The use of scaffolding is suitable for a variety of assemblies and construction of different types of structures. The fact that scaffolding can be dangerous can lead to serious injuries among workers and worse also cause accidents that cost human lives. If you want to use scaffolding, we have compiled ten basic procedures for you that you must take into account when using scaffolding.

Safety procedures state that workers must be familiar with how the scaffold operates and how it is designed. The training covers basic and important safety procedures such as how to get on and off a scaffold (for example using a ladder adapted to this and not by climbing the scaffolding itself, unless it has been specially adapted for this). In addition it should be ensured that workers have comprehensive training regarding fall protection, erection and dismantling of scaffolding and other safety measures relevant to working with scaffolding.

Make sure that the base of the scaffold is properly reinforced and adjusted, the legs of the scaffold are vertical; the railing at each stage is stable, the plates are in place and the locking means are securely locked. Check the location and ground conditions and remove hazards such as free wires, various obstructions and uneven ground conditions.

Avoid working with unlicensed contractors, as these may hold scaffolding and scaffolding parts that have not undergone quality control and safety by licensed engineers. Cases involving scaffolding parts without the approval of a quality controller constitute a real life-threatening situation for those who work on them, and are known to have a high potential for legal complications and unnecessary expenses.

Failure to plan the weight that the scaffolding must carry is one of the major things that can go wrong at the planning stage. The scaffold must be strong enough to carry the desired weight, otherwise it may collapse. Completely avoid any attempt to load additional workers that exceed the weight set at the planning stage. Also, consider the weight of workers' work equipment and avoid placing equipment on the railings.

The scaffold must be assembled correctly or connected to the building correctly. If a tarpaulin is used as protection against environmental damage, make sure that it is assembled correctly, otherwise it can damage the stability of the scaffold and lead to its collapse. The scaffolding brackets should open and lock freely and while locking make sure that they are securely locked and stable enough to hold the structure. Do not use improvised parts to strengthen the structure but only those supplied by the manufacturer.

It is important to assemble railings in at least three directions facing the outside of the building in cases where the height of the scaffold exceeds three meters. Three railings should be composed – upper, middle and lower. If you want to remove some of the railings for equipment, return them immediately after use. Protective equipment should be worn throughout the work.

Scaffolding should be inspected and supervised routinely by a qualified person – the best option is an engineer or a person trained for this through a qualified engineer. All scaffolding components should be inspected; Includes welds, cranks, connections, panels, beams and railings. In cases of defects the damaged parts should be replaced immediately. Also note excessive rust on the scaffold or chemical hazards caused by the use of various work materials.

There is not much space relative to the scaffolding so it is important to arrange the equipment and materials in an orderly manner on the braces. It is important to make sure that the braces do not contain obstacles and allow free movement when all the equipment is at the edges. The waste should be stored in a suitable container and it is best to dispose of it as soon as it is piled up.

The scaffolding plates must be perfectly assembled (the standard stipulates that no horizontal deflection of more than 12 millimeters should be made at a height of three meters) in order to minimize the employee's chance of tripping and falling from the scaffolding. Make sure that the equipment is placed in a balanced manner on the plates. Sudden movements or moving away from the workbench can also cause loss of balance.

Safety helmet, non-slip shoes and safety straps that attach to a stable structure, such as a building. A safety standard states that safety straps can be attached to the scaffolding themselves only if it is stated that this is safe and possible in the manufacturer's instructions.