Is the scaffolding at your workplace inspected after it’s erected?
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Our company is in the petrochemical industry, and scaffolding is often set up inside the facilities for maintenance work. After the contractors complete the installation of such scaffolding, it is inspected by the process engineers. How does your company manage this process?
Acceptance is necessary; it’s fine if the technicians are familiar with the scaffolding regulations. The problem arises when they are not familiar with them, as they may fail to enforce the required standards, which can lead to dangerous misunderstandings.
May I ask if there are any regulations specifying that acceptance is mandatory?
For acceptance, a system is implemented in which a \"Acceptance Completed\" sign is placed after inspection confirms compliance; management is carried out through a combination of regular inspections and random checks.
SHT 3555-2014 Safety Technical Specifications for the Erection of Steel Scaffolds in Petrochemical Engineering 8.5 Scaffold Inspection
Your method is pretty similar to ours! For the inspection and acceptance of scaffolding, we assign the business management department – the one responsible for managing the contractors’ work – and the safety management department to ensure technical compliance, with the using department participating in the acceptance process. If it meets the requirements, it will be approved for use; otherwise, it cannot be used. Normally, general chemical plants outsource the erection of scaffolding; they don’t carry out this work themselves. However, the business management and regulatory authorities have a responsibility to figure this out; after all, the technical complexity involved is not high. It is possible to verify the qualifications of the personnel responsible for setting up the scaffolding, as well as ensure compliance with the basic requirements for such structures. Additionally, suggestions can be given to contractors to enhance safety measures.
This post was last edited by Shutong on 2021-6-2 08:21. Yuqin LaoDa is right; that’s how chemical plants are managed. In fact, neither the security department nor the mobility department will conduct any inspections! There’s no time to pay attention to it, nor is anyone aware of it (only a very few people know a little bit). Often, it’s the safety officers of the contractors who carry out the inspections; they generally understand the requirements. There are also those in charge of the installation work who are rushing to learn as much as they can about scaffolding. I once encountered a plant and equipment engineer who came for inspection; he referred to the construction scaffolding standards JGJ 130 and required that each grid frame have wall connectors, and when none were found, he declared it unqualified. The scaffolder is about to cry! So everyone should have a broader range of knowledge, learn more about various standards and regulations; it’s also useful to have some understanding of scaffolding. This is just my opinion – take it with caution
A full-time safety officer should carry out the inspection; process engineers are not suitable for this task.
Yes, the owner needs to take charge; one has to learn more on their own. At the very least, one shouldn’t sign things without knowing anything at all