IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project

Procedure Scaffolding

OWNER：
IL & FS TAMIL NADU POWER COMPANY LIMITED

CONSULTANT：
Fichtner Consulti ng engineers(India)Pvt. Ltd

CONTRACTOR：
SHANGDONG TIEJUN Electric Power Engineering
Company Limited

0
Descriptio Prepared Approved
Revision Checked By Date
n by by by

Issue 1 – 2010
 Procedure – Scaffolding

Table of Contents

1. Introduction................................................................................................................1
1.1 Types of scaffolds......................................................................................................1
1.2 Accidents involving scaffolding..................................................................................1
2. Definitions.................................................................................................................. 2
3. Guidance for Use.......................................................................................................2
3.1 Establish scaffold requirements.................................................................................2
3.2 Assemble and erect the scaffold................................................................................3
3.3 Pre-use inspection.....................................................................................................4
3.4 Use the scaffold.........................................................................................................4
3.5 Dismantle/alter the scaffold.......................................................................................5
3.6 Scaffold tagging system............................................................................................5
4. Inspection, Testing and Maintenance........................................................................6
5. Training..................................................................................................................... 6
6. Records..................................................................................................................... 7
Annexure 1 - Scaffold Pre-Use Inspection Checklist..........................................................1-1
Annexure 2 - Scaffold Inspection Checklist........................................................................2-1
 SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project

1. Introduction

Scaffolding is a temporary platform/frame used to support people and material. It is constructed

for reaching heights above arms' reach for the purpose of building, construction, maintenance or
repair.

It is used in construction, alteration, routine maintenance and renovation. Scaffolding offers a

safer and more comfortable work arrangement compared to leaning over edges, stretching
overhead and working from ladders. Suitable and sufficient scaffolding must be supplied for
work at elevations that cannot be accomplished safely by other means. Properly erected and
maintained, scaffolding provides workers safe access to work locations, level and stable
working platforms, and temporary storage for tools and materials for performing immediate
tasks.

Scaffolding hazards rank high on the list of the most frequently mentioned standards in the
construction industry and account for a significant number of fatalities in the construction
industry. More construction employees die from falls than from any other accident in modern
industry. Working safely on scaffolds is not an art. It takes awareness and willingness to follow
good safety practices.

1.1 Types of scaffolds

There are at least 25 types of scaffolds in general use, of which the three most common types
are:
 Fixed scaffolds
 Suspended scaffolds
 Mobile scaffolds.

1.2 Accidents involving scaffolding

Individuals exposed to scaffolding hazards include scaffold erectors and dismantlers, personnel
working on scaffolds, and employees and the general public near scaffolding. Scaffold erectors
and dismantlers are at particular risk, since they work on scaffolds before ladders, guardrails,
platforms and planks are completely installed.

Accidents involving scaffolding includes:

 Injuries:
o Mostly hand, foot and head injuries sustained during the erection and dismantling of
the scaffolding; and
o Failing to use the correct PPE;
 Falls due to:
o Incorrect use of scaffolding;
o Unsafe accessing scaffolding;
o Improper housekeeping;
o Incorrect placement of building material and other objects; and
o Failing to use safety harnesses;
 Falling objects:
o Failure to install toe boards on platforms, resulting in severe injuries to employees
working below;
 Incorrect method of raising and lowering material;
 Unsafe access:

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o Failure to include ladders when erecting scaffolding leads to the incorrect method of
accessing scaffolding, e.g. employees accessing the scaffold by climbing the
framework;
 Danger of electrocution:
o Failure to introduce permit/lock-out procedures before erecting scaffolding near
electrical equipment;
 Inadequate control measures/procedures; and
 Scaffold collapse due to:
o Overloading of work platforms;
o Failure to do independent ties to structures;
o Failure to ensure a stable base before erection; and
o Failure to do regular inspections.

2. Definitions

Fixed scaffold Built from the ground up to a desired height

Mid-rail A horizontal crosspiece that runs halfway between the planking
and railing on a platform
Mobile scaffold A temporary platform either supported from below or suspended
from above, on which workers sit or stand when performing tasks
at heights above the ground. Powered or unpowered, portable,
castor- or wheel-mounted supported scaffold
Suspended scaffold One or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid
means from an overhead structure(s)
Scaffolding A temporary work platform inside or on the face of a building to
allow worker and materials access to work areas above the
ground.

