Safety hints about bamboo scaffolds

Serious accidents involving the collapse of bamboo scaffolds happen from time to time. The Labour Department appeals duty holders to pay attention to the following matters to ensure that the safety and stability of bamboo scaffolds on construction sites:

• With due consideration to works (e.g. curtain wall installation works) to be carried out by various contractors using external wall scaffolding, the principal contractor and sub-contractors should plan ahead to formulate and implement suitable arrangements so as to prevent (i) improper alterations of the scaffolding (including cutting of putlogs) during the construction stage and (ii) incompatible work activities being carried out at the same time on / in the vicinity of the scaffolding, affecting the stability of the scaffolding;
• Before using the scaffolding, one must ensure that there are sufficient and properly installed putlogs and that the scaffolding (including putlogs) has been regularly checked to confirm the safe and secure conditions of the scaffolding;
• Unauthorised alterations to the scaffolding structure are strictly prohibited, especially the removal of putlogs for securing the scaffolding; and
• Scaffolding shall be properly repaired and maintained. If any defects are found, they should be repaired immediately.