Top 3 Scaffolding Maintenance Tips

Working from heights presents many risks to workers, and it’s estimated that roughly two-thirds of construction workers use scaffolding at some point during a project. Unfortunately, the construction industry is still ranked as one of the most dangerous industries in Australia, so safety must always be the leading priority on construction sites. For contractors, extending the life of their scaffolding equipment through regular maintenance not only provides a safer workplace, but it also maximises their return on investment.

There are many aspects to scaffolding safety which must be considered to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. For workers, appropriate knowledge and education in how to correctly use scaffolding is very important, however the functionality and reliability of the equipment itself is just as important. Contractors must ensure that their scaffolding equipment remains functional and safe for the entirety of a project, so regular maintenance must be performed to identify any weaknesses that can present risks to workers.

Maintaining scaffolding equipment so it’s consistently in good working condition is paramount for contractors. So, how do you go about maintaining your scaffolding equipment? Extending the lifespan of scaffolding will dramatically increase your return on investment, so we’ve decided to compile a list of tips on the best ways to do just that.

Tip # 1 - Clean scaffolding equipment before storage

It's critical that scaffolding equipment is stored in an area that is safe from the elements when it's not in use. Disassembling scaffolding carefully is also an essential step to ensure that no unwarranted repairs or replacements are required when the scaffolding needs to be erected again. Keeping all the scaffolding parts organised will enable you to swiftly and easily erect the scaffolding when it’s needed for the next project.

When the scaffolding has been disassembled, it's pivotal that it's cleaned comprehensively with a garden hose or power washer to remove any foreign objects like mud, paint, stucco, or other materials. If the power washer isn't able to completely clean your scaffolding equipment, you should look at using a sander to remove any accumulated debris. Ensuring that no pollutants remain on your scaffolding equipment while it's being stored is the secret to longevity.

Tip # 2 - Replace any worn parts

Even the best scaffolding equipment will need parts to be replaced at some point. This is merely part of the lifecycle of owning any tools, particularly those which experiences heavy loads of materials and high traffic. To be fully compliant in workplace health and safety, you must replace any scaffolding parts that are showing signs of fatigue, including bending, splitting, or other signs of deterioration. When carrying out inspections of scaffolding equipment on-site and when dismantling scaffolding equipment, it's paramount that you replace any parts which pose dangers to worker safety.

 Tip # 3 - Use WD-40 to stop rust and deterioration

Scaffolding projects typically last for several months or more, meaning that they are subjected to the elements for extended periods of time. Adverse weather conditions will degrade your scaffolding through rust and corrosion if proper care isn’t taken. This is why we strongly encourage all contractors to purchase WD-40 or a similar product to use on nuts, bolts, bolt threads, and other removable and moving parts. By lubricating your scaffolding parts and accessories, the lifespan of your equipment will be dramatically boosted by preventing rust and other deterioration. Together with this, applying WD-40 to your scaffolding equipment will also improve its safety, durability, functionality, and prevent unneeded delays throughout the project.

To make certain your scaffolding equipment continues to be fully operational and safe for as long as possible, these recommendations should be employed when the scaffolding is being used and when it is being stored. Not only will you deliver a safer working environment, but you'll also greatly boost the return on investment on your scaffolding equipment. If you need any further information about how to appropriately maintain your scaffolding equipment, call the team at Uni-Span on 1300 882 825.