Scaffolds maintenance

Scaffolding

Scaffolding is defined as any structure, framework, swinging stage, suspended scaffolding, or boatswain’s chair, of a temporary nature, used or intended to be used for the support or protection of workers engaged in or in connection with construction work, for the purpose of carrying out that work or for the support of materials used in connection with any such work; and includes any scaffolding constructed as such and not dismantled, whether or not it is being used as scaffolding; and also includes any plank, coupling, fastening, fitting or device used in connection with the construction, erection, or use of scaffolding. Scaffolding process is defined as the planning for, the design of, the erection of, the inspection of, the use of, and the dismantling of any scaffolding. The scaffolding process does not include the erection of structures constructed using scaffolding components, such as falsework, temporary grandstands, lighting towers, etc.

Where equipment comprises a complete set of components of unique design,Lokke solutions shall provide a complete set of instructions for thesafe erection and use of the scaffold. The supplier’s instructions for use mustalways be followed. When properly assembled, with all fittings tightened, thescaffold must be equivalent in strength to the standard tubular scaffold ofsimilar height and width. It must be sufficiently robust to resist deformationunder normal handling conditions and to provide adequate transverse stiffnessto each pair of standards. Scaffolds must be properly braced by cross-bracing or diagonal braces, orboth, for securing vertical members together laterally, the cross bracesmust be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical membersso that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square and rigid. All braceconnections must be made secure.

SAFE ERECTIONAND USEOF SCAFFOLDING both, for securing vertical members together laterally. Horizontal, diagonal or cross-bracing must be provided immediately above the wheels or castors Castors should be of the swivel type and have a minimum wheel diameter of125 mm. Wheels or castors must be fixed to scaffold uprights, or be socketed into the scaffold uprights, a minimum length of 150 mm, to avoid becoming dislodged during movement on uneven floors. Free-standing mobile scaffolds. When the scaffold is in use, the wheels or castors must be effectively locked and should be turned outwards to increase base width. A mobile scaffold must be used only on a firm level surface. Where the surface has a slight cross-fall, the level of the wheels must be adjusted to bring the scaffold back to plumb. Mobile scaffolds should not be used closer than 1 m to any slab edge or partition unless the edge is protected to prevent the wheels and scaffold from falling. Access between working platform and base must be provided by means of securely fixed ladders or purpose-built rungs. Cross braces must not be used as a means of access. Work platforms must be fully decked and be provided with guardrails and toe boards in accordance with general requirements forscaffolding.