![]() The next sections will go into detail about each necessary component and what specific faults to check for. Scaffolding safety checks should be made on all of the different components. Each element contributes to the stability of the structure and the safety of the employees. There are so many different elements to a scaffold. Scaffold Components That Must Be Inspected Once the scaffold has been approved and is safe to use, the competent person must ensure that it remains safe and suitable for the job. This would include working conditions that are unsanitary or hazardous to other employees.Ī competent person must also have the authority and ability to take prompt corrective measures toward eliminating the hazards. According to OSHA’s scaffolding standards, a competent person must be able to recognize hazards within their work environment. Before being handed such a critical task, a competent person must receive adequate training and experience. Defects include any of the following:Ī competent person has many responsibilities to fulfill as well as expectations to live up to. This individual must be able to identify defects and other hazards that could negatively impact employee safety. The periodic inspection requirements for scaffolding should be carried out by a competent person. OSHA requires that all components of a scaffold, including fittings, beams, ropes, and frames, be examined on a regular basis before use. The larger the potential risk to a worker, the higher the need for an inspection. Scaffold inspections are prioritized according to risk. Any flaws and repair actions that are discovered during an inspection must be recorded. An inspection is only required for scaffolding areas where employees will be working during the next work shift.Įvery scaffolding structure must be inspected at least once every seven days. However, this does not mean that every scaffolding structure needs to be inspected on a daily basis. This practice is important when it comes to discovering defects in the scaffolding or its components. OSHA states that all scaffolds must be inspected. This is why inspections are so vital in preventing these incidents from occurring. During the scaffold collapse, however, it can also injure those beneath or near it.Īccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 72% of individuals injured on scaffolding are caught in a plank that gave way, a section of the support system that fails, or just slipped on a plank. It endangers individuals working on the scaffold. The importance of ensuring scaffolds remain safe is seen all too late when the worst happens: a scaffolding collapse occurs.Ī scaffold collapse almost always ends in catastrophic injury or death. It could also potentially be altered by someone who is not authorized to do so. It could get damaged from contact with a vehicle as well as from inclement weather like high winds. What Do Inspections Have To Do With Safety?Ī scaffold can become unsafe in a variety of ways. An inspection should also be done after any occurrence that could compromise the structural integrity of the scaffold, ultimately putting employees in danger. These inspections need to be performed by a competent person before each work shift. Not only this, but OSHA also requires general contractors to have all their scaffolds and components inspected for structural defects. The law requires regular scaffold inspections to be performed before each shift.
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