Scaffolding Safety and Working Surfaces

Overview

Scaffolds provide access for a large share of maintenance, inspection, turnaround and construction work in oil, gas and petrochemical facilities. When they are poorly designed, erected, inspected or used, they can collapse or allow people and objects to fall, leading to serious injuries and fatalities. Common problems include missing guardrails and toe boards, overloaded platforms, inadequate ties and bracing, unstable foundations and unauthorised alterations. Because scaffolds are often erected by contractors and used by many different trades, clear standards, competent people and effective inspection systems are essential for safety.

This course provides practical knowledge of scaffolding safety for supervisors, inspectors and users. Participants learn the main scaffold types and components, the basic principles of scaffold design, load classes and foundations, and the requirements for safe erection, alteration and dismantling. The course covers scaffold inspection before first use, after changes and at regular intervals, the tagging system, and the identification of common defects. It also explains safe use of scaffolds, fall protection for scaffolders, falling object prevention, mobile tower scaffolds, weather effects, scaffolds in process plants and during turnarounds, and the roles and competence of scaffolders, inspectors and supervisors.

Objectives

• Describe scaffold types, components and their correct applications
• Explain basic scaffold design principles, load classes and foundations
• Apply safe practices for scaffold erection, alteration and dismantling
• Inspect scaffolds and apply the tagging system correctly
• Identify common scaffold defects and decide on corrective actions
• Ensure safe use of scaffolds and prevent falls of people and objects
• Define roles and competence for scaffolders, inspectors and supervisors

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course combines explanation of scaffold standards and principles with photographs, drawings and practical inspection exercises. Participants identify scaffold components, calculate simple loads, review scaffold design drawings and inspect scaffolds or detailed photographs to find defects. Tagging decisions are practised for a range of scenarios. Videos of scaffold collapses and falls highlight the consequences of poor practice. Case studies from plant turnarounds are analysed in groups to identify planning and supervision failures. Each day ends with a short quiz and discussion of scaffold issues at participants' sites.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions