In South Africa, 14% of construction fatalities result from falls from height. When you rent scaffolding, proper safety protocols protect your team and ensure compliance. This guide covers precautions required under SANS 10085 and the Construction Regulations 2014.
Why Scaffolding Safety Matters
Falls from height cause a significant portion of construction injuries in South Africa. Between 2015 and 2021, there were 5,842 recorded cases of workers ‘falling to different levels’ on construction sites. These incidents are preventable when you follow proper safety procedures.
The Construction Regulations 2014 (Section 16) require contractors to appoint a competent person in writing to supervise all scaffolding work. Here are the essential precautions when you hire scaffolding.
Essential Safety Precautions for Hired Scaffolding
Inspect Before Every Use
Inspect the scaffolding before starting work. The updated SANS 10085-1:2024 standard now mandates daily inspections before work begins. Check for damaged components, loose connections and structural defects.
Look for:
- Cracks, rust or bent components
- Loose bolts and connections
- Missing guardrails or planks
- Unstable base plates
Verify Structural Integrity
- The 4-to-1 Rule: Every part of the scaffold must be strong enough to hold its own weight plus four times the heaviest load you plan to put on it. This keeps you safe and follows the official SANS 10085 safety standards.
- Solid Ground: Only build it on flat, level surfaces that have been checked by a scaffolding supervisor.
- When in Doubt, Ask: If you aren’t sure the ground can hold the weight, do not start building. You must get a professional engineer to sign off on it first.
Ensure Proper Platform Construction
- Close the gaps: Make sure the floor of the platform is fully covered with planks. Don’t leave any gaps wider than 25mm between the boards or between the boards and the poles.
- Lock them down: Secure every plank so it can’t slide or flip over. Most scaffold accidents happen because a board moves when someone steps on it.
Use Required Fall Protection
Install guardrails when working over three metres. SANS 10085 requires proper guardrails, toe boards and access ladders on all scaffolding. This prevents falls, the leading cause of construction deaths in South Africa.
Your scaffold must rest on stable, level ground capable of supporting the loaded structure. Uneven ground causes structural failure and collapse.
Personal Protective Equipment
Workers on scaffolding require appropriate PPE as mandated by the General Safety
Regulations under the OHS Act:
- Hard hats – protect against falling objects
- Non-slip footwear – prevents slips on platforms.
- Working at heights – Workers working over three metres must use fall arrest systems or guardrails.
All personnel involved in scaffolding work must be properly trained and certified according to SANS 10085 requirements. This includes erectors, users and supervisors.
Manage Weight Distribution
Do not exceed the rated load capacity. Distribute weight evenly across platforms and remove tools and materials when not in use.
Safe Access and Exit Points
Use designated ladders or stairs to access platforms. The Construction Regulations 2014 specify that access must be safe whenever scaffold platforms are more than 600 millimetres above or below a point of access.
Climbing on cross-braces or side frames is dangerous and prohibited under South African safety regulations.
Choose a Professional Scaffolding Company
Selecting a reputable scaffolding company ensures you receive safe, well-maintained equipment with professional installation that complies with SANS 10085 and the Construction Regulations 2014. Established in 2013, we have served the Western Cape for over a decade.
Our professional scaffolding erectors deliver high-quality kwikstage systems from our Cape Town base. Available seven days a week throughout the Western Cape, our expertise in building scaffolding covers residential, commercial and industrial projects. We deliver, erect, dismantle and transport all our own scaffolding, ensuring consistent quality.
Contact us on 082 797 1194 or email info@wcscaffolding.co.za for reliable scaffolding for hire throughout the Western Cape.
Recent Comments