Scaffold Towers Working Safely - by

Scaffold Towers Working Safely

Safety first should be the two most important words for all constructions workers, especially for those working at height using scaffold towers, ladders or any other form of access equipment. Whether working on a single storey dwelling or taller industrial building, it is very important to consider all the potential hazards before starting any kind of work. It should also be noted that working from an elevated platform or podium can cause hazards for the people below as well as those on the scaffold tower. Scaffold Towers can cause injury Incorrectly erected and faulty scaffold towers or podiums are a major cause of serious or fatal injury for construction workers, that is the reason why strict woking standards have been introduced to reduce the number of accidents for those working at height. These standard practices reduce the occurrence of human error and other factors which may lead to such accidnts. Construction workers are usually under the pressure to complete projects within a given time frame and it is all too easy for them to try and cut corners to save time. This is especially true when erecting and dismantling scaffold towers or podiums. Even when the correct guidelines are followed it is still possible for accidents to occur. It goes without saying that attention should also be given to pedestrians or others working in proximity to the scaffolding. Providing that simple guidelines are followed, the risk of injury or death can be greatly reduced, employers will also benefit by building creating a good safety record, this in itself can improve profitability by reducing the cost of insurance and other long term operating expenses. Scaffold Towers Safe Practices With regard to the safety of the scaffoldings towers and podiums, guidelines have been produced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) these guidelines should be followed strictly to help reduce and prevent the occurance of accidents. To prevent scaffold towers from collapse, the manufacturers instructions should be correctly followed and no modifications should be made to the tower structure. The capacity, the bracing, the proper pinning and the components of the said structure should always be checked for damage before assembly. The following important factors should always be adhered to. 1. Do not excced the manufaturers safe working loads The scaffolding should be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times its maximum intended load. And with regards to the workers, they should never overload the platform of the scaffold towers. 2. Make sure all bracing is correctly fitted. All the brace connections must be properly secured to prevent it from dislodging. 3. Pins and locking Frames and panels must be joined vertically by stacking pins or coupling or any equivalent means. Frames and panels should be locked together. 4. Component checks Scaffold components that are from different manufacturers should never be used in a single tower. Different manufacturers will use materials that may nit be compatible with one another. Even scaffold tower models from the same manufacturer may differ in the way they are manufactured. Always check with the manufacture to be sure that components are compatible. Scaffold Tower Maintenance The scaffolding equipment should be maintained regularly to make sure that it is in good condition and operable. The scaffolding should be sturdy with all nuts and bolts tightened. Workers should not be permitted to use scaffolds that covered with snow or ice. It needs to be cleaned of snow and ice anD ANY BATTINGS should be checked prior to use to avoid slipping. And finally, never use damaged or improperly constructed scaffold towers. Accidents can never be completely stopped from happening, but at least they can be reduced by using common sense and following simply guidelines.

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Scaffold Towers - The Safety Issues From Scaffold - Towers - by

Scaffold Towers - The Safety Issues From Scaffold - Towers

Safety is amongst the primary concerns whenever there is a construction. The use of Scaffold Towers is necessary for workers to do their jobs in elevated heights. With the proper safety guidelines in using these, there will be fewer accidents during the work. “Safety first!” We always encounter these two words whenever we pass by or visit a construction site. It is written almost all around a construction site’s premises. Whether it is a small house to the tall skyscrapers, a worker’s safety should always be highly prioritized especially when it deals with heights. That is why they use scaffold towers. Scaffold towers allow workers to perform their jobs in an elevated position whilst assuring safety and convenience of these workers. The Need for Secure Scaffold Towers Faulty scaffold towers are amongst the major causes of serious injuries and deaths from work. That is why; standards were set to reduce the number of these cases. Equipment failure, incorrect operating procedures, human error, and environmental conditions are amongst the main causes for accidents. The workers are the first people who will be exposed to risks in scaffold towers. Even when properly used and maintained, the risks for accidents will still be present. Besides from the hazards during the operation, injuries can also occur during the erection, dismantling, and alteration of the scaffold. In addition, bystanders and pedestrians are also at risk every time they pass by near the equipment. This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employer, and also the nearby community. And if the safety standards are properly followed, the risks for serious injuries and death will be minimized. In addition, the employer can also benefit by saving a lot of money if the number of accidents are reduced. The Safe Scaffold Towers With regards to the safety of the scaffoldings, standards have been set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. And these guidelines should be followed strictly to prevent accidents. To prevent scaffold towers from falling, the proper and standard support structure should be implemented. The capacity, the bracing, the proper pinning and the components of the said structure should always be checked. ? Capacity ? The scaffolding should be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times its maximum intended load. And with regards to the workers, they should never overload the platform of the scaffold towers. ? Bracing ? All the brace connections must be properly secured to prevent it from dislodging. ? Pinning ? Frames and panels must be joined vertically by stacking pins or coupling or any equivalent means. Frames and panels should be locked together. ? Components ? Scaffold components that are from different manufacturers should never be used in a single tower unless they can easily fit without any coercion. You need to maintain the tower’s structural integrity. The scaffold towers should be maintained regularly to make sure that it is in good condition and operable. The scaffolding should be sturdy with all nuts and bolts tightened. Workers should not be permitted to use scaffolds that covered with snow or ice. It needs to be cleaned of snow and ice as well as the planking should be sanded to avoid slipping. And finally, never use damaged or improperly constructed scaffold towers. Accidents may happen, but at least it can be reduced with accurate prevention and proper use.

