Safer Together: Scaffold boards fell during high winds condition

Four scaffold boards, each weighing approximately 20kg, fell from their installed positions on the top of an LNG tank during high wind conditions.

Why did it happen?

• The boards were installed in a partial bay of ‘build boards’. Scaffold boards rely on a full bay of boards to prevent lateralmovement. The build boards had been stored on the scaffolding to prevent handling and dropped object risks associatedwith their removal and later reinstallation. Storing build boards in partial bays was routine practice on site.
• Anti-lift latches on the fallen boards had remained disengaged since the boards were installed. Scaffolders shared acommon belief that dropping the boards into place during installation would engage the latches. This only occurred 60%of the time. Design of the boards had been changed to make latch engagement more difficult, following user feedback thatthey often engaged unintentionally.
• The scaffolding inspection checklist focused on condition of the board and frame. It was difficult to determine latch positionfrom installation and inspection locations. If being installed from above, the scaffolder would need to reach down and feel forthe position of the latch after installing each board.
• The wind direction and shape of the tank amplified the upward wind forces at the location of the scaffolding boards. Scaffold boards in partial bays can be unstable in windy conditions.

To view this Safer Together safety alert in full and download the Step Change in Safety Verifications of Learning and Feedback Form, click 'Download Alert' button above.