The importance of scaffolding and handrails

If you have ever been involved in the scaffolding business, you will understand the importance of security.

Strict safety measures must be followed at each stage of scaffolding use; From ground inspections (to ensure that the assembly is safe), each level of scaffolding stratification, until the moment the project is completed and the scaffolding can be disassembled.

Regular maintenance and inspection should be performed to ensure that the scaffolding equipment is in good working condition. In Australia, adverse weather conditions also mean that scaffolding equipment can deteriorate rapidly and it is imperative that there be a continuous process of safety measures that are frequently performed at each construction site.

Other safety issues with scaffolding equipment include:

1. ensuring that load capacities are followed

2. New risks and dangers are evaluated daily

3. 
   

making sure that everyone who uses scaffolding equipment is fully qualified and licensed.

Of course, helmets, steel boots and all other basic safety equipment should be worn, but the greatest risk inherent in scaffolding is the risk of trips and falls. Not only do workers run the risk of falling off the scaffold, but the equipment and materials that fall from the heights can also cause serious injuries to those underneath. To reduce this risk, it is mandatory that two equipment be installed on each scaffold platform: handrails and baseboards.

Railing

The objective of scaffolding is to provide workers with a safe and balanced platform while several workers operate on the same platform simultaneously. As you can imagine, handrails are very important to reduce the risk of workers and their equipment falling off the scaffolding platform. Imagine going down a steep staircase without handrails: it would be a terrifying experience and you could easily make a mistake and fall down the stairs. The same applies to scaffolding, except that instead of falling down the stairs, the result could be much worse.

Handrails are installed for three main reasons:

• To decrease the likelihood of workers falling off the scaffolding platform;

• To reduce the likelihood of tools, equipment and workers slipping or falling off the scaffold platform; Y

• To reduce the probability that tools, equipment, materials and supplies are ejected from the scaffolding platform.

• The railings must be installed on all three sides of the scaffolding platform that moves away from the structure itself.

Toes

Together with handrails, baseboards are also a vital safety tool that effectively reduces the likelihood of workers, equipment and materials slipping or falling off the scaffolding platform.

Sockets and handrails work in unison by protecting workers and equipment, both at the top and bottom of the scaffolding platform.

With multiple workers and equipment supported by the scaffolding platform, it is a common mistake for a worker to accidentally hit equipment or tools on the side of the platform. This causes a serious risk for both workers and pedestrians below. There have been countless incidents where falling objects have seriously injured people who work under the scaffolding platform. But as handrails and footboards have become a mandatory requirement, the number of injuries has decreased dramatically.

The purpose of the baseboards is basically the same as that of the handrails: to prevent workers, equipment and materials from slipping or falling off the scaffolding platform. The only difference is that the handrails are located on the sides of the platform, while the baseboards are located at the base of the platform.

The conclusion is that safety should never be compromised during construction. While there is a lot to do with ensuring that the construction site remains safe and that all risks and threats are mitigated on a daily basis, it is absolutely necessary to ensure that both workers operating at heights and workers and pedestrians are next to saved from slips and falls