10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR SCAFFOLD AND LADDER MAINTAINED

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional tradesperson, the safety of your ladder and scaffold is paramount. Neglecting proper ladder maintenance not only jeopardizes your own well-being but also poses a risk to those around you. In this blog post, we'll explore ten essential tips to keep your ladders and scaffold towers in optimal condition, ensuring a secure and compliant work environment.

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Ladder Maintenance

  1. Start your ladder maintenance by checking the rubber feet. Have they worn through to the aluminium? Not only will this affect the ladder’s stability, but this could also damage floors or other surfaces. Replacement feet can be supplied for all Easy Access ladders.
  2. Carefully remove any plaster or other spills that may have clogged hinges and side stays. These jams can inhibit efficient use and cause corrosion. After completely clearing the jam, apply lubricant to the hinges for better performance.
  3. Check the ladder for buckling, cracks and missing parts or any rivets that may have come loose over time. These and cracked or fractured welds will compromise the safe use of the ladder. Contact us if parts need replacing.
  4. In order to be compliant onsite in NZ, ladders must be of ‘Trade’ or ‘Industrial’ standard and with a minimum load rating of either 120kg or 150kg and comply with the AS/NZS 1892 standard. All our Ladders are compliant with the 'Trade' and 'Industrial'.

 

Scaffold Tower Maintenance

  1. Ensure all required components are present and in good working order. For example, plan braces provide the necessary strength to make the unit safe and compliant. They must be used every time.
  2. Ensure there is a complete set of guardrails, and that all grasper clips are in full working condition.
  3. Check welds for any cracking or fracturing that could compromise safety. Check casters and lubricate around the axle points. Ensure all brakes are functioning, and easy to engage and disengage.
  4. A set of toeboards is required on scaffolds where a person or object can fall more than 2 metres. Some sites require toeboards regardless of height, so ensure they are used every time. Our towers generally come with toeboards as part of the package if they are required to be compliant. 
  5. New Zealand regulations dictate that scaffold towers should be accessed from within the footprint of the tower. We can provide a separate clip-on ladder if the ladder is missing.
  6. When working at a height to width ratio of more than 3:1 a scaffold must be secured with outriggers to be compliant (unless it is securely attached to a solid support surface). Our towers generally come with outriggers as part of the package if they are required to be compliant. Outriggers can be brought separately. 
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In the world of construction and maintenance, overlooking the upkeep of your tools can have serious consequences. By taking the time to inspect and maintain your ladders and scaffold towers, you're not just prolonging their lifespan, but you're also prioritizing safety. From checking for cracks and missing parts to ensuring compliance with standards, these scaffold and ladder maintenance tips serve as a comprehensive guide to keep you, your equipment, and your workspace secure. Remember, a well-maintained ladder or scaffold is not just a tool—it's a guarantee of a safe and efficient work environment.

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