Scaffolding is a temporary structure made with metal poles and wooden planks. It is widely used during construction and renovation works. This helps support the workers who need to be working at a height.
There are mainly three kinds of scaffolds: Suspended scaffolds, Supported Scaffolds and Ariel lifts.
Scaffolding has two main posts: the scaffolding inspector and the scaffolding erector. Today we’ll be looking more into scaffolding and about the scaffolding inspector.
SCAFFOLD INSPECTION TRAINING
A scaffolding inspector, just like the word inspector suggests, makes sure the scaffolding used is up to standard and law and also checks if it is safe to use. They mainly check the positioning, verify their safety, check for any minor defects, and supervise daily. This is done by a certified scaffolding inspector who has done scaffold inspection training and holds a valid scaffolding inspector certificate.
The scaffold inspection training is done to create a safer work environment as working on a scaffold requires working at heights and leaning over edges. This training will help you understand the roles of a scaffold inspector, how to ensure safety while working on scaffolds, to check if everything is following guidelines, PFAS (Personal Fall Arrest System), and the technical aspects of scaffolding safety.
There are online scaffold inspection courses available. A scaffold inspection course teaches you everything you need to know about scaffolding and teaches you what to do as a scaffold inspector. As for the scaffolding inspector course fees, it usually depends on the center that provides the training and teaches you.
The course training provides a better understanding of the legalities provided by the National and International standards for the provision and use of scaffolding, different terms, the construction standards that should be followed, ensuring safety at the workplace, how and what to do, about the risks involved, precautions that need to be taken and also provides practical teaching.
RISKS INVOLVED IN SCAFFOLDING
Scaffolding is a structure made using metals and wood to create a platform and support for workers when working at a height. There are risks involved when working at heights and the scaffold inspector is supposed to make sure that the scaffolds are safe to use. The highest risk would be the risk of falling. Let us take a look at a few of the risks involved with scaffolds.
- Leaving things unattended:
Leaving things like tools, debris, and materials unattended can be a trip-and-fall hazard. Not just leaving it lying around but the items themselves can cause harm. Working on a scaffold means working at a height, which means if you don’t handle the items and tools with full attention and care, there are risks of it falling and hurting someone. - Risk of falling:
There is always a risk of someone falling off the scaffold at any point while working. This would happen when there is a defect with the scaffold. Could be that the scaffold isn’t built properly, loose foothold, loose railings, unstable scaffolding, etc. - Untrained workers:
Workers who aren’t aware of the basics can potentially lead to injuries to themselves and to others. There are certain ways and methods to climb a scaffold, move around, clean up after themselves before and after their work, and safety measures that the workers have to follow. Workers who are unaware of these hazards are more prone to work accidents hurting themselves and others. - Electric wires:
Electrical wires hang high and there are chances of coming into contact with overhead electrical wiring causing electrocution. - Unstable scaffolding:
Damaged or unstable scaffolds can easily be hazardous. Loose planks, rolling scaffolds, and hearing creaks and noises as you move could mean an unstable scaffold and risk of falling.
PRECAUTIONS FOR SCAFFOLDING
Most of the risks involving scaffolds can be easily prevented. Some precautions to take are:
- Using Personal protective equipment (PPE), non-slip footwear, and fall-prevention gear.
- Minding the load on the scaffold. The materials used to build the scaffold will determine how much weight or load it can take hold. Overloading can cause instability on the scaffold.
- Building the scaffold properly and following the OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) guidelines.
- Staying organized, inspecting the area daily and frequently, and keeping it clean.
- Most importantly, knowing the safety measures, regulations, and standards while building a scaffold and working on a scaffold is necessary.
CONCLUSION
Being a scaffold inspector comes with great responsibility. A certified scaffold inspector ensures the safety of the workers and of themselves while working on a scaffold. It is necessary to know what to do, how to do it, the safety measure that needs to be taken, how to build a scaffold, how to inspect and maintain it, and more.
SLC Group in Saudi Arabia is a platform where you can grow and learn more about the construction field. If you want a platform to learn and grow to be a certified scaffold inspector, then the SLC Group in Saudi Arabia is the place for you.
