SCAFFOLDING SAFETY: HOW TO USE SCAFFOLDING FOR PROTECTION IN EXTREME COLD WEATHER
July 11, 2019
Cold weather can wreak havoc on a job site. Paint will not dry properly and materials and surfaces are unable to reach the required temperatures for proofing and preparation. In addition, limitations of the human body mean your team simply cannot function at the highest level in below freezing temperatures.
Fortunately, scaffolding containment helps protect your job site and workers from extreme cold so you can maintain optimal levels of performance and complete the job on time. Here is a closer look at how to ensure scaffolding safety
in extremely cold weather.
Scaffolding Containment
Scaffolding safety starts with containment, which protects your job site using material that surrounds the scaffolding structure. This material is also known as hoarding. Common types of hoarding include plywood and tarp.
The application process starts by laying the hoarding material you select across the scaffold. Then, a fire blanket or other fire-retardant material is placed on the floor on top of the hoarding material. All materials should be bound tightly to form an adequate seal.
When you use an enclosure it puts extra wind loads into the structure and it could lift up like a huge sail. Therefore, special design is required when sheeting is used on the outside of scaffolding. Butts, ties, and diagonals
are required every other lift vertically.
Elements to Consider
Sufficient access and egress
are critical elements to hoarding design. Make sure there is enough room for uninhibited movement to and from the hoarding, while maintaining sufficient containment.
Quality designs include a “Weather Strip” that provides an overlap to keep it sealed up tight. Typically, a secondary containment room and an adjacent changing room are also incorporated in the design when hazardous containment applications are needed. Components such as the Ten Leg Steel Stair, Aluminum Platform Stair, and Vertical Ladder
can all be used to create a secondary containment room.
1. Roof Support
Another critical element to a hoarding design is an adequately designed and framed roof. A roof helps support the buildup of water, ice, and snow. It also protects against environmental hazards such as waste, dirt, and rust, or any overhead hazard that could fall or be placed on the hoarding roof.
2. Adequate Ventilation
Adequate ventilation within the hoarding should remain a top priority for scaffolding safety. Continuously monitor the hoarding atmosphere based on the standards from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or the Occupational Health & Safety Codes of Canada. Typically, this monitoring includes but is not limited to:
- Oxygen (O2)
- Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Thermal/Smoke and Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)
Cold weather doesn’t have to result in the shutdown of your job site. Taking a few extra steps and precautions can keep your site safe, your team working efficiently, and your project on track.
If you’re losing project time to cold weather, the scaffolding product design
specialists at AT-PAC can help. Contact us and we can help you design a perfect custom solution to meet all of your project’s needs.
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AT-PAC Expands Global Footprint with New Darwin Branch Opening AT-PAC continues to strengthen its global presence with the official opening of its new branch in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia- marking another strategic step in bringing high-quality scaffolding solutions closer to customers across key industrial and infrastructure markets. Strengthening Local Presence in the Northern Territory The Darwin branch represents a significant investment in the Northern Territory, reinforcing AT-PAC’s commitment to supporting industrial, energy, mining, and infrastructure projects with locally available inventory, engineering expertise, and responsive service. By expanding its footprint in the Northern Territory, AT-PAC is better positioned to: Reduce lead times for customers Provide faster access to Ringlock scaffolding systems Deliver localized support backed by global standards This new location ensures customers across the Northern Territory and surrounding regions have direct access to the equipment and expertise needed to execute projects safely, efficiently, and reliably. Built for Proximity, Designed for Performance At the core of AT-PAC’s global strategy is a simple principle: proximity to the customer matters. The Darwin branch has been designed to function as more than just a distribution point. It serves as a hub for: Scaffold sales and rental solutions Engineering and technical support Project collaboration and planning With a strong local team in place, the branch enables closer partnerships with contractors, industrial clients, and project stakeholders throughout Northern Australia. Supporting Growth Across Key Industries The Northern Territory continues to see strong investment across major industrial sectors, making Darwin a strategic location for AT-PAC’s continued growth. Key industries supported by the new branch include: Oil & Gas Mining Energy Infrastructure Defence and Marine The Darwin expansion allows AT-PAC to further support these industries with scalable scaffold systems designed to meet the demands of complex and remote projects. A Continued Commitment to Global Expansion The opening of the Darwin branch is part of AT-PAC’s broader mission to become a top-tier global scaffolding provider. By investing in regional infrastructure and strengthening its branch network, the company continues to deliver on its promise: The right scaffold system—available where and when it’s needed.
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