Scaffolding Inspection - Your Daily Check

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We've covered understanding scaffolding risks and how to properly build and dismantle them. Today, we're focusing on a vital ongoing practice: regular scaffold inspection. This is your daily defense against unexpected collapses and falls.

Just because a scaffold was built correctly doesn't mean it stays safe. Daily wear and tear, weather changes, and ongoing work can all affect its integrity. That's why inspections are non-negotiable.

Who Inspects and When?

• The Competent Person: This individual (as we discussed on Monday) is responsible for overseeing scaffold safety, including inspections.

• Daily Before Each Shift: A thorough inspection must be performed by the Competent Person before workers begin using the scaffold at the start of every workday.

• After Any Event: The scaffold must be re-inspected after anything that could affect its integrity, such as strong winds, heavy rain, or any alteration to its structure.

Key Inspection Points: What to Look For

During an inspection, the Competent Person (and all users should be aware of these points) should check:

• Foundation: Is it still firm, level, and stable? Are base plates and mud sills properly in place?

• Components: Are all frames, braces, and connections present, undamaged, and securely fastened? Look for bends, cracks, or corrosion.

• Tie-Ins: Are all ties to the building secure and undamaged?

• Platforms: Are all planks fully decked, secured, and free of damage? Are there any large gaps?

• Guardrails & Toe Boards: Are top rails, mid-rails, and toe boards present on all open sides and at the correct height?

• Access: Are ladders, stairs, or ramps secure and free of defects?

• Load Capacity Reminder: While inspecting, also remember that the scaffold has a maximum load capacity. Never overload it with too many workers, tools, or materials. Distribute weight evenly.

Regular inspection, led by a Competent Person, is essential for ensuring a safe work platform. Take these checks seriously – your life, and the lives of your coworkers, depend on it.

Tomorrow, we'll cover general safe work practices while actually performing tasks on a scaffold.

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-The Safety Man