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Technology’s effect on the future of regulations and training. When it was suggested that I write about technology trends I thought it would be a no-brainer, what with me being an engineer. The word technology suggests science, engineering and the industrial arts, which is how Mr. Webster defines...

Scaffolds used in locations such as refineries, chemical plants and power stations are often referred to as industrial scaffolds, suggesting they are unique to that environment. But are they? Is there something mysterious going on in the refinery that transposes a common scaffold into a magical...

Fall protection is a huge topic these days what with people falling down and falling from heights. And since scaffolds are, by definition “any temporary elevated platform,” the issue of fall protection is significant, especially since most scaffold fatalities are due to falls from heights. It...

As a prime example, take the standards that relate to the height of toprails in a guardrail system. Here are the numbers: 36; 38; 39; 42; 45; 48. How about the height above the level below when fall protection is required? Here are the numbers: 5 feet; 6 feet; 7 and a half feet; 10 feet; 15 feet;...

As with all scaffolds, there are design, construction, and safety issues with mobile scaffolds. The idea here is to discuss some engineering issues, leaving the obvious safety issues to the “competent person, qualified in scaffold construction.” Now that I think about it, perhaps the safety issues...