What PPE and workwear do we need when working on a scaffolding?

Key Takeaways

1. Head Protection: Use EN397 safety helmets, adding EN12492 helmets for side impact risks.
2. Eye Protection: Employ safety spectacles conforming to EN166 standards, with options for different lenses.
3. Height Safety: Equip scaffold workers with harnesses and safety lanyards to prevent falls.
4. Site Safety: Implement pedestrian barriers to protect the public around the site.
5. Workwear: High-visibility, reflective workwear is essential for worker visibility and safety.
6. Footwear: Opt for non-slip, steel-capped safety boots to prevent accidents.
7. Overall Safety: Regular risk assessments are necessary to ensure proper safety measures.
8. OAKEYS Products: The blog promotes OAKEYS' range of PPE, workwear, and safety products.

Head Protection:

Safety helmets are designed to protect the user from falling objects, when working on a scaffolding you are going up and down a ladder often making you prone to objects such as hammers, paintbrushes and other typical construction items. With these objects falling at great heights these objects can cause serious damage on impact.

Recommended is a EN397 helmet complete with a chinstrap, this is a scaffolders safety helmet at an industrial standard where the helmet is tested against objects falling from a height. The chinstrap is recommended to prevent the safety helmet from falling off while climbing a ladder. An EN397 safety helmet is not tested for impact to the side of the head so should your risk assessment show risks of side impact then you should use a EN12492 climbing helmet as mentioned below.

Some safety helmets are designed for climbing, this is the standard of EN12492.
Here is an example of a safety helmet complete with a 4-point chinstrap.

Eye Protection:

Eye protection comes in a few different variants such as safety spectacles, safety goggles and face shields. Goggles and face shields are excellent when looking to tackle liquid splash or working with power tools. We would recommend safety spectacles to the safety standard EN166 impact resistance, when working on a scaffolding often your work will include using manual tools such as hammers and nails – the safety spectacles will protect your eyes while carrying out these tasks.

Most eye protection allows for different lens options such as clear lens and smoke lens, when working on a scaffolding it is recommended to choose between these options. Smoke lens will offer further protection from UV rays.

A must have when considering scaffolding PPE requirements.

Here is an example of a EN166 safety spectacle.

 Height Safety Harness & Lanyard:

As a scaffolder you will be working at height you will require support and protection from falling, every scaffolder should be equipped with a safety harness which is available commonly up to 3 points of connection. Depending on the complexity of the scaffolding or the user’s task this will determine the number of points required.
Take the time to think about the PPE required for scaffolding to ensure you consider the right amount of connection points.

Safety Lanyards are a must have along with the safety harness, you should always look to work in restraint which is where you are restrained from reaching a potential falling zone. The last line of defence should be working in fall arrest which is working in a falling zone with a lanyard that will prevent you from reaching the floor when falling.

More on working from height within this recent blog.

Here is an example of a 3 point Portwest safety harness.

Here is an example of a Portwest restraint lanyard.

Chapter 8 Pedestrian Barrier:

When working on a scaffolding it is your responsibility to cordon off your site from the general public, pedestrian traffic barriers are a great way to keep the public safe near your site as well as warning them of the work that is being carried out.

Pedestrians are not wearing PPE when travelling past your site so its important to warn them to keep the distance from your site.

You can take this as an opportunity to showcase your company logo with scaffolding safety barriers such as this Firmus 2m pedestrian barrier which is available in numerous colours and to be printed with your logo.

Here is an example of a chapter 8 traffic barrier.

Workwear:

Hi vis workwear is essential when working on site, often in the construction industry companies are working early in the morning.  Wearing hi vis clothing will allow your colleagues to see you on site which will in turn keep you safe. With building materials being delivered to site its essential that you are visible at all times.

Hi vis workwear such as Jackets, T-Shirts, Vests & Trousers are all available with different levels of reflectivity.

Choosing scaffolding workwear that offers the wearer a great range of movement will be key to carrying out your roles effectively and more importantly safely.

OAKEYS only supplies workwear which offers great performance with all the relevant hi vis standards being reached.

Scaffolders workwear is key to there demanding roles, our range will ensure you can carry out your job at optimal performance levels.

Here is an example of Workwear suitable for a scaffolding site.

Footwear:

To prevent slips and trips at height, it’s imperative to invest in good-quality safety footwear. Wearing thick, non-slip boots can help to minimise the risk of stumbling and falling, particularly if the scaffolding is wet and slippery due to poor weather conditions. Make sure you opt for boots with steel-capped toes, too, as these will protect your feet from any falling objects or sharp solid objects on the ground.

Here are examples of top-quality footwear – great safety boots for working on scaffolding.

Conclusion

To conclude the scaffolders PPE, workwear and traffic management products you choose are essential to keeping workers safe on site. There is potential for hearing protection to be required if working around noisy equipment as well as respiratory protection should you be creating dust or working around harmful acids and vapours.

A risk assessment should always be carried out to ensure all hazards have been identified and to ensure all the protective measures have been put into place. Safety on site is paramount, keep your colleagues safe!

Here at OAKEYS we have a full range of Scaffolders PPE, Workwear & Traffic Management products offering high quality products at low prices. If you need any support on choosing the correct products, then please do get in touch with the team.

1. What type of helmet is recommended for scaffolding work?
   • Recommended helmets are those meeting the EN397 standard, and for side impact risks, helmets conforming to EN12492 standards are advised.
2. Why are chinstraps important for safety helmets?
   • Chinstraps prevent the helmet from falling off, especially when climbing ladders.
3. What options are available for eye protection in scaffolding work?
   • Options include safety spectacles, goggles, and face shields, with safety spectacles recommended for manual tool use.
4. When is a safety harness necessary for scaffolding work?
   • A safety harness is essential when working at heights, with different connection points required based on the task's complexity.
5. What is the purpose of pedestrian traffic barriers at scaffolding sites?
   • These barriers protect the public by cordoning off the work site and provide a means to display company logos.
6. What features should I look for in scaffolding workwear?
   • Look for high-visibility clothing with reflective properties and ensure the workwear allows for a good range of movement.
7. What type of footwear is recommended for scaffolding work?
   • Non-slip, steel-capped safety boots are recommended to minimize slipping and protect feet from injuries.