DO & DON'T - Scaffold & Safety Net
DOS AND DON’TS - SCAFFOLDING:
Dos
· Install and use scaffolding accessories based on the manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
• Place scaffolds on stable ground.
• Lock scaffold wheels when in use.
• Remove tools or debris on scaffold platforms.
• Equip all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms with proper guardrails, mid rails, and toe boards.
• Wear a hard hat when working on or under a scaffold.
• Wear sturdy, nonslip shoes when working on a scaffold.
• Remove anything placed on scaffolds at the end of the work shift.
• Maintain at least a 10-foot distance between scaffolds and electric power lines.
• Avoid striking scaffolds with materials or vehicles.
Don’ts
· Intermix scaffolds, frames and components of different manufacturers.
• Use scaffolds as storage for tools or materials
• Move scaffolds while they’re in use or occupied.
• Alter scaffolding accessories.
• Use makeshift scaffolds like planks laid across concrete blocks or other materials.
• Work on scaffolds when there’s a strong wind or storm.
• Use ladders or other materials on top of scaffolds to increase their height.
DOS AND DON’TS - SAFETY NET:
Dos
- Do ensure you use competent safety net rigging companies, with relevant experience.
- Do ensure you use competent safety net riggers.
- Do ensure that methods of access for work at height have been properly assessed, and the safest method reasonably practicable has been chosen.
- Do carry out a formal inspection if nets are in place for more than 7 days, or subjected to extreme weather conditions. A visual user inspection should be carried out prior to working above the safety nets.
- Do ensure that all materials are secure before lifting/craning above a safety net.
- Do ensure that a handover certificate is completed prior to allowing works above a safety net.
- Do ensure that nets are struck prior to any hot works being carried out above.
- Do report any damage to a safety net. Don’t tamper with or adjust any nets and attachment points.
- Do ensure all falls into a safety net are reported to site management and Ensure the supervision of the loaded nets removal from service.
- Don’t allow work above the net if it is positioned >2m from the working level.
Don’ts
- Don’t allow the use of nets unless there is evidence of appropriate inspection & maintenance regime and UV testing within the last 12 months.
- Don’t allow the use of nets unless a competent person has verified there is sufficient clearance distance (rule of thumb no less than 3m).
- Don’t allow work above nets without evidence that any repairs have been carried out by a competent person authorized by the manufacturer.
- Don’t allow work above nets which don’t have serial numbers or labels.
- Don’t attach nets to any structure without first confirming it has the capacity to deal with a minimum 6kN loading at a 45ยบ angle.
- Don’t allow gaps >100mm unless exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise (in these cases not >225mm).
- Don’t allow work above net systems which have been damaged or loaded.
- Don’t allow work above the net if it is positioned >2m from the working level.
