Any construction, renovation, or maintenance that needs to be done at heights relies heavily on the use of a scaffold tower. If the components of the scaffold tower are faulty, have not been maintained, or if the tower is not used correctly, it can be very dangerous. As scaffold safety is a main concern for Disc-O-Scaff, we have compiled these tips and guidelines to help keep you safe when working on and assembling scaffolding.

Guidelines for Scaffold Tower Safety

Here are a few guidelines you need to follow for tower safety:

Any construction, renovation, or maintenance that needs to be done at heights relies heavily on the use of a scaffold tower. If the components of the scaffold tower are faulty, have not been maintained, or if the tower is not used correctly, it can be very dangerous. As scaffold safety is a main concern for Disc-O-Scaff, we have compiled these tips and guidelines to help keep you safe when working on and assembling scaffolding.

• Proper Training

Any workers using scaffolding need to receive proper training. Training should include how to get onto and off the scaffold tower safely, how to prevent falls, and how to respond to emergencies whilst on the scaffolding. Training can assist in minimising the risks and hazards of the specific scaffolding being used.

• Safety Equipment

Personal protection equipment is a must-have at any construction site. Non-slip footwear, head protection, and fall arrest equipment are essential in preventing serious injuries.    

• Scaffold Components

Inspect the scaffold components for any defects or damage before setting up your scaffold tower. Sub-par material and substituted parts can compromise the structural integrity of the tower. Every component needs to be assembled carefully and by an experienced person. If not, the various sections of the scaffold may dislodge and result in total structural collapse.

• Inspections

Scaffolding needs to be constantly maintained and inspected by a competent person. If at any point the integrity and safety of the workers are at risk, work needs to cease immediately. Various scaffold tags are used to indicate whether the scaffolding is safe to access, if special requirements are needed to make the scaffold safe for use, and if it is entirely unsafe to use.

• Load Capacities

Scaffold towers have weight limits that need to be adhered to for the safety of workers and to prevent the tower from collapsing. One of the biggest design failures in scaffolding is not taking into account the combined load capacity of the workers and the equipment needed on the platforms.   

Tips for a Safe Scaffold Tower

Here are a few safety tips you need to follow:

• Always have the scaffold tower on sturdy, level ground.
• In extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and winds, do not use the scaffold tower.
• Stick to the manufacturer’s assembly and dismantling instructions at all times.
• The tower height must never exceed the recommendations of the manufacturer.
• Avoid areas where there are overhead obstructions, especially electrical cables.

Leaders in Scaffolding Solutions

At Disc-O-Scaff, our safety guidelines and tips are backed by the high-quality SABS-approved materials that are used in the manufacture of all our scaffolding components. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, our scaffold and formwork solutions have been supplied to South Africa’s leading construction companies. Contact us to find out more about how our scaffold solutions can work for you.