Scaffolding is a common piece of equipment in the construction industry and any industry that requires workers to access areas not within normal reach, such as commercial window cleaning. To ensure that you and your employees utilize scaffolding in the safest manner possible, specialized training and education in regards to safety and proper maintenance will help keep your worksite up to code and everyone on stable footing while working at elevated heights.

Whether your jobsite uses supported or suspended scaffolding, knowing how to properly erect, dismantle, move or alter the equipment and the correct fall protection and other safety procedures to follow while utilizing the equipment are prime objectives. To get the training you and your staff need, you should:

1. Search for associations or government agencies that offer scaffolding equipment education and training.

2. Find online resources for new or refresher training to ensure everyone is up-to-date on current scaffolding safety measures.

3. Take in-depth scaffolding equipment training coursework that ensures you know as much about the equipment as you can.

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Look for government agencies and associations that offer training for construction scaffolding

Industry associations are a great source of information including training and education. Likewise, government agencies can also provide programs to fit your training needs. When it comes to scaffolding training, you can find both independent and government organizations with the educational programs you need.

I recommend: The Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) offers training through its SIA Training Program for both suspended and supported scaffolding equipment. Not only will its courses help you meet government and insurance requirements for your specific scaffolding materials, the training you receive can also ensure a safer workplace, and courses are offered throughout the U.S. The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standards in safety, and it can help with scaffolding training that not only keeps you up-to-date on these standards, but can also ensure a much safer jobsite.

Research online sources that offer training and re-training for scaffold equipment

No matter what type of scaffolding supplies your company uses on a regular basis, keep current with any regulations you should follow for the safest working environment. Even if you're well experienced with scaffold equipment, taking refresher training can be an invaluable tool. You can find training information in all types of sources including books, magazines, videos and online.

I recommend: The Training Network offers a number of training videos in both DVD and VHS format that cover scaffolding safety in construction environments for both suspended and supported scaffolding and refresher training for both types of scaffolding, as well. You can use these videos to train new employees or provide updated training for current employees. Crucible Safety Media (CSM) has a training DVD specifically geared towards key inspection points for supported scaffolds, so your employees can learn to visually tell if scaffolding equipment is safe. CSM also offers an online scaffolding training course.

Take scaffolding equipment training courses that ensure you know as much as possible

A scaffold supplier can sometimes provide training information when you buy scaffolding, but you should also look to other sources, such as those that specialize in scaffolding training, for further details. When working at elevated heights, you and your eployees should utilize all possible avenues of training available.

I recommend: Crom Equipment Rentals not only scaffolding for sale, but it’s also an SIA Accredited Training Institute that offers “Competent Person Training” for supervisors and employees in charge of scaffolding. This training is required of anyone who supervises the erection, dismantling, moving or altering of scaffolding material. The Scaffold Training Institute offers a variety of scaffolding courses including those that cover inspection, design, hands-on erection, suspended scaffolds, fall protection, OSHA regulations and "train the trainer" certification. It also offers customized on-site training that can include any of its regular courses held at your business or worksite location.

Scaffolding is a must for a wide range of construction projects. Getting scaffolding equipment for your project includes answering questions about project scale, budget and transportation, as well as overall job safety. Project managers need to work with suppliers or service agents to make sure the setup and installation is done correctly. Nowadays, you can get a large part of that process done online.

Project managers use scaffolding equipment:

1. To securely work on the exterior of a building.
2. To provide special access to interior areas for working on drywall, lighting fixtures and other construction projects.
3. For maintenance and cleaning an area.

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Find scaffolding for sale online

Online vendors can provide specialized pieces of scaffold equipment for your project. Browse product pages for the sections you need, then arrange for shipping.

I recommend: Industrial Ladder and Supply company sells various scaffolding supplies including the "Bil-Jax" scaffolding equipment line. The scaffold supplier New England Scaffolding covers sales and rental, as well as additional information about how to erect scaffolding equipment at your site.

Locate rental companies near you

Rental agents can assist you in ordering scaffolding equipment; many places can also help consult on how to properly erect the stuff for safety considerations.

I recommend: Try United Access for scaffolding rentals in the Texas area. Another source of rentals is the searchable directory at Rentalsite.

Find extra consulting solutions for construction scaffolding

Whether it's OSHA questions, setup or other concerns, consultants can help you figure out any problems with your scaffolding equipment. Safety is a fundamental that you can get help with through the offices of experienced scaffolding experts.

I recommend: The people at the Scaffolding Training Institute offer advice on all kinds of scaffolding issues from setup and use to fall control. Or try the offices of Safety Through Engineering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  One big hurdle in getting your scaffolding equipment is making sure you have the resources to get it off of the supply trucks and onto your site. Make sure you clear this detail with the transport agents and have people on hand to help unload and set up your scaffolding equipment and scaffolding supplies.

Scaffolding refers to a temporary frame that provides support to personnel and material in the construction and repair industry. Scaffold frames are made of tubes of steel, aluminum or bamboo. Vertically and horizontally set tubes, couplers and boards all make a scaffold that can bear the weight of personnel and construction equipment.

