Drywall Stilt Safety
When drywalling using drywall stilts can be very helpful. They can be adjusted to help you reach higher ceilings, walls, ceiling corners and etc. When the stilts have been raised higher they can be a bit harder to keep your balance. Make sure you are able to walk safely on however high you have made your drywall stilts. If you are unable to walk safely talk to your boss or coworkers to see what other way you can get the job done.
Before getting on your drywall stilts make sure the work area is cleaned and everything is ready for you to walk on the stilts. Make sure all open areas in the floor are covered and there are no slippery surfaces. If you need a light to help you see the drywall better make sure you put it on an elevated surface before getting on your stilts, so you do not have to get off of the drywall stilts to pick it up. Make sure all extension cords are picked up off the floor so there are no trip hazards.
OSHA does not plan on banning use of drywall stilts, but do stress that where standard guardrails are used to protect employees working near an edge, the height of the guardrails may have to be raised if stilts are to be used.
When using drywall stilts there are some do’s and do not’s. They also have a load limit on them so make sure to check the limit before use.
Do’s…
When drywalling using drywall stilts can be very helpful. They can be adjusted to help you reach higher ceilings, walls, ceiling corners and etc. When the stilts have been raised higher they can be a bit harder to keep your balance. Make sure you are able to walk safely on however high you have made your drywall stilts. If you are unable to walk safely talk to your boss or coworkers to see what other way you can get the job done.
Before getting on your drywall stilts make sure the work area is cleaned and everything is ready for you to walk on the stilts. Make sure all open areas in the floor are covered and there are no slippery surfaces. If you need a light to help you see the drywall better make sure you put it on an elevated surface before getting on your stilts, so you do not have to get off of the drywall stilts to pick it up. Make sure all extension cords are picked up off the floor so there are no trip hazards.
OSHA does not plan on banning use of drywall stilts, but do stress that where standard guardrails are used to protect employees working near an edge, the height of the guardrails may have to be raised if stilts are to be used.
When using drywall stilts there are some do’s and do not’s. They also have a load limit on them so make sure to check the limit before use.
Do’s…
- Inspect stilts thoroughly before use, making sure that the stilts are free from damage and hazards, that there is no excessive wear at the connection points, and that all bolts are tight. Special attention should be given to the entire strut tube assemblies and wing bolts in this respect.
- Walk only on suitable hard surface which is level.
- Fasten the upper leg strap first when putting on stilts.
- Disconnect upper leg straps last when removing stilts.
- Replace any damaged or excessively worn stilt components before use.
- Remove stilts to adjust them unless assisted by another person.
- Remove stilts when moving up and down stairs.
- Cover any floor openings.
- Get help when retrieving objects from the floor. If no one is around remove them completely.
- Keep all straps tightly fastened and secured.
- Take short steps, making sure that the stilts are raised well clear of the floor with each step.
- Adjust stilts whenever necessary to ensure it is safe.
- Always watch where you are walking.
Do not’s…
- Wear stilts without having the proper instruction.
- Wear stilts that are uncomfortable or not adjusted properly.
- Wear stilts without having first inspected them for obvious hazards.
- Wear stilts that have clearly been misused damaged or modified.
- Walk on slippery surfaces.
- Work around uncovered floor openings, stairwells, etc.
- Carry heavy loads while walking on stilts.
- Run or walk fast on stilts.
- Pick up objects which are lower than foot level.
- Wear stilts that are taller than necessary.
- Lean over desks, files, boxes, or other objects while on stilts.
- Be irresponsible on stilts.
- Take steps so large that the action springs fall out.This can cause serious Injury.
- Modify this product in anyway.
- Walk on secondary scaffolding, benches, planks etc.
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=19094
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szj_zyEPRg8
http://www.findarticleonline.com/drywall-stilts-what-you-must-know.html
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