Safety of Scaffolds in Adverse Weather

In an ideal world, the weather would be agreeable enough every single workday for personnel using scaffolds to finish their tasks without any delays, but the reality is that all kinds of bad weather soon threw a wrench in those preparations. Work using Houston Scaffolding can occasionally be subject to Mother Nature's whims, just like any construction project, therefore it's important to know what to do in those situations.


Action Plan

Every business should have a plan in place to deal with bad weather, whether it be lightning, freezing temperatures, strong winds, or flash flooding. This means assigning a person to keep track of the weather, but it also necessitates communication between management and crew members so everyone is aware of what to do in the event of inclement weather.

Here are some examples of how an action plan may look for some of the most typical sorts of bad weather:


Rain and Flash Flooding

This is a very dangerous endeavour for anyone using any scaffold rental equipment from Sun Scaffold or any other rental company because heavy rains and severe flash flooding can confine employees or obstruct escape routes on scaffolds and can also sweep away equipment.

In the event of heavy rain, it is best to secure equipment as much as you can, remove all crew from any elevated equipment, and then assemble in a designated spot. Employees shouldn't come back to work until management has given the all-clear.


Lightning

To say nothing of the burning and falling debris that a lightning strike might generate, employees are more at danger for electrocution and lightning burns the higher up they are.

As a result, whenever possible, employees in lightning-prone locations should use a lightning detector. If not, keep in mind the "30-30 rule": If there are 30 seconds or less between the crash of lightning and the roll of thunder, lightning is within six miles of your location, and you should leave the Scaffold Right Angle Clamp and take shelter right once in a strong building or hardtop vehicle.

Brutal Snowfall

Blizzards can result in blinding conditions, slippery scaffolding, and bone-chilling gusts that, depending on the temperature, might put employees at danger of frostbite.


When dealing with severe snow, it is important to be informed of any weather warnings that have been issued, secure and safeguard all equipment, and then have the team gently descended from lofty positions. In other words, there are instances when the weather is too icy and chilly to attempt to finish a task.


Strong Winds

High winds are one of the most terrifying weather risks because they have the power to knock employees off their feet, scatter hazardous debris, and even demolish sets.

It is recommended to lower equipment to the lowest point it can be or at least between two wall ties before egressing it if your crew is working in strong gusts. Also, make sure to secure any loose things. Employees should take cover from the wind at a designated location if directed to do so.

There is a significant probability that you may have to deal with one or more of these unfavourable weather conditions throughout the course of the year if you use scaffold in Seattle, Washington, or Portland, Oregon.The best defence against them is preparation, and renting high-quality scaffolds from Scaffolding Companies In Houston is just one extra precaution to take to guarantee your staff is covered through all types of weather.