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Scaffold Towers - The Lightweight Scaffold Towers - by

Scaffold Towers - The Lightweight Scaffold Towers

Lightweight materials such as aluminum and fiberglass are now common amongst industrial structures and equipments. Although they are light, they are also extremely durable. Scaffold towers made from these materials can really come in handy. The traditional steel scaffold towers are solid and heavy. That is why, it takes time for them to be assembled and dismantled especially if the workers need to move or relocate it. Because of these, certain manufacturers have come up with an idea in creating scaffold towers from light materials such as aluminum and fiberglass. Aluminum Scaffold Towers Compared to steel, aluminum is much lighter. And it’s safe to say that the durability of aluminum can match the strength of steel. Because of its lightness, some manufacturers created mobile scaffold towers. Aluminum scaffold towers are much easier to assemble and dismantle that they don’t need any special tools. In addition, aluminum is a rust-free material making it easier to maintain, unlike steel. Aluminum scaffold towers are ideal for residential or commercial use and general maintenance work. Also DIY enthusiasts prefer lightweight equipments since it is quick to erect and they do not usually do rigorous work, unlike those used in big construction projects. As when it comes to the difference of their prices, aluminum is much more expensive than steel, and it can even reach five times more expensive. Consumers would often prefer buying aluminum scaffold towers because it has more advantages compared to steel. But since people nowadays prefer economy to quality, they would still end up using the steel scaffoldings. Fiberglass Mobile Towers One of the hasards of using steel and aluminum scaffold towers is that these materials are conductors of electricity. Some people refer to wood as an alternative. But wood is not that durable enough to withstand the stresses that aluminum and steel scaffoldings can, and wood do not last very long. Hence, manufacturers found another alternative material, which is the fiberglass. In an environment where there is a lot of exposure to electricity, it would be safer to use equipments made from fiberglass. Other than that, fiberglass is also light and durable. Fiberglass is the right material in scaffolding to prevent electrocution. Fiberglass scaffold is inert with no electrical conductivity or reaction to chemicals, making it suitable for use in electrical environments from substations to computer rooms. The fiberglass scaffold is easy to assemble, as every frame can be used as a base frame, building frame, or guard rail frame. Because it is very lightweight, it can be erected in minutes and easily transported by a small truck or trailer. It is very ideal for mines, aircraft, foundries, computer rooms, chemical environments, battery rooms, railway stations, electricity sub-stations, and in other environments. Not to mention, it is also great for home use, since it is ultra lightweight. In addition, some manufacturers also created mobile scaffold towers made from fiberglass. It’s so light that a person can actually pick it up with one hand. But great advantages also come with a price. Compared to steel, fiberglass scaffoldings are very costly. Thus, comparing all the prices together?steel, aluminum, and fiberglass?consumers would rather prefer to use steel scaffoldings. With the availability of scaffold towers made of lightweight materials, it will surely make people’s work a lot easier.

