Unfortunately, sites constantly incorporate self-modified scaffolding parts, which increase the risk of accidents and are therefore prohibited to use.
Only original factory parts may be used on scaffolding
In accordance with the scaffolding manufacturer’s instructions, all scaffolding parts must be visually inspected for flawless condition before installation, and damaged parts must not be used. On construction sites, scaffolding parts are constantly encountered that have been cut or modified to suit the purpose. These modifications create an ever-present hazard on sites, which can ultimately lead to an accident.
Among other things, parts are cut to a suitable length, so if the spindle of the adjustable foot, for example, is too long for the purpose, it is cut to “fit” and then installed. The threaded spindle of the adjustable foot has a knurled section to prevent the foot screw from being turned too far up. In this way, about 15 cm of thread is always left inside the starting piece/vertical part to stabilise the structure and prevent the possibility of turning the foot screw too far up. The manufacturer provides adjustable feet of different lengths; these should not be made by the user.
Hazards associated with modifying scaffolding parts
Unauthorised modifications may result in, for example, loss of scaffolding stability, scaffolding tipping over, vertical tube dropping, and so on. In the video below, you can see examples of what can happen if you shorten the adjustable foot yourself. Hitting the scaffolding with a forklift alone will cause the structure to collapse. If the scaffolding had been higher, it would have fallen over. Another inappropriate but common modification is to cut an extension pin from the vertical part. Then the part is used at the next site, and the modified vertical scaffolding part, from which the extension pin has been cut, causes at least a dangerous situation in the dismantling phase.
Risk management for scaffolding work
Scaffolding safety risk management involves the use of factory parts only. There are many different parts available to suit every installation situation – there is no need to modify the parts. Modifications have caused many dangerous situations and accidents. It must also be remembered that the scaffolding may be dismantled by people other than those who built it; people dismantling the scaffolding naturally expect the parts to stay in place, as they should in every installation and dismantling situation.
Anticipate – Manage risks
Author:
Janne Parantainen
Scaffolding Safety Expert And Instructor
+358 40 554 5889
janne.parantainen@patera.fi
