Industry Update
Spring might mean longer days and warmer temperatures, but in the Wellington region it can also bring some of our most unpredictable weather.
Strong winds, sudden rain and rapidly changing conditions can place additional pressure on scaffolding, shrinkwraps and temporary structures.
For construction sites, this makes regular scaffold inspections particularly important. A scaffold that was safe and secure when it was last checked can be affected by severe weather, site activity or alterations made by other trades.
As we head into spring, checking scaffolds before use and following significant weather events should remain an important part of keeping sites safe.
Photo: Safe Scaffolding project, Shelley Bay, Wellington
Why It Matters
Scaffolding is designed and installed to provide a safe working environment, but conditions around it don’t stay still.
Spring winds can place additional loads on scaffold structures, particularly where shrinkwrap, screening, mesh or other containment is attached. Heavy rain can also affect ground conditions, access areas and working platforms.
After periods of strong wind or heavy rain, inspections can identify issues such as:
- Loose or damaged components
- Movement or changes to ties and bracing
- Damage to shrinkwrap or containment
- Changes to foundations, sole boards or ground conditions
- Debris or slippery conditions on working platforms
- Alterations made by other trades
- Damage caused by materials or equipment contacting the scaffold
Catching these issues early means they can be addressed before workers return to the scaffold.
Photo: Safe Scaffolding Safe Go Tag that is checked weekly, Wellington
Project Spotlight
Built for Wellington Weather 🌬️
Shrinkwrap structures become particularly valuable during unpredictable spring weather.
A professionally installed shrinkwrap can provide a weather-resistant working environment, helping roofing, cladding, painting and repair work continue when rain would otherwise bring work to a halt.
But wrapping a scaffold also changes how wind interacts with the structure.
A shrinkwrapped scaffold can effectively behave like a large sail, which is why the scaffold design, ties, bracing, installation and, where required, engineering are so important.
At Safe Scaffolding, our shrinkwrap and scaffold systems are installed with the site conditions and intended use in mind. Where engineering is required, we make sure the appropriate design and sign-off requirements are addressed.
BEFORE PHOTO – Keder Roof Scaffold Prior to Shrinkwrap
The structure taking shape. The scaffold and Keder roof system are installed and prepared before the shrinkwrap sides are added, creating the framework for a fully weather-protected work area.
AFTER PHOTO – Completed Keder Roof & Shrinkwrap
Weather protection complete. 🌧️🏗️ With the Keder roof overhead and shrinkwrap enclosing the sides, the completed structure provides a sheltered working environment, helping protect the building and allowing trades to keep working through Wellington’s unpredictable spring weather.
Safety Tips
Spring Scaffold Checklist
Before using scaffold, particularly following strong winds or heavy rain:
- Check the scaffold tag and inspection status.
- Look for any obvious movement or damage.
- Check platforms are clear and safe to walk on.
- Look for loose materials or debris.
- Check shrinkwrap, mesh and screening for damage or excessive movement.
- Check access points and ladders remain secure.
- Look for changes to ground or foundation conditions following heavy rain.
- Report any alterations made to the scaffold.
- Never modify scaffold components yourself.
- If something doesn’t look right, stay off the scaffold and contact the scaffolding company.
Regular weekly inspections are important, but so is the everyday awareness of everyone using the scaffold.
If the weather has given the site a hammering overnight, don’t simply assume everything is exactly as it was yesterday.
Ask Safe?
“Do we need to have our scaffold checked after strong winds?”
If a scaffold has been exposed to weather or another event that could have affected its stability or safety, it should be checked before workers continue using it.
This becomes especially important with shrinkwrapped, screened or enclosed scaffolds, because wind loading can be considerably different from an open scaffold.
If you’re unsure whether your scaffold needs another inspection, give the Safe Scaffolding team a call.
A quick check is considerably better than taking a chance.
🌱 Spring is Coming. Is Your Scaffold Ready?
Spring weather can change quickly, especially around Wellington.
Whether it’s a new-build scaffold, roof edge protection, repair scaffold or a fully shrinkwrapped structure, regular inspections help ensure it continues to provide a safe working environment throughout the project.
Strong winds. Sudden rain. Changing sites.
Your scaffold needs to be ready for all three.
Safe Scaffolding
Keeping Wellington projects moving, whatever the weather throws at us.