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Rig Welding Jobs: Some Facts And Figures On Rig Welder Jobs - by

Rig Welding Jobs: Some Facts And Figures On Rig Welder Jobs

In 2004, production welding jobs paid $30,000 compared to rig welding jobs which paid $62,000. On top of the recession, and considering that MNCs are moving more and more production jobs to India and China, this is certainly good news. It is true that the oil industry is not immune from the recession, but it is not as badly affected as other sectors of the economy. Some oil companies are announcing retrenchments, but others are rolling out new offshore oil rigs and will need to hire thousands of workers in the next few years. Experienced welders from the production and manufacturing sector have a good chance of breaking into the highly-paid oil industry since rig welder jobs are entry-level jobs. Oil service contractors test candidates for oil rig welding jobs. However, if you are a certified welder (in the US, certifications are conducted by the AWS, in UK by CITB/C&G), it will help you get through the HR department. These extra certifications will also give you an edge for offshore oil rig welding jobs, although not necessary for oilfield welding jobs: First aid Helicopter underwater escape training Offshore survival training Once hired by an oil drilling company, you will work in one of these positions: A permanent post on an oil rig, making repairs and building new structure Part of a flying squad, completing big projects on tight deadlines Like roustabout jobs and other oil rig jobs, rig welding jobs are best left to younger, single men. This job is physically demanding and has its fair share of danger. You have to be good with heights, as you may need to work high above the ground, suspended from a crane or on a scaffold. You also need to be independent - you will be out of contact with family and friends for long periods of time. Offshore oil rigs are usually located far out in the middle of the ocean, and you work 12-hour shifts on a 14-days-on, 14-days-off tour. Rig welding jobs pay very well. You get two times more pay than in the manufacturing industry for doing the same job. Since this is entry level oil rig employment, you only need experience in welding and don’t need to have working experience on an oil rig.

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Recognise When Work Related Injury Has Occurred - by

Recognise When Work Related Injury Has Occurred

In any sector of employment, irrespective of how safe the environment generally is, there is a risk of suffering a work related injury. In relation to certain sectors of employment, there are inherent dangers that are unavoidable. An example, albeit an abstruse one, is the bullring, where the matador puts himself at tremendous risk at all times. Such a job is malign when compared to other roles, such as anything office based. It is safe to say but in no way a canon, that the severity of work related injuries that people receive, is relative to the nature of the work. To hypothesise, a person delivering pamphlets could be bludgeoned by a murderous homeowner: this is in no way considered the definitive, pamphlet deliverers™ risk. Highlighting a common type of work related injury; many people suffer as a result of trip/slip/fall incidents. The fact that these injuries are easy to avoid, says a lot about complacency in the everyday work environment. As a result of becoming overly familiar with their work environments, people sometimes fail to elicit the modicum of common sense required to avoid trip/slip/fall incidents. It is the dual duty of both the employer, and the employee, to make sure that the work environment is safe. People in general, scoff at the notion of having to receive manual handling training. These people would be less quick to sneer, if less ignorant to the amount of people having to take sick days: sick days taken as a result of manual handling injuries. It is of course the back that suffers primarily, as the result of manual handling injuries. Once a person develops a back problem, it can become an ailment for life. Observing the fundamentals of manual handling is imperative, lest a person end up in traction. Falling from a height is by far the biggest killer of employees. People can fall from great heights, such as skyscraper window cleaner, and people can fall from paltry heights, such as office workers who want to hang a clock, thinking it appropriate to use a table, as opposed to a step ladder. There are common ways in which people fall from heights. Some of these are falls from roofs, falls from ladders, falls from scaffolding, and falls from machines. It is relatively easy to make sure that work related injuries are kept to a minimum, and often, all it takes is a bit less complacency and a bit more forethought. People should refrain from using machinery that they are not trained to use, and also be sure to use protective equipment, when applicable. It is important to treat spillages with a sense of urgency, and to make sure that they are cleaned up quickly, so as to make sure that a slippage does not occur. The same goes for making sure that everything has a place, so that people do not trip over something that they did not assume would be there.

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Precautions For Scaffolding - by

