Technical requirements for safety in metal scaffolding – Dismantling of metal scaffolds

6.2  Dismantling of metal scaffolds

6.2.1 The dismantling work shall be done by trained workmen under the immediate supervision of a competent person. (Regulation 38E of the CSSR)

6.2.2  Sufficient  time  should  be  allowed  for  the  dismantling  work  to  be

conducted safely.

6.2.3  The scaffold to be dismantled should be checked for its strength and stability beforehand.

6.2.4  No   components,   which   endanger   the   stability   of   the   remaining structure,  should  be  removed.  Unless  necessary  precautions  have been  taken,  all  the  ties  and  bracings  should  remain  secured  in positions.

6.2.5  If dismantling has reached the stage at which a critical member has to be removed, for example, a tie or a brace, the stability of the structure should be assured by fixing a similar or otherwise adequate member in place lower down before the member to be taken out is removed.

6.2.6  All the stacked materials and debris placed on the scaffold should be removed.

6.2.7  Dismantling   sequence   should   be   planned   and   that   sequence   of dismantling sections of the scaffold should be logical and determined with due consideration of the scaffolders’ safety. Dismantling work should be carried out according to the plan. Because changes may have been made in a scaffold structure during its working life, it is not safe to assume that dismantling can be carried out in the reverse order to the erection. The scaffold, especially its tying and bracing, should be inspected prior to dismantling. Also, the procedure of dismantling should be orderly and planned and should proceed generally from the top in horizontal sections.

6.2.8  If the scaffold is defective, it should be made good before dismantling

commences.

6.2.9  Scaffolds should not be dismantled in vertical sections from one end towards the other unless special consideration is given to ties and bracings.

6.2.10 A  scaffold  might  have  been  temporarily  stabilized  during  construction by  rakers  that  have  been  subsequently  removed.  If  the  level  of  the lowest        tie   point   is   high,   temporary   rakers   or   other   structurally adequate means of supports should be built up from the ground to achieve stability of the partly dismantled scaffold.

6.2.11 Safe access to and egress from the place of work should be provided for the scaffolders.

6.2.12 The scaffold to be dismantled should be fenced off at the ground level/ public area to prevent persons entering the work area and warning notices should be posted up in the vicinity.

6.2.13 Steps shall be taken to ensure that scaffolding materials are not thrown, tipped,  or  shot  down  from  a  height  where  they  are  liable  to  cause injury to any person on or near the construction site; and where practicable, properly lowered in a safe manner by means of a lifting appliance or lifting gear (Regulation 49 of the CSSR). Scaffolding materials should include the tubes, the scaffold boards or planks, the metal couplers for scaffolding purposes, etc.

6.2.14 All materials should be lowered to the ground and not stored on the scaffold. In the case where the pavement is not to be obstructed and scaffolding materials have to be stored on the lowest lift awaiting collection, this lift should be stiffened and fully braced or propped by rakers, by using the materials recovered from the upper lifts.

6.2.15 Every  scaffolder  involved  in  the  dismantling  work  at  height  should wear  safety  belt  attaching  to  suitable  and  sufficient  anchorage  and suitable fixings, for example, the provision of an independent lifeline that extends from an independent anchorage point to which a lanyard of a safety belt is attached using a fall arresting device. Scaffold members should not be used for anchorage purpose. Whenever practicable, safety nets for fall protection of scaffolders should be used. Further reference should be made to the Guidance Notes on Classification and Use of Safety Belts and their Anchorage Systems prepared by the Labour Department.

6.2.16 All the trades on the site should coordinate and collaborate closely with the contractor engaging in scaffold dismantling work regarding the safety precautions necessary during various stages of the work.