As far as the construction industry is concerned, safety must always be the topmost priority when it comes to using commercial scaffolding equipment on a construction site. Nearly two-thirds of construction workers use scaffolding equipment at some point, thus, it becomes all the more important to make sure scaffolding equipment is maintained well and is in excellent working condition all the time, which will ensure workers’ safety. Agreed, sufficient training and knowledge of scaffolding use are essential for workers safety, working on the construction sites; however, equally important is maintaining scaffolding equipment appropriately.
Regular maintenance must be carried out to make sure all scaffolding parts and accessories remain utilitarian and don’t pose any dangers to workers. Usually, construction projects can continue for stretched periods, so contractors must be confident concerning their scaffolding equipment that they remain functional and safe over the project’s duration. Maintaining scaffolding equipment including scaffold ladders, scaffold towers and scaffold tools appropriately will not only give you the most out of your investment but also ensure it remains in a safe working condition for longer. The ultimate scaffolding maintenance tips that can extend the life of the scaffolding equipment are mentioned below.
Before Storage – Clean the Scaffolding Equipment
When not in use, scaffolding equipment should be stored in a location that is secure from the components. It is important to dismantle scaffolding appropriately to make sure that no pointless repairs or replacements are needed at the time of assembling scaffolding again. Also, keep the scaffolding parts well organised that will facilitate you to speedily and effortlessly assemble the scaffolding when the next project commences.
It is vital to clean the scaffolding systematically after they are taken apart using a garden hose or power washer to eradicate any foreign elements like stucco, mud, paint or other materials. In case, the power washer is not able to clean your scaffolding equipment fully then you should think about utilising a sander to eliminate any amassed debris. The key to longevity is to make sure that no contaminants remain on your scaffolding equipment while they are kept in storage.
Avert Corrosion & Deterioration by Using WD-40
Scaffolding is susceptible to different levels of corrosion and deterioration because they are continually exposed to the elements for longer periods. You certainly need scaffold parts to function appropriately during a project’s tenure, so you should buy WD-40 or a similar product to use on bolts, nuts, bolt threads, and other moving and detachable parts. This lubrication will tremendously improve the lifespan of your scaffolding equipment by shielding it from corrosion and deterioration. Besides, applying WD-40 to your scaffolding equipment will improve its sturdiness, practicality, safety, and avert needless delays all through the project tenure.
Replace Any Damaged Scaffold Part(s)
- While attempting scaffolding inspections on-site and while dismantling scaffolding equipment, it’s very important to replace any scaffold part that can cause a workers safety hazard.
- At some point, even the pricier scaffolding equipment will require part replacements. You must replace any scaffolding part(s) that are exhibiting signs of exhaustion like splitting, bending or other signs of deterioration to be 100% compliant in workplace health and safety.
What Are Faults?
When inspecting your scaffold, you need to check for the welds and ensure there are no cracks.Clean any deposits like concrete and test to ensure all bolts and pins freely move.
Why Separate Faulty Parts?
Typically, when a part fails or gets unusable during the erection process, the scaffolder will at once remove the part from the scaffold and replace it with a serviceable part.It needs to be done by clearly marking or labelling, or putting in containers or areas that are set apart for storing rejected parts or equipment.
How to Treat Faulty Scaffolding?
After faulty or damaged parts have been isolated, AS/NZS 4576 advises that they need to be treated in one of the following ways:
- Downgrade: For instance, downgrading a scaffold plank for use as a soleplate, if the fault does not affect the performance of the soleplate unfavourably.
- Scrapping: Any repair made per sound engineering ethics by a professionally qualified person.
- Repair: For instance- changing missing wedges on modular scaffolding, changing bolts on couplers, re-binding ends of timber planks, suitable re-welding.
- Reduction in Length: For instance – reducing of the tube, wire rope or planksto eliminate faulty ends.
Note: A detailed description of what comprises a fault and when an item needs scrapping is mentioned in the ‘Guidelines for scaffolding’ Australian/New Zealand Standard 4576: 1995.
The Bottom Line
Adhere to these essential tips when you want to use scaffolding equipment including scaffold towers, scaffold ladders and scaffold tools, as well as when scaffold equipment and tools are being stored to ensure your scaffolding equipment remains completely functional and safe for longer. This will aid in giving a safer working environment to your workforce, and you’ll immensely improve the ROI (return-on-investment) on your scaffolding equipment.