Precautions For Scaffolding

Precautions For Scaffolding Business Articles | December 11, 2008 All about scaffold tower hire, including tower ladders hire, domestic tower hire, commercial tower hire, scaffold tower sizes, scaffold tower costs and more Construction work for buildings can be pretty hazardous and scaffolding is used as a temporary framework to give support to the workers and the building materials. It is almost like a rolling ladder and is immensely useful especially for very tall buildings as the height can be adjusted and it can hold many people and materials at one go. It is also comparatively safer than other means used in construction because of its lockable wheels. Nevertheless, it is always better to err on the side of precaution and proper maintenance and usage is imperative to ensure the safety of the construction workers. This will help prevent any types of accidents and related injuries. Staircase towers are also commonly used as scaffolds.Scaffolding comprises of three main parts, namely, tubes, boards and couplers. Tubes can be of steel or aluminum though aluminum is preferred as it is both light and durable and is also flexible. Couplers are used to join the tubes and the boards provide a support for human access. Boards are made of wood which is seasoned and the standard size is usually 50mm - 63mm. Scaffolding are usually attached to buildings with ties and are more stable than independent scaffolding. A type of independent scaffold is the mobile type which is mounted on wheels or castors which swivel and can be wheeled around from location to location.Scaffolding safety is crucial for workers and the setting up and pulling down of the scaffold should always be done under the correct guidance and the supervision of a competent supervisor. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines as each one may have some small differences in its set-up which may be crucial to properly and safely putting up and dismantling the scaffold. The guidelines specifying the usage of the scaffold should also be strictly followed. Even though the management team is directly responsible for the proper workings and safe usage of the scaffolding, the workers should also be vigilant and inspect the scaffolding before and after every use. Any fault or deficiency, however minor, should be immediately reported to the concerned authorities. Even if you are simply in the scaffolding rental business it makes sense to provide for insurance for your company.For further precautions, safety harnesses and guard rails for construction workers are highly recommended as they will buffer the fall, if any. Anyone working at a height of more than six feet above the ground should wear safety harnesses. Many an unfortunate accident on construction sites could have been avoided, if only proper precautionary measures had been taken and stringent inspection rules followed. Both management and the workers have to work in cohesion and joint responsibility to ensure the smooth and safe usage of scaffolding.

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Many Uses of Scaffolding - by

Many Uses of Scaffolding

Scaffolding hire in Cape Town is no longer sought after as a construction aid only. With new technology available as well as a greater demand for scaffolding for temporary structures used at public events and short projects, the uses for scaffolding have become increasingly varied. With the influx of international music artists, film productions and an increasing number of building restorations, scaffolding is in high demand. Added to this are the many CBD revamps and the massive building projects being undertaken in preparation for the Football World Cup in 2010, making scaffolding a service in high demand. Film Sets Cape Town is now world renowned as a preferred film production spot. There is a massive diversity of scenery, culture and landscape and a very willing workforce. Cape Town is also a top destination for international film shoots due to the favourable exchange rate. With a pleasant Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, historic and modern buildings and a variety of other scenery, the production process can be made far easier. The scaffolding being used on set, needs to be safe and extremely reliable as the scaffolding is likely to be on uneven terrain and will need to support heavy and expensive equipment, not to mention the crew! When multiple locations are used, the contracting crew will need to assemble and dismantle the scaffolding quickly and efficiently and without compromising safety. This is where new technologies are helpful because they allow for quick assembly and dismantling without danger. Public Events Cape Town plays host to many large-scale public events such as marathons, rock concerts and expos. Most of the events require temporary structures such as scaffold towers and stages for performances and prize-givings as well as for advertising canvasses for the sponsors of the events. These events are paramount in building Cape Town’s reputation as a world-class city as they are broadcast across the globe and form a basis upon which many foreigners place their opinion of Cape Town. Since these events are filled with people, the safety of the scaffolding needs to be of the highest standards. If there is a flaw in the set up and an accident occurs, many people could be injured. Access Another aspect of these massive public events is the management of traffic flow in terms of pedestrians and vehicles. When staging an event where large crowds are expected, it is sometimes necessary to use scaffolding to construct a safe passage for pedestrians across major roads and intersections. Most attendees will have parked their cars in an allotted car park and walked the rest of the way to the event. Scaffolding aids this process by allowing pedestrians to cross these obstacles and dangerous terrains via temporary footbridges, ramps and walkways. Scaffolding is also a great help in allowing disabled persons to enter an event where there are steps or difficult terrain. Access scaffolding can also be used as a safety precaution on construction sites, helping labourers to avoid uneven terrain which can be dangerous and time consuming to navigate. Making the Show Go On It’s not longer just the construction sector that is looking to hire scaffolding contractors. In the vibrant city of Cape Town as in other cities around the world, numerous public events are creating a need for scaffolding for many different purposes. The main concern for event organisers is public safety and efficiency of work to produce world-class events. Scaffolding and proper scaffold use by trained contractors reduces the risks and increases efficiency at large-scale public events.

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Hiring Scaffolding - For Safetys Sake! - by

Hiring Scaffolding - For Safetys Sake!

