SERVICE DEPARTMENT SCAFFOLD SAFETY TRAINING

SERVICE DEPARTMENT SCAFFOLD SAFETY TRAINING

It is estimated that over 2 million worker frequently use scaffolding in the construction field. Statistic show that the number of injuries from scaffold related accidents is an astounding 4,500 or more a year, and deaths that occur from such accidents average more than 60 per year. To mitigate these risks and protect workers, United Window & Door Safety Department has developed a Safety Training Program. This program provides workers with the necessary information and understanding on how to use scaffolds safely to protect ourselves and our co-workers. Let’s begin now and learn how to stay safe while using a Scaffold.

What Is A Scaffold?  Its any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting employees or materials or both. It is important to properly construct and maintain the scaffold in order to keep people on the site safe.

Materials necessary for scaffolding need to be robust and able to support considerable weight. Popular materials include tubes or pipes, right angle couplers, swivel couplers, putlog couplers, sleeves, planks, screw extensions, ladders, ladder beans, sole boards and base plates. Making sure that the size and strength of these elements is appropriate for the task is essential for maintaining safety..

In this slide we are explaining the different components or part that make up a scaffold. Number 1 is the base plate on the ground that supports the standards or vertical posts. Number two are the vertical post, also called Uprights. Number three are the Ledgers, which are the horizontal members parallel to the wall. Number four: are Braces that runs diagonally on the scaffold to add stability. Number 5 are the Putlogs, which are the horizontal members perpendicular to the wall. Number 6 : Transoms are putlogs whose ends are supported by the ledgers in double scaffolding. Number 7: Boarding is the planks on which workers stand. Number 8 Guard rails. Guard rails protect workers from falls at about a 45 inches height. Number 9: is the Toe Board placed perpendicular to boarding around the edges to prevent objects to fall from platform. And number ten, is the ladders to provide access to reach the scaffolding platform.

It is of utmost importance that all employees understand and adhere to safety protocols when using these scaffolds. Every employee must receive appropriate instruction and training before using the equipment. Furthermore, training in inspecting and maintaining the scaffolds must be provided to guarantee its safety. If there is even the slightest doubt as to the security of the scaffold it must not be utilized.

Supported scaffold. When working on a scaffold elevated 10 feet or more above the ground level, the installation of guardrails is imperative. These guardrails serve as a robust physical barrier to mitigate the risk of falling. It is essential to ensure that the guardrail system is effectively implemented along all open sides and ends of the platforms. Prior to the utilization of the scaffold by workers, the complete installation of the guardrail system is mandatory, underscoring our commitment to prioritizing safety in every aspect of our operations..

In this slide we'll explore key definitions integral to our understanding: Competent Person: One who is capable, through training and experience, of identifying existing and predictable hazards relating to scaffolds and has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Qualified Person: One who possesses a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing; or has extensive knowledge, training and experience, and therefore, can solve or resolve problems related to the work or the project. Maximum Intended Load: The total of all persons, equipment, tools, materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to be applied to a scaffold or scaffold component at any one time. Personal Fall Arrest System: A system used to arrest an employee’s fall. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body harness, lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline or combinations of these.

Competent Person Duties. United Window & Door Safety Department is strongly devoted to providing a safe working environment. Here an overview of the tasks of the Competent Person concerning scaffolding safety. The Competent Person is accountable for inspecting the scaffold and parts before each shift assessing the possibility of providing fall protection and access assessing the connections to back up the load and avoid swaying analyzing structural strength when joining components from various manufacturers and training builders and dismantlers to detect potential work hazards. This pivotal role helps guarantee the protection of our staff and we highly value your attention to detail in this matter.

Scaffolding is an essential element of many construction projects, but it can also come with risks. To ensure the safety of the employees working on the scaffold, scaffolding should be constructed in accordance with the guidelines established by OSHA. This is very important: Each component of a scaffold system must be able to support its own weight (the weight of the component itself, in addition to the portion of the scaffold's weight that is transmitted to that component), and at least 4 times the maximum intended load transmitted to that component. Please note if you will use suspension rope and connecting hardware, it must support 6 times the maximum intended load.

