Scaffolding

Working on scaffolding poses a significant fall hazard. Specific safety equipment is mandated to mitigate these risks and ensure worker safety. Here’s a breakdown of some key equipment and their functionalities:

• Fall Arrest Harness: A full-body harness is the foundation of a fall protection system. It distributes the force of a fall comfortably across the thighs and waist, and has attachment points for connecting the worker to the lanyard and fall arrester.

• Fall Arrest Lanyard: A connecting link between the harness and a secure anchorage point. Lanyards can be a set length or retractable, and should be chosen based on the specific work area and fall hazards.

• Scaffold Safety Helmet: Protects the head from falling objects or impacts during work on the scaffolding platform. Look for helmets specifically designed for construction sites with good impact resistance and chin straps.

• Fall Arrester: A device that integrates with the lanyard and anchorage point to arrest a fall and minimize the fall impact on the worker and the fall protection system. Fall arresters can be automatic or require manual activation.

• Fall Protection Kit: May include a combination of the above-mentioned equipment (harness, lanyard, and sometimes a fall arrester) pre-packaged for convenience.

Additional Considerations:

• Rigging and Anchorages: Selecting and setting up appropriate anchor points for the fall protection system is crucial.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspection and proper maintenance of all fall protection equipment is essential for safety.