Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Occupational Safety & Health Diploma

‫دبلومة السالمة والصحة المهنية‬

Scaffolding Safety
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffolds

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

What Is A Scaffold?
An elevated, temporary work platform

Three basic types:

➢ Supported scaffolds -- platforms
supported by rigid, load bearing
members, such as poles, legs, frames, &
outriggers
➢ Suspended scaffolds -- platforms
suspended by ropes or other non-rigid,
overhead support
➢ Aerial Lifts -- such as “cherry pickers” or
“boom trucks”

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Tubular Independent Scaffolding

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Ｓｏｌｅｐｌａｔｅ Ｂａｓｅｐｌａｔｅ
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
SCAFFOLD SAFETY SERIES

Timber cover for Ladder should be fixed

Access Hole to narrowest width of
(Preferably hinged tower
to platform)

Plan Brace Plan brace

under deck

Wire lashing

Bottom of ladder
supported by transom
Mobile Tower Scaffold
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Hazards
Employees working on scaffolds are
exposed to these hazards:

• Falls from elevation – caused

by slipping, unsafe access, and
the lack of fall protection
• Struck by falling tools / debris
• Electrocution – from overhead
power lines
• Scaffold collapse - caused by
instability or overloading
• Bad planking giving way

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Fall Hazards
Falls may occur:
• While climbing on or off
the scaffold
• Working on unguarded
scaffold platforms
• When scaffold platforms
or planks fail

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Protecting Workers from Falls

If a worker on a scaffold
can fall more than 10
feet, protect them by:
• Guardrails, and/or
• Personal Fall Arrest
Systems (PFAS)

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Guardrails
Install along open sides & ends
Front edge of platforms not
more than 14 inches from the
work, unless using guardrails
and/or PFAS
• Guard rails are not required
when outrigger scaffolds are
three inches or less from the
front edge
when employees are plastering
and lathing 18 inches or less
from the front edge

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Guardrails

Top rails - 38 to 45 inches tall

Mid rails halfway between top
rail and platform
Toe boards at least 3-1/2
inches high

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Guardrails
•38 inch minimum guardrail height where
guardrail is primary fall protection.
• 36 inch minimum guardrail height where fall
arrest systems are primary fall protection.
• Protect from falling between the top rail and
surface, by using mid rails, screens or mesh.
• Protective barriers must be strong enough to
support a falling employee. Wood, chain and
wire rope may be used for top rails and mid
rails.

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

You must be trained how to properly use PFAS

PFAS include anchorage, lifeline and body harness.
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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
SCAFFOLD SAFETY SERIES

Full Body Harness - Fall Arrest System

Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Fall Protection Requirements
Can use PFAS instead of guardrails
on some scaffolds
Use PFAS & guardrails on suspension
scaffolds
Use PFAS on erectors and
dismantlers where feasible

The ends of this scaffold

are not properly guarded

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Falling Object Protection

Wear hardhats
Barricade area below scaffold to
forbid entry into that area
Use panels or screens if material is
stacked higher than the toeboard
Build a canopy or erect a net
below the scaffold that will contain
or deflect falling objects

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Overhead Power Lines
The possibility of
electrocution is a
serious consideration
when working near
overhead power lines

Check the clearance

distances listed in the
standard

Insulated lines: less than 300 volts - 3 feet

300 volts to 50 KV - 10 feet
More than 50 KV - 10 feet plus 0.4 inches for each
1 KV over 50 KV
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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Overhead Power Lines
Scaffolds may be closer to
power lines than specified
where the clearance is
necessary to perform work,
but only after the utility
company, or electrical
system operator, is notified
of the need to work closer
and they de energized or
relocate the lines, or installed
protective coverings to
prevent contact with the lines

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Essential Elements of Safe
Scaffold Construction
• Use appropriate
scaffold construction
methods

• Proper scaffold access

• Properly use a
competent person

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Platform Construction

Platforms must:
• be fully planked or
decked with no more
than 1 inch gaps
• be able to support its
weight & 4 times
maximum load
• be at least 18 inches
wide

This is not a properly

constructed scaffold

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Planks
• Always plank out the full width of the scaffold. (the
minimum plank width is 18 inches)
• Checking of Scaffold Boards (A board should not be
used if:
1. Either end is split sufficient to cause a weakness.
2. It is damaged by fracture or saw cut, is splintered, has
been nailed, or concrete or plaster is sticking to it.
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Planks
3- It has had oil,
corrosive liquid or acid
split on it.
4- It has any part painted
(which may cover up a
weakness)
5- It is excessively
warped, or if any part
is decayed.
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Platform Construction

• No large gaps in front edge of
platforms
• Each abutted end of plank
must rest on a separate
support surface
• Overlap platforms at least 12
inches over supports, unless
restrained to prevent
movement
Planks not properly
overlapped

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

• Platforms 10' and less to

extend at least 6" but not
more than 12" past
support unless designed
and installed and/or
guarded properly

• Platforms greater than 10'

no more than 18" past
support unless designed
and installed and/or
guarded properly

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches
nor more than 12 inches and if planks longer than 10 ft, extension shall
not be more than 18 in
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Scaffold Platform Construction
• No paint on wood platforms
• Use scaffold grade wood
• Fully planked between front
upright and guardrail support
•Component pieces used must
match and be of the same type
• Erect on stable and level ground
• Lock wheels and braces

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Height

The height of the

20’
scaffold should not be
more than four times its
minimum base
dimension unless guys,
ties, or braces are used

5’

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Platform Ends

Each end of a
platform, unless
cleated or otherwise
restrained by hooks,
must extend over its
support by at least 6
inches

No Cleats

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

• Each platform end 10 feet or less shall not

extend over its support more than 12 inches
unless the platform is designed and installed so
that the cantilevered portion of the platform is
able to support employees and/or materials
without tipping, or has guardrails which block
employee access to the cantilevered end.

