What do you need to know about dismantling scaffolding
Working at heights is very common in the construction industry, and each time they require a scaffold. Scaffolding creates a safe and secure platform for the workers, and they are often used on remodeling projects. It ensures a safe reach to the ceiling and building facades at elevated levels. During the setting up and taking down of scaffolding, workers are exposed to fall hazards. After completing the job, special care of the scaffold will ensure that the job is done safely.
A competent person is designated to evaluate the site and scaffolding condition. By the word "competent" we mean a person who is experienced and capable enough to check the clients' safety and determine whether fall protection is feasible. He accesses the site conditions to discover the most effective ways to protect employees from hazards while erecting or dismantling the tower.
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High-quality workmanship and careful inspection of scaffolding provide a safe working platform for activities such as Maintenance, Construction, Repairs, Access, and Inspection. Construction workers sometimes rush to finish dismantling formwork on site quickly. These workers include inadequate and unskilled workers without any training. The dismantling of scaffolding requires careful and trained consideration, same as the time of erection. Unless it is unavoidable, formwork should not be dismantled at the time of high winds, rain, snow, and so on.
The first step of the dismantling process is to clear the surrounding area where the scaffolding is placed in an orderly manner. A vehicle to transport the scaffold components should be accessible to workers in the loading area with a clear path. A carefully erected scaffolding tower might be an entirely safe structure, but that expertly constructed formwork will remain stable for as long as it is required. Then what to do after the completion of the project? Scaffolding needs to come down in a safe and controlled manner. How will you do it? Let us have a look.
Define Dismantling Danger-
Even if the construction project completes, a scaffolding contractor is responsible for removing the work platform and move on to the next project. A poorly initiated dismantlement process will cause damage, and to avoid that, they need to work calmly and efficiently. Check that there is no damage done to the property or any lingering onsite workers. Only systematic scaffolding dismantling methods should be allowed.
Workers should have all the necessary safety equipment, including safety boots, hard hats, gloves, and protective eyewear to guard against the risk of falling materials. The scaffold structure should be examined- from up to the bottom.
Follow A Systematic Breakdown Strategy-
Dismantlement work is as hazardous as the erection process. A competent person plays a crucial role in this procedure as well. The process starts in the reverse order of erection, beginning at the top by running a structural check. The components should be firmly attached and lower down slowly to the ground using a rope system. Starting from the top: the ties and braces should dismantle. All the components should not be left temporarily but brought down to the ground right away, and the fall prevention frame should remain until all other staging elements have been removed. No one should stand directly below the scaffolding structure when it is dismantling.
Also, the partially dismantled scaffold should not be left standing for longer, or else a clear warning sign placed at access points.
Return The Scaffold Safely To The Ground-
Never leave the scaffold and assume the work ethic is on hand because sometimes common sense takes a break. It may seem that all the safety points are on point, but they might not be. So, assume the worst too. In the dismantling process, the worst possible course of action would be the drop of the dismantled parts down to the ground. Let us face it that this is not an acceptable work procedure. All the components need to be inspected thoroughly when the scaffold dismantle. And those that need to be disposed of- should keep aside from those that are fit for re-use. Make the best use of platforms, ropes, hoists, and workforce for lowering the pieces back on the ground.
Remove all the tools and materials from the platform before dismantling. Also, disengage the support that binds the scaffold to a wall or window. Finally, do not conduct potentially hazardous process if strong winds or heavy storm is blowing overhead.