S are used. Top rails must be 38 to 45 inches tall and midrails must be placed halfway between the top rail and platform. Additionally, toeboards must be 3 and 1/2 inches high. It is important to properly install guardrails..
FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS. At United Window & Door safety is paramount. The Service Department is receiving Scaffold Safety Training. This course covers the fall protection requirements. It is important that employees using or being around any kind of scaffold be provided with the highest level of safety. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (P-F-A-S-) can be used in lieu of guardrails on some scaffolds. Further a combination of guardrails and P-F-A-S is necessary for suspension scaffolds while P-F-A-S is required for both erectors and dismantlers of scaffold systems.
PFAS otherwise known as Personal Fall Arrest Systems are an essential component of any workplace safety plan. These systems consist of anchorage lifeline and body harness components, and it is crucial that all workers are adequately trained in the correct use of these systems. To ensure the safety of all personnel United Window & Door Safety Department provides Service Department personnel with the necessary scaffold safety training.
Falling Object Protection. Hardhats must be worn by everyone working on or near scaffolds and the area beneath must be barricaded to prevent entry. Additionally, a canopy or net should be installed beneath the scaffold to capture or redirect falling objects. Toeboards must be installed and if the material within exceeds the height of the toeboards additional panels or screens must be added to guarantee maximum security.
Remember to: Use appropriate scaffold construction methods: Erect, move, or alter scaffold properly. Protect from falling objects or tools. Ensure stable access. Use component person: Train on scaffold construction and the hazards involved with scaffold. Inspect scaffold before each shift and after alterations. Determine fall protection requirements. Safety starts with you!!