{"id":126,"date":"2020-08-30T07:33:09","date_gmt":"2020-08-30T07:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arabianspar.com\/blog\/?p=126"},"modified":"2022-02-04T12:20:24","modified_gmt":"2022-02-04T12:20:24","slug":"best-scaffolds-standards-safety-rules-for-construction-industry-in-saudi-arabia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arabianspar.com\/blog\/best-scaffolds-standards-safety-rules-for-construction-industry-in-saudi-arabia\/","title":{"rendered":"BEST SCAFFOLDS STANDARDS & SAFETY RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN SAUDI ARABIA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The scaffold standards, safety rules, and guidelines in the construction industry apply to every scaffolding products and services used from beginning to end of the designed structure of the project under process. The basic supporting foundation on which the designed structure is to be built is scaffold<\/strong> prepared by using different scaffoldings<\/strong> with the help of scaffolding work<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Scaffolds, Scaffoldings, and Scaffolding Work?<\/a><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"scaffolding<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Scaffold<\/strong> is a temporary structure raised as a supporting working platform for building permanent any designed real estate project. Scaffolds are of different types as per the requirement of the project commonly used in construction work for the safety of workers and the materials used under the process when work cannot be done at ground level or on a finished floor. And, Scaffolding<\/strong> means the individual components or specific materials, like Pipes & Tubes<\/a>, Cuplock Systems<\/a>, Ringlock Systems<\/a>, Tube and Fittings<\/a>, Scaffolding Steel Boards<\/a>\/Plank,<\/em> Ladder & Lattice Beams<\/a><\/em>,<\/em><\/strong> couplers or frames, scaffold metal deck<\/em> and other materials used to assemble for building a scaffold i.e. temporary supporting structure for health and safety purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scaffolding Work<\/strong>\u00a0is the services provided for erecting, altering or dismantling a temporary scaffolds structure raised to support a platform from which a person or object could fall more than 4 meters from the platform or the structure. This work must be undertaken under the supervision of a person holding the appropriate class of high-risk work license from an authorized institution. Arabian Spar<\/strong> is known for quality supply of scaffolding services, such as Contract Scaffolding Services<\/a>, Hire and Sales<\/a>, Design<\/a>, Manpower\/Training<\/a>\u2026<\/em> \u00a0in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other MENA countries<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are safety rules and regulations required in scaffolding work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"scaffolding<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons why scaffolding safety procedures and rules are so important. Most important of them are the unstable, weak, inefficient scaffolding platforms and falling of workers during scaffolding work which causes injuries as well as death. As per Arab News<\/a> report that more than 600 workers in the Kingdom die or suffer serious injuries on construction sites every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The actual scaffolding tubing and connectors are often counterfeit. The possible consequences of this counterfeit are terrifying. The sub-standard products are sold off as genuine under copied sheets of advertising literature of safe and OSHA standard products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some businesses are selling copied<\/a> scaffolding either made Saudi Arabia or imported from other Gulf countries to people who, because the product looks the same, believe it is the same. But it is not the same and they buy it because it\u2019s much cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wooden scaffolding is a common sight in some cities. If it is made of good timber, a soundly designed structure, and meets the recommended loading requirements of its own, other material, and the equipment used in the construction process, it can be perfectly safe. However, the dehydrating effect of the climate on timber means that it only has a short life. When it is used repeatedly, the danger of collapse increases dramatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Erecting a safe scaffolding platform needs training of supervisors, construction workers, and supervision of scaffolding work by a licensed supervisor. Laborers are often not trained either because they add to costs and contractors are unwilling to pay for them. The resulting unsound constructions of scaffolds are often not inspected and when they are, the rules are routinely ignored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, safety is possible but it needs constant vigilance and active enforcement of recommended scaffolding standards, procedures, and guidelines during scaffolding work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, why every construction industry must follow scaffolding safety procedures and regulations in raising and dismantling of scaffolding platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which scaffolding safety standards and rules are followed in KSA & MENA countries?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Saudi Arabia has a set of safety standards, rules, and procedures for scaffolding work on construction sites, closely following the American Occupational Safety & Health Administration OSHA<\/a> standards, Saudi Aramco Scaffold Safety Handbook (SSH), the Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual (CSM), and Adnoc, Enoc, UAE. They are highly detailed in both the manufacturing standards and construction details. The regulations of OSHA, SSH<\/strong>, CSM <\/strong>andAdnoc, Enoc, UAE<\/strong> compare very favorably with the toughest in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are OSHA scaffolding safety rules and procedures for construction work followed in Saudi Arabia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The OSHA scaffolding standards and rules required for construction work are detailed in the guidebook. Here an outline of them is given in brief.
