Scaffolding for work at height all you need to know

Why use scaffolding?

Companies (painting, roofing, construction) or individuals, outdoor scaffolding, working at height in complete safety

Professionals or individuals, you may need to use fixed or mobile scaffolding or any other type of scaffolding to carry out work at height, carrying out facade work: installation of facade joinery, facade cladding, or even roofing works. The scaffolding is a temporary construction composed of a supposed platform allowing easy access to the entire structure, while protecting against any fall thanks to the guardrail. Scaffolding is usually made of metal and is made up of a floor that allows access to work areas at height.

There are different types of scaffolding:

• Fixed scaffolding
• Mobile scaffolding
• Folding scaffolding
• Suspended scaffolding
• Scaffolding for stairs or scaffolding with stairs
• The scaffold
• Tailor-made scaffolding

Which scaffolding to choose?

As you will have understood, there are several types of scaffolding, they are distinguished by their total height, dimensions, the bearable load and the environment in which they will be used. Each scaffolding model will therefore have a specific function depending on its structure, for example for facade work, fixed scaffolding will be the most suitable; the scaffold will be more suitable for work under the framework. You must therefore choose a scaffolding adapted to the main function of use as well as to your storage and transport possibilities. The dimensions vary, even some models will be folding and easy to erect unlike fixed scaffolding.

Building sector: professional scaffolding, essential for construction sites

Scaffolding is one of the practices commonly practiced in the construction industry, in order to protect employees, the employer must necessarily ensure the safety of his employees by equipping them with the best protective equipment. Protecting against professional risks means registering your company in corporate social responsibility (CSR).

There is a risk in any type of work, more or less pronounced, for the employee (employee, temporary, self-employed, apprentice, trainee or volunteer worker). To reduce or even eliminate the development of these dangers (minimize the probability and severity of the damage they can cause to the health of workers) many actors are taking action inside and outside the workplace.

Financial aid:

To improve the health and safety at work of your employees, Health Insurance � Occupational Risks gives companies the possibility of accessing financial aid under certain conditions with the aim of reducing the number of falls at work.

Among the aid offered by health insurance, there is �Scaffolding aid +�

Professional training:

Ideal for people working on construction sites or in construction

For the Cnamts, training is mandatory for the use of scaffolding and finally to build an effective prevention policy.

It is based on competency frameworks, defined in recommendation R408, which form the basis of the national specifications for training employees in the use of scaffolding.

These competency guidelines for the assembly, use and operation of foot scaffolding are intended for:

• responsible for the design;
• erector or scaffolder;
• reception or maintenance manager;
• employee working on scaffolding.

This training can be subsidized as part of the financial aid offered by the regional funds (Carsat, Cramif, CGSS) to small and medium-sized businesses.

Note: Partnership agreements

To comply with these common requirements with national validity, the Health Insurance � Occupational Risks is committed to partnership agreements with training organizations. These agreements can be signed either by the National Fund or by the regional funds (Carsat, Cramif, CGSS) for their geographical area of ??competence.

You can consult the list of approved "scaffolding" training organizations on the CNAMTS website.

Good to know: Regional training systems

Alongside the national training schemes, other schemes are also offered at regional level by the regional mutuals (Carsat, Cramif, CGSS).

PPE-Protective equipment: ensuring your safety on scaffolding

To ensure the optimal safety of your employees, it is essential or even mandatory depending on the sector of activity to provide its employees with safety equipment. personal protection. The purpose of PPE is to limit the risk of work accidents (illness, fall, skin problem, earplug, etc.). PPE provides protection so that they can carry out their work with the best possible safety. It should be noted that PPE is not, however, the only means of protecting employees in the context of their work. In addition, each sector of activity requires specific PPE.

Different categories, type of PPE

All PPE falls into a category of protection against risks, there are three categories:

• I-superficial mechanical aggression; this category requires CE self-certification
• II-intermediate risks between I and III; we are talking about mechanical, physical or chemical injuries. Equipment in this category must protect against shocks affecting vital parts of the body and likely to cause irreversible damage. CE certification is affixed by an authorized body after testing.
• III-irreversible or fatal risk; PPE in this category must have CE type certification followed by a production check carried out by an authorized organization.

There are several types of PPE:

• PPE for the head: helmet with chinstrap, noise-canceling helmet, beanie, �
• PPE for the ears, hearing protection headphones, noise-canceling headband
• PPE for the eyes and face: visor, goggles, etc.
• PPE for the respiratory tract: mask
• PPE for the body: a set of high visibility, �
• PPE for upper limbs: gloves, harnesses, etc.
• PPE for lower limbs: safety shoes, safety trainers

PPE must be worn with suitable work clothes.

PPE, regulations and standards

PPE is governed by safety standards. Depending on your activity, all or part of your body must be protected. It is important to know the standards governing the exercise of your profession to ensure the state of compliance.

PPE is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/425, this legislation promotes the improvement of the safety of PPE available on the market and guarantees that all PPE on the European market complies with the regulation and therefore with the relevant standards in force.

There are standards depending on the specificity of protection and the type of PPE, here is a non-exhaustive list:

• Knee protection: EN ISO 14404
• High visibility clothing: EN ISO 20471, class 1, class 2, class 3
• Protection against heat and flame: EN ISO 11612
• etc

For more information on this subject, you can consult this page: click here.

Oxwork supports you in ensuring the safety of your employees, you will find a wide range of quality products on our website. For any additional questions, our customer service is at your disposal.