Tips To Use Scaffolding in Winter
The importance of scaffolding safety can never be underestimated, so it’s important that all scaffolding erected adheres to all healthy and safety regulations and is built to the safest of standards. Scaffolds should be designed, erected, altered and dismantled only by professionals and the work should always be carried out under supervised direction actioned by the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Although there sometimes can be health and safety risks when working at heights on temporary structures, during the winter months the weather can be difficult which magnifies the risks. Therefore extra care and attention should be carried out.
Extra Safety Checks
When the weather is cold, wet and windy there is an increased risk so safety is paramount. Falls and trips can be the biggest risk for scaffolding users all year round but when planks are slippery due to harsh weather conditions such as rain, ice or snow falls and trips are at an even higher risk. As a requirement of the Working at Height Regulations 2005 all scaffolds are inspected in intervals following bad weather, regular safety checks and risk assessments can implement reinforcements to help weatherproof scaffolding. Scaffold inspections are a legal duty and the user must be satisfied that the scaffold structure is safe and fit for use and is maintained in good order.
Temporary Roofs
Temporary roofs are also a very good way of protecting your construction site against the hazards of bad weather and keeping scaffolding safe. Temporary roofs can also help protect against high winds which increase the risk of falls and can make structures unstable, so it’s a good idea to consider extra scaffolding safety measures when the weather is bad.
Be Alert
It is vital to keep an eye on the weather forecast and if a torrential downpour, extreme winds or severe first is predicted then it might be best to postpone the scaffold work until weather conditions improve. Installing a temporary roof won’t help to mitigate the risk but you need to also assess the risk, but you need to also assess the risk of your workers getting to and from work and accessing the site. Pausing work to keep your workers safe should be at the forefront of every site manager’s mind during winter months.
Regular Breaks
Working in cold wet conditions can impact the well-being of your workers, as well as affecting their productivity. When employees continue to work in rain, sleet or snow, they put their lives at risk. The boards can quickly become slippery and easily cause slips and falls. Staff working in wintry conditions should take regular breaks in a warm environment to ensure that they stay warm and well. Hot drinks, extra layers of clothing and the chance to take regular breaks will all ensure your staff remain happy and well.
Be Safe & Seen
The winter months see dark mornings and nights drawing in quickly, meaning working in the dark is unavoidable so lighting and visibility should always be kept in mind . This includes the use of high visibility clothing, spotlights and torches to light up the structure and area of work.