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Guidelines For Assembling Scaffolding: Typical Scaffold Setup Scaffold Should Be Level

Frame scaffolding must be erected properly to be safe. The document provides guidelines for assembling scaffolding including ensuring the base is level and stable, braces fit and lock, approved planks are used, and guard rails are required for heights over 10 feet. Erection involves leveling sections, bracing at regular intervals, stacking higher levels so frames fit and lock, fully planking work platforms, installing guard rails above 10 feet, and providing safe access such as ladders. Crews should be trained on these guidelines.

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49 views

Guidelines For Assembling Scaffolding: Typical Scaffold Setup Scaffold Should Be Level

Frame scaffolding must be erected properly to be safe. The document provides guidelines for assembling scaffolding including ensuring the base is level and stable, braces fit and lock, approved planks are used, and guard rails are required for heights over 10 feet. Erection involves leveling sections, bracing at regular intervals, stacking higher levels so frames fit and lock, fully planking work platforms, installing guard rails above 10 feet, and providing safe access such as ladders. Crews should be trained on these guidelines.

Uploaded by

jerald Rolloda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Guidelines for Assembling

Scaffolding

Typical Scaffold Setup Scaffold should be level.


Braces should fit and lock. Use approved planks.
Guard rails are required above 10 feet.

Source: El Nuevo Constructor


Publication date: May 1, 2007

Frame scaffolding, made from welded steel tubing (also called "pipe staging") is only safe if it is erected
properly. Once the staging is erected with the proper planks, it should be like standing on a floor —which
will make your crew more comfortable and safe. It will also improve the quality of work they do from a
solid platform no matter how high up they are.

Here are some very important steps to take to assure safe and proper scaffold erection.

1. Base preparation and setup

 The key to trouble-free scaffold assembly is to begin with a firm and stable foundation.
 Remove mud and debris from the setup area, and level the ground where the legs of the staging will
stand.
 Always use steel base plates or adjustable screw jacks placed onto wide wood base supports or
mudsill planks under the first frame sets. Screw jacks will help you level the first frame sets on uneven
ground.
 Never use stacks of wood blocks, bricks, or concrete blocks to level the staging.

2. Erection of first level scaffold sections

 Place your first frame sets onto the base blocks or mudsills and adjust each section so it's level and
square.
 Use levels and a string-line to set all the first-level sections, then nail the steel base plates into the
base blocks or mudsills tosecure them.
 Always use base plates even when setting up staging on a wood deck, concrete slab, or asphalt to
keep the pipe staging legs from punching through the surface under heavy loads.

3. Bracing
 Cross-bracing keeps the staging from swaying back and forth.
 Braces should fit and lock onto each post in every section. Do not use tie-wire to secure braces that
don't fit properly.
 As you go up in height, you must also secure the staging to the building at regular intervals (for
example: brace to the building every 16 feet in height and every 16 feet along the length of the
building).
 Wire alone won't work to tie staging to the building. Use wall tie-in brackets that clamp onto the
staging and bolt into solid framing in the wall.

4. Stacking higher levels

 Each next level of frames going up should fit and lock onto the coupling pins in the lower level staging.
 Never use un-matched sets of frames that don't fit together. And always install the locking pins
through the joined sections to hold them together.

5. Planking and toe-boards

 Only use plank-grade lumber to avoid dangerous knots common in framing lumber. While engineered
lumber and aluminum/plywood planks may cost more, they last longer and are safer than lumber
planks.
 Plan for the weight that the planks will have to carry.
 Every working level must be fully planked across the work platform with no gaps wider than one inch.
 Toe-boards a minimum of 4 inches high prevent materials and tools from falling from the work
platform.

6. Guard rails and end rails

 Platforms higher than 10 feet (7 feet in California) require two guardrails placed about 19 inches and
42 inches above the work platform.
 Install manufactured guardrails or use 2x4's tied with #18 tie-wire. Do not use cross-braces as
guardrails.
 Enclose open ends with end rails that run to the building.

7. Access

 Scaffold frames are designed for support only, not as a way to climb to the work platform.
 Place and tie a properly sized ladder against the scaffold for access to the work platform, or install
prefabricated staging stairs with handrails that run inside the frames.

8. Train your crew

Make these guidelines part of your company's Fall Protection training program for every member of your
crew who will work from scaffolding. Assign one person on each crew to be responsible for overseeing
the correct assembly and use of the scaffold, including inspecting parts for compatibility or damage during
erection. Make sure to inspect the scaffold before use each day to make sure no other workers have
changed the setup.

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