How to build a safe construction scaffold or scaffolding
Tips and procedures to follow when building a construction scaffold
In the construction sector, scaffolding or construction scaffolding is the most important of the temporary works aimed at safely carrying out work at height. In fact, construction scaffolding is created with the dual purpose of avoiding the risk of people or things falling from a height.
Construction scaffolding is used for a wide range of jobs, from construction to renovation and restoration work, as well as for work aimed at making unsafe buildings safe.
For this reason, every building contractor, before proceeding with the work that has been commissioned to him, should carefully evaluate the type of construction scaffolding or scaffolding to be assembled based on the place where he will have to operate and also taking into consideration the type of intervention that he will have to carry out.
In fact, if something unpleasant were to happen due to the construction scaffolding during the construction site, it would be the designer, together with the Coordinator for safety at work and the employer, therefore the building contractor, who would be identified as responsible according to the Consolidated Law on Safety. Therefore, it is always better to proceed with caution and make sure to follow all the necessary procedures during the construction of a construction scaffolding.
Construction scaffolding is divided into two types of scaffolding:
- Put log Scaffolding;
- Mobile, Scaffolding:
Regardless of the type, all construction scaffolding is made of steel with prefabricated or lattice structures composed of tubes and joints. Furthermore, whether they are fixed scaffolding or mobile scaffolding, the elements that form a construction scaffolding are the following:
- upright : the vertical element that must support the loads acting on it;
- scaffolding : the horizontal element that constitutes the walking surface of a scaffolding, on which workers and materials will pass;
- Guardrails" or "Toe boards: the element of protection against falling people or things.
Furthermore, each scaffolding supplier company is equipped with a Ministerial Authorization Booklet which also contains instructions for creating particular parts of the scaffolding.
Structural calculations for the construction of a building scaffolding
In construction, when a scaffold is built, it is treated as a real engineering work. Especially when it exceeds 20m in height, since in this case it is necessary to contact a professional qualified in structural calculations such as an engineer. its structural calculations must concern the following points:
- foundation (suitable support point for the scaffolding)
- verticality and robustness (peak load and collapse)
- Checking the scaffolding (whether wooden or steel)
- hooks to the supporting structure (plugs, tie)
- possible support for tarpaulins (advertising, mud flaps)
- driveways
- valances (protection from objects falling from above)
- Tests on worker fall protection systems.
PIMUS
When a particularly complex construction scaffolding is built, it is also necessary to draw up the so-called PIMUS. This document must contain and record all the operations to be carried out from the arrival of the scaffolding on the construction site until its dismantling and removal from the site.
The PIMUS serves as a reference for the companies involved in the configuration of the scaffolding so that they can proceed correctly with the task assigned to them. Assembly and disassembly must also be carried out under the careful guidance of a supervisor and obviously always wearing the appropriate Individual and Collective Protection Devices.
Anti-intrusion devices on scaffolding
The presence of scaffolding on the facade of a building, especially in cities, can be seen as a unique opportunity by criminals. In fact, scaffolding can greatly facilitate the task of thieves. They could be able to more easily reach all the floors of the building in question to burgle them, entering directly from the balconies or windows of the apartments.
For this reason, many scaffoldings also have anti-intrusion devices, usually available for rent. We specify that it is not mandatory even if we always recommend it. This type of device is nothing more than an anti-theft system that serves to protect both the building and the valuable equipment that may be on the construction site. Therefore, not only is it a protection for the inhabitants of the building in which the scaffolding is mounted, but it is also a protection for the building contractor who is carrying out the work.
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