Earthing of Scaffolding Structures (Grounded Scaffolding)

Earthing of Scaffolding Structures (Grounded Scaffolding)

How Is Scaffold Grounding Made?

In this article, it is aimed to inform / raise awareness about the grounding of temporary scaffolding systems used in construction sites and their protection against possible lightning strikes.

What is Grounding?

First of all, to briefly talk about what grounding is; Grounding is the method of connecting any device or system that can carry electricity to 'grounding' equipment buried in the ground with the help of a good conductor against a possible electrical leakage. The logic of this system is to eliminate the danger of being hit by electric current by ensuring that the electric current passes over the grounding line, not over people, in case of possible electric leakage.

Should the Scaffolding System be Grounded?

Construction scaffolding systems also have a low electrical resistance in any case. Since the feet (sub-adjustment shafts) of the scaffolding systems are generally in direct contact with the ground, it is assumed that this situation is sufficient for grounding and a real grounding is neglected. It should never be assumed that the scaffolding system makes an effective grounding by itself.

Is Scaffolding Grounding Required in the Legislation?

T.R. The necessity of considering the grounding issue is outlined in the 'Occupational Health and Safety Guide on Facade Scaffolds' prepared by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services, General Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety.

Who Makes Scaffold Grounding?

The grounding of the scaffold must be done blindly, not only to have done it, to have passed the inspections of the inspector, but also by really competent and competent electricians in accordance with the necessary standards and procedures regarding grounding.

Site Selection for Scaffolding Grounding?

Before the scaffolding systems are installed in the construction site environment, the lightning risk should be evaluated and a suitable scaffolding grounding system should be made according to the place where the scaffold will be built on the project. If soil digging is required for scaffolding grounding, site selection is important and excavation should not be made directly under the scaffolding system, ie the parts where the scaffold legs transfer the load to the soil. Since I am grounding the scaffold, the ground on which the scaffold will be built is made loose and possible collapse, slip etc. consequences should not be caused.

What is the Logic of Scaffold Grounding?

Electric wires are an unavoidable necessity both on the roadside and on the construction site. Therefore, electrical connections made on the scaffold for such power lines as well as lightning, construction site lighting and alarm systems are issues that must be considered. If the scaffolding system is not properly grounded due to such hazards, workers or other people may be seriously injured or cause fatal accidents.

In the construction site environment, employers or contractors are responsible for ensuring that the scaffolding system is safe. These people should make sure that the scaffold grounding is done by authorized electricians and that the necessary protection is provided before the work on the scaffolding system begins.

How can we ensure that the necessary grounding protection for the scaffold is provided?

For this, grounding measurements should be made. Grounding measurement; This can be done easily thanks to the relevant sensitive test equipment.

Particular attention should be paid to scaffolding systems to be used in elevator shafts within the building. Because in these places, elevator power lines are laid while the scaffolding is installed, and this poses a risk. As Oğuzhan İskele, we recommend that the scaffolding systems used inside the building be properly grounded so that you do not cause any danger.

Scaffolding Grounding in Sensitive Buildings;

There are some sensitive buildings; monuments, historical buildings, atomic and petrochemical plants etc. like. Scaffolding systems are installed in these buildings and of course, the need for scaffolding may arise. However, such sensitive structures often have their own rules for the grounding system, their own bylaws. Therefore, these rules should be carefully examined before starting the installation and scaffold grounding should be done without damaging the structures.

Things to Consider During Lightning and Storm;

Even if our scaffolding system is grounded and measured in the best way, the weather should be carefully monitored. We strongly recommend that all work on the scaffolding system be stopped immediately and that the pier be abandoned if thunderstorms have started in the distance and a storm is likely to come. After the weather calms down and it is understood that the risk of storm and lightning has disappeared, work on the pier should be started again and human life should not be put at risk.