WorkSafe Victoria will be focusing on scaffolding safety over the next month. During this time inspectors will be visiting sites to ensure employers (and self-employed people) are managing the hazards and risks associated with use of scaffolds.
Tony Cockerell, WorkSafe’s Senior Construction Advisor, writes about managing the risks with the use of modular scaffolds on construction sites.
The use of modular scaffolds during the construction of houses (two storeys and above) has become increasingly common in recent times. They are also more frequently being used during the construction of single storey houses.
While a hire scaffold installed and certified by a licenced scaffolder greatly reduces the risks of a fall, it can only be relied upon if the scaffold remains in a safe as installed condition and only authorised people undertake alterations.
To ensure the scaffold remains safe to use, the person in management and control of the site should:
- Establish site rules for people using or working around the scaffold, such as:
- Include the scaffold site rules in the site induction
- Regularly inspect the scaffold while it remains onsite
The site supervisor to ensure:
Further information on scaffolding safety
Construction Safety Focus - Scaffolding
Construction Safety Focus, Preventing falls from height in building & construction
Guidance Note Fall Prevention for Scaffolders
Information About, Safe Work Method Statements
Bracket Scaffolds in Housing Construction
Construction Safety Focus, Falling object prevention
The use of modular scaffolds during the construction of houses (two storeys and above) has become increasingly common in recent times. They are also more frequently being used during the construction of single storey houses.
While a hire scaffold installed and certified by a licenced scaffolder greatly reduces the risks of a fall, it can only be relied upon if the scaffold remains in a safe as installed condition and only authorised people undertake alterations.
To ensure the scaffold remains safe to use, the person in management and control of the site should:
- Establish site rules for people using or working around the scaffold, such as:
- only authorised people can alter the scaffold
- procedure for getting the scaffolds altered
- reporting any damage to the scaffold so it can be promptly repaired
- Include the scaffold site rules in the site induction
- Regularly inspect the scaffold while it remains onsite
The site supervisor to ensure:
- working decks are complete (planks have not been removed)
- guardrails and mid-rails have not been removed and are secure
- if fitted, kick boards are in place
- if fitted, scaffold ties have not been altered or removed
- any excavation work is not undermining the scaffold or the ground supporting it/surface integrity which it is set up on.
- before first use (handover certificate)
- at least every 30 days
- after severe weather events
- after damage to the scaffold.
Further information on scaffolding safety
Construction Safety Focus - Scaffolding
Construction Safety Focus, Preventing falls from height in building & construction
Guidance Note Fall Prevention for Scaffolders
Information About, Safe Work Method Statements
Bracket Scaffolds in Housing Construction
Construction Safety Focus, Falling object prevention
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