Dos and Don’ts of Scaffolding Safety in Industrial Painting

Painting may appear to be a dull job, but those who take on industrial & commercial projects know that it is no less than an adventure. The thrill of applying a fresh layer of paint while being suspended many feet above the ground will remind you of your favorite action film.

However, with great height comes great risks!

Unlike domestic painting, industrial painting projects have different requirements. There are tougher stains to remove, hazardous places, higher ceilings to reach, and specialized machines or tools. Scaffoldings are one such essential equipment that helps in reaching the tough to reach spots.

Scaffolding Safety tips for Industrial Painting Contractors

1. Ensure that the scaffolding is rigid and has adequate load-bearing capacity.
2. A general rule of thumb states that it should be capable of carrying its own weight in addition to maximum intended load times four.
3. The scaffolding should be erected on a solid, sound foundation.
4. Strong and stable items must be used to support the scaffolds or its planks.
5. Avoid making use of barrels, loose bricks, concrete blocks, boxes or other unstable items.
6. A scaffold must not be erected, dismantled, moved, or even altered without the thorough supervision of a competent individual.
7. Additional safety measures such as mid-rails, toeboards, and guardrails must be included.
8. If any scaffold accessories are found to be rusted, damaged, or weakened, they must be immediately replaced.
9. The scaffold platform should be tightly planked using a scaffold plank grade material.
10. Any kind of synthetic or natural ropes that have been used for scaffolding suspension should be protected from intense direct heat or heat producing sources.
11. The scaffolding setup must be at a distance of at least 10 feet from any electric power line or similar hazard.
12. The scaffolds must be accessible through ladders and/or stairs.
13. All the scaffoldings must be inspected by a competent authority, preferably at the end of each shift, to ensure that the construction has not lost its structural integrity.

Basic Dos and Don’ts of Scaffolding Safety

Here are some dos and don’ts for maintaining scaffolding safety.

Dos

You must, at all times:

• Ensure that the staff is trained before they get hands-on experience with scaffoldings.
• Such training must include everything, right from understanding the carrying capacity of scaffolds to dealing with mishaps.
• Wear a hard hat and non-slip work boots at all times when at work, especially while working under, on, or around scaffolding.
• Follow the standardized scaffold tagging technique and check the tags before use.
• Make use of lanyards and safety belts when working at a height that is 10 feet or above.
• Stay off the scaffolding while loading or unloading takes place.

Don’ts

Under no circumstances should you:

• Overload the scaffolding
• Begin working on a platform or scaffolding until it has been completely planked
• Stand or climb on the sections of the scaffolding frame that is not intended for standing or climbing
• Walk on the scaffold planking if it is covered in the lubricant or oily substances, mud, snow, or ice. In continuation, avoid making use of a scaffold in adverse weather.
• Make use of a scaffold or its accessory if it appears to be damaged in some way.

As frontrunners of industrial painting, Brampton Painting ensures the highest standards of safety measures to avoid any mishaps. Our industrial paint services are unparalleled and so are our safety efforts. With BramptonPainting at the helm, you and our employees can be at ease.  Call us 905-461-5115 to inquire.

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