SAFETY TIPS

At Ladders & Things, we love what we do. Our staff is committed to delivering unmatched services to our clients. We place the highest priority on working safely, giving great customer service, providing OSHA compliant services, and height access equipment and gear to meet customers’ needs.

TIPS ON SCAFFOLD SAFETY

The following safety tips are offered by the engineering department as guidelines in avoiding job-site situations that could prove dangerous to scaffold workmen.

Check Safety Codes

OSHA, state and local safety codes should be consulted and approval obtained from building safety and industrial commissions on scaffold tips.

Inspect and Check

Take no chances. Inspect the scaffold set up after erection and daily while in use. Don’t remove or allow removal of any parts without the approval from the proper authorities. When wire rope is used, inspect it on each job.

Begin With Good Footing

Use base plates, sills or footers (or combination) on solid ground; make sure scaffold is leveled or plumbed.

Reject Damaged Parts

Bent or otherwise damaged end frames or braces should not be used. Put them aside for replacement.

Don’t Short-Change Bracing

Use bracing at all points provided; add extra braces if needed to ensure stability.

Tie Scaffold To The Building

Scaffolding should be tied to the structure using heavy wire or tie-in devices. The first vertical tie should be at the maximum height of 4 times the narrowest base dimension. Additional ties are not to exceed 26 feet vertically. Maximum horizontal distance between ties is not to exceed 30 feet.

Don’t Overload Scaffolding

Follow the safe load capacities as given by the scaffold manufacturer. There’s a limit even to what steel can support. A 4-to-1 safety factor must be figured on scaffolding.

Use Metal Catwalks, Platforms:

Where available. If wood plank is used, it must be scaffold grade, or better. Inspect thoroughly before every job to make sure it is free from breaks, knots, cracks or warpage. Decking should be full width.

Don’t Ride Moving Scaffold

And remember scaffold units are limited in height to 4* times their narrowest base dimension (unless base is widened by outriggers, or more end frames; or tied into building.) Always keep casters locked. (Except to re-spot)

*Exceptions: 3 times in CA, OH, OR, MT, ME.

Don’t Climb Braces

Use the steps provided on most steel scaffolds to climb up to or down from work levels. Use scaffold climbing ladders where required.

Protect Working Levels

Use overhead canopies to protect workers on lower work levels when work is being done overhead. Rope off unsafe areas underneath scaffold or provide wire mesh around work area.

Use Double Guard Rails & Toe Boards

These should be used on exposed sides at platform heights of 6 feet or more.