When you need scaffolding to do a job don’t think of it as a DIY job. If you need scaffolding you’ll need to contact a scaffolding hire company. If you do it yourself, you may find that you will become liable for any problems or issues that arise. A good place to start looking for a hire company is your Local Council or authority. They may have a list of approved hire companies and you will need to contact them to find out. Remember ? your Local Authority will not be able to recommend a particular company as such, but you should be able to make sure that it is am approved company. In this way you can help to make sure that you employ a qualified builder or scaffolding company to carry out the erection of scaffolding. Again, as working off scaffolding can be a hazardous occupation, leave any building work to the professionals and a qualified builder to do any related building work. Scaffolding licences Your scaffolding may need a license. It is the responsibility of the builder or scaffolding Hire Company to get a licence for any scaffolding that is put up on the highway (this includes the pavement). However, you need to be clear that it is your responsibility to check they have this and that it does not run out before the building work is finished. You can always contact your local authority to apply for more information as to if you need a license and what to do about this. Safety Safety is of prime importance when erecting or using scaffolding. Employing qualified people to erect your scaffolding and carry out building work should help to make sure your building site is a safe place. However you should discuss safety issues with the person or company you employ. In particular, you will need to be aware of the following points: - Scaffolding should always be erected on a firm, level foundation. - If there is any risk to the public, schedule scaffolding work for quiet times or get a highway closure your local council. - It is dangerous to erect scaffolding too near power lines. Your local power company can temporally move or protect cables but you will need to organise this well in advance. - All scaffold boards used should be British Standard BS2482. - There must be suitably strong barriers in place if someone could fall more than two metres. - in order to avoid building waste falling on passers-by, keep scaffold boards clear and provide protective catch netting if necessary. - Ladders should be strong, secure and in good condition, domestic ladders are generally not suitable. Make sure that they are long enough and securely fixed for safety’s sake! Heavy or bulky loads shouldn’t be carried up and down ladders. Make sure a hoist is available for heavy or large awkward loads. Make sure that scaffolding structures are checked weekly, and inspected after alterations, damage and extreme weather conditions. Make sure that it is recorded that you have an appointed person responsible for doing this ? even if it is you. Components should never be removed out of position for any reason whatsoever. Even on a temporary basis. Building regulations it is always wise to contact your local council for details of any building regulations you may need to consider, like the ‘materials and workmanship’ regulation or the ‘access to and use of building’ regulation. Copies of the current building regulations are available from Building Regulations Publications HMSO. You also need to make sure you have any necessary planning permission for the building project your scaffolding relates to. Again your local council will be able to advise you on this. Remember ? when it comes to scaffolding ? safety first, last and always! Article by Philip Ray (c) Whilst this article endeavours to contain up to date and accurate information, the article can only be considered as a guide. The author would always recommend that you take local independent professional advice.

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Hiring Scaffolding - by

Hiring Scaffolding

Hiring scaffolding When you need scaffolding to do a job don™t think of it as a DIY job. If you need scaffolding you’ll need to contact a scaffolding hire company. If you do it yourself, you may find that you will become liable for any problems or issues that arise. A good place to start looking for a hire company is your Local Council or authority. They may have a list of approved hire companies and you will need to contact them to find out. Remember ??” your Local Authority will not be able to recommend a particular company as such, but you should be able to make sure that it is am approved company. In this way you can help to make sure that you employ a qualified builder or scaffolding company to carry out the erection of scaffolding. Again, as working off scaffolding can be a hazardous occupation, leave any building work to the professionals and a qualified builder to do any related building work. Scaffolding licences Your scaffolding may need a license. It is the responsibility of the builder or scaffolding Hire Company to get a licence for any scaffolding that is put up on the highway (this includes the pavement). However, you need to be clear that it is your responsibility to check they have this and that it does not run out before the building work is finished. You can always contact your local authority to apply for more information as to if you need a license and what to do about this. Safety Safety is of prime importance when erecting or using scaffolding. Employing qualified people to erect your scaffolding and carry out building work should help to make sure your building site is a safe place. However you should discuss safety issues with the person or company you employ. In particular, you will need to be aware of the following points: - Scaffolding should always be erected on a firm, level foundation. - If there is any risk to the public, schedule scaffolding work for quiet times or get a highway closure your local council. - It is dangerous to erect scaffolding too near power lines. Your local power company can temporally move or protect cables but you will need to organise this well in advance. - All scaffold boards used should be British Standard BS2482. - There must be suitably strong barriers in place if someone could fall more than two metres. - in order to avoid building waste falling on passers-by, keep scaffold boards clear and provide protective catch netting if necessary. - Ladders should be strong, secure and in good condition, domestic ladders are generally not suitable. Make sure that they are long enough and securely fixed for safety™s sake! Heavy or bulky loads shouldn’t be carried up and down ladders. Make sure a hoist is available for heavy or large awkward loads. Make sure that scaffolding structures are checked weekly, and inspected after alterations, damage and extreme weather conditions. Make sure that it is recorded that you have an appointed person responsible for doing this ??” even if it is you. Components should never be removed out of position for any reason whatsoever. Even on a temporary basis. Building regulations it is always wise to contact your local council for details of any building regulations you may need to consider, like the ‘materials and workmanship’ regulation or the ‘access to and use of building’ regulation. Copies of the current building regulations are available from Building Regulations Publications HMSO. You also need to make sure you have any necessary planning permission for the building project your scaffolding relates to. Again your local council will be able to advise you on this. Remember ??” when it comes to scaffolding ??” safety first, last and always! Article by Philip Ray ?(c) Whilst this article endeavours to contain up to date and accurate information, the article can only be considered as a guide. The author would always recommend that you take local independent professional advice.

