important scaffolding [url]http://www.uscaffolding.com/[/url] safety tips for workersEvery year in the United States there are thousands of scaffold-related injuries and roughly 40 scaffold-related deaths. Understanding how to work on scaffolds safely can be crucial step towards saving a life. Let us dive into some important scaffolding safety tips for workers as provided by OSHA.
Competent vs Qualified
Understanding the different roles of a competent person and a qualified person is important within any industry. When working with scaffolds, a competent person must have the ability to train and direct workers who are working on constructing or moving scaffolds. They must inspect the scaffold before each shift and after any event that might have affected the structural integrity of the scaffold. A competent person must also identify unsafe conditions and have stop work authority in order to maintain a safe workplace. Whereas a qualified person has the specific knowledge and training to design the scaffold and its proper rigging.
Supported Scaffolds
Each supported scaffold must have its components must support a minimum of four times the intended load. This includes all personnel and materials that will be placed on the scaffold. The working decks/platforms must be 18 inches wide and close to the guardrails. The planks [url]http://www.uscaffolding.com/scaffolding-product/list-scaffolding-planks-en.htm[/url] must overlap on a support by at least 6 inches and not exceed 12 inches.
Competent vs Qualified
Understanding the different roles of a competent person and a qualified person is important within any industry. When working with scaffolds, a competent person must have the ability to train and direct workers who are working on constructing or moving scaffolds. They must inspect the scaffold before each shift and after any event that might have affected the structural integrity of the scaffold. A competent person must also identify unsafe conditions and have stop work authority in order to maintain a safe workplace. Whereas a qualified person has the specific knowledge and training to design the scaffold and its proper rigging.
Supported Scaffolds
Each supported scaffold must have its components must support a minimum of four times the intended load. This includes all personnel and materials that will be placed on the scaffold. The working decks/platforms must be 18 inches wide and close to the guardrails. The planks [url]http://www.uscaffolding.com/scaffolding-product/list-scaffolding-planks-en.htm[/url] must overlap on a support by at least 6 inches and not exceed 12 inches.