Platform construction When placing two platforms side by side (abutting), each end of the platforms should be supported by a different surface or support. This helps distribute the load evenly and enhances stability. When overlapping platforms (placing one over the other), the overlap should be at least 12 inches, and this overlap is allowed only directly over support structures unless additional measures are taken to secure and prevent movement. To ensure stability and prevent risk of platforms shifting or slipping. On direction changes, if a platform rests on a support bearer at an angle other than a right angle, it should be placed first. This could be a measure to ensure proper alignment and stability during directional changes. If there are platforms that rest at right angles over the same support bearer, these should be laid second. This sequence might be specified for structural stability and efficient scaffold assembly.

The front edge of platforms should not extend beyond 14 inches for general work, 3 inches for outrigger scaffolds, and 18 inches for plastering and lathing operations. For platforms that are 10 feet or less, an extension of at least 6 inches but no more than 12 inches beyond the support is required, while platforms exceeding 10 feet should not extend more than 18 inches past the support. Additionally, platform construction must adhere to safety requirements.

Scaffold Height. The height of the scaffold should not be more than four times its minimum base dimension unless guys, ties, or braces are used.

Ensure the platform of the scaffolds is secure: it must extend at least 6 inches beyond its support and not be cleated or restrained otherwise by hooks. Do not cleat or hold down the platform as this will guarantee the safety of personnel on the scaffolds..

Supported scaffolds Base support. It is important to understand the components of a proper base system. Masonry blocks and bricks do not meet the safety standards for serving as a scaffold base due to their instability and lack of security. The only acceptable foundation for a scaffold is a combination of a base plate and mud sill, providing a stable and secure platform. It is imperative to prioritize safety in construction practices, and using anything other than a base plate and mud sill compromises the stability of the scaffold, potentially leading to hazardous situations. Always adhere to professional standards and guidelines to ensure a secure and reliable foundation for scaffolding structures.

Access. This is very important to remember: ONE: you cannot climb the scaffold using the cross braces TWO: When using ladders, the ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the surface of the platform to give climbers something to hold onto so they can keep their balance when reach the top. THREE: If you are using a portable ladder like the one shown in the picture, it has to be secured to the scaffold. And FOUR: you can use the end frame to access the platform.

Portable Ladders. Portable ladders could be used, under the following regulations: Must be chained, strapped or secured. Ladders should be able to support the maximum intended load without failure. Employees should not use ladders with missing or broken steps or rungs. Ladders should be set up on a stable and level surface. The proper angle for setting up a ladder is a 4:1 ratio of the ladder's height to the distance from the wall or upper support. The ladder should extend 3 feet above the platform.

No work should be carried out on a platform covered in snow or ice and barrels boxes. Ladders should never be situated on top of scaffolds. Scaffolds used in the service department should be set up and used according to industry standards, and workers must always observe the appropriate safety measures.

Safe Distances from Energized Power Lines. When working near energized power lines it is essential to keep a safe distance to meet OSHA regulations. This is even more important in the case of scaffolds to ensure the safety of employees when erecting, using, dismantling or altering them. A minimum distance of 2 feet for insulated power line should be maintained for voltage less than 300 volts and a minimum distance of 10 feet for insulated power lines, should be maintained for voltage of 300 volts or more and for all uninsulated power lines . This is extremely important for preventing hazardous situations and for the safety of everyone involved.

All scaffolds must be erected moved dismantled and altered under the supervision of a competent person who is responsible for selecting and directing workers and determining the feasibility of fall protection. It is important that all instructions and procedures outlined in this training are followed in order to ensure the safety of all personnel.