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Guidelines for the use of Scaffolding - by

Guidelines for the use of Scaffolding

Scaffolding construction services in South Africa are a necessity due to the major upgrades of so much of the existing infrastructure in and around cities and the construction of new buildings. With events such as the FIFA World Cup in the near future and the progression of South Africa into becoming a first world country, the transformation of the visual and structural aspects of the country are staggering. Along with these transformations comes the need for reliable and safe scaffolding services and systems through a safety approved contractor. Hiring a Contractor Hiring a licensed scaffolding contractor is the best method of finding a reliable and safe scaffolding system to use. In South Africa, contractors must abide by governmental safety legislations and the OHS Act & SANS 10085 to ensure that optimum safety is maintained during scaffolding operations and to avoid prosecution for accidents or death. From the years 2000 to 2005, there were 3999 injuries in the United Kingdom caused by various accidents on construction sites, all of which were avoidable - with proper care and safety, accidents should be extremely minimal. Scaffolding Safety Preparation Before a scaffolding structure is erected, there is some preparation which should be carried out by the scaffolding contractor hired for the job and by the person hiring the contractor. Firstly, the area where the scaffolding is to be erected needs to be a level surface that is stable, and if it is not, the contractor will need to stabilise it and make sure that it is adequate to support the scaffolds. Safety of bystanders is incredibly important and if the scaffolding is to be erected in a public place, appropriate measures need to be taken. For example, the work can be scheduled to proceed during quiet periods, during which less people are likely to be in proximity to the structure or roads can be closed through council permission. Scaffolding should never be erected near power lines as this can be extremely dangerous and result in fatalities. If scaffolding is to be used on a freeway or highway, the contractor is required to have a license especially for this and is responsible for applying for and obtaining such a license. However, the person hiring the contractor is responsible for asking for planning permission from the local council regarding the erection of any temporary structure and possible permanent structures the scaffolding may be used for. Getting Started Workers erecting scaffolding should be properly trained in the correct methods of constructing the scaffolding and working with temporary structures. Before use, the scaffolding should be inspected, and again once it is assembled. It is also advisable that the scaffolding is checked at regular intervals for weaknesses or damage to the structure and materials. This is especially important after an addition or change has been made to the scaffolding. Equally as important, scaffolding should be checked after very dry weather, storms, strong winds and other factors which may affect the safety of the scaffold structure. 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 walk through. 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. With pre-made systems such as Self-Lock and Kwik-Stage scaffolding, the risks of accidents are reduced due to the built in safety systems of the scaffolding. These systems can be constructed very easily and by fewer workmen without compromising on safety. The systems are locking systems which do not allow for any part of a scaffolding structure to become loose and due to being made from steel, the scaffolding material is virtually indestructible. Scaffold hire is a growing necessity in South Africa, especially with special events, the successful film industry and the forthcoming FIFA World cup happening in the country. Without proper safety regulations and practices, the risk of injury and fatalities is high. Proper use of scaffolding is what will keep the construction and scaffolding industries the successful and thriving services that they are.

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