Safety Toolbox Talk on Scaffolding Erection
Tags: Toolbox Talk, Scaffolding, Working At Heights, Training, Safety

Safety Toolbox Talk on Scaffolding Erection

The erection of scaffolding for work at height is a skilled job and must be carried out by trained personnel under the supervision of a competent person. It has been observed that many accidents have occurred due to the failure of the scaffolding structure or the fall of a person due to improper scaffolding practices.

Here is the overview of the simple Toolbox Talk on safe erection of scaffolding that must be done before commencing the job. At the end of the toolbox talk, interactive questions can be asked of participants to ensure positive feedback and for better outcome.

Hazards and Risk associated with Scaffold erection

The scaffolding may collapse during assembly if unstable objects are used as a scaffold base.

Forceful action to install the scaffolding element may result in injury to the hand.

A dangerous act such as climbing on a bracing can result in slips and falls.

Unsecured scaffolding over 10 meters high or over 4 times the base width without being attached to a fixed support may collapse.

There is risk of electrocution if scaffold erected nearer than 3 meters to overhead electric power lines.

The movement of the material by the human chain is dangerous, the material can fall on the personnel.

Bad weather is one of the hazards and there is risk of under erection scaffold collapse or fall injury.

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Toolbox Talk on safe erection of scaffolding

Visually inspect scaffolding material (s) for damage, bending or corrosion prior to use.

Remove damaged components and provide the identification tag.

Do not use fully painted scaffolding material. For the identification of material belonging to different contractors, different colored bands can be used.

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Build a scaffolding on level, solid ground.

Make sure the soleplate is under the baseplate in case of loose ground surface.

Baseplates should be used below all standards. Adjustable leg / base jacks can be used to manage level if the ground is uneven.

Make sure the caster is locked when using mobile scaffolding.

Provide the “Red Tag” indicating “Do not use” or “Not ready to use” on scaffolds being erected.

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Barricade the area with caution safety tape/ tags.

Secure scaffolding over 10 meters with a fixed structure for stability for the first 10 meters then every 8 meters.

Install the first ledger (horizontal pipe) at a minimum height of 2 meters.

The bracing must be on all 4 sides. You can use swivel clamps to secure.

Install the ladder after completing the second horizontal plane or 6 meters in height.

For general purpose independent scaffolds, i.e. used for a maximum load of 200 kg / m2, set standards at a maximum distance of 2.1 meters.

Make sure the guardrails (top, middle, and toe guard) on the work platform or deck board.

Make sure scaffolding inspection by a competent person after completion of erection and provide “Green Tag” indicating “Safe to Use”

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Ensure proper PPE, including fall arrester and full body harness, when erecting scaffolding.

Cautions during Scaffolding Erection

Don’t use unstable objects as a base for scaffolding.

Don’t force members to fit.

Don’t use braces for climbing.

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Don’t let the height to exceed 4 times the width of the base without tying to a fixed support.

The scaffold should not be nearer than 3 meters to overhead electric power lines.

Don’t use swivel clamps to connect pipes, only use rigid clamps.

Don’t climb on scaffold without bracing.

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Don’t lower and raise materials directly, avoid man chain.

The Safety toolbox talk on scaffolding erection should be carried out after having carefully assessed the hazards and risk prior to start work. The toolbox talk on erection of scaffold increases worker confidence and prevents errors when installing scaffold components, access and performing work at height, and thus helps prevent accidents.