If you need to create a safe, elevated
working area for a construction or renovation project, scaffolding is a
versatile and cost-effective solution. However, most scaffolding configurations
cannot be relocated once they are assembled. If you need to access several
separate elevated areas, constructing an individual scaffold for each area can
be time-consuming and expensive.
In these situations, a rolling scaffold
tower can be the ideal solution. These free-standing scaffolds are fitted with
heavy-duty casters and are easy to move from place to place without relying on
powered towing equipment. They are also much cheaper to hire than other types
of mobile access equipment.
However, using any type of scaffolding
incorrectly can be extremely dangerous, and unsafe use of a rolling scaffold
can put the lives of your employees at risk. If you plan to use rolling
scaffolds for a future project, there are some specific safety do's and don'ts
that must be observed at all times.
DO Clear Debris From the Working Area
Many accidents involving rolling scaffold
towers are caused by loose debris, such as building materials, abandoned tools,
and demolition debris. If a rolling scaffold collides with any debris while it
is in motion, it may collapse, especially if is not fitted with suitable cross
bracing. Toppling scaffolds can also cause catastrophic damage to any
structures or equipment left in their path.
Keeping your working area free of debris is
one of the most effective ways to improve rolling scaffold safety. Take extra
care when you clear paths between different elevated working areas, and make
sure that any other scaffolds in the area are fitted with suitable debris
management equipment to prevent debris from accumulating. Debris netting and
disposal chutes can be very helpful.
DON'T Use Rolling Scaffolds On Unsafe
Surfaces
Unlike conventional scaffolding, rolling
scaffold towers are free-standing structures. While guy ropes, outriggers, and
other accessories can provide added stability, rolling scaffolds cannot be braced
against nearby walls using wall braces or support needles. They must therefore
be positioned on stable, level surfaces to be used safely.
The surface a rolling scaffold is placed on
doesn't have to be perfectly level, and you can correct for minor gradients
using adjustable leveling casters or leveling jacks. However, the surface must
be able to support the weight of a rolling scaffold, plus workers and their
equipment. Rolling scaffolds should never be used on bare soil, sand, or other
surfaces that shift under heavy loads.
DO Use Proper Cross Bracing
Each vertical column of a rolling scaffold
is fitted with an independent caster, which allows for maximum freedom of
motion when you maneuver around a busy job site. However, this also means that
each vertical column will move independently while the scaffold is in motion.
If one or more of the casters strays too far out of alignment, the entire tower
may lose its shape and collapse.
To prevent this, you should always fit
suitable cross bracing to the vertical columns of your rolling scaffold. These
braces are inserted between the vertical columns and prevent columns from
moving out of alignment accidentally. These braces can also make your tower
more wind-resistant if the weather turns against you.
DON'T Use Rolling Scaffolds Near Power
Lines
Working around live power lines is always
hazardous, but you should never attempt to use a rolling scaffold near any kind
of power line or live electrical circuit. It can be very difficult to judge
vertical clearance while you move a rolling scaffold, so trying to maneuver a
rolling tower beneath power lines is both irresponsible and dangerous.
If any part of a moving rolling scaffold
touches a live circuit, the electrical charge conducted through the metal
scaffold can severely injure or kill anybody who comes into contact with it.
Bear in mind that the guard rails fitted to most rolling scaffolds are also
made of metal, so make sure to take the added height of the guard rail into
account when you check for electrical hazards.
These are just some of the most important safety
rules you should follow when you use rolling scaffold towers. For more advice
on scaffolding safety measures and equipment, contact the scaffolding experts
at
Pacific Scaffolding Co. Inc.
