Question

1. You are the Construction Manager for the Design and Build Contractor (and PSCS) for a project involving the construction of a multi-screen cinema and retail complex.
   1. You have had safety concerns in relation to the appointed scaffolding company, over a three weeks period. The issues raising concern include scaffolds being handed over in an unsafe state (missing toe boards, inadequate bracing and ties), scaffold workers operating at height not being tied-off, poor housekeeping and storage of materials on-site. Outline your strategy for dealing with this situation.   

Answer 1

For scaffold workers working at height we have to put toe boards and bracing ties wherever it is possible but in the construction scaffold standard, 29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2) presents two options to address the hazard of falling objects:

Where there is a danger of tools, materials, or equipment falling from a scaffold and striking employees below, the following provisions apply:

(i) The area below the scaffold to which objects can fall shall be barricaded, and employees shall not be permitted to enter the hazard area; or

(ii) A toeboard shall be erected along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower levels for a distance sufficient to protect employees below, except on float (ship) scaffolds where an edging of (¾ x 1 ½ inch (2 x 4 cm) wood or equivalent may be used in lieu of toeboards.

As indicated in this provision, the requirement for a barricade or toeboard exists "when there is a danger of tools, materials, or equipment falling from a scaffold". If such objects are kept away from the access point, the requirement for a toeboard across the access point or a barricade in the fall zone below the access point would not apply. If objects are not kept away from the access point, either a barricade or toeboard would be required.

We note that, in some instances, such as when a stair tower is used for access, a toeboard across the access point would pose a tripping hazard that would be as great a safety concern as the potential for falling objects. In that case the employer would have to use the barricade option unless there was no danger of tools, materials or equipment falling from the scaffold at that point (in which case there would be no falling object hazard at that point, and therefore no need for a toeboard).

So by this we will convince the scaffold company.

For cleanliness and housekeeping:

- provide clean floors and stairs, with effective drainage where necessary.

- provide clean premises, furniture and fittings.

- provide containers for waste materials.

- remove dirt, refuse and trade waste regularly.

- clearup spillages promptly.

- keep internal walls or ceilings clean.