Summary of OSHA Scaffolding rules<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the scaffolding standards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"scaffolding<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are several key provisions of OSHA’s scaffolding standard:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Fall protection or fall arrest systems:<\/strong> Each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest system, except those on single-point and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. Each employee on a single-point and two-point adjustable suspended scaffold shall be protected by both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail. <\/li>
  2. Guardrail height:<\/strong> The height of the top-rail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after January 1, 2000, must be between 38 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). The height of the top-rail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000, can be between 36 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). <\/li>
  3. Crossbracing:<\/strong> When the crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a top-rail, it must be between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3 meters) above the work platform. <\/li>
  4. Midrails<\/strong>: Mid-rails must be installed approximately halfway between the top-rail and platform surface. When a crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a mid-rail, it must be between 20 inches (0.5 meters) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work platform. <\/li>
  5. Footings:<\/strong> Support scaffold footings shall be level and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold. The legs, poles, frames, and uprights shall bear on base plates and mudsills. <\/li>
  6. Platforms:<\/strong> Supported scaffold platforms shall be fully planked or decked. <\/li>
  7. Guying ties, and braces:<\/strong> Supported scaffolds with a height-to-base of more than 4:1 shall be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or the equivalent. <\/li>
  8. Capacity:<\/strong> Scaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Suspension scaffold rigging must at least 6 times the intended load. <\/li>
  9. Training: <\/strong>Employers must train each employee who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the safety procedures to control the hazards. <\/li>
  10. Inspections:<\/strong> Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity, a competent person must inspect the scaffold and scaffold components for visible defects. <\/li>
  11. Erecting and Dismantling:<\/strong> When erecting and dismantling supported scaffolds, a competent qualified person must determine the feasibility of providing a safe means of access and fall protection for these operations. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    When is a competent person required for scaffolding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A competent person as per OSHA’s scaffolding standard is \u201cone who has the capability of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary, hazardous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The scaffolding standard requires a competent person to perform the following duties under various circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. In General<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/strong>
      1. To select and direct employees who erect, dismantle, move, or alter scaffolds.<\/em><\/li><\/ol>
        1. To determine if it is safe for employees to work on or from a scaffold during storms or high winds and to ensure that a personal fall arrest system or windscreens protect these employees.<\/em><\/li><\/ol><\/li>
        2. For Training: <\/strong><\/em>To train employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting scaffolds to recognize associated work hazards. <\/em><\/li>
        3. For Inspections<\/strong><\/em><\/li>
        4. To inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects before each work shift and after any occurrence which could affect the structural integrity and to authorize prompt corrective actions. <\/em><\/li>
        5. To inspect ropes on suspended scaffolds before each work shift and after every occurrence which could affect the structural integrity and to authorize prompt corrective actions. <\/em><\/li>
        6. To inspect manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope being used for top-rails or mid-rails. <\/em><\/li>
        7. For Suspension Scaffolds<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/strong>
          1. To evaluate direct connections to support the load.<\/em><\/li><\/ol>
            1. To evaluate the need to secure two-point and multi-point scaffolds to prevent swaying. <\/em><\/li><\/ol><\/li>
            2. For Erectors and Dismantlers<\/strong><\/em><\/strong>
              1. To determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection and access. <\/em><\/li><\/ol>
                1. To train erectors and dismantlers to recognize associated work hazards. <\/em><\/li><\/ol><\/li>
                2. For Scaffold Components<\/strong><\/em><\/em>
                  1. To determine if a scaffold will be structurally sound when intermixing components from different manufacturers. <\/em><\/li><\/ol>
                    1. To determine if galvanic action has affected the capacity when using components of dissimilar metals. <\/em><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      When is a qualified person required for scaffolding?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      The scaffolding standard defines a qualified person as “one who by the possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his\/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the scaffolding work, or the project.” The qualified person must perform the following scaffold duties<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      1. In General:<\/strong><\/em> <\/em>To design and load scaffolds following that design. <\/li>
                      2. For Training:<\/strong><\/em> <\/em>To train employees working on the scaffolds to recognize the associated hazards and understand procedures to control or minimize those hazards. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n