Whether you want to purchase or supply scaffolding equipment, you will need to understand the related terminology. This guide covers some useful scaffolding equipment terminology, such as bamboo scaffolds, couplers, deceleration devices and scaffold hoists.

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Bamboo scaffolds

Bamboo makes durable and reliable scaffolding equipment. It is light in weight and portable and workers can use it later for other construction projects. Bamboo structures can span any length of a building and is the cheapest option available.

I recommend: You can learn more about bamboo scaffolding at findscaffolding.com, a useful website on scaffolding equipment.

Catenary scaffolds

A catenary scaffold is a suspension scaffold consisting of a platform, which gets support from two horizontal and parallel ropes. These ropes are attached to the structural members of a building or other construction structure.

I recommend: Find out more about catenary scaffold at Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a part the US Department of Labor.

Fabricated frame scaffolds (also known as tubular welded frame scaffold)

In a fabricated frame scaffold, prefabricated end frames support a platform that can be used for personnel and material handling.

I recommend: For the definition of this term, read through the glossary at Exterior Walls, a company with expertise in installation of walls, trusses and frames.

Scaffold hoists

Scaffold hoists are electric devices that lift bricks and other construction materials up the scaffolding frames. A person working on the scaffold will find it easier to access this material, rather than having to manually pull it.

I recommend: You can get the definition of scaffold hoists at SELS (Selby Engineering and Lifting Safety Ltd.), a manufacturer of lifting equipment.

Tube and clamp scaffolds (also known as tube and coupler scaffolds)

A tube and clamp scaffolding is a versatile, easy to erect and compact system that consists of steel tubes and clamps. This system has an ability to reach inaccessible or difficult places in a construction structure.

I recommend: Learn more about tube and clamp scaffolding at Lynn Ladder & Scaffolding, a manufacturer of scaffolding tools.

Couplers

A coupler is a scaffolding device that joins the tubes in a tube and coupler system.

I recommend: You can learn about couplers at Bradwolff and Adams Supply of Dallas.

Deceleration devices

A deceleration device is a mechanism that reduces the amount of energy imposed on an employee, while arresting any falls from the scaffold. It could be a rope grab, lanyard or a self-retracting lifeline.

I recommend: To learn more about deceleration devices, read through the glossary of technical terms at FrenchCreek Production, a manufacturer of fall arrest equipment.

If you're in construction, contracting or another business that requires the use of scaffold equipment, it's beneficial to know about scaffolding equipment safety. Whether you're using portable scaffolding, construction scaffolding or even used scaffolding, following safety guidelines will keep you and your employees injury-free.

There are several resources available where you can find out about scaffolding equipment safety. Manufacturer guidelines, safety videos and scaffolding equipment safety classes given by government agencies and scaffolding companies are great ways to learn how to work safely when using scaffold equipment. Before looking for scaffolding for sale or rent, consider ways in which you can learn about scaffolding equipment safety:

1. Review safety guidelines offered by scaffolding companies and scaffold suppliers.
2. Watch scaffolding equipment safety videos.
3. Take scaffolding equipment safety classes.
4. Look at scaffolding equipment safety supplies to help you work as safely as possible.

Action Steps
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Learn how to work safely on scaffolding by following safety rules and guidelines

Scaffolding manufacturers and suppliers offer safety tips and guidelines to help prevent accidents and injuries. From how to properly set up and dismantle scaffolding to general safety tips and instructions, you'll find most of the information you need to work safely when you review these guidelines.

I recommend: Find both general and specific scaffolding equipment safety information provided by Universal Scaffolding & Equipment. Masonry Construction Online gives safety guidelines for both suspended and supported scaffolding.

Download or purchase scaffolding equipment safety videos to show to your employees

Videos are a great way to instruct your employees about scaffolding equipment safety. Scaffolding companies, as well as organizations such as the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), develop safety videos to show how to work safely with all types of scaffolding supplies and equipment.

I recommend: National Safety Compliance offers OSHA-produced scaffolding equipment safety videos covering both suspended and supported scaffolds, with training booklets, posters and quizzes. Get an online review of a scaffolding equipment safety video available from SafetyVideoDirect.com.

Enroll in scaffolding equipment safety and education classes

Many of the same companies and organizations that offer printed guidelines, tips and safety videos also offer training classes and programs. Live demonstrations and hands-on safety training classes might be exactly what your employees need to keep them working safely on scaffolding equipment.

I recommend: New England Scaffolding offers customers a comprehensive scaffolding equipment safety program that provides inspections, job monitoring and safety policy reviews. The Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) has several safety education and training programs covering all scaffold systems.

See the types of safety supplies offered by scaffolding equipment suppliers and manufacturers

There are many safety devices available to those working on scaffolding equipment. Harnesses, clips, anchors and lifelines are some of the safety tools you'll want to consider if you work on scaffolding regularly.

I recommend: Associated Scaffolding has many types of safety tools for scaffolds, from safety harnesses to rope clips. Find rope grabs, anchors, lanyards and more safety equipment at York Scaffold Equipment.