Safety Tips for Working on Scaffolds in the Rain
Scaffold Safety | October 26, 2021
Access scaffolding systems are popular aerial access options for a variety of construction sites across North America. Though scaffolding systems are normally safe and efficient, they can become hazardous during certain weather conditions. If your construction project is subjected to consistently heavy rain, this can drastically increase the risk of slips, trips, falls, and dropped equipment. That is why it is important to perform a variety of tasks before and during operation to minimize the risk of accidents. As leading providers of scaffolding safety supplies and training, the team at United Scaffold Supply understands the importance of safety in all weather conditions. That is why we have provided some safety tips for working on scaffolds in the rain to help operators stay safe while on the job.
Learn how scaffolding systems are affected by the weather.
3 Ways to Stay Safe When Working in the Rain
To stay safe when working in the rain, perform the following tasks:
1. Support the Foundation of Your Scaffolding System
Rain can cause operating surfaces to become muddy, loose, and uneven, especially if there’s been a heavy downpour. This means the feet of the scaffolding structure can potentially sink into the ground or move out of place. To avoid this issue, each foot of the scaffold must be supported with something sturdy and secure, such as pieces of wood, concrete blocks, or stone. This support also helps prevent the scaffold from sinking into the ground when wet.
What are some of the most common hazards when working on scaffolding?
2. Rotate the Planks When Necessary
Rain can make the wooden boards/planks slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. The severity of the downpour will determine how long it will take before a plank becomes slippery, but it is something that should be monitored in any type of rain. If a scaffold board is too slippery to safely work on, it is a good idea to use the necessary scaffold tools to rotate it/turn it upside down. The other side is typically much dryer and safer to work on. It should be noted that you will likely be unable to turn the plank twice during a shift. If the other side becomes too slippery, you should cease operations and wait until one of the sides is dry.
3. Pay Attention to PPE
Personal protective equipment is essential for construction sites and scaffolding systems. Wet surfaces pose an increased risk of slipping but wearing non-skid boots can help your workers to eliminate this risk. Additional items like hard hats, gloves, and safety harnesses are also essential for maintaining a high level of safety during rainy conditions. Be sure to determine that every operator is wearing these items when operating on or near a scaffold system.
Learn how to safely drive in the workplace during the wintertime.
To learn more about scaffold safety or to inquire about our scaffolding system rentals, get in touch with the experts a United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached at 1-866-820-6341 or through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or services.
Access scaffolding systems are popular aerial access options for a variety of construction sites across North America. Though scaffolding systems are normally safe and efficient, they can become hazardous during certain weather conditions. If your construction project is subjected to consistently heavy rain, this can drastically increase the risk of slips, trips, falls, and dropped equipment. That is why it is important to perform a variety of tasks before and during operation to minimize the risk of accidents. As leading providers of scaffolding safety supplies and training, the team at United Scaffold Supply understands the importance of safety in all weather conditions. That is why we have provided some safety tips for working on scaffolds in the rain to help operators stay safe while on the job.
Learn how scaffolding systems are affected by the weather.
3 Ways to Stay Safe When Working in the Rain
To stay safe when working in the rain, perform the following tasks:
1. Support the Foundation of Your Scaffolding System
Rain can cause operating surfaces to become muddy, loose, and uneven, especially if there’s been a heavy downpour. This means the feet of the scaffolding structure can potentially sink into the ground or move out of place. To avoid this issue, each foot of the scaffold must be supported with something sturdy and secure, such as pieces of wood, concrete blocks, or stone. This support also helps prevent the scaffold from sinking into the ground when wet.
What are some of the most common hazards when working on scaffolding?
2. Rotate the Planks When Necessary
Rain can make the wooden boards/planks slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. The severity of the downpour will determine how long it will take before a plank becomes slippery, but it is something that should be monitored in any type of rain. If a scaffold board is too slippery to safely work on, it is a good idea to use the necessary scaffold tools to rotate it/turn it upside down. The other side is typically much dryer and safer to work on. It should be noted that you will likely be unable to turn the plank twice during a shift. If the other side becomes too slippery, you should cease operations and wait until one of the sides is dry.
3. Pay Attention to PPE
Personal protective equipment is essential for construction sites and scaffolding systems. Wet surfaces pose an increased risk of slipping but wearing non-skid boots can help your workers to eliminate this risk. Additional items like hard hats, gloves, and safety harnesses are also essential for maintaining a high level of safety during rainy conditions. Be sure to determine that every operator is wearing these items when operating on or near a scaffold system.
Learn how to safely drive in the workplace during the wintertime.
To learn more about scaffold safety or to inquire about our scaffolding system rentals, get in touch with the experts a United Scaffold Supply. We can be reached at 1-866-820-6341 or through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products or services.