Safety Tips - Swingstages

Setting the Stage for Safety

At work, you don't play around. Proper set-up methods require your skill and attention. Using swingstages requires your best effort and your full attention to safety details. Your actions speak louder than words. Leading the way by demonstrating proper safety strategies is the best example to set.

First Time / Every Time

The first time you use a swingstage is the time to do it right - 100% right. New hires have fewer accidents than experienced swingstage workers - you must keep your attitude and safety practices in a "first time" mode. Your on-going concern for using safe equipment and procedures is your best defense against injury or life-threatening situations.

Make sure:

• your safety harness and lifeline are properly connected to separate and adequate anchore points
• all operations are specified by the manufacturer or those certified by an engineer

Consult the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.. Follow them and the manufacturer's specifications. The safest way is the right way.

Safety Training & Planning

All swingstage workers need training and updated safety information to be efficient and safe while on the job. Consult appropriate engineering services, a safety professional, or the SCSA if you need information. You, your supervisor, and co-workers all have a stake in knowing that safety procedures are current and the information is accurate.

Inspecting, rigging, and working on a swingstage is no easy challenge. Planning for safety is important. Check and make sure that:

• the platform is constructed properly and all materials are in good condition
• the scaffold has the necessary toeboards and guardrails
• the points of support are in good structural condition
• emergency procedures are in place, plan so you can communicate and rescue
• you have inspected the ropes/cables, harness
• wire ropes are lubricated and have no kinks
• all overhead rigging, counterweights, anchorages, and connections are properly anchored

Working on the Swingstage

Slips and falls while working on a swingstage are common. Faulty rigging or poorly built scaffolding are other frequent causes of accidents. Make sure your life-line will do what it's supposed to --- save your life! Check it and use it properly every time. Follow these precautions:

• anchor platforms properly to the stirrups to prevent swaying
• fasten your lanyard to your life-line before getting on the scaffold
• wear a full body harness connected to your lanyard
• attach life-lines to a secure anchore point that will withstand 17.8kN of force -never tie life-lines or rigging to scaffolding or the same anchor point
• run life-lines to the ground
• operate a scaffold with the number of workers it is designed for - never exceed this limit.
• don't overload your swingstage - know the limits
• don't' combine swingstages or bridge distances between them
• use the right kind of rope for weight and job you are doing - check the manufacturer's instructions
• stop working if you see something wrong - report it immediately.
• read and understand the manufacturers operating manual / decals for equipment you will be using

Home Rules

Rules around your home should be clear and consistent. When you're working with swingstages you know that one broken rule can end in disaster.

Teach your family why certain rules are needed at home and on the job. Explain how following the rules will avoid accidents or injury.

Your children may use ropes, swings, and other playground equipment that is often dangerous. Teach them not to overload the swing, the tire on the rope, or other setups. It might be one of them that gets hurt when the rope breaks or the swing chain snaps.

Your Life is on the Line

As with any tool, you need to take good care of swingstage equipment and accessories. Your life and others are on the line. Use according to technical specifications.

Regular inspection and maintenance of gear by competent staff or engineers will greatly reduce the chance of serious mishaps.

Your part in the safety plan is to keep your eyes open for hazards and faulty equipment.

Follow the safety rules by the book, use everyday caution and your life on the swingstage will be set for safety.

For more information, refer to current applicable Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.

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