SCAFFOLD PLANNING PROCESS

Safe system of work

Site location Period of time the scaffold is required to be in place Intended use Height & length & any critical dimensions which may affect the scaffold Number of boarded lifts Maximum working load to be imposed & maximum number of people using the scaffold at any one time Type of access onto the scaffold whether there is a requirement for sheeting, netting or brick guards any specific requirements or provisions e.g. pedestrian walkway, restriction on tie locations,

inclusion/provision for mechanical handling plant e.g. hoist) nature of the ground conditions or supporting structure information on the structure/building the scaffold will be erected against together with any relevant

dimensions and drawings any restrictions that may affect the erection, alteration or dismantling process

Prior to installation, the scaffold contractor or scaffold designer can then provide relevant information about the scaffold. This should include:

type of scaffold required (tube & fitting or system) maximum bay lengths maximum lift heights platform boarding arrangement (i.e. 5 + 2) and the number of boarded lifts that can be used at any one time safe working load / load class maximum leg loads maximum tie spacing both horizontal and vertical and tie duty details of additional elements such as beamed bridges, fans, loading bays etc., which may be a standard

configuration or specifically designed information can be included in relevant drawings if appropriate any other information relevant to the design, installation or use of the scaffold reference number, date etc. to enable recording, referencing and checking

All scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered in a safe manner. This is achieved by following the guidance provided by the NASC in document SG4 ‘Preventing falls in scaffolding’ for tube and fitting scaffolds or by following similar guidance provided by the manufacturers of system scaffolding.

For scaffolds that fall outside the scope of a generally recognized standard configuration the design must be such that safe erection and dismantling techniques can also be employed throughout the duration of the works. To ensure stability for more complex scaffolds, drawings should be produced and, where necessary, these may need to be supplemented with specific instructions.

Any proposed modification or alteration that takes a scaffold outside the scope of a generally recognized standard configuration should be designed by a competent person and proven by calculation.

Managing work at height follows a hierarchy of controls; Avoid, Prevent, Minimize – which begins with the question can the work be done safely from the ground?

SCAFFOLD PLANNING PROCESS

Fall restraints and safety netting should only be considered as a last resort if other safety equipment cannot be used.

Assessing work at height - Assess the risks, take precautions, and issue clear method statements for everyone who will work at height.

Fragile surfaces - The hierarchy of controls for working on or near fragile surfaces is avoid, control, communicate, co-operate.

Ladders - When it’s appropriate to use ladders – and the three key safety issues – position, condition and safe use.

Tower scaffolds - Select the right tower for the job; erect, use, move and dismantle the tower safely; ensure that it is stable; inspect it regularly; prevent falls.

Erection Sequence; Obtain valid work permit Barricade the work area Put warning sign Risk assessment/ TBT Selection of scaffold materials Apply proper manual handling technique Proper measurement/lay out on the specific area that the structure needed to erect as per design/drawing Leveling the base foundation Soft ground condition need sole boards (1 sole board in 2 standards is better than 1) Lay out the standard, ledger, transom for kicker lift (all end corner must be at 900 angle) Continue to the next lift measurement of minimum 1.8m height first lift All connection of standards, ledgers, transom are fix by right angle coupler Leveling vertical post by installing ledger/sway bracing on all sides of the structure Make a temporary platform in the middle of kicker lift & first list to obtain the advance guardrail system Make sure all fall protection equipment are anchored properly above your height Avoid throwing of any scaffold materials use rope, fitting bags & pulley (gin wheel) Proper leveling of all horizontal ledgers & transom & make sure all connections are securely tights Same sequence of erection until you reach the final height of the platform needed as per request Internal access must be in the maximum opening at 450mm x 600mm & should be put cage on the top

platform to prevent workers directly fall down near the gap opening External access must be in maximum width opening of 1m on the working platform Access ladder must in a 750 angle and securely tied on top, middle, bottom Ladder projection from the platform height at least 1m Housekeeping all unused scaffold materials Remove barricade and warning sign Scaffold structure ready for inspection Suspend/ close the permit