Wire rope—Inspection Explain dangers Damage from wear and tear can reduce rope strength and capacity, endangering workers who rely on the rope. Identify controls Wire rope in continuous service should be checked daily during normal operation and inspected weekly. Rope that has not been used for a month should be inspected thouroughly. There are warning […]
Rigging Hardware Explain dangers Rigging is only as strong as its weakest link. Workers’ lives depend on the strength of that link. It doesn’t matter what safe working load is stamped on a hook if the hook is cracked and twisted or opening up at the throat. It can’t deliver its full rated capacity. Inspection […]
Formwork—Leading edge Explain dangers In the high-rise formwork industry, nearly 23 per cent of all lost-time injuries are caused by falls. Most of these injuries result in sprains and tears, fractures, and concussions. A leading edge is the unprotected side and edge of a floor, a roof, or formwork. It changes location as workers place […]
Flying forms—Working at heights hazards Explain dangers Flying forms can save time and, in some cases, are safer than using built-in-place methods. However, flying forms have some significant hazards that can lead to serious injury if proper precautions aren’t taken. One of the main hazards associated with flying forms is when working at heights. The […]
Floor and roof openings Explain dangers If proper guarding is not in place, workers can be exposed to falls when working around floor and roof openings. Avoiding such hazards may seem like common sense, but a moment of distraction around an uncovered opening can end in disaster. Identify controls Installing guardrails around an opening is […]
Suspended access equipment—Counterweights Explain dangers Without the right number of counterweights, suspended access equipment (SAE) can fail, leading to injury or death. Identify controls Here’s how to calculate the number of counterweights you need to support the SAE. Since we need to build in a safety factor of 4, the effect of the counterweights holding […]
Scaffolds—Structural components Explain dangers If the structural components of a scaffold are damaged, defective, or installed incorrectly, it can lead to a tip-over or collapse. Identify controls Structural components of all frame scaffolds must be inspected regularly. Inspection should include frames, feet, connecting pins, braces, and guardrails. FRAMES • Uprights and cross-members should not be […]
