Nearly two-thirds of construction workers will use scaffolding in their work at one point or another. Every year, there are thousands of reported scaffolding accidents. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of these incidents involves serious injuries and fatalities. To minimize the critical hazards of scaffolding, employees must be fully aware of the safety risks they are exposed to and implement rigorous safety measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
SCAFFOLDS DEFINITION
What are scaffolds?
Scaffolds are temporary elevated platforms or structures used in construction, maintenance, and other work activities to provide access to elevated areas, support workers, and hold materials and equipment. They are an essential part of many construction projects and other tasks where working at heights is necessary.
Which are the main types of scaffolds?
There are several types of scaffolds used in construction, and each type has its own specific characteristics and uses. The main types of scaffolds used in Canada include:
- Frame Scaffolds: Frame scaffolds are the most commonly used type of scaffold in Canada. They consist of a series of interlocking frames that can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily. Frame scaffolds are often used for small to medium-sized jobs and can be adjusted to different heights. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of situations.
- Tube and Coupler Scaffolds: Tube and coupler scaffolds are made up of vertical tubes, horizontal tubes, and couplers that connect the tubes together. They are used in situations where frame scaffolds cannot be used, such as when the work area is irregularly shaped or when the scaffold needs to be built around an obstacle. Tube and coupler scaffolds are versatile and can be used for a variety of jobs.
- Mobile Scaffolds: Mobile scaffolds are designed to be moved easily and are often used for jobs that require workers to move around the work area frequently. They consist of a platform supported by wheels or casters and can be adjusted to different heights. Mobile scaffolds are often used for painting, plastering, and other finishing work.
- Pump Jack Scaffolds: Pump jack scaffolds consist of a platform supported by a series of brackets and vertical poles. The platform is raised and lowered by a system of cables and pulleys. Pump jack scaffolds are often used for jobs that require workers to work on the exterior of buildings, such as siding, roofing, or window installation.
- Specialty Scaffolds: Specialty scaffolds are designed for specific jobs and are often used in situations where standard scaffolds cannot be used. Examples include suspended scaffolds, which are hung from the roof of a building, and cantilever scaffolds, which are attached to a building and extend out from it.
It’s important to note that the type of scaffold used will depend on the specific requirements of the job and the conditions of the work area. Employers are responsible for ensuring that the appropriate type of scaffold is used and that workers are properly trained in its use.
(Source: CSA, Code of practice for access scaffold, CSA-Z797-18, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/Z797-18/)
(Source: Government of Alberta, Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms, URL: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/757fed78-8793-40bb-a920-6f000853172b/resource/6f76714a-9b20-4d87-aa60-b366dafabac8/download/4403880-part-23-scaffolds-and-temporary-work-platforms.pdf)
Which are the main hazards associated with scaffolds?
There are several hazards associated with scaffolds that can pose a risk to workers if proper safety measures are not taken. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) lists the following hazards as the main ones associated with scaffolds:
Employers are responsible for ensuring that proper safety measures are in place to address these hazards. This includes proper scaffold selection, proper erection and dismantling, proper training of workers, and ongoing inspection and maintenance of scaffolds. By taking these measures, employers can help prevent accidents and create a safer work environment for their workers.
SCAFFOLDS LEGISLATION
What is the federal legislation?
In Canada, the federal government has established legislation and regulations to ensure the safety of workers using scaffolds. The main federal legislation that covers scaffolds is the Canada Labour Code Part II. This legislation outlines the responsibilities of employers and employees in ensuring the safety of scaffolds and sets out specific requirements for scaffold design, erection, use, and dismantling.
Under the Canada Labour Code Part II, employers are required to ensure that scaffolds are designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with industry standards and manufacturer instructions. Employers are also required to ensure that workers are properly trained in scaffold use and that proper safety measures are in place to protect workers from falls, collapses, and other hazards .
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries, including the construction industry. The CSA has developed several standards related to scaffolds, which are widely used in Canada to ensure the safety of workers using scaffolds.
One of the main CSA standards related to scaffolds is CSA S269.2-16, which is titled “Access Scaffolding for Construction Purposes”. This standard outlines the requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, use, inspection, testing, and maintenance of access scaffolds used in construction. The standard covers various types of scaffolds, including frame scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds, and mobile scaffolds, among others. (Source: CSA Group, Access Scaffolding for Construction Purposes, URL: https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/S269.2-16/)
CSA S269.2-16 includes detailed requirements for scaffold components, including load capacity, dimensions, and material specifications. The standard also outlines requirements for scaffold erection, including proper bracing and tie-in procedures, as well as requirements for scaffold use, including proper access and egress procedures.
In addition to CSA S269.2, the CSA has developed several other standards related to scaffolds, including CSA S269.1, which covers suspended access equipment, and CSA Z271, which covers the design, manufacture, and use of ladders.
Employers who use scaffolds in Canada are strongly encouraged to consult the relevant CSA standards to ensure that they are in compliance with industry best practices and to help ensure the safety of their workers.
What is the provincial and territorial legislation?
In addition to federal legislation, each province and territory in Canada has its own regulations governing the use of scaffolds. For example, in Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines the requirements for scaffolds, including the types of scaffolds that can be used, the qualifications of scaffold erectors, and the procedures for scaffold inspections and maintenance.
Employers who fail to comply with scaffold safety regulations can face serious consequences, including fines, penalties, and even criminal charges in the event of a serious injury or fatality. It is therefore essential that employers take the necessary steps to ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations, and that they provide their workers with a safe working environment.
