Getting closer to the clouds

When there's a job that needs doing above the ground, having the best equipment is vitally important to your safety, as well as the quality of the work you can achieve.

Working on a stable and sound platform, such as scaffolding, will allow you as a worker or DIY enthusiast, the peace of mind that the next time you touch the ground will be when you choose to. Having incorrect or mediocre gear could result in a fall or other accident, and that's something you should actively be seeking to avoid.

If you've got some work to do above the first storey on the outside of a property, Kennards Hire has the highest quality equipment available for hire, so you can get to work as soon as you need.

What sort of safety do you need up high?

According to the Safe Work Australia National code of practice for the prevention of falls in housing construction, working at height must be considered 'reasonably practicable' according to various guidelines. These include the likelihood of a fall, the potential seriousness of an injury that could occur and what is known about the risks of the site.

It could be as simple as a paint touch up around a window awning, or a full timber replacement around a whole side of the building, but simply being too expensive is no excuse for not putting in place the necessary safety equipment to prevent an accident.

The guidelines go on to state restrictions around the sort of solid above-ground work stations, such as universal scaffolding from Kennards Hire. The platform must have an even gradient and an accessible surface. This ensures that when a worker is focusing on getting the job done correctly, they don't have to get distracted by constantly balancing on an unstable work surface.

The platform must also be equipped to carry whatever load is going to be applied to it, including the weight of the worker. When there are light modifications being made to a property, such as painting or replacing just a few roof tiles, the load won't be very heavy. However, if large quantities of bricks, timber, or even concrete, need to be installed, having it applied to scaffolding that isn't up to standard could prove dangerous.

The loads are typically split into three categories, from light to heavy duty. The lowest bracket has a load of up to 225 kilograms; medium duty goes up to 450 kilograms; and heavy duty reaches 675 kilograms per bay. That should be more than enough at each section of the site to carry anything you need at height alongside you.

What sort of scaffolding do you need for your project?

Completing work up to 7.5 metres off the ground can be achieved in keeping with all of these standards, and more, by using aluminium scaffolding. In increments of 0.5 metres, whatever height the work you're completing will require a different kind of scaffolding, and Kennards Hire has the range to suit.

Is there other safety gear that can make work at height safer?

Work Safe Victoria suggests that a fall arrest system is an accessory that can add to the peace of mind of workers. This is a piece of equipment that can be attached to a harness point and catches workers if a fall does come about.

The roof harness kit is designed to be as comfortable as possible, while ensuring stability and flexibility so work isn't interrupted at all just because you're wearing it. This, alongside suitable scaffolding, is the best way to keep safe when working at height, and it's made easy to access by Kennards Hire.

Give the team a call today, and get those projects completed without an accident.