Tube and Coupler

Scaffold safety is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone’s safety depends upon the design, erection, use, and dismantling of the scaffold by Competent Persons only. Inspect your platform before each use to see that the assembly has not been altered and is safe for your help.
Safety must come first!
EK Scaffolding is designed and manufactured with the user in mind. However, the safety that goes into each piece of scaffolding cannot offset carelessness on the part of the erector or the user. With this thought in mind. to prevent injury to the users of EK Scaffolding, we urge you to follow these safety guidelines. Scaffold must be erected, used, moved and disassembled only under the supervision of Competent Persons.

Erection Of Tube & Clamp Scaffold

A. before Erection – All Scaffold Assemblies
1. Job site must be inspected to determine ground conditions, the strength of supporting structure, the proximity of electric power lines, overhead obstructions, wind conditions, and the need for overhead or weather protection. These conditions must be evaluated and adequately addressed.
2. Jobsite must be evaluated by a Competent Person or possible anchor locations for attaching a Personal Fall Arrest System. A new evaluation will need to be performed as site conditions change.
3. Post spacing and sill size can only be determined after the total loads imposed on the scaffold and the weight of the platform has been calculated.
4. A professional engineer must design stationary scaffolds over 125 ft. in height.
5. All equipment must be inspected to see that it is n good condition and is serviceable. Damaged or deteriorated equipment must not be used.
6. Scaffold plank must be inspected to see that it is graded as scaffold plank, is sound and in good condition, and is free from saw cuts, cracks, notches, splits, delaminations and holes.
7. A fully qualified and Competent Person can deviate om these guidelines only if it can be shown that the resulting scaffold design complies with applicable codes and generally accepted scaffold engineering practices.
8. The scaffold assembly must be designed to comply with federal, state, provincial and local requirements.

B. Erection Of Fixed Scaffold
Scaffold must be erected, moved or disassembled only under the supervision of Competent Persons. Safety equipment, including safety glasses and hard hats, must be worn by all persons erecting, moving, dismantling or using the scaffold.
1. All scaffold legs require a base plate and a mudsill or other adequate firm foundation. Base plates must be in firm contact with the sills/ foundation and scaffold legs and should be centred on the sills. Be especially careful when scaffolds are erected on soft or frozen ground. Any part of a building or structure used to support the platform must support the load to be applied.
2. Always use base plates. Use sills if required by ground conditions. Do not use unstable objects or materials.
3. Use only tools recommended by BrandSafway for erection and dismantling.
4. Plumb and level scaffold until connections can be made with ease. Be sure staging stays plumb and level as erection progresses.

Use Of Scaffolds

All Scaffolds
1. Each time you use the scaffold, a Competent Person must: inspect the scaffold assembly to be sure it has not been altered. It is assembled correctly, is level and plumb, all base plates are in firm contact with sills, all bracing is in place and securely fastened, all platforms are fully decked. All guardrails are in place, and safe access is provided. It is properly tied and guided. There are no overhead obstructions, no energized electric power lines within 10 ft of the scaffold assembly, all clamps are firmly tightened. Correct any deficiencies before use
2. Use only proper access. Do not climb bracing, guardrails or vertical posts. Do not climb any scaffold component unless specifically designed for that purpose.
3. All users must be trained before performing any work from the scaffold.
4. Climb safely! a. Face the rungs as you climb up or down. b. Use both hands. c. Do not try to carry materials while you climb.d. Be sure of your footing and balance before letting go with your hands. Keep one hand firmly on the frame or ladder at all times. e. Clean shoes and rungs to avoid slipping.
5. Do not work on slippery platforms.
6. Do not overload platforms with materials.
7. Do not extend working heights by standing on planked guardrails, boxes, ladders or other materials on scaffold platforms.
8. Do not loosen, detach or remove any component of a scaffold assembly except under the supervision of a Competent Person. Parts that have been removed must be replaced immediately.
9. Do not erect scaffolds on wagons, trucks or other wheeled vehicles.
10. Stand only within the platform area; do not try to extend the work area by leaning out over the guard railing.

Dismantling Scaffolds
The following additional precautions apply when dismantling scaffolds:
1. Before removal or loosening of any component, consider the effect the removal of the element, or the loosening of a joint, will have on the strength of the remaining assembly
2. Check to see if the scaffold has been altered in any way, which would make it unsafe. If so, reconstruct where necessary before beginning the dismantling process.
3. Use only proper access. Do not climb braces, guardrails, or vertical members. Do not climb scaffold components unless they are specifically designed for that purpose. Do not stand on platform overhangs.
4. Do not remove ties until the scaffold above has been removed.
5. Visually inspect each plank to ensure it is supported on both ends and safe to stand or work on.
6. Do not accumulate removed components or equipment on the scaffold.
7. safely lower components as soon as dismantled. Do not throw parts off the scaffold.
8. Stockpile dismantled equipment in an orderly manner.
9. Remove component immediately after loosening clamps.
Understanding and following these safety guidelines will increase your safety and the safety of your fellow workers.