SCAFFOLDING SAFETY
Herico, Ken Rafael M.
Javier, Mirasol N.
Leonin, Carlos Miguel D.
Lingao, Ericka Diane M.
Loria, Jerico D.
CE 4202
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive
understanding of scaffolding, including its uses, stages, related hazards, and proper control
measures recommended, as well as learn about portable ladders, enabling them to identify and
prevent potential risks from scaffolding and using portable ladders.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
● Know the Basic Concepts of Scaffoldings
● Understand and follow Safety Protocols During Scaffold Erection, Use, and Dismantling
● Be familiarized with the Classification of Scaffolds
● Identify and Mitigate Scaffold-Related Hazards and Control Measures
● Learn the Benefits and Dangers of Using Portable Ladders and how they can be
prevented
Rule 1414 of DOLE Department Order No. 128 Series of 2013
It focuses on the safety and proper construction of scaffolds in the workplace. It amends
the 1989 Occupational Health and Safety Standards to provide stricter guidelines for various
aspects of scaffolding.
Scaffolding Safety
Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary rigid structure that acts as a
platform to carry out the work by the workers in an elevated structure. It was frequently utilized
to assist with building projects like painting, plastering, bricklaying, and other remodeling tasks.
Three Major Uses of Scaffolding
● Greater Accessibility & Convenience
Scaffolding allows safe and efficient work on multi-story buildings, providing
seamless access to various areas and promoting teamwork among workers.
● Safety at Height
As scaffolding consists of flat spaces that are more secure than sloped roofs, it
provides workers with a firm base to balance on. Moreover, for extra grip and support,
scaffolding provides handrails that are perfect and very helpful for the safety of workers.
● Effective Placement
Scaffolding provides fine positioning which allows workers to facilitate repairs
and other tasks at the most desirable capacity.
Stages of Scaffolding
1. Inspection of Scaffold Components Before Erection
Before being erected or installed, all scaffold material delivered on site must be visually
inspected to ensure quality. Any damaged material needs to be either replaced, fixed, or
disposed.
2. Site Inspection and Preparation
Before any construction begins, the site must be inspected to verify that there are no
obstructions, overhead wires, changes in surface elevation, or problems with the ground.
3. Scaffold Erection
- Regardless of connection, all posts must be kept plumb.
- The designer's specifications must be followed for post spacing and material selection.
- In any situation, all runners must be perpendicular to the posts. The runners' spacing
needs to match the scaffold's design.
- As soon as the scaffold rises, diagonal braces must be installed to keep the system plumb.
- Joint pins, spigots, or other suitable connecting methods must be used to join or connect
all posts. Lap connections are not allowed.
- During construction, a working platform for each level must be provided. It is not
permitted to remove this functional platform until the next level has been installed.
4. Scaffold Inspection and Tagging
It is required to inspect all the scaffoldings before using it. A qualified or competent
person must perform inspection and tagging.
- Green tags shall be hung at every scaffold access that were inspected and are safe for use.
- Yellow tags shall be placed if special requirements for safe use are required.
- Red “DANGER – UNSAFE FOR USE” tags shall be hanged during scaffold erection and
dismantling and left unattended.
5. Maintenance During Use
Every scaffold must be kept in good condition, with all parts held firmly in place to avoid
displacement. Scaffolds that have been partially disassembled cannot be used unless they are
made strong, secure, and safe for the intended use.
6. Scaffold Dismantling
No component that affects the stability of the remaining structure should be removed
during dismantling.
Classification of Scaffolds
1. Supported Scaffolds - these are platforms constructed with sturdy and rigid ground supports,
such as brackets, poles, posts, legs, frames, and outriggers. These scaffolds are designed to
bear significant weight loads.
These are some of the commonly used supported scaffolds:
● Mobile scaffolds – also known as rolling or portable scaffolds, are
structures equipped with wheels or casters. This feature allows
them to be easily transported from one to another, enhancing
flexibility and efficiency in construction projects.
● Ladder Scaffolds or Ladder Jack Scaffolds – This scaffold
consists of a single platform resting on brackets supported by
ladders at both ends. It is a cost-effective and easily assembled
scaffold, designed for straightforward mobility. It is most suitable
for handling light loads and performing basic tasks.
● Tube and coupler scaffolds – constructed with tubing and coupling
devices are commonly used for tasks involving heavy loads and
multi-story platforms. While this scaffold is difficult to build due to
the precise requirements, it is also a flexible type of scaffold that can be adapted for any
work requirements.
● Frame or fabricated scaffolds – are a type of supported scaffold
characterized by a modular design composed of prefabricated
frames and cross braces. These components are typically made of
metal, such as steel, and are assembled to create a sturdy and
adjustable platform for workers.
● Pole scaffolds – a type of supported scaffold where all structural
components, including uprights, braces, and platforms, are crafted
from wood. However, these scaffolds have limited reusability and
are considered outdated in construction practices.
