Working at Heights
3. Scaffolding
The most important hazards when using scaffolding are:
- Falls (onto a different level, off the scaffolding or onto the same level).
- Collapse of the scaffolding.
- Collapse or fall of objects (tools, material, scaffolding components, etc.).
- Blows caused by objects or tools.
- Becoming trapped.
- Those resulting from undetected illnesses (epilepsy, vertigo, etc.).
- The poor state of the scaffolding.
- Faulty erection.
- Electrical Contacts.
Preventative measures:
- The erection and dismantling of scaffolding is to be carried out under the supervision and responsibility of the Scaffolding Supervisor, who is to authorise its use in writing. To this end, labels are to be used that indicate the date and the competent person authorising the use of the scaffolding.
- Work platforms, gangways and ladders on scaffolding must be constructed, protected and used in such a way as to impede people from falling or being exposed to falling objects. The use of boards to form platforms or gangways is expressly forbidden.
- Portable scaffolding must be secured against involuntary movements.
- Scaffolding, both in the work area and in the transit area, is to be protected by means of resistant railings with a minimum height of 90 cm and protective skirting or edging of at least 15 cm and intermediate protection that stops workers from slipping off.
- During the erection and dismantling of scaffolding, no one is to remain below it.
- All the connections must be made with safety pins.
- Transversal bars are to be installed to make the scaffolding stable.
- Erection of a higher level is not to commence without the lower level being completely stable.
- Higher platforms are to be accessed via interior ladders fixed to the scaffolding; never climb up or down the outside of the scaffolding or by means of the crossbars.
- Platforms cannot be slippery, are to be at least 60 cm wide and are to be immobilized using pins to stop them from overturning or sliding.
- The base modules are to be supported on sleepers made up of boards, not directly on the ground, or on support plates with levelling threads to ensure safety.
- Respect safety distances when working in the vicinity of live installations.
- In the case of strong winds, do not remain on the scaffolding.
- Scaffolding made up of two bodies must be tied to the face or stable fixed points.
- Do not move scaffolding if there are people on it.
- Cordon off the lower area of scaffolding.
- Scaffolding must not be painted so as to facilitate the detection of structural defects.
- Suitable PPE for the existing hazards is to be used (safety helmet, gloves, safety footwear, fall-arrest harness during erection, dismantling and use of scaffolding, etc.).
- Scaffolding is to be inspected:
- Before being put into service.
- Periodically.
- After any modification, period when it is not used, exposure to the elements or other circumstances that may have managed to affect its strength or stability.