Scaffolds must be assembled and inspected correctly to guarantee a safe working environment. It is necessary to Check for proper support under every leg of every frame. Check for wash out (if outside) due to rain. Check to ensure all base plates or adjustment screws are in firm contact with supports. Check frames for plumbness and squareness in both directions. Check the serviceability and correctness of all cross braces. Check to ensure that all planking and accessories are properly installed. Check to ensure that all guard rails are in place. Recheck periodically to ensure conditions remain safe. Safety Inspections should be done before erecting a scaffold, during erection of a scaffold, reject, periodically and after dissembling a scaffold. A competent person should check all parts.

Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person and initialed each day for safety purposes. Additionally, if repairs maintenance or replacement are required, the scaffold must be 'red tagged' and taken out of service until these modifications have been implemented. Furthermore, the scaffold must be kept in a clean environment that is free from debris materials.

Dismantling must be carried out by competent person. Area shall be barricaded and signs board to be displayed. Manufactures dismantling instructions shall be followed. PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) shall be used by all engaged for the dismantling job. The detailed requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) will be outlined in an upcoming slide. Scaffolders must follow safe system of work to prevent people falling. Display Warning sign: “ Scaffold under Dismantling’’. Job shall be suspended in case of heavy wind or rain. Dismantling starts from the top. Remember, when a scaffold has been up for a long period of time, rust or deteriorations of parts can cause it to become more difficult to take apart.

It's important to understand potential hazards when using a scaffolds. Specifically, we need to be aware of five major dangers: falling from an elevation due to slipping unsafe access or the lack of fall protection; being struck by falling tools or debris; electrocution due to a scaffold being placed too close to energized overhead lines; scaffold collapse caused by instability or overloading; and bad planking giving way. It's our job to ensure that these risks are minimized. lets work together to protect against any of these incidents.

PPE’S (Personal Protective Equipment’s) When carrying out your tasks, always prioritize your safety by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to shield yourself from potential hazards. The essential PPEs include: Hard hat/helmet Safety glasses Safety full-body harness is required when the scaffold erects more than 10 feet from ground level, if the scaffold doesn’t have the guardrails. Chain straps- when 10 feet from ground required.

Fall Hazards. Falls from scaffolds are among the most frequent and hazardous risks. To minimize these risks, we must be continually alert to potential dangers and take the right safety measures when operating at any elevation. Before using the scaffold, it is important to carry out a thorough inspection and to always wear the right protective gear. Any individual disregarding safety protocols while working on a scaffold is jeopardizing their own well-being and that of others.

we have implemented safety measures in our Service Department to protect workers from potential falls. To do this, guardrails and/or Personal Fall Arrest Systems are required when workers are on scaffold heights that exceed 10 feet. Adhering to this OSHA Regulation, we are ensuring the security and wellbeing of our employees while they are at work.

Scaffolding erectors and dismantlers are required to utilize personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) or guardrails when working at heights exceeding 10 feet. Since January 2000, regulations mandate that the top-rail of said guardrails must be within the range of 38 to 45 inches high. In certain cases, a cross bracing system of the same height range may be used in lieu of the top-rail or mid-rail.

Guardrails must be installed when erecting a scaffolding that is at least 10 feet high. Install along open sides & ends Front edge of platforms not more than 12 inches from the work, unless using guardrails and/or PFAS. Top rails - 38 to 45 inches tall Midrails; halfway between toprail and platform; Toeboards at least 3-1/2 inches high.

Falling Object Protection: Hardhats must be worn by everyone working on or near scaffolds and the area beneath must be barricaded to prevent entry. Additionally, a canopy or net should be installed beneath the scaffold to capture or redirect falling objects. Toeboards must be installed and if the material within exceeds the height of the toeboards, additional panels or screens must be added to guarantee maximum security.

Remember to: Use appropriate scaffold construction methods. Erect, move, or alter scaffold properly according to max intended load, Protect from falling objects or tools by using nest, toe board and hard hats. Ensure stable access. Use proper ladder, secured and following the safety ladder standard. Use component person. Train on scaffold construction and the hazards involved with scaffold, Inspect scaffold before each shift and after alterations. Determine fall protection requirements. Safety starts with you!! With that, we conclude our Scaffolding Safety Presentation. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to our Safety Department without hesitation.