SWALEDEK - Usage & Safety Awareness
PURPOSE OF THE DECK SYSTEM
SWALEDEK is erected for the purpose of preventing a fall whilst fixing floor joists and roof trusses into position. The platform is fixed at a height of 2m from the room floor level.
The function of the deck at this position maintains a full platform to the whole internal perimeter of a room to support a person landing the trusses or fixing bracing.The platform is supported on 2m legs and is fixed to the panels by means of a connecting collar and elastic ties, and has a safe loading of 1.5kn per square metre.This equates to the equivalent of 150kg per square metre, and should not be exceeded.
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An allowable load would be for the person to use the deck as an access platform only whilst placing and guiding trusses into position and light access whilst fixing the bracing, but must not take the weight of the truss or any other material in any way or at any time.
RECOGNISING A SAFE STRUCTURE
When the structure is fully erected, there should be no lateral movement between the walls and no gap greater than 100mm around the perimeter.
Before using the structure on a daily basis, inspect the structure from below, to ensure that all legs are intact on all corners of the panels, and are upright to a plumb position. Check to see that there are no components lying on the floor in the room, they may have been removed from the system through vandalism and will have to be replaced.
Ensure the deck is tight to the walls in both directions and that it has no sway movement.
The legs are secured from movement by placing bracing gates connecting four legs in a square which will secure them from being kicked or moved out of place and keep them upright.
If the deck is not braced correctly between the walls, this will create a swaying effect where the deck moves between the walls and may cause the legs to displace below, and with constant movement, it may also cause the system to loosen further , thus causing the system to become unsafe for walking on.
Inspect the top of the platform before walking on it to ensure that all deck retainer clips are in place, and again, test the structure for lateral movement.
If the system shows any signs of the above, then you should not use the deck as an access platform until the faults are rectified. Report this immediately to site management for rectification.
If whilst working on the platform, it becomes loose from the walls with constant use , or if anything heavy is accidentally dropped on it, do not use that section until it has been rectified and checked.
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SWALEDEK can be erected by operatives having completed an erection course.
For erection guide and courses - Click here to get in touch