In an ideal world, scaffold installations would always take place on flat, even terrain. However, when working on sloped, bumpy or irregular surfaces, thorough planning, proper equipment and useful techniques are important parts of the puzzle to avoid accidents and ensure worker safety. Learn how to carefully approach scaffold installations on uneven grounds to ensure stability, safety and industry compliance.
Can You Build a Scaffold on Slopes?
Yes, but the process presents a few obstacles.
Creating a stable base is one of the biggest challenges to working on uneven ground. To build a scaffold tower, you need a consistent and stable foundation. Rocky, bumpy or sloppy terrain just doesn’t offer this. If the construction isn’t properly done, a scaffold can tilt, shift or even sink into the ground, causing significant worker injuries and property damage.
According to research from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 2.3 million construction workers frequently work on a scaffold. From this number, 9,750 injuries and 79 fatalities occur every year. While there are many components to scaffold safety for workers, ensuring the scaffold is constructed with safety in mind is a good place to start.
As long as the unstable foundation is accounted for during the initial planning and construction, a scaffold can be installed on uneven ground. They should be built with a stable base plate and adjustable components. Additionally, a block of wood under each leg is recommended when building a scaffold on soft ground.
Types of Scaffold Towers Ideal for Uneven Surfaces
There are many different techniques for installing a scaffold, some of which are often used on construction sites. The most common and effective for uneven terrain involve:
- Using adjustable base jacks and legs: This can help you adjust height and maintain balance while ensuring the scaffold remains stable.
- Using the tube and clamp scaffold technique: This method is flexible, allowing you to customize the frame and brace scaffold to different angles and accommodate changes in height.
- Laying base plates under scaffold legs: This approach helps distribute the weight more evenly and prevents sinking, especially when installing a scaffold on soft ground.
5 Best Practices to Safely Install a Scaffold on Uneven Ground
Accidents are preventable if you have to install a scaffold on uneven ground, but only when done right. The following practices will help reduce the risks of accidents when working at high heights.
1. Assess and Level the Ground
Assessing the ground conditions on which you plan to erect your scaffold is essential. This will help you understand the current conditions and consider risk management for installing a scaffold. Assessing the ground may include:
- Noting the type of soil.
- Researching the soil’s load-bearing capacity. Essentially, how much weight can this soil bear?
- Checking for signs of water accumulation or instability.
After assessment, you can use base plates or wooden planks to prevent the scaffold tower from sinking into the ground. You may also need to use leveling jacks to adjust each leg to the exact height you need it to be.
2. Adjust the Scaffold Legs
Adjusting the legs (or jacks) can allow you to raise or lower each leg independently. This step helps you align the scaffold platform one height, regardless of how bumpy the ground might be. This step also ensures that weight is distributed evenly and minimizes the risk of specific scaffold components bending or failing. Using adjustable base jacks can help you achieve this.
3. Use Only Quality Materials
Quality materials will help enhance stability and durability. This means:
- Opting for high-grade steel or aluminum, as this material has the necessary strength and durability.
- Avoiding secondhand materials that can compromise the structure.
- Choosing planks that have no splits or cracks.
- Regularly inspecting the structure for any signs of wear and tear, and then quickly replacing any necessary parts.
4. Train Your Team
Proper team training is essential for any worker installing a scaffold. This training is even more critical when the scaffold will be on uneven ground. Every worker should be aware of a few key areas, such as:
- How to adjust the scaffold components as necessary, especially the jacks.
- How to check for stability and immediately recognize early signs of instability.
- How to respond to changing weather conditions.
All training needs to be up to date to ensure that you install a scaffold on uneven surfaces safely. You can validate your team’s training with industry-standard specifications and encourage a continuous learning environment. Safety procedures and guidelines are constantly changing, and being aware of the latest guidelines will help your team effectively handle any situation.
5. Reach out to Scaffold Installation Experts
Working with a reputable scaffold installation company can make a significant difference when tackling construction projects on uneven ground. This firm can bring specialized expertise to ensure the structure is built to your project’s needs while adhering to safety standards and guidelines. Consulting a professional can also prevent costly mistakes and help you streamline your project timelines.
In addition, scaffold installation experts will be knowledgeable about local regulations and compliance standards, which will help you avoid fines. They may also:
- Evaluate your project’s specific needs and give their expert recommendations.
- Give clarity on the appropriate base plates, stabilization techniques and adjustable stacks that you need.
- Give you peace of mind, knowing your scaffold installation needs are in experienced hands.
When choosing a firm to work with, prioritize experience, certifications and reputation. You want to work with a company that is OSHA-compliant, has worked on similar projects, and has positive customer testimonials to ensure your project will be in good hands.
Let Champion Scaffold Services Inc. Assist You With Your Project Needs
A scaffold is one of the most essential components for any construction site. It allows teams to access hard-to-reach areas safely and securely. For projects on uneven terrain, you’ll need to ensure that your scaffold follows safety guidelines and regulations. In addition, the construction needs to have suitable materials, careful planning and regular inspections to ensure the scaffold tower remains in optimum condition.
Champion Scaffold Services is a full-service scaffold shop for projects in the Greater Bay Area, Southern California and Nevada. Our OSHA-trained experts have the resources and expertise to safely erect scaffold towers on any ground. Our services include installation, dismantling, shrink wrap, netting and trash chutes. Investing in quality materials and consulting with our experts will create a safer and more effective construction site that supports worker safety and productivity.
Contact Champion Scaffold Services today for a free quote or to learn more about our offerings. We look forward to helping you with your scaffold installation needs so you can get back to your construction site quickly, safely and securely.