The Importance of Scaffolding Equipment Maintenance

July 28, 2016

There's a popular term used in mechanical engineering, one we hear bandied about by designers and engineers. We're referring to the times these professionals talk about some part being the "weakest link." Sure, it's a descriptive phrase, one that suggests corrective action, but not one that can be allowed in the scaffolding industry. Simply put, every connecting element must be as reliable as its neighbour in this high-access scenario, which is why scaffolding equipment maintenance is an essential as any other part of the hiring work.

Scaffolding Equipment Maintenance Prevents Accidents

A binary compliance strategy is the best practice here, with a competent person either approving or denying access to the structural components. In making this diligent approach possible, the designated inspector should label damaged components and remove them from the working stockpile of safety-approved parts. Remember, this is a preventative measure, a practice that's engaged before the structure is ever assembled. In this manner, discrete parts can be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Incorporate a Two-Part Assessment Methodology

The first part of this inspection is purely structural. All frames and cross members are assessed for weathering effects, corrosion, and mechanical damage. Fasteners and coupling are vigorously evaluated during this check, all the better to see if they securely lock and clamp, one to the other. The second stage involves the parts used by work personnel. Platforms are visually and touch-checked for cracks and weakening. Kick guards, hand rails, and access ladders are exhaustively inspected for loosened parts and missing components.

Multi-level Prioritisation

When the at-height task passes the 4-Meter mark, scaffolding licenses and fall risks come to our attention, for there's a real risk of harm at this point. Maintained parts should always be inspected for stability issues, obviously, but the lower sections should also be prioritized according to their load-carrying attributes. Again, the integrity of the lightweight tubular cross sections come to mind, with mechanical integrity featuring prominently. Higher up, stability becomes more of an issue, so mechanical integrity should also partner with coupling security. Of course, both of these safety features require equal attention at all times.

Thousands of workers take to temporary scaffolding structures every year. Fatalities during these high working conditions are rare, but major injuries do happen. We battle such worrying incidents by erecting the structure to the best of our expert abilities and by always keeping scaffolding equipment maintenance practices firmly up to date, as mandated by OH&S Standards.

Optimized by NetwizardSEO.com.au