Course 604 - Scaffold Safety
Scaffolding Basics
Introduction
When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, fall hazards can occur. About 2.3 million construction workers frequently work on scaffolds. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent about 4,500 injuries and over 50 fatalities each year.
When OSHA revised its scaffolds standard back in 1996, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) showed that 25% of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no scaffold training. Also, 77% of scaffolds were not equipped with guardrails to keep workers safe.
In a recent BLS study, 72% of workers injured in scaffold accidents say the accident was caused by either planking or support giving way, employees slipping on surfaces, or employees being struck by falling objects.
Click the button to see a real-life summary of a scaffold accident.
Real-Life Scenario
A mason was fatally injured when he fell approximately twelve feet from the second level of an unguarded tubular welded scaffold system. It is not known what the victim was doing at the time of the incident; however, a witness saw him walk to the edge of the scaffold and place his foot on a piece of iron scaffold bracing. He either tripped or lost his balance, and fell to the sand covered asphalt below. They transported the victim to the local hospital where he died two hours later.
Investigators concluded that in order to prevent similar future occurrences, employers should:
- Install guardrails on all open sides of scaffolds more than ten feet above ground.
- Ensure that scaffolding is properly erected, maintained, moved, dismantled and/or altered only under a competent person's supervision.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive safety program that includes, but is not limited to, training in fall hazard recognition and the use of fall protection devices.
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1. To prevent most scaffold injuries, the employer should make sure _____.
a. scaffold supports are tied offb. adequate planking and supports are installed
c. workers are trained on fall protection
d. scaffolds are no more than four levels high
What is a Scaffold?
A scaffold an elevated, temporary work platform. There are three basic types of scaffolds:
- Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc.
- Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.
- Other scaffolds, specifically man lifts, personnel hoists, etc., which are sometimes thought of as vehicles or machinery, but can be regarded as another type of supported scaffold.
We will cover the common supported and suspended scaffold types. Click on the button to see a more complete list of scaffold types.
- Single-pole wood pole scaffolds
- Independent wood pole scaffolds
- Tube and coupler scaffolds
- Fabricated frame scaffolds
- Plasterers', decorators' and large area scaffolds
- Bricklayers' square scaffolds
- Horse scaffolds
- Form scaffolds and carpenters' bracket scaffolds
- Roof bracket scaffolds
- Outrigger scaffolds (one level)
- Pump jack scaffolds
- Ladder jack scaffolds
- Window jack scaffolds
- Crawling boards (chicken ladders)
- Step, platform and trestle ladder scaffolds
- Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds
- Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds
- Stonesetter multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds
- Masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds
- Catenary scaffolds
- Float (ship) scaffolds
- Interior hung scaffolds
- Needle beam scaffolds
- Multi-level suspension scaffolds
- Mobile scaffolds
- Repair bracket scaffolds
- Stilts
- Tank builders' scaffolds
2. What are the three basic types of scaffolds?
a. Supported, Frame, and Wood-poleb. Supported, Suspended, and Other
c. Supported, Articulating, and Frame
d. Suspended, Pump Jack, and Fabricated
Who Uses Scaffolds
Workers who use scaffolds can be divided into two groups: erectors/dismantlers and users.
Erectors/Dismantlers
Erectors/Dismantlers: Erectors and dismantlers are those workers whose are mainly responsible for assembling and disassembling scaffolding. This is done before other work can continue, and/or after they have completed the work.
Users: Scaffold users are those whose work requires them, at least some of the time, to be supported by scaffolding.
Qualified Persons: Employers are required to have a qualified person provide training to each employee who uses, erects, or dismantles scaffolds. The qualified person must also do adequate pre-planning to ensure the scaffold is erected properly.
Pre-planning includes:
- Determining the type of scaffold necessary for the job,
- Determining the maximum load of the scaffold,
- Assuring a good foundation, and
- Avoiding electrical hazards.
We'll cover responsibilities for qualified person later in the module.
Real-Life Scenario
In August, 1992, two workers were erecting an aluminum pump jack scaffold. As they were raising the second aluminum pole, the pole came into contact with an overhead power line. The pole being raised was 29 feet 10 inches long and the line was 28 feet 10 inches high. The line was approximately 11 feet from the house. One employee died, and the other suffered severe burns and was hospitalized. The surviving employee noted he thought they had enough room to work around the power lines, which were not de-energized or shielded.
3. Who must do adequate pre-planning to ensure the scaffold is erected properly?
a. A competent dismantlerb. A certified erector
c. A competent user
d. A qualified person
Scaffolding Terms
It’s important to know some of the common terms when dealing with scaffolding. For example, when an employee goes from one job site to another, knowing the proper scaffolding terms will improve communications and safety.
See definitions for the most common terms in OSHA's scaffolding standard 1926.451-454 by clicking on the button below.
Scaffold Terms
- Adjustable suspension: A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyard, deceleration devices, or tiebacks.
- Bearer: A horizontal member of a scaffold upon which the platform unit rests and that may be supported by runners.
- Brace Plate: A device used to distribute vertical load.
- Bearer: A horizontal member of a scaffold upon which the platform unit rests and that may be supported by runners.
- Boatswains' Chair: A suspended seat designed to accommodate one worker in a sitting position.
- Body Harness, Full: Straps that are secured about an employee in a manner that distributes the arresting forces over at least the thighs, shoulders and pelvis with provisions for attaching a lanyard, lifeline or deceleration device.
- Brace: A device that holds one scaffold member in a fixed position with respect to another member.
- Competent Person: A person who can identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate such hazards.
- Cross Braces: Two diagonal scaffold members joined at their center to form an “X.” Used between frames or uprights or both.
- Design Load: The maximum intended load of a scaffold; The total of all loads including the worker(s), material and the equipment placed on the unit.
- Electrical Ground: A conducting connection between an electrical circuit or equipment and the area, or some conducting body that serves in place of the earth.
- Fall Protection: A system designed to prevent or arrest a person’s fall.
- Guardrail System: A rail system erected along the open sides and ends of platforms. The rail system consists of a toprail and mid-rail and their supports.
- Guy: A rope, chain or cable used to stabilize a vertical object.
- Hoist: A device intended to be used to raise and lower a suspended scaffold. It may be manually operated or power operated.
- Lanyard: A flexible line to secure the wearer of a full body harness to a lifeline, trolley line or a fixed anchor.
- Maximum Intended Load: The total load of all workers, