SCAFFOLDING/WORK PLATFORMS

Scaffolding/Work Platforms

Inadequate scaffolding is responsible for many construction accidents. Scaffolds should be designed, built and inspected by competent persons. To avoid the use of makeshift platforms, each job should be carefully planned to assure that scaffolding is used when required and that such scaffolding conforms to the applicable regulations.

General

a. Guardrails, midrails and toeboards must be installed on all open sides of scaffolds 10 feet or more in height. This guardrail system should be constructed from components furnished by the manufacturer. Where this is not possible, sound 2 x 4 inch lumber must be used for the guardrails and midrails and 1x 4 inch lumber for the toeboards. Guardrails shall be 36" to 42" high above the floor or platform. If work is to be performed on the scaffold and/or adjacent hazard warrants, guardrails are required at lesser heights.

b. Scaffold planks must be at least 2 x 10 inch full-thickness lumber, structural grade, or the equivalent.

c. Scaffold planks must be cleated or secured and must extend over the end supports by at least 6 inches but not by more than 12 inches.

d. All scaffolds must be fully planked and constructed to support the load they are designed to carry

e. All scaffold members must be visually inspected before each use. Damaged scaffold members must be removed from service immediately.

f. Access ladders must be provided for each scaffold. Climbing off the end frames is prohibited unless their design incorporates an approved ladder.

g. Adequate mud sills or other rigid footing, capable of withstanding the maximum intended load must be provided.

h. Scaffolds must be tied off to the building or structure at intervals that do not exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.

i. Scaffold should not be overloaded. Materials should be brought up as needed. Excess materials and scrap should be removed from the scaffold when work is completed.

j. Barrels, boxes, kegs, horses, ladders, loose tile blocks, loose piles of bricks, A-frames or other unstable objects shall not be used as work platforms or to support scaffolds. Never use work platforms mounted on top of other work platforms.

k. Where persons are required to work or pass under a scaffold, a screen of 18 gauge, 1/2-inch wire mesh or equivalent protection is required between the toeboard and the guardrail.

l. Overhead protection is required if employees working on scaffolds are exposed to overhead hazards. Such protection must be 2 x 10 inch planks or the equivalent.

m. Scaffolds or work platforms must not be altered by unauthorized personnel.

Rolling Scaffolds

a. No one is allowed to ride rolling scaffolds

b. Rolling scaffolds shall only be used on level surfaces.

c. The height of rolling scaffold must not exceed four times the minimum base dimension. Use outriggers if additional height is needed.

d. The work platform must be planked tight for the full width of the scaffold. Cleat the underside of planks to prevent their movement.

e. Caster brakes must be locked when the scaffold is not in motion.

f. Get help when moving rolling scaffolds. Make certain that the route is clear. Watch for holes and overhead obstructions.

g. Secure or remove all loose materials and equipment before moving scaffold.

Two-Point Suspended Scaffolds (Swinging Stages)

a. Each employee working from a two-point suspended multi-stage scaffold must be tied off to an independent approved safety line attached to a secure part of the structure, extending to the ground. Each lanyard should be tied to the lifeline with a triple sliding hitch or mechanical rope grab. Ropes must be protected from burning or welding.

b. Suspended scaffolds must not be less than 20 nor more than 36 inches wide.

c. Wire ropes used to suspend such scaffolds must have a safety factor six times the maximum intended load. The scaffolds should have tie-ins to the building structure or have inside guardrails installed.

d. Non-conductive insulating material must be placed over the suspension cables on each scaffold for protection when the chance of contact with an electrical are exists.

e. All mechanisms and rigging shall be inspected daily.

Needle Beam Scaffolds

a. All employees working from needle beam scaffolds must use safety belts and independent lifelines

b. All needle beam scaffolds must be constructed to support the intended load

c. Needle beams must be at least 4 x 6 inches and the span must not exceed 10 feet.

d. Rope for supports must be at least 1 inch first grade manila or larger. Attach with a scaffold hitch or eye splice, properly secured to prevent the beam from rolling or being displaced.

e. Needle beam supports suspended by wire rope must be secured with three wire rope clamps, properly attached, and must be protected when near burning or welding.

f. Needle beams suspended by threaded rod must be secured by double nuts above the plate and below the beam. At least 1 inch of rod must be exposed.

Floats

a. Floats must not be overloaded. They must be inspected carefully prior to each use

b. The platform must be constructed from 3/4 inch exterior plywood, grade B-B or better. The minimum width must be 3 feet and the minimum surface area must be 18 square feet.

c. The supporting beams must be 2 x 4 inch select lumber and must project at least 6 inches beyond each side of the platform.

d. 1 x 4 inch edging must be placed on all sides of the platform to prevent tools from rolling off,

e. Supporting ropes must be 1 inch manila or the equivalent and must be protected from burning or welding.

f. When getting on or off of a float and when working from floats, employees are required to wear a safety belt and to be tied off to the structure or to an independent lifeline.