Important scaffolding construction standards and legal matters

by Derrick Corea Technosoft Innovations, Inc

Scaffolding equipment must comply with building code regulations and regulations, which, inter alia, provide important information on load-bearing capacity and safety. Standards and guidelines deal with the various aspects of scaffolding, from the design and construction of the scaffolding itself, to protective equipment for users as fall protection. Which standards are valid in each case also depends on whether the scaffolding is erected with or without a standard version.

Guidelines for System Scaffolding

System scaffolds consist of coordinated components, a defined standard version and a product manual. Due to the modular structure, the scaffolds can be erected in the respective size, system-bound components and connecting means make construction errors rare and the safety correspondingly high. The following standards are used in the system framework:

·        DIN EN 12810, Part 2 - Facade scaffolds made of prefabricated components, special design methods and proofs

·        DIN EN 12811, Part 1 - Temporary structures for structures, scaffolding

For special working and protective scaffolds, which are not system scaffolding but are built as a standard version, DIN 4420 continues to play an important role.

Scaffolding without standard execution

System scaffolding can not be used in some cases. In this case, special rules and standards apply to provide maximum security. This includes

 

·        The Industrial Safety Ordinance - BetrSichV,

Amongst other things, the ordinance stipulates that a separate strength and stability calculation must be prepared for scaffolds which are not constructed as a recognized standard design.

 

·        DIN EN 12811, Part 1 - Temporary structures for structures, scaffolding

The DIN contains guidelines for handling deviations from structural rules and scaffolding that require the structure for stability.

Further rules in scaffolding

In general, scaffolding is covered by a large number of regulations that apply on a flat-rate basis or in individual cases. This includes:

·        Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG)

·        Hazards to persons due to falling - General requirements (TRBS 2121)

·        Hazards to persons due to falling - provision and use of scaffolding (TRBS 2121 part 1)

·        Accident Prevention Regulations "Construction Work" (BGV C 22)

·        Guideline for the handling of working and protective scaffolds (BGI 663)

·        DIN 4426 Facilities for the maintenance of building structures - Safety requirements for workplaces and traffic routes - Planning and execution

·        ATV DIN 18451 VOB Contracting and Contract Procedures for Construction - Part C: General Technical Terms of Contract for Construction (ATV): Scaffolding

·        ATV DIN 18345 VOB Specifications and Contracts for Construction - Part C: General Technical Terms of Contract for Construction (ATV): Thermal insulation composite systems

Work safety in scaffolding

The Law on the Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Measures to Improve the Safety and Health of Workers, or OSH Law, regulates the safety of employment and the rights and obligations of employers and employees. Likewise, the law specifies the monitoring obligations. According to ArbSchG, the employer must ensure the safety and health of his employees. An important aspect in scaffolding is the risk assessment. Only this makes it possible to take the appropriate measures.

Since the scaffolder itself can only guarantee the proper assembly after the construction, but not the safety of the scaffold itself, the construction must be approved by a qualified person. This is usually a safety at work specialist (FaSi). The specialists have the following tasks:

·        Advising the scaffolder on working methods, work equipment and workplace design

·        Assessment of working conditions

·        Checking the scaffolding for safety

·        Observation of accident prevention measures

Basically, the responsibility lies with the scaffolder to ensure that the scaffolding is properly constructed and safe. However, every entrepreneur is responsible for the safety of his employees and must determine before starting work whether the scaffold is safe to use.

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Created on Jul 25th 2019 08:49. Viewed 386 times.

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