Three to-dos for scaffolders in winter

Three to-dos for scaffolders in winter

Freezing cold, frigid wind, icy scaffolding decks - winter is not likely to win the race for the scaffolder's favourite season. But there are some measures you can take to make your work as safe and pleasant as possible. Some of them you already know from autumn. We have summarised here how you can now combat your new adversaries, ice and cold.

Regular inspections of the scaffold

Especially in typical winter weather conditions such as strong winds, snowfall and rain, your scaffolding should be inspected regularly. It is not only important to ensure the stability of your scaffold, but also to detect any slipping hazards it caused by ice, wetness or mud. Read more about scaffold inspections here.

The scaffold must be cleared from snow and ice

At the latest with the first snowfall, winter really arrives. For your work on the scaffold, this can mean delays. If there is snow or ice on the scaffold, it may no longer be accessed until it has been completely cleared. During this time, the scaffold must be marked as inaccessible and cordoned off. Whether the scaffold erector or scaffold user is responsible for clearing the snow is regulated in advance by contract. But no matter which party does the clearing work, it must only be carried out very carefully and with the use of PPE. You should also keep your hands off road salt, as it can attack the scaffold's decks and facades. By spreading sand, you avoid such damage to the scaffold or building.

Temporary roofs protect your construction site and avoid work stoppages

Not only snow and ice cause problems for you and your team in winter, but also increasingly wind. And this poses a considerable risk of falling from the scaffold. In addition to personal protective equipment or technical protective equipment such as TRBS 2121-compliant safety guardrails or entire systems such as the Scafom-rux SUPER RS or roof and cladding systems can also make your work a lot safer. In addition, you keep work stoppages due to bad weather to a minimum. That's why it's worth using temporary roofs as an additional safety measure, especially during the cold season. Find an overview of our system-free weather and construction site protection systems here: