SCAFFOLDING
Safe Work Practices/Procedures
By: Will York
OVERVIEW
• Basic Scaffolding components
• Scaffolding safe work procedures
• Scaffolding Do’s and Don’ts
• Tagging system/Daily inspection checklist
• Quiz
Training
---Employers must train each employee who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the
procedures to control the hazards. 1926.454
Parts & Definitions
• Bearer: Horizontal member of a scaffold where the
platform rests and is supported by ledgers.
• Coupler/Clamp: Device for locking together the
component parts of a tubular metal scaffold (has to be
similar metal to all other scaffold components)
• Guardrail System: A vertical barrier consisting • 1926.45 Subpart L - Scaffolds
of, but not limited to top rails, midrails, toe boards, and
posts erected to prevent employees from falling of • Guardrail height -- The height of the top rail for
scaffold platform or
scaffolds can be between 36 inches (0.9 meters)
• Midrail: A rail approximately between the guardrail and 45 inches (1.2 meters). 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)
and platform, secured to the uprights erected along the
exposed sides and ends walkway to lower levels. Of
platform. • Midrails -- Midrails must be installed
approximately halfway between the top rail and
• Mudsill: A support pad used to support a the platform surface. When a cross point of cross
scaffold leg. It is larger in area than the leg, and will
prevent the leg from sinking into loose or wet bracing is used as a midrail, it must be between
ground. Mudsills must be labeled or marked to 20 inches (0.5 meters) and 30 inches (0.8 m)
specify the are sills, and not to be used as scaffolding
planks. above the work platform. 1926.451(g) (4)
• Runner: The lengthwise horizontal bracing or • Capacity -- Scaffolds and scaffold components
bearing members or both.
must support at least 4 times the maximum
• Toe boards: A barrier along the sides and ends intended load. Suspension scaffold rigging must
of a platform to guard against the falling of at least 6 times the intended load. 1926.451(a)(1)
material.
and (3)
Planks
Worker Procedures
• At the beginning of each shift workers using the scaffolding shall check that the scaffold is built
safely and meets with all working requirements, verifying that.
The base of the scaffold is sound, level, and in adjustment – sills, screw jacks, and bases
Legs are plumb and all bases are installed.
All cross members are level.
All ties are in place and secure.
All planks, decks, guardrails, and necessary toe boards are secured and in good condition.
When Working On Scaffolding, Workers Must:
• Climb the scaffolding using the proper means and will never climb
on the braces;
• Maintain good housekeeping in all areas;
• Verify that a suitable means of raising and lowering equipment and
materials is used;
• Never remove any guardrails even temporarily without consent of
their supervisor and 100% fall protection is required;
Workers will Never:
• Remove any structural part of the scaffold, without first checking
with the project supervisor/superintendent;
• Place a load on the scaffold greater than its design capacity;
• Rest on or place equipment or material on the guardrails;
• Undermine the base of the scaffold;
• Stand on scaffold horizontal members/cross braces to attain a higher
work elevation;
TAGGING
• RED:DANGER – UNSAFE FOR USE" tag(s), will be used
during erection or dismantling when the scaffold is left
unattended and replace all green "Safe for Use " tag(s) or
yellow “Caution / Hazard “ tag(s) in the event a scaffold has
been deemed unfit for use.
• YELLOW: whenever the scaffold has been modified to
meet work requirements, and as a result could present a hazard
to the user. This tag indicates special requirements for safe use.
• GREEN: Tags will be hung on scaffolds that have been
inspected and are safe for use. A green "SAFE FOR USE"
tag(s), and should be attached to the scaffold at each access
point after the initial inspection is complete
• Inspections -- Before each work shift and after any
occurrence that could affect the structural integrity, a
competent person must inspect the scaffold and scaffold
components for visible defects. 1926.451(f)(3)
No. CONSIDERATIONS YES NO
1. Scaffolding erection conducted by competent
worker.
2. Scaffolding is plumb, straight, square in all
directions
3. All scaffolding components present, tight, and
4.
secure
Baseplates and screws firmly supported,
mudsills required.
Inspection Checklist
5. Platform planking tied down securely.
6. Separate ladders used for scaffolding access.
7. Toe boards securely attached to supports.
8. Midrails, and toprails present, guardrail
system is present/complete
9. Walkways are cleared of clutter/ Debris
10. Fall protection is being used when being
erected/ dismantled.
11. No bent members used.
12. Bracing is complete.
13. Decking is complete.
14. Pins are in place.
Housekeeping
• There isn’t much room on a scaffold, so it’s important to
store tools and materials in an orderly fashion.
• Keep the platform free of obstructions.
• Place debris and waste material in a container or remove it
from the platform immediately.
Other Safety Highlights
• All exposed fall hazards are • All scaffolding planks are tied • All hoist equipment installed
identified, and 100% fall down, and plum flat. on scaffolding must be signed
protection required . off and approved by engineer
and must be routinely
inspected.
