2013

If you work hard then no doubt the engines on your equipment are also running hard. Most contractors are busy with work so quite often regular maintenance can be overlooked. Sure, they get fresh/clean fuel and an oil change every now and then, but for all their hard work, they deserve more. Preventative engine maintenance helps keep downtime to a minimum, saving you time and money down the road. Some tips for preventative maintenance are below. Often the most overlooked, daily maintenance is usually the quickest and easiest to perform. Most people know that checking the oil before each use is

Proper storage of scaffolding equipment helps to ensure that scaffolding is safe and fit to be used. Improperly stored equipment can result in damage, loss of equipment strength, and loss of safe operation. Whether the storage is in a rental building, a scaffolder’s warehouse, or at the job site, the following conditions should always be met: • Store equipment so that it is easily accessible. • Allow for the safe movement of trucks, forklifts or other handling equipment. • Do not obscure access/egress points, emergency exits, safety signs and warnings or emergency equipment with scaffold components. • Provide adequate support

Step 1: Check the unloading site and ensure safety measures are implemented Check into the site, advising the site manager or supervisor of delivery of scaffold components. Check with the site manager or supervisor the location of the unloading zone. This should be in close proximity to the erection site to reduce manual handling. Undertake site induction if this is the first time on the site. Seek information about the worksite and conditions to verify scaffold requirements. Proceed to the unloading area. Check the area designated for unloading. Ensure the unloading procedure and placement of scaffold components does not: Interfere

The foundation is the supporting structure on which a scaffold is erected. To ensure scaffold stability, the scaffolder must first ensure a sound foundation. Scaffold foundations must be adequate to carry and distribute the loads imposed at each standard and of the whole loaded scaffold. An inadequate foundation can cause a scaffold to collapse. To ensure an adequate foundation, consideration should be given to the intended use of the scaffold and the environment in which it is to be erected. To work out whether the supporting surface or foundation is adequate, consideration should be given to the load the foundation

Scaffold components must be regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure they are maintained in optimum condition and working order. Care of scaffold components will provide a safe and reliable scaffolding system. All components should be regularly inspected and cleaned. In cases of severe deterioration, the components should be discarded. Superficial cleaning should be carried out by scraping, brushing or other abrasive methods which do not affect any surface treatment such as galvanising.Clean the threads on adjustable baseplates by wire brushing. Keep the scaffold as clean as possible but especially where sections are designed to join to each other (for example: adjustable