3. Guidance for Use

When planning for work at heights, it is essential that a safe working platform is provided for all
phases of a project. A safe working platform is usually provided by erecting scaffolding, with a
compulsory risk assessment by a competent person preceding the erection, in accordance with
the provisions of the procedure on Task Risk Assessment.

The use of scaffolding involves the following steps:

1. Establish scaffold requirements;
2. Assemble and erect the scaffold;
3. Conduct a pre-use inspection;
4. Use the scaffold;
5. Dismantle/alter the scaffold; and
6. Inspect and maintain scaffolding to ensure that it remains safe for use.

Following these steps in accordance with the provisions of the procedure on Working at
Elevated Positions, greatly reduces the likelihood of incidents occurring, and ensures that the
user performs the task safely while working at an elevated position.

3.1 Establish scaffold requirements

In addition to the relevant risk assessment, the following factors must be considered:
 Type of scaffold to be used;

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 Location where the scaffold will be used;

 Duration for which the scaffold will be used;
 Classification to be adopted for the scaffold (this must be for the worst case if several
trades are to make use of the scaffold);
 Maximum number of working platforms;
 Requirements for scaffold ties and other factors affecting the stability of the scaffold;
 Volume and extent of the scaffolding to be supplied;
 Access positions for ladders or staircases;
 Arrangements for the safety of the scaffold and the required inspections during use;
 Range of weather conditions;
 Emergency procedures in accordance with the provisions of the procedure on
Emergency Preparedness and Response, to deal with any emergency that might affect
the safety of employees working on the scaffold.

The scaffold must be capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the maximum
intended load to be applied or transmitted to the scaffold and components. Suspension ropes
must be capable of supporting six times the maximum intended load.

3.2 Assemble and erect the scaffold

All scaffold erections must take place under the supervision of a competent scaffold supervisor.
When the area is selected where the scaffold must be erected and the necessary risk
assessments were done:
 Check the location for:
o Ground conditions:
 Erect scaffold on a base plate that will support all the loads that will be applied
including materials and equipment; and
 Ensure that the backfill is compact and level. Replace mud and soft soil with
gravel or crushed stone;
o Overhead wires;
o Obstructions; and
o Changes in surface elevation.
 Inspect all scaffolds and components upon receipt at the erection location and return, tag
“Do Not Use” or destroy defective components.
 Erect all scaffolding parts according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 Use a safety harness that is tied off the scaffold to a building or lifeline.
 Assemble scaffolds together with another person so that one person is on the scaffold and
one is passing materials from the ground.
 Provide adequate sills for scaffold posts and use base plates - do not use concrete blocks,
bricks or scrap lumber.
 Use jackscrews to eliminate hazards created by temporarily jacking up the erected
scaffold to add shims when sections are not level.
 Brace both sides of every frame for the vertical plane (install horizontal bracing at the joint
of every third tier of frames – this bracing is often attached to the point where the scaffold
is tied to the structure).
 Do not force braces to fit – level the scaffold until a proper fit can be made easily.
 Use coupling devices to join frames and prevent the joints from pulling apart.
 Build a rest platform for every 10 metres high next to the ladder.
 Ensure the scaffold is securely attached to the building structure.
 Inspect locking devices frequently during assembly.

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 Install ladders as the erection proceeds – when scaffolds are to be in place for an
extended period, install a stairway.
 Complete the platform fully at each working level before assembling the next level.
 Inspect planks before use.
 Install guardrails consisting of:
o A top rail 1 metre above platform;
o A mid-rail about halfway between the platform and the top rail on the inside of the
posts;
o A toe board 100 mm high – fastened to inner side of posts; and

Suspended scaffolds must meet the following specific requirements in so far as such
requirements are applicable:
 Platforms are designed and built with dimensions that are compatible with the stability of
the structure as a whole, especially the length.
 The number of anchorages is compatible with the dimensions of the platform.
 The safety of workers is guarded by an extra rope with a point of attachment independent
of the anchorage arrangements of the scaffold.
 The anchorages and other elements of support of the scaffold are designed and built in
such a way as to ensure sufficient strength.
 The ropes, winches, pulleys or pulley blocks are designed, assembled, used and
maintained according to the requirements established for lifting gear adapted to the lifting
of persons according to national laws and regulations.
 Before use, the whole structure is checked by a competent person.

3.3 Pre-use inspection

Before using the scaffold, an inspection must be conducted (see Annexure 1: Scaffold Pre-Use
Inspection) to ensure that the –
 base is sound, level and adjusted;
 legs are plumb and all braces are in place;
 locking devices and ties are secured;
 cross members are level; and
 planks, decks and guardrails are installed and secure.

