When we occupational safety experts see the scaffold constructions in new construction areas, our hair regularly stands on end. Different manufacturers are blithely combined with each other, individual safety elements are omitted or other curious constructions are created. Even though such uncontrolled growth is not common in industry, accidents on scaffolds occur here time and again despite all the precautionary measures. At our chemical park, for example, an employee once fell while walking backwards on scaffolding one floor below. And all because he forgot to close the flap above the ladder after climbing up. Since then, we have not only drawn the attention of our employees to this fact in our training courses, but have also attached a sticker to all flaps to remind them.
A scaffold is considered special work equipment, the assembly of which is regulated by various standards and DGUV Information 201-011 (BGI 663). It may therefore only be erected by competent persons - either in accordance with the assembly and manufacturing instructions - or with a separate certificate. Afterwards, the scaffold erector confirms with the scaffold certificate that he has properly completed the work. What is often forgotten is that you must keep this handover certificate for three months after the scaffold has been erected. This is because in the event of an accident, the authorities will demand all the evidence directly.
But operators and users of scaffolds are also obliged to check them. As an operator, you must check, among other things, whether the scaffold complies with operational requirements and, for example, whether fire extinguishers, emergency showers or fittings are still accessible. You should also always inspect a scaffold for obvious defects if you have not entered the scaffold for some time beforehand - i.e. already when you continue with your work after the lunch break. Because it happens again and again that someone loosens a clamp in order to get somewhere better. Especially when scaffolding is needed for multiple purposes during downtime, each employee should check to make sure it's suitable for their needs.
Also, remember that you need to have your scaffolding inspected again not only at the time of acceptance, but also after unforeseen events. This is the only way to ensure that nothing has come loose or loosened after a storm, for example.
Even if things often have to happen quickly in everyday life: If in doubt, don't shy away from the effort required to erect a scaffold. If the erection can be planned in advance - as in the case of a standstill - talk to your scaffold erector as early as possible; he will know how to get up safely even with special geometric shapes. Especially in the case of such special shapes, you and your employees should make sure that any boards or decks lying crosswise in the corners are also secured against excavation and cannot slip - an aspect that is often overlooked. The same applies to structural changes. In the case of scaffolding in front of a wall, for example, the unprotected area between the wall and the scaffolding can increase to more than 30 centimeters if a hole is cut open. Then this area is no longer safe.
Also consider the purpose for which you need the scaffold. Do you want to be able to place heavy loads on it? Do you need a fall arrest area for roof work? Or: Would a chain hoist be helpful for replacing equipment?
Time and again, we experience behaviors that can put users but also bystanders in danger. For example, removing the handrail on your own because you need to reach something at that height is not a good idea. This is because only the scaffold erector is allowed to make subsequent changes. Increased attention is also required when handling materials. At a height of 20 meters, even screws or tools can become deadly projectiles. Therefore, only store on the scaffold what you need for the specific activity and also secure small parts against falling.
By the way: Even when using ladders, things can go wrong. Therefore, always stay in contact with the ladder at three points and hold on to the rungs and not the rails. Also, equipment is better to come up with the chain hoist or, if necessary, via bucket, rope and with the support of a colleague. So that you keep all hands free for climbing.
