Working At Height: Keeping Yourself Safe on Scaffolds
Whether you’re an experienced professional or a keen amateur, there may be many occasions when you’re working or carrying out DIY projects and you need to work at height. Working on ladders or with scaffolding can be difficult and dangerous – falls from ladders account for a high percentage of DIY-related accidents each year – and it’s important that you take note of the risks and only work at height when you can be sure that you are safe to do so.
It’s vital that you never attempt to work at height, or allow another person to do so, after drinking alcohol or while on medication that can cause drowsiness. Your personal safety, and the safety of those working or walking nearby, must be your paramount concern at all times.
Simple Safety Tips for Working at Height
1. Think carefully about placing your ladder or scaffold appropriately. You must always ensure that the ladder or scaffold you are using is resting on solid ground that is level. Base plates must be secure and screens must be used if there is pedestrian traffic passing the area in which you are working.
2. Pay attention to correct usage. No matter how good your equipment is, it can only do the job safely if it is used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Scaffold structures must be securely attached to buildings, using the correct connections, and all guard rails and supports should be fitted according to correct industry specifications.
3. Never use damaged equipment. Any parts of your scaffold or ladder system that are bent or damaged should be discarded and replaced before working at height. You are responsible for checking your equipment, and using damaged equipment will almost certainly invalidate your insurance or manufacturer’s guarantee.
4. Take care of yourself. Wear a hard hat with the correct safety specifications at all times when working on or near a scaffold, and check that others are also doing so if they are working with you. You should wear non-slip shoes that are suitable for this type of work, too.
5. Pay attention to safety guidance at all times. Be aware of the maximum weight loads for your scaffolding or ladder, and never exceed these limits. Keep mobile scaffold structures locked in place while they are in use and always ensure that the correct scaffold climbing ladders and scaffold steps are used to access work levels.
Hire Scaffolding Equipment in Cork
For everything you need to work at height, Macroom Tool Hire and Sales are on hand to help. With a range of scaffolding equipment and ladders to suit a vast range of projects, our helpful team will be happy to discuss your requirements and give advice to make sure you get it right. Browse online or call the friendly, family team now on 026 42133.