• For the platform more than 10 feet in length

shall not extend over its support more than 18
inches, unless the same mentioned above.

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Supported Scaffolds
Platforms supported by legs,
outrigger beams, brackets, poles,
uprights, posts, & frames

Restrain from tipping by guys, ties,

or braces

Scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames,

and uprights must be on base plates
and mud sills or other firm
foundation
This support is not adequate!

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‫‪Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions‬‬

‫قواعد السقاالت‬
‫قوة ومتانة السقالة يعتمد على قواعدها‪.‬‬ ‫•‬
‫عديد من حوادث إنهيار السقاالت كانت بسبب‬ ‫•‬
‫ضعف قواعدها‪.‬‬
‫يجب تثبيت ألواح تحت أرجل السقاالت‪.‬‬ ‫•‬
‫يفضل إستعمال ألواح للوقاية من الوحل‬ ‫•‬
‫‪ Mudsill‬بحيث تمتد مسافة ‪ 9‬بوصة من كل‬
‫جانب وال يقل سمكها عن ‪ 2‬بوصة وعرضها‬
‫عن ‪ 10‬بوصة‬
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Foundations
• Scaffolds must have base
plates, even when setting
on a concrete floor.
• Also, the lack of a base
plate could damage the
scaffold leg.
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Scaffold Support Examples

Base plate

Mud sills
Good support Inadequate support –
in danger of collapse?
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

How can one prevent supported

scaffolding from tipping?
Either the manufacturers’ recommendation or the following placements must be
used for guys, ties, and braces:
• Install guys, ties, or braces at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height
and repeat vertically with the top restraint no further than the 4:1 height from the
top.

• Vertically—every 20 feet or less for scaffolds less than three feet wide; every 26
feet or less for scaffolds more than three feet wide.

• Horizontally—at each end; at intervals not to exceed 30 feet from one end.

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Types of Ties
• Through Ties (+ ve)
• Reveal Ties (- ve)
• Box Ties (+ ve)
• Anchor Bolt (+ ve)
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

1- Through Ties (+ ve)

A tube is taken
through any
convenient opening,
such as a window,
and coupled to
vertical or horizontal
tubes.
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

2- Reveal Ties (- ve)

A tube is wedged into an
opening in the wall by means
of ‘Reveal Pin’. A second tube
is then fixed between this
tube and the scaffold to form
the tie. The reveal pin
normally consists of a piece
of tube with a base plate at
one end and a screw jack at
the other.
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

3- Box Ties (+ ve)

This tie can be used if
there are columns
close to the scaffold.
Tie tubes run both
sides of the column,
with cross tubes tied
back and front to both
tie tubes
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

4- Anchor Bolt (+ ve)

For anchor bolt, a pull out
force of at least 800 lbs, 1200
lbs, and 1600 lbs, is necessary
for light, medium and heavy
duty scaffolds respectively.
 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Proper Scaffold Access

Provide access when scaffold platforms
are more than 2 feet above or below a
point of access

Permitted types of access:

• Ladders, such as portable, hook-on,
attachable, stairway type, and built-ins
• Stair towers
• Ramps and walkways

May use building stairs and come out

window

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Access
• No access by crossbraces
• When using ladders,
bottom rung no more than
24 inches high
• Can use some end frames
• Can access from another
scaffold, structure or hoist

Do not access
End Frame by crossbraces

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Using Scaffolds
• Don’t work on snow or ice
covered platforms or during
storms or high winds
• Use tag lines on swinging
loads
• Protect suspension ropes
from heat & acid

A covered scaffold has special

wind load considerations

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Fatal Fact – Ice & No Guardrails

Laborer was working on the
third level of a tubular welded
frame scaffold which was
covered with ice and snow

The scaffold was not fully

decked, there was no
guardrail and no access
ladder

The worker slipped and fell

head first 20 feet to the
pavement below
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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Overhand Bricklaying
from Supported Scaffolds
A guardrail or personal fall arrest system is required
on all sides except the side where the work is being
done

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Competent Person

Person capable of identifying and

promptly correcting hazards

Determines if it’s safe to work on a

scaffold during storms or high winds

Trains workers to recognize hazards

Selects qualified workers to conduct

work

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Inspection
Competent person
inspects scaffolds for
visible defects before
each shift and after any
alterations

Defective parts must be

immediately repaired

Deformed bearer

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Scaffold Erection
Scaffolds can only be
erected, moved,
dismantled or altered
under the supervision of
a competent person

Competent person
selects & directs these
workers and determines
the feasibility of fall
protection

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Training Requirements
Train employees on scaffold hazards and
procedures to control the hazards

The training must include:

• Nature of electrical, fall, and falling
object hazards
• How to deal with electrical hazards
and fall protection systems
• Proper use of the scaffold
• Scaffold load capacities

Retrain as necessary

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Training Erectors

Train employees involved in

erecting, disassembling, moving,
operating, repairing,
maintaining, or inspecting a
scaffold to recognize its hazards
and the correct procedures to
use

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 Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Scaffold Labeling
Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions
Avoid the Main Hazards of Scaffolds
• Falls from elevation • Getting struck by falling
• Bad planking tools or debris
• Electrocution
• Scaffold collapse

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Proficiency for Safety , Health & Environmental Solutions

Summary
Remember to:
• Use appropriate scaffold construction methods
• Erect, move, or alter scaffold properly
• Protect from falling objects or tools
• Ensure stable access
• Use a competent person
• Train on scaffold construction and the hazards involved
with scaffolds
• Inspect scaffold before each shift and after alterations
• Determine fall protection requirements

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