27
life bore evil influences. One could visit a soothsayer or some such person. He could advise whether one should perform rituals or what one should do to dissipate any evil influences. Once on the job of scaffolding, early in the morning especially, it is important that no inauspicious words are spoken. If something inappropriate is said it could be that it will actually come about. In addition, in the old days scaffolders wore a special belt which was believed to keep evil away and ensure safety. This belt was worn all day except when eating or going to the toilet. At night, it was hung by the bed in a special position where it can offer protection." Today, a scaffolder's 'belt' normally consists of a length of the same nylon that he uses to tie the scaffolding members together. A bundle of these nylon 'thongs' are tucked into his 'belt' and he pulls them out, one at a time, while he works aloft. His knife and his snips he will carry in his pocket.
Although bamboo appears to be rather flimsy, and structural analysis has never really been a practical proposition, the advantage is that, as a material, it bends before it breaks. Few accidents have been recorded which are the direct result of faulty bamboo or insecure scaffolding." The Hong Kong Government Labour Department groups all accidents, which are classified as 'falling from heights', together. It does not have a separate category concerning bamboo scaffolding.
Visitors to Hong Kong often take an interest in scaffolding and a Mr Malcolm Goodieson, from Mildura, Australia, raised, among other points, the following:
"Are sufficiently high safety standards enforced with regard to scaffolding?
Is there a need to impose further control measures in the interests of public safety"
Mr Goodieson continued:
"I have never before visited a place which had bamboo scaffolding. Nor have I been to a place where so many workmen behaved more like daredevil acrobats than construction workers.
More recently, an "Occupational Safety and Health Council', complete with an education and Information Centre, has been set up. As mentioned before, however, little has been written about bamboo
27
life bore evil influences. One could visit a soothsayer or some such person. He could advise whether one should perform rituals or what one should do to dissipate any evil influences. Once on the job of scaffolding, early in the morning especially, it is important that no inauspicious words are spoken. If something inappropriate is said it could be that it will actually come about. In addition, in the old days scaffolders wore a special belt which was believed to keep evil away and ensure safety. This belt was worn all day except when eating or going to the toilet. At night, it was hung by the bed in a special position where it can offer protection." Today, a scaffolder's 'belt' normally consists of a length of the same nylon that he uses to tie the scaffolding members together. A bundle of these nylon 'thongs' are tucked into his 'belt' and he pulls them out, one at a time, while he works aloft. His knife and his snips he will carry in his pocket.
Although bamboo appears to be rather flimsy, and structural analysis has never really been a practical proposition, the advantage is that, as a material, it bends before it breaks. Few accidents have been recorded which are the direct result of faulty bamboo or insecure scaffolding." The Hong Kong Government Labour Department groups all accidents, which are classified as 'falling from heights', together. It does not have a separate category concerning bamboo scaffolding.
Visitors to Hong Kong often take an interest in scaffolding and a Mr Malcolm Goodieson, from Mildura, Australia, raised, among other points, the following:"
Are sufficiently high safety standards enforced with regard to scaffolding?
Is there a need to impose further control measures in the interests of public safety"
Mr Goodieson continued:
I have never before visited a place which had bamboo scaffolding. Nor have I been to a place where so many workmen behaved more like daredevil acrobats than construction workers.
More recently, an "Occupational Safety and Health Council', complete with an education and Information Centre, has been set up. As mentioned before, however, little has been written about bamboo
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.