This is generally done, but is imperative when the poles are to be used as standards. If not ripped off the bark acts as a sheath to the pole, and having little adhesion thereto will slip under pressure such as is exerted by the ledgers.
11. No work should take place on a working platform until its construction is complete, unless the portion incomplete is effectively guarded from the men using it.
In the course of building, the working platforms have to be raised as the work progresses. It is at these times that the dangers arise which the above suggestion is intended to prevent.
As a rule only one platform is completely sheeted (i.e., boarded) at a time, and in the transition stage of raising the platform the workmen are tempted to proceed with their work before it is completed and safeguarded. The remedy is for the use of additional timber.
12. No alteration of or interference with the construction of the scaffold should be made except with the authority of a responsible person.
On small jobs the general foreman should take responsibility in this connection. On large works, where a foreman scaffolder is engaged, it should be his business to superintend all alterations.
13. All plant should be constantly examined, and if any be found defective it should be disposed of in such a manner that its use cannot be continued unknowingly.
Many builders have no objection to the total destruction of minor details of plant found defective when the same is ordered by the foreman. No general system of marking defective plant is in use, but a good plan is to arrange for its removal from the building, care being taken that its return to the yard as defective should be made known to those concerned.
14. In such places where the scaffolding has not been erected by the direct employer of the men using it, or where its management has not been under his personal or deputed control or supervision, he should satisfy himself either personally or by his agents before allowing his employees to work thereon that the foregoing suggestions are kept in force on that portion of the scaffold and building with which he is concerned.
This suggestion has a similar intention to the following clause often embodied in building contracts. It reads as follows:—