1. Common workplace hazards
Shown here are some common workplace hazards.
1. Plan Job
Weather
Powerlines
Hazardous materials
Falling objects
Vehicles/other
mobile plant
Pedestrians
Open trenches/
excavations
Underground
services
Ground conditions
Tripping hazards
Hazard
Risk Assessment
Related Topics:
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2. Identify scaffold and associated equipment
For basic scaffolding, you need to know a wide range of scaffold and associated equipment. The diagram below, for example, shows the basic parts of a modular scaffold.
1. Plan Job
Parts used in a basic modular scaffold:
Working platform
Standard
Guardrail
Midrail
Toeboard
Longitudinal brace
Transverse
brace
Ledger
Transom
Base plate
Sole plate
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3. 1. Plan Job
Plan Job - Summary
Check for hazards before you start the scaffolding work.
The hierarchy of hazard control is a range of control measures used to reduce the risk of workplace hazards. It includes: elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, safe work practices and PPE.
Make sure you are aware of the powerline distances for your state or territory.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the
scaffold is suitable for the work.
Consult with appropriate personnel when planning the scaffold work.
Different scaffolds have different capacities. Always check that
the scaffold meets the requirement of the job.
Make sure you are wearing the necessary safety equipment for
the work you are performing.
Do not be afraid to ask questions if you are not clear about
instructions or directions.
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4. 2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment
Base plates
The spindle of an adjustable base plate should extend 150mm above the maximum nut extension.
The maximum extension on an adjustable base plate is 600mm.
150mm
2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment
600mm
The maximum load allowed on an adjustable base plate is 3030kg.
The minimum width of timber used as a sole plate is 225mm.
225mm
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5. Metal scaffold plank defects 2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment
DO NOT a metal scaffold plank if it has any of the following defects.
Marking not in compliance with AS AS 1577 Plank Marking Standard:
2. Select and Inspect Plant and Equipment
Manufacturer’s name or mark
Rivets broken or missing
End cap missing.
Twisting
Heavy corrosion.
Distortion
ACME TIMBER
AS1577
WLL 200kg
MAX SPAN 2m
This tells you it is a genuine scaffold plank
Working Load Limit in kg
180mm
Maximum allowable span (spacing
between supporting brackets) in metres
Crushing
Splitting
Bending
• Welds cracked, broken or missing
• Broken weld reinforcing strap
Width of less than 220mm
Risk Assessment
Risk Management
Related Topics:
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6. Hazard prevention and control measures
Before you start to erect a scaffold, you need to put in place ways to prevent and control hazards.
You could:
• Restrict access to an area
• Remove any hazards
• Move equipment and vehicles that are not part of the scaffolding
• Set up warning signs and barricades
• Put up overhead protection
• Create pedestrian exclusion zones
• Perform any control measures listed on the JSA or SWMS.
3. Set Up Task
Hazard
Risk Management
Related Topics:
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7. Soil types Check the type of soil
Check if the soil can support the scaffold. Different types of soil have different load-bearing pressures.
Below are different soil types from soft to hard (gravel).
• Soft clay
• Stiff clay
• Dry sand
• Granite
• Shale
• Gravel (road base)
3. Set Up Task
Check the type of soil
Check to see if the soil can support a scaffold. Different types of soils can take light or heavy scaffold.
Soft soil
Hard soil
Gravel (road base)
Ground Stability
Risk Assessment
Related Topics:
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8. 4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
Containment sheeting
Sheeting is used to help protect workers and pedestrians from wind, rain, dust and direct sunlight. The design of a sheeted scaffold should be checked by an engineer.
When installing sheeting you should consider:
• The weight of the sheeting
• The wind load created by the sheeting
• Strength and suitability of fixings
• Sheeting should be on the outside of a scaffold (unless otherwise allowed by the design)
• Avoid gaps between the sheeting and the platform edge.
4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
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9. 4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
Unsafe incidents
WRONG
If an unsafe incident or event occurs while you are doing scaffolding work you should:
• Stop
• Resolve the issue if you can
• Seek assistance and advice if needed
• Report the event (as per state/territory requirements).
Seek assistance and
advice if needed
4. Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
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10. 5. Dismantle Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
Work safely at heights
To work safely at heights:
• Wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job
• Ensure you anchor your lanyard correctly
• Use clear, simple words and hand signals with other workers.
Communicate clearly with workmates when you dismantle (take down) a scaffold.
5. Dismantle Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
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11. Inspect equipment after use
Check the scaffold parts and equipment after you have finished using it, including:
• Scaffold tubes
• Base plates
• Ladders
• Scaffold planks (timber and metal)
• Flexible steel wire rope (FSWR)
• Fibre rope
• Materials hoists
• Gin wheels
• Scaffold tools
• Right-angle couplers
5. Dismantle Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for information on what defects to check for.
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12. Question 28. What do you need to check when you use a mobile scaffold?
Element 3–Set Up Task
Question 28. What do you need to check when you use a mobile scaffold?
click for answer
Answer may include:
The scaffold should be set up on level ground
The castors should not have pneumatic tyres
The wheels have wheel locks
Mobile scaffold should have castors (wheels)
Scaffolding Quiz
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13. Element 4–Erect Scaffold and Scaffold Equipment
Question 35. What sorts of things would damage a safety net or make it unsafe for you to use?
click for answer
Having the net dragged over rough surfaces
People jumping on it
Rubbish or building materials stored on it
Hot gases from blow torches, chimneys and furnaces or sparks and flames from welding equipment or oxy cutting equipment
Sharp edges
Being hit by a moving load
Scaffolding Quiz
Chemicals
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