| Scaffolding facilitates workers to reach areas that | | | | absolutely vital in the maintenance of your |
| would otherwise be unreachable; conversely, it | | | | scaffolding. From plank boards, to piping, to bolts; |
| can become a workplace hazard if not maintained | | | | every piece must be in good repair. If you |
| and used properly. Despite the consequences of | | | | continue to work on your scaffolding while it is in |
| whether your scaffolding is a simple set-up or | | | | disrepair, you are putting your life in danger, |
| quite complex, this guide will give you some basic | | | | particularly the higher your scaffolding goes. |
| maintenance requirements. | | | | Making a habit or policy of checking the |
| Keep Lubricated | | | | scaffolding after each use is good practice. |
| Part of the proper maintenance of your metal or | | | | Immediately replace any missing bolts. Repair or |
| aluminum scaffolding includes keeping the parts | | | | replace any planks that are soft, bent or broken. |
| lubricated. This is especially true if your set-up | | | | Replace any piping that is bent. Use crossbars |
| includes crossbar pieces. Keeping the parts | | | | where appropriate. Proper upkeep will increase the |
| well-oiled will prevent rust from occurring. Using | | | | longevity of your scaffolding and will increase |
| regular machine oil will be sufficient. | | | | safety in the workplace. |
| Clean Regularly | | | | Store Properly |
| You will need to keep your scaffolding clean in | | | | Your scaffolding must be stored a manner that |
| order to preserve its safety and extend its life, | | | | keeps the unit safe for future use. To prevent |
| no matter how simple or extravagant your set-up | | | | damage from the elements keep the scaffolding |
| is. If you get a lot of use out of your scaffolding, | | | | under cover when not in use. Exposure to |
| do a wipe down after each use. | | | | excessive rain will cause rusting and wood rot, |
| Due to the nature of the equipment it would be | | | | which over time is costly to fix and causes |
| unreasonable to try to keep it sparkling clean but | | | | preventable safety issues. |
| you’ll want to prevent the buildup of dirt and | | | | Storing the scaffolding under cover will also |
| other substances. Do not use a pressure washer | | | | prevent others from climbing on it, which would |
| on your scaffolding if it is metal or aluminum | | | | be a safety hazard and liability for you. |
| unless you plan to wipe it down thoroughly | | | | Follow Local Ordinances |
| afterward. Any kind of spray washing will cause | | | | Educate yourself as to state, city and county |
| rusting: it can also cause rotting of any wooden | | | | ordinances for workplace equipment that must be |
| plank boards. | | | | adhered to. Plan to research these ordinances and |
| Using a rag to wipe down the exposed parts of | | | | follow them exactly to avoid the cost of fines |
| the scaffolding will work great. | | | | and other issues. Be sure to have any required |
| Repair Immediately | | | | permits before using your scaffolding. |
| Prompt repair of any broken or missing parts is | | | | |