Weekly Toolbox Talk: Web-Tex Scaffold Safety

At the Marek Family of Companies we thrive on having safe equipment. Keep in mind that equipment is only as safe as the people who use it are. We have two sizes of the Web-Tex scaffolds: 6’ and 8’. You should use the smallest size possible to reach your work.

Today you will discuss the proper uses for a Web-Tex Scaffold, covering the following points:

 INSPECT THE WEB-TEX before use and report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor. Individually inspect the each truss, connector pins, and wheel locks. If there are any broken truss locks, put the scaffold out of service and replace the truss. “ALL FOUR WHEELS MUST BE LOCKED IN PLACE WHILE WORKING ON THE SCAFFOLD” in order to use the Web-Tex. The same goes for truss locks: take any defective equipment out of service and make sure to report unsafe equipment to the foreman.
 Make sure that you have an adequate guardrail when you set up your scaffold. Guardrails must be installed when work platform is 4’ or higher off the ground. Combining two 6’ frames for access to higher areas should be avoided when possible – check with your immediate supervisor prior to considering this type of system.
 Walk board must be approved for use on the scaffold being used. DO NOT USE J-LINE ALUMINUM WALK BOARDS WITH WEBTEX SCAFFOLDS.
 MAKE SURE board sits properly on each trust and is secure
 DO NOT walk underneath the scaffold while working or moving the scaffold to avoid exposure falling objects.
 Web-Tex scaffolds that have a platform at eight feet high will need to have a additional third trust at the bottom to keep the frames square and from spreading out.
 Web-Tex walk boards must have a metal strip securely attached around the perimeter of the board and the board must rest securely within the truss rails.
 ALWAYS LOCK WEB-TEX WHEELS PRIOR ACCESS. Do not use any Web-Tex scaffold unless all four wheel locks are in operational condition. Missing wheel locks should be identified in the pre-use inspection and corrected immediately.

Web-Tex scaffolds are designed for use in confined spaces and narrow isles. In stairwells Web- Tex scaffolds are ideal because the wheels can be off set to provide a level surface. Remember that all four wheels must be turned perpendicular to the stair tread and locked out when using the Web-Tex system on stairs.

Never step off onto structure to support yourself while occupying the platform. SCAFFOLDING IS NOT DESIGNED FOR SIDE LOAD AND WILL MOVE AWAY FROM THE FORCE BEING APPLIED TO THE STRUCTURE. When working alone, you must climb down prior to moving the scaffold. Project Safe states: Self-propelling on a Web Tex scaffold is strictly prohibited and will be grounds for immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Real World Note: Due to the narrow design of the Web-Tex system, “up and through” the end is always safer than swinging around the side. Take caution when pulling downward on one end of a guardrail section while accessing the platform as the other side may pull up, become disconnected from the frame and cause you to fall. Securing the mid-rail to the upper rung of the frame with ceiling wire is one way to prevent this and is highly recommended.

The two main causes of accidents on scaffolds are:

Operator Errors or Equipment Failure
Operator errors can be eliminated through close supervision and employee training. Equipment errors can be eliminated by thoroughly inspecting the scaffold prior to use.

Web-Tex scaffolding is invaluable tool when used properly in the appropriate areas. By following the guidelines specific to this type of system, the chances for fall-related accidents can be greatly reduced. Note to Supervisors: Conclude this meeting with a demonstration of Web-Tex Scaffolding and identify the specific areas on your jobsite where this type of system should be used.