Scaffolding Safety Regulations South Africa: What Every Contractor Must Know
A scaffold tower is the backbone of many construction and industrial projects, giving workers safe access to those elevated spaces where real progress happens. However, it’s not enough to simply put the structure in place; proper assembly, risk assessment, and regular inspections of the components ensure that every person using it can do so safely. The complexity of high-rise buildings or large-scale developments requires an understanding of and compliance with the scaffolding safety regulations South Africa.
At Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork, we will guide you through the hazards related to scaffold operation and the importance of inspections, and share general safety tips, giving contractors everything they need to know.
Scaffolding Safety Regulations South Africa: Inspections and Tagging
Inspections and tagging are not tasks to be taken lightly; they demand the expertise of trained professionals who understand the intricacies of scaffold systems and the strict scaffolding safety regulations South Africa that govern them. During inspections, our experts carefully evaluate everything from the scaffold’s overall stability to the quality of the components used, as well as external factors such as weather or site conditions that could affect safety. Once a scaffold is confirmed safe for use, it receives a tag that records essential details, including when the next inspection is due. This simple but vital tag acts as both a visible assurance of safety and a reliable record for site managers and regulatory authorities.
Scaffold Tags
A scaffold safety tag is divided into three categories:
- Green tags signal that the tower is safe and ready to use.
- Yellow tags warn that there are issues, and the tower should only be used with caution.
- Red tags show that the scaffold is unsafe and must not be used.
Scaffolding safety is guided by strict regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS ACT) and the standards outlined in SANS 10085. These rules make it clear that every scaffold must be regularly inspected, with the results clearly recorded on safety tags for all to see. Ignoring these requirements is not just risky; it can lead to heavy fines, serious legal consequences, and costly project delays.
At Nhleko, our trained personnel carry out regular inspections as we know that compliance is not optional but essential in keeping sites safe and projects on track.
Hazards Contractors Need to Be Aware Of
Here are a few hazards all contractors need to be aware of:
1. Lack of Fall Protection
Falling often occurs when there is a lack of guardrails. You are legally obligated to put a fall protection plan in place whenever there is a risk and ensure that workers are trained to use proper access points rather than climbing on the braces.
2. Scaffold Collapse
Before any scaffolding goes up, factors such as load capacity, the weight of the materials and workers, foundation stability, plank placement, distance from the work surface, and tie-in requirements must all be carefully considered.
3. Power Cables
When construction is undertaken close to power lines or electrical cables, ensure that the tower is at a safe distance away to prevent workers from being electrocuted while operating the scaffold tower.
4. Falling Objects
Tools, materials, or debris falling from scaffolding can pose a serious threat to anyone working below. Toe boards must be installed on every working platform, preventing equipment and other items from slipping off the edge.
5. Foot Traffic
It’s not just workers who face risks; the public can also be in danger from falling objects if they wander too close. To prevent this, the Construction Regulations require safe walkways to be set up, keeping pedestrians at a safe distance from active work zones. It is equally important to display clear warning signs, letting everyone know that major construction or renovations are happening overhead, and caution is essential.
On-Site Safety Tips
To keep your scaffold tower safe, here are some safety guidelines to follow:
- Make sure that the base plates are placed on firm, level ground, secure, and able to handle the intended load.
- Bracing must be properly secured according to the scaffold tower design requirements.
- Platforms must be in good condition, properly fitted, and securely fastened.
- Keep the area beneath and around the scaffolding clear of rubble and loose materials.
- Never move or modify a scaffold while it’s in use.
- Cover all openings and hatchways beneath working platforms.
- Where openings must remain, guardrails and toe boards must be fitted.
- Stop operating a scaffold immediately during high winds, electric storms, or heavy rainfall.
Helping Construction, Safely
At Nhleko Scaffolding & Formwork, our compliance and adherence to scaffolding safety regulations South Africa assure you that the components you hire from us are always deemed safe for use. Should you own your scaffolding, we can arrange skilled labour to assemble, operate, and dismantle the scaffold tower for your project. For flexible hire packages and end-to-end project management consultancy, partner with the leader in the industry, Nhleko.