SCAFFOLDING SAFETY
What is Scaffolding Safety?
Scaffolding Safety is a type of Safety that workers who use scaffolds must undergo to ensure they are aware of the hazards associated with working at height and know how to use scaffolding safely. The training typically covers topics such as how to erect, use, and dismantle scaffolds safely, how to inspect scaffolds for defects, and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly.
Who is responsible for Scaffolding Safety?
In Canada, businesses must ensure a safe work environment for their employees.(Source: Justice Laws, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, March 1986) As such, they are also responsible for providing and implementing adequate Scaffolding Safety training.
Employees must participate in the training program and apply the strategies they have learned to maintain their safety in the workplace. Furthermore, many potential employees in specific industries independently acquire and complete the program to ensure better hiring odds.
Who needs Scaffolding Safety?
Scaffolding Safety is necessary for workers in various industries where scaffolding is utilized. Here are some examples of industries that may require scaffolding Safety:
- Construction: Construction workers often encounter scaffolding as they work on building structures, performing tasks such as painting, plastering, or installing windows. Scaffolding Safety is crucial to ensure their safety while working at heights and using scaffolding systems.
- Maintenance and Repair: Workers involved in maintenance and repair activities, such as facility maintenance, building repairs, or equipment servicing, may require scaffolding for accessing elevated areas. Scaffolding Safety is essential for these workers to safely navigate and perform their tasks on scaffolding platforms.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Settings: In manufacturing and industrial settings, scaffolding may be needed for tasks such as equipment installation, maintenance, or inspection. Workers in these industries must undergo scaffolding Safety to mitigate the risks associated with working at heights and using scaffolding structures.
- Film and Entertainment Industry: The film and entertainment industry often utilizes scaffolding for stage setups, lighting installations, and camera setups. Workers involved in set construction, rigging, or production need to be trained in scaffolding safety to ensure a safe working environment during film and stage productions.
- Energy and Utilities: Workers in the energy and utilities sector, such as those involved in power line maintenance, wind turbine installation, or pipeline inspections, may require scaffolding for accessing elevated areas. Scaffolding Safety is essential to protect these workers while working at heights in potentially hazardous environments.
- Shipbuilding and Maritime Industry: Scaffolding is commonly used in shipbuilding and maritime industries for ship repairs, maintenance, and painting tasks. Workers in these industries need scaffolding Safety to ensure their safety while working on scaffolds in marine environments.
- Event Management: Event management companies often utilize scaffolding for temporary structures such as stages, grandstands, or exhibit booths. Workers involved in event setup and management should receive scaffolding Safety to ensure the safe assembly, use, and dismantling of scaffolding structures.
Remember, scaffolding Safety should be provided to any worker who may encounter scaffolding in their work activities. The specific hazards and requirements may vary depending on the industry and job tasks involved.
Can you do Scaffolding Safety online?
While online training can provide valuable theoretical knowledge and understanding of ladder safety, it is important to recognize its limitations, particularly when it comes to hands-on practical training.
Hands-on practice might be required by certain businesses, in order to develop the necessary skills and proficiency in using specialized equipment and effectively managing the hazards associated with ladders. Online courses typically do not provide the opportunity for direct hands-on training in these specific tasks.
To address this limitation, a blended training approach is recommended. Blended training combines online theoretical modules with on-site practical training. The online component can cover the theoretical aspects, while the on-site portion would then focus on hands-on practice, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Blended training is beneficial for individuals who have access to the required equipment and can complete workplace-specific checklists under the guidance of a competent person. It ensures that participants receive both the necessary theoretical foundation and practical experience to effectively address hazards.
It is crucial to be cautious of any company or organization claiming to provide full certification solely through online training without a hands-on component. Such claims are likely fraudulent and can compromise the safety of workers.
In-classroom training, on the other hand, may also include hands-on practice but can present challenges. The equipment used in the training may not always match the specific equipment used in the workplace, which can create inconveniences and limit the applicability of the training. Additionally, in-classroom training can be more expensive and may not necessarily provide a more practical learning experience compared to blended training.
Blended training, with its combination of online and practical elements, is a more comprehensive and reliable approach to Scaffolding Safety training.
Where can you purchase Scaffolding Safety online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers of Scaffolding Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.
Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
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SCAFFOLDING SAFETY CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
To obtain a scaffold safety certificate, you typically need to complete a scaffold Safety program that covers the following topics:
- Scaffolding design and construction: This includes an understanding of the different types of scaffolds, their components, and how they are assembled and disassembled.
- Scaffolding hazards: This includes an understanding of the common hazards associated with scaffolds, such as falls, collapsing scaffolds, and electrocution, and how to prevent them.
- Scaffold inspection: This includes an understanding of how to inspect scaffolds for defects or damage, and how to report any problems or hazards to the appropriate authorities.
- Scaffold use: This includes an understanding of how to safely use scaffolds, including proper access and egress, using guardrails and personal fall protection systems, and proper placement of tools and equipment.
- Regulations and standards: This includes an understanding of the relevant regulations and standards related to scaffold safety, such as the CSA standards and federal and provincial regulations.
How long is the certificate valid?
The standard expiration date of the Scaffolding Safety course is 3 years. However, it’s important to note that some companies may require scaffold Safety to be renewed or refreshed more frequently.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Scaffolding Safety is an essential aspect of workplace safety in Canada, particularly in industries that involve work at heights. By providing workers with the training and support they need to work safely on scaffolds, employers can help to prevent accidents and injuries, and ensure that workers are able to perform their jobs effectively and confidently.