Working on scaffolds is one of the biggest safety risks present on any construction sites. Nearly two out of three construction workers frequently perform at least part of their work on scaffolding. From small, three-story buildings to massive high-rises, scaffolding is used for a wide variety of construction, inspection, maintenance and repair projects. But, are the appropriate safety precautions being followed?

Scaffolding is inherently dangerous. As with so many other aspects of safety, being aware of the hazards and following proper procedures to minimise risks will eliminate much of the potential for problems and injuries. The safe use of scaffolds demands that they are erected moved, dismantled, and maintained properly and that all workers who perform tasks on the scaffold fully understand the correct safety procedures.

Legal /standard requirements

Legal/standards requirements guiding on the use of scaffolding are:

1. Construction regulations 2014

2. South African National Standards 10085

According to construction regulations section 16 (1), a contractor must appoint a competent person in writing who must ensure that all scaffolding work operations are carried out under his or her supervision and that all scaffold erectors, tea, leaders and inspectors are competent to carry out their work. (2) A contractor using access scaffolding must ensure that such scaffolding when in use, complies with the safety regulations.

Any steel tubular scaffold must comply with the South African National Standards (SANS) Code 10085. This contains requirements for the design, maintenance, inspection, safety precautions and usage.

Types of scaffolding,

Common scaffolds used in South African in the construction industry include Self-Lock and Kwik-Stage scaffolding.

However, scaffolding is divided into four specific categories, based on the weight it can bear safely per m². The type of scaffolding required must be determined before a design is prepared to ensure that it can safely withstand the load it will hold as well as both vertical and horizontal wind pressure. Any scaffolding that does not fall into one of these categories must be designed by a scaffold designer or professional engineer.

Erecting a scaffold

Scaffold structures may only be constructed by trained, competent scaffold erectors under the direction of a supervisor. Once the structure has been built, it must be inspected and declared fit for use. All scaffold erectors must have undergone the requisite 18 months of classroom and practical training. No untrained people are allowed to alter or remove items from existing safe scaffold structures as the removal of one component would render the entire scaffold structure unsafe and unfit for use.

Wind loading

If the scaffolding is enclosed with sheeting, shade netting or advertising banners, this must be investigated and approved before use since it could affect wind loading. The scaffolding needs to be checked once a week, especially after inclement weather or alterations, with the details of these inspections recorded in a register.

Scaffold signage

All scaffolding structures must be clearly marked with signage that complies with the requirements of the SANS1186-1 Code to indicate whether it is safe for use and every employee on a construction site must be trained to recognise and obey these signs

Competent person

All materials to be used in the construction of scaffolding must be inspected by a supervisor before use to determine their suitability and ensure that they conform to the required standards. The area on which the structure will be built must also be inspected. Supervisors are appointed by the employer and must possess the necessary qualifications from an accredited training provider and approved by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). He or she must also comply with the legal construction regulations as well as those contained in the SANS Code

Safety During Scaffolding Use

When scaffolding structures are in use, workmen should not store materials on the scaffolding boards. Anything left on the boards could cause someone to trip on the scaffolding and fall or cause injury to someone on the ground.

Physical barriers are recommended to prevent injuries to people walking underneath the scaffolding structure but using tape to create barriers is not recommended as people can (and will) ignore the tape and walkthrough. Similarly, if the scaffolding is left unattended, the access ladder should be removed to prevent access to unauthorised individuals. Movable tower scaffolding must have the wheels locked when workers are working from the towers and they are required to be stationary.