Scaffolding is often seen on the outside of buildings where it supports anyone required to work at height. As a temporary structure, it is vital that is it constructed safely and securely.
Scaffolding and the law
By law, it is the responsibility of employers and contractors who are self-employed, to carry out risk assessments for any work to be undertaken at height. Scaffolding must be erected following recommended guidelines, and appropriate precautions must be in place to prevent falls.
Accidents in the construction industry
The NASC (the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation is the UK’s trade body and was established in 1945. Each year, it publishes its NASC safety report and guidance on maintaining high standards in scaffolding. While there are many causes for accidents in the construction industry, the NASC sites the three most common causes of injury as slips and trips, manual handling, and falls from height. In 1982, there were 546 accidents across 41 companies. By 2023, that number had dropped to 87 across 249 companies, showing a massive improvement in safety. But there will always be room for improvement and safety can never be taken for granted.
Preventing accidents to workers with cable ties
For many scaffolding firms, the main use for cable ties is to secure protective foam around the scaffolding poles. Made from metal, the scaffolding poles are a major cause pf injury to worker who bang into them when unprotected. Foam will soften the impact and cable ties ensure the covers remain securely in place.
Using the correct cable ties on scaffolding
HSE guidelines state that “scaffolds must be capable of supporting loads likely to be placed on them” and that (cable) “ties must be used within their safe working load limit”. Understanding the importance of tensile strength therefore is paramount, and attention should be paid to the tensile strength of cable ties used.
Use of cable ties with safety netting
Nylon cable ties are the go-to method for securing safety netting onto scaffolding. Risk assessments deem such netting necessary to protect workers from falling debris, thereby reducing the risk from accidents.
Cable ties for securing structural supports in scaffolding
A system of pipework and tubing gives scaffolding structural support and extra-long cable ties are the perfect solution for securing them to enhance the integrity of the structure. When pipes and tubes are tightly secured and bound, a safer working environment can be provided.
Coloured cable ties and scaffolding
Where different areas or levels of scaffolding need to be easily identified by workers, coloured cable ties are ideal. Specific areas can be highlighted and sections identified for ease of navigation. This removes potential misunderstandings and reduces the chance of miscommunication. With many of our coloured cable ties available in lengths up to 762mm and widths up to 9mm, there is huge potential for the use of cable ties for demarcation.
Scaffolding supplies from cableties-online
Our wide selection of nylon cable ties, metal cable ties, and coloured cable ties are suitable for a variety of roles in the scaffolding industry. In addition to securing cables, they are also ideal for attaching safety netting and tarpaulins. Where extra-long cable ties are required, we offer ties that are 1530mm x 12.7mm in packs of 100. These can be purchased as individual packs, in boxes of 3 packs (300 cable ties), or as bulk purchases of 100+ packs (10,000+ cable ties).
For further help and advice on cable ties for your next scaffolding job, our sales team is ready to take your call on 01623 412160. Alternatively, they can be reached by email at sales@cableties-online.co.uk
