Scaffolding safety checklist

A scaffolding safety checklist must be implemented in every workplace. Most people in the construction industry have to work upon scaffolding from time to time. Approximately 57% of all accidents are caused by falls of persons or materials. A safe working platform, therefore, should come high on the list of priorities when identifying hazards and implementing risk assessments. The key to safety in scaffolding comes from good preparation and planning. Before the erection of any scaffolding the following points should be carefully considered:

Scaffolding safety Checklist

1. What is the scaffold for;
2. Exactly where is it to be erected;
3. What materials are to be used;
4. Can safe access be provided for erection and use;
5. How many working platforms are required;
6. What loadings will be imposed;
7. Are ground conditions suitable;
8. Are there any overhead dangers;
9. How will the scaffold be tied;
10. Are the scaffold erectors trained, competent and under suitable supervision;
11. Has the scaffolding company adequate resources to meet the requirements of the contract (men, materials, and experience). How to calculate scaffolding load

Scaffolding Risk Checklist should include

Falls of persons and materials.

1. The collapse of the structure.
2. Contact with overhead electricity services.
3. Scaffold erection over underground services.
4. Erection by untrained, incompetent persons.
5. Obstructed access or unsafe access to occupied scaffolded properties.
6. Undermining of the scaffold. Working at heights procedure

CONTROL MEASURES

1. General Scaffolding requirements
2. All significant scaffolds should be suitably planned
3. A safe place of work, with safe access and egress, should be provided and properly maintained.
4. Scaffolding should only be erected, altered and dismantled under the supervision of a competent person and by people with adequate experience and holding a scaffolding certificate or trainer permit.
5. Scaffolding should be constructed of sound, materials in good condition and properly stored when not in use. How to make crane lifting plan
6. No defective materials or parts used and no excessive wear or corrosion.
7. Before any scaffold is used, and every 7 days thereafter, the scaffold must be inspected by a competent person and an accurate entry made in the register. Report of Weekly Thorough
8. Examinations (Scaffold) (site records). A ‘Scaff-Tag’ must be signed and displayed at all access points of the scaffold.
9. Where a scaffold is erected by an outside contractor, a representative from that company should sign the register to the effect that the scaffold is erected in compliance with all statutory requirements, or provide a handover certificate. Working at height safety
10. Before accepting the handover certificate, a formally appointed temporary works.
11. No scaffolding should be left partly erected or dismantled unless adequate notices are displayed and access blocked.
12. No metal scaffold should be erected in close proximity to overhead power lines.
13. Mandatory safety harness signs to be displayed at the entrance to scaffold and all workers to wear and secure harnesses on working platforms.

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