In places like northern Canada, Northern Europe, or Alaska, winter brings heavy snowfall and plummeting temperatures. Using scaffolding outdoors during these times is far more challenging than in warmer climates. Snow covering the scaffolding and ice freezing the planks can easily lead to accidents. Many people think “scaffolding is the same everywhere,” but this is a huge misconception—using scaffolding in cold, snowy regions requires several extra safety precautions. Today, we’ll explain these extra measures in simple terms.How to Inspect Scaffold Safety After Severe Weather
First and foremost, preventing slippage is crucial. After a snowfall, snow accumulates on the scaffolding planks, and the low temperatures can cause melted snow to freeze, making it as slippery as walking on an ice rink. Therefore, after each snowfall, it’s essential to promptly clear snow and ice from the scaffolding using a broom or shovel to prevent accumulation. In addition, an “anti-slip layer” should be added to the scaffolding—for example, by laying anti-slip mats, wrapping anti-slip tape, or using special scaffolding with anti-slip textures. Some construction teams also sprinkle coarse sand on the scaffolding, which is inexpensive and effective, greatly increasing the friction underfoot.How to Inspect Scaffold Safety After Severe Weather
Secondly, the stability of the scaffolding must be reinforced. Heavy snow will weigh down the scaffolding, increasing its weight; cold winds can also cause it to sway. Therefore, more fasteners should be installed than usual during erection to firmly attach the scaffolding to the building walls and prevent it from being blown down. In areas with heavy snow accumulation, the load-bearing capacity of the scaffolding should be checked regularly. If the snow accumulation is too thick, construction must be suspended until the snow is cleared before continuing. Furthermore, the base of the scaffolding must be leveled and stabilized to prevent it from tilting due to frost expansion.What Risks and Inspection Points Should Be Noted When Purchasing Used Scaffolding?
Workers’ protective equipment also needs to be upgraded. In warmer regions, ordinary safety helmets and safety shoes are sufficient; however, in cold and snowy areas, these are not enough. Workers must wear waterproof and slip-resistant safety shoes with thick, warm uppers and deeply treaded soles for slip resistance. Clothing should also be windproof, waterproof, and warm, protecting against the low temperatures without getting wet from snow. Gloves should be slip-resistant work gloves, providing warmth and a firm grip on the scaffolding railings to prevent loss of grip due to frozen hands.
The “cold resistance” of materials is also crucial. Many scaffolding components are made of metal, which becomes brittle and prone to breakage at extremely low temperatures. Therefore, in cold and snowy regions, scaffolding materials that can withstand low temperatures, such as steel that has undergone low-temperature testing, must be selected. Before construction, scaffolding components must be carefully inspected for cracks and deformation; any brittle components must not be used. Additionally, bolts connecting components may loosen in low temperatures; they must be checked regularly during construction and tightened promptly.
Working times also need to be carefully chosen. In cold and snowy regions, temperatures are lowest in the morning and evening, and there is a possibility of icing and frost. Construction should ideally be scheduled for midday when temperatures are slightly higher. In case of severe weather such as strong winds, blizzards, or severe cold waves, don’t force construction; immediately stop work and move to a safe location. Many overseas construction regulations explicitly stipulate that scaffolding work must cease when the temperature drops below -20 degrees Celsius or the wind force exceeds level 6. This is not just a casual rule.
Another easily overlooked point is the importance of adding clear warning signs to the scaffolding. Visibility is poor in snowy weather, and without warning signs around the scaffolding, people are easily injured or knocked over. Place orange warning cones and warning tape around the scaffolding, and write signs such as “Caution: Slippery Ground” and “Construction in Progress.” Install warning lights at night so that vehicles and pedestrians in the distance can clearly see the construction site and avoid it in advance.
For example, in Norway, during winter construction, construction teams hold a short meeting every day before starting work to specifically emphasize anti-slip measures and warmth. After each snowfall, a dedicated person is responsible for clearing snow from the scaffolding, and a safety officer is on-site to ensure that safety measures are in place. It is precisely because of these extra preparations that the accident rate of scaffolding construction in the local area during winter has been greatly reduced.