Inspect to ensure that –

 the scaffold is of suitable type and adequate for the job;
 materials used in its construction are sound and of sufficient strength;
 it is of sound construction and stable; and
 the required safeguards are in position.

Attach a tag stating the time and date of inspection.

3.4 Use the scaffold

Scaffolds are a common means of providing a safe work platform for working at height, provided
that a few basic safety rules are followed, namely:
 Scaffold users must know scaffold tags before using any scaffold at construction and then
follow the instructions or warnings outlined on the tag.
 An access ladder must be used, not the scaffold frame, unless it is specially designed to
be climbed.

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 Measures must be taken to eliminate slippery conditions from all platforms and access
areas.
 Consider the effect of increased winds when scaffolds are covered (hoarded).
 Adequate ventilation must be supplied for the work activity inside if the scaffold is
completely hoarded.
 Do not –
o jump on planks or platforms;
o work on scaffolds during storms or high winds;
o use ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to increase height;
o overload scaffold frames or platforms;
o rest materials or equipment on guardrails;
o work below a scaffold without head protection; and
o use scaffolds near electrical wires.
 Materials, tools and equipment that cannot be carried safely, must be raised/lowered in a
safe manner to and from the working platform.

The subcontractor must provide competent supervision to ensure that all scaffolds are used
appropriately and only for the purpose for which they are designed or erected.

3.5 Dismantle/alter the scaffold

When the need arises for dismantling, altering or moving a scaffold, the following must be
adhered to:
 Measures must be taken to ensure that the structure remains stable at all times.
 The platform must be cleared of all materials and debris before dismantling.
 Proceed in the reverse order of erection – each tier must be dismantled completely before
starting on the one below.
 Work from full platform decks while removing braces and frames.
 Rusted components must be removed with caution – tugging or pulling on stuck parts
often causes a loss of balance, thus a safety harness and lanyard, which is properly tied
off, must be worn.
 No boards or parts must be thrown or dropped from heights.
 All scaffold parts must be checked and maintained and damaged pieces must be repaired
or discarded immediately.
 Moving parts of all fittings must be lubricated.

3.6 Scaffold tagging system

The most effective means of communication between the competent scaffold supervisor and the
scaffold user is a scaffold tag. During use, building or dismantling of a scaffold, a tag system
must be in place that provides the user information on completeness of a scaffold and any
hazards specific to the scaffold that the user may be warned about. The competent scaffold
Supervisor must complete and attach the scaffold tag at eye level on or near the access ladder
so that it is easy to locate, and clearly visible.

Tags must be made of materials (and completed with ink) that will withstand the environment in
which they are used, be legible and must include:
 The Competent Person’s name and signature;
 Date erected/tagged;
 Inspection date;
 Expiry date of label; and

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 Dismantling date.

A three tag system is used, which includes a red or “Danger” tag in conjunction with yellow and
green tags:
 A red tag means the scaffold is being dismantled, not yet completely erected, or for some
reason not safe and may not be used.
 A yellow tag is completed and attached to scaffolds that cannot be erected with all
components complete. A yellow tag also informs the user that a fall protection device is
required while on a scaffold with incomplete guardrails or deck openings.
 A green tag is completed and attached by the erecting crew to scaffolds that have
complete handrails, mid-rails, toe boards, and decking. A green tag informs all users that
the scaffold is safe to use.

Any scaffold that is not tagged may not be used.

4. Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent scaffold supervisor and the results recorded:
 Before being taken into use;
 At periodic intervals thereafter as prescribed for different types of scaffolds; and
 After any alteration, interruption in use, exposure to weather or seismic conditions or any
other occurrence likely to have affected their strength or stability.

Maintain scaffolds in good repair. Only replacement components from the original manufacturer
must be used; intermixing scaffold components from different manufacturers must be avoided.
Fabricated scaffolds must be repaired according to the manufacturer’s specifications and
guidance.

Store all scaffolding parts in an organized manner in a dry and protected environment. Examine
all parts and clean, repair or dispose of them as necessary before use.

5. Training

All employees involved in erecting, using, dismantling, maintaining and inspection on a scaffold
must be trained by a competent person on the –
 hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used; and
 procedures to control or minimise those hazards.

