Accidents Due to Bamboo Scaffolding

Bamboo scaffolding might be linked to higher numbers of accidents.

Scaffolding refers to a temporary structure used to support materials and people during the repair or construction of structures. Bamboo -- a tree-based material often used for scaffolding in East and Southeast Asia -- might be considered less safe than other scaffolding materials due to the number of reported accidents.

Construction

Bamboo scaffolding consists of a base made up of bamboo poles assembled in multiple layers, and tied together with bamboo string. Cross braces -- or poles tied across multiple base layers in an X pattern -- add extra stability. Bamboo poles secured over each side of the base act as safety rails.

Accidents

According a 1997 Comparitive Study on Safety and Application of Bamboo and Metal Scaffolding in Hong Kong, 30 percent of construction site, fall-related fatal accidents were attributed to bamboo scaffolding falls. Factors cited in these accidents include the low strength and stability of bamboo compared to other materials, as well as the lack of Hong Kong regulations for bamboo scaffold construction.

Steel Comparison

Steel scaffolding consists of a wooden base braced by steel tubing. Metal plates typically reinforce the board ends of the base. The Comparitive Study on Safety and Application of Bamboo and Metal Scaffolding in Hong Kong analyzed the risk of accident in bamboo scaffolding to be .61 percent, compared to the significantly lower .39 accident risk in steel scaffolding.

References

• "Irbdirektr"; Comparitive Study on Safety and Application of Bamboo and Metal Scaffolding in Hong Kong; Dongping Fang, et al
• "Elevated Work Platforms and Scaffolding : Job Site Safety Manual"; Matthew Burkart, Michael McCann, Daniel Paine, and Jim Lapping; 2004

Resources

• "Fall Protection and Scaffolding Safety: An Illustrated Guide"; Grace Drennan Gagnet; 2000