● Mast Climbers – This scaffold is primarily employed for
high-altitude tasks and lifting heavier loads. It can either stand
alone or be securely attached to a permanent structure using beams
for added stability.
2. Suspended Scaffolds - are platforms suspended by ropes, or other
non-rigid means, from an overhead structure. These platforms are lightweight, easy to
assemble, and disassemble.
These are some of the commonly used supported scaffolds:
● Single-point Adjustable
- consists of a platform suspended by one rope from an
overhead support and equipped with means to permit the
movement of the platform to desired work levels.
- the most common among these is the scaffold used by
window washers to clean the outside of a skyscraper, also
known as a boatswain's chair.
● Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds
- also known as swing-stage scaffolds
- the most common type of suspended scaffold
- the scaffold platform is hung by ropes or cables
connected to hangers at each end of the platform.
- typically used by window washers on skyscrapers
● Interior Hung
- An interior hung suspension scaffold is made up of a
platform suspended from the ceiling or roof structure
using fixed length supports.
- Suspension ropes or cables are attached to overhead
supports using shackles, clips, or thimbles.
- An interior hung scaffold cannot be adjusted for height
and is of a fixed length.
● Needle Beam
- A needle-beam scaffold consists of a plank platform
resting on two parallel horizontal beams, called needle
beams, which are supported by lines from overhead.
- It is fixed on a permanent structural base.
3. Aerial Lift
- An aerial lift is a raised platform affixed to a vehicle,
designed for lifting individuals, equipment, and materials
to elevated work areas.
- These platforms are constructed from sturdy materials
such as metal or fiberglass reinforced plastic.
- Aerial lifts come in both manual and mechanical
configurations, providing mobility and versatility for
various applications.
Hazards in the Use of Scaffolds
● Falls from elevation
It is one of the most pressing dangers associated with scaffolding in construction.
When you are elevated using scaffolds, the risk of workers losing their balance, slipping,
or tripping has a high possibility to occur. The absence of fall protection will raise the
measures of this hazard.
● Struck by falling tools/debris
Workers working below scaffolds face danger from falling objects, posing risk of
minor injuries like cuts or abrasions, as well as severe consequences such as concussions
or blindness. Loose debris from ongoing construction activities may jeopardize safety.
● Scaffold collapse
This hazard can lead to severe injuries or death of workers and bystanders.
Several factors such as structural weaknesses, overloading, or faulty assembly contribute
significantly to the risk of collapse.
● Electrocution
A fatal construction hazard, contributing to approximately 18% of all
scaffolding-related fatalities, caused by tasks like erecting and dismantling scaffolds near
power lines, welding, and using electrical equipment on scaffolds. The type of scaffold
material used, particularly metal scaffolds, also increases the risk of electrocution.
Recommended Control Measures
Scaffolding is one of the most crucial components in construction projects where it
provides a platform for both workers and materials. However, to ensure safety on the worksite, it
is important to implement control measures to prevent the given hazards with regards to
scaffolding.
1. To mitigate the risk of falls from elevation, it is essential to implement safety measures,
including the installation of secure guardrails, ensuring work surfaces are fully planked,
and employing a reliable fall arrest system.
2. To prevent incidents of being struck by falling tools or debris, key control measures
involve barricading the area below scaffolds, strictly prohibiting entry, employing panels
or screens as protective barriers, and implementing canopies or nets to mitigate the risk of
falling objects.
3. As for the prevention in scaffolding collapse, it involves adhering to proper construction
practices, ensuring a stable foundation, maintaining level structures, accurate installation
of components, preventing overloading, and incorporating wall ties or anchorage.
4. To reduce the risk of electrocution, it is essential to maintain a safe distance from power
lines, de-energize lines when required, and employ protective coverings in areas with
potential electric hazards.
Clearance From Power Lines
Section 1926.451(f)(6) of the Scaffold Standard states that scaffolds shall not be erected,
used, dismantled, altered, or moved such that they or any conductive material handled on them
might come closer to exposed and energized power lines than the Applicable Minimum
Approach Distance Table in the scaffold standard.
Table 1.0 Minimum Safe Electric Distance
Portable Ladders
Portable Ladders are manufactured using diverse materials, and they come in both
self-supporting and non-self-supporting designs, available in various sizes. They provide a safe
and easy way to reach high places and can be used to transport materials or people. Moreover, it
helps improve productivity by providing a safe and efficient way to reach high places. However,
they can be dangerous if not used properly example are falls from ladders which is one of the
leading causes of workplace injuries, and ladder accidents can often be fatal. The following must
be done to prevent these accidents:
1. Never stand on the top rung of a ladder, and never lean too far to either side.
2. Use caution when carrying tools or materials up a ladder, as you may lose your balance if
you are not careful.
3. If you do fall from a ladder, try to land on your feet and roll to absorb the impact.
4. If possible, avoid landing on your head or back, as these can lead to serious injuries.
5. Seek medical attention immediately if you fall from a ladder and have any pain or injury.
References
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