The training must include the following (as applicable):

 The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work
area;
 The correct procedures for –
o dealing with electrical hazards; and
o erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling
object protection systems being used;
 The proper use of the scaffold as well as the proper handling of materials on the scaffold;
and
 The maximum intended load and the load carrying capacities of the scaffolds used.

Retraining is required when –

 there is reason to believe that the employee lacks skill/understanding;
 changes in the worksite present a hazard on which employees have not yet been trained;

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 there are changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection systems or other equipment that
could present hazards; and
 inadequacies in an employee’s work indicate that the required ability/skill has not been
retained.

6. Records

A file must be kept for each type of scaffolding, recording the following:
 Particulars such as manufacturer, agent and purchase date;
 Maintenance history, including manufacturer/agent maintenance; and
 Inspection history.

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Annexure 1 - Scaffold Pre-Use Inspection Checklist

Subcontractor Project Location/site
Scheduled date
Responsible person Inspector name
Inspection (actual) date
Item # Item Description Yes No N/A Comments
Is the scaffold erected under the supervision of a person competent
1.
in scaffold erection?
2. Is the framework without bends?
Is the footing of the scaffold sound, rigid, and capable of carrying 4
3.
times the maximum intended load?
4. Is the work platform secured?
5. Does the pitting due to rust not exceed 0.5 mm?
6. Is the independent scaffold secured to a structure?
7. Has the scaffold not been left partly constructed?
8. Is the ladder secured?
Are guardrails provided on scaffolds more than 10 feet above the
9.
ground?
10. Is planking of sufficient stress grade or scaffold grade timber?
Is planking of platforms overlapped not less than 6 inches or more
11.
than 12 inches or secured from movement?
Are poles, legs or uprights of scaffolds plumb and securely braced
12.
to prevent swaying and displacement?
Are guardrails and toe boards installed on all open sides and ends
13.
of scaffold platforms?

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 SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project

Annexure 1 - Scaffold Pre-Use Inspection Checklist

Subcontractor Project Location/site
Scheduled date
Responsible person Inspector name
Inspection (actual) date
Item # Item Description Yes No N/A Comments
Are scaffolds equipped with toe boards wherever there is a
14.
possibility that falling material could cause a hazard?
15. Are toe boards at least four inches in height?
16. Is the appropriate signage posted?

Actions required:

CAR/PAR reference: NOTE:

CAR/PAR (Corrective/Preventive Action Request):
All actions are managed through the action management
Inspector signature: process – referenced from here to enable follow-up and
close-out of inspection actions.

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 SHANDONG TIEJUN ELECTRIC POWER ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED
IL & FS Cuddalore Thermal Power Project

Annexure 2 - Scaffold Inspection Checklist

Subcontractor Project Location/site
Scheduled date
Responsible person Inspector name
Inspection (actual) date
Item # Item Description Yes No N/A Comments
1. Have competent persons been appointed?
2. Did the inspector, team leader and team receive training?
3. Has a risk assessment been conducted, with proof available?
4. Has an emergency plan been drawn up?
5. Are safety lanyards used where applicable?
6. Is a copy of the relevant scaffold standard available on site?
7. Is proof of adherence to the scaffold standard available?
8. Are the manufacturer’s erecting guidelines available?
9. Is the scaffold not moved or altered while work is in progress?
When employees are working on suspended scaffolds, are life lines
10.
firmly anchored to an overhead structure and not to the scaffold?
11. Are employees wearing body harnesses attached to life lines?
12. Is a tool container used?
13. Are ropes to lift equipment available?
Are heavy loads placed over or near the bearers and not in the centre
14.
of the plank?
Where persons work under scaffold, is a 1/2 inch-mesh screen provided
15.
between toe board and guardrail?

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Annexure 2 - Scaffold Inspection Checklist

Subcontractor Project Location/site
Scheduled date
Responsible person Inspector name
Inspection (actual) date
Item # Item Description Yes No N/A Comments
16. Is the scaffold inspection record book available?
17. Is the scaffold inspection record book completed as required?
18. Has the required PPE been identified?
19. Is scaffold stored to prevent damage?
20. Are defective parts on scaffold immediately replaced or repaired?
21. Are parts to be scrapped identified and separated from other parts?
22. Is public access prevented where possible?

Actions required:

CAR/PAR reference: NOTE:

CAR/PAR (Corrective/Preventive Action Request):
All actions are managed through the action management
Inspector signature: process – referenced from here to enable follow-up and
close-out of inspection actions.

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