You must have seen frameworks and platforms, erected on iron poles, bamboo and other rigid substances, around the buildings and other structures that are under construction or repair. The main aim of these structures is to provide safety to man and material from falling.

Scaffold is an elevated platform work which is temporary is nature. There are number of structural elements integrated in the scaffold project for protecting workers against falls. Walkways, Training of workers, Personal fall arrest system and Erection and maintenance of scaffolds are the main elements of scaffold.

Generally, a scaffold expert is employed to oversee the erection and maintenance of scaffolds. This scaffold expert is well versed with the mechanism and safety of all types of scaffolds.

Types of Scaffolds

Scaffolds can be classified in following three categories.

• Supported Scaffolds: In this type of scaffold one or more than one platforms are supported with load bearing substances like legs, poles, outriggers, frames etc.

• Suspended Scaffolds: Non-rigid substances like ropes are used, in this type, for suspending the platform/platforms erected for scaffolding.

• Other Scaffolds: These types of scaffolds are similar to that of supported scaffolds. Usually, these are considered as machinery or vehicle. Personnel hoists and man-lifts are examples of this type of scaffold.

A portable, wheel-mounted, caster scaffold, whether un-powered or powered, is known as mobile scaffold.

Each country has its own specialty of designing scaffolds. For example British scaffolds and Australian scaffold manufacturers use different materials and mechanism for scaffolding.

Climbing scaffolds is the latest in the scaffolding technology. It is a self-climbing scaffolding system controlled by computer. Anti-tiling and fall arrest system, computerized control system, multi-purpose steel scaffolding system, electric chain block and overloading warning system are the main components of climbing scaffolds. These climbing scaffolds helps in constructing various shapes (balcony, corner, curves shapes) at different heights and is also economical in terms of time and cost. These are reusable and provide optimum safety. A construction company may purchase or hire scaffold. Unlike traditional scaffolds, which were manufactured from heavy, rigid substances, the manufacturers are using other materials in scaffolds to provide light scaffold weight.

Components produced by various manufacturers are different in sizes and tolerances. Mixing and matching inappropriate scaffold components can lead to difficulties in disassembly which in turn may lead to injuries and increase possibility of wear on the components and affects the functioning of the scaffold.

Hazards associated with scaffolding

As there are advantages like economy and ease in construction, there are some hazards associated with scaffolds. Following are some of the hazards.

• Incidents of falling owing to lack of proper fall protection system

• Scaffolds may collapse due to overloading or instability

• Proximity of scaffolds to overhead power lines can increase the risk of electrocution

• Scaffold may also collapse when struck by debris, tools and work materials.

To ensure optimum safety for the workers, the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997 have been introduced. These Regulations lay down the norms for erection, maintenance, materials to be used and dismantling the scaffolds.