Key Guidelines to Observe for Safe Use of a Swing Stage

by Larry Chetan Business

The construction industry has grown in many folds. In recent years, it has undergone great changes including the introduction of advanced scaffolding systems. Nowadays, the use of such systems and services such as debris chutes, fence rentals, and containment are on the rise. As such, there have been developments too to ensure everyone who works on such platforms is safe.

One of the most used platforms on high rise buildings is a swing stage. This is also referred to as a suspended scaffold and serves a bunch of functions. It is used to paint tall buildings, install, replace, or clean window panes at areas that are harder to reach. The many uses have seen it get accepted widely, but it does not come without a share of hazards which prompts everyone to keep the guidelines expounded here.

It is advisable to consult the scaffold supplier whenever one is unsure of the safety of the swing stage. Also, it is important to let the supplier train your workers on the safe use of the platforms. Where necessary, the scaffolding rental company should help with all the installation, changing, altering, and dismantling of the platforms.

Also, it is important that one follows all the manufacturer’s recommendations on the usage of the scaffolds. In addition, there are local, federal, and international standards, regulations, and ordinances that one should follow while using a suspended scaffold. This ensures they avoid unforeseen accidents before they happen.

The other aspect is ensuring to survey the job site for any hazards. The hazards to watch out for are exposed power lines, unguarded roof edges, and missing tieback anchorages. Also, it would be important to check all obstructions that might overload or tip the swing stage when it is being raised or lowered. If any of these conditions is noted, it should be rectified before any work begins around them.

Most importantly, it is crucial that every worker on the suspended scaffold uses fall arrest systems. The set standards on fall arrest systems are available on many regulatory bodies’ websites. Also, you can find them on the OSHA website for your perusal.

To further avoid accidents, property destruction, and loss of lives, avoid performing any tasks that you are not sure of. These tasks including erecting, moving, using, or dismantling the scaffold systems. You should, instead, wait for trained and licensed personnel to perform the tasks for you.

If need be, you can have the scaffolding rental company train your workers, site manager, or contractors on the safe operations of the systems whenever the experts are not around. However, any task performed by your people should be under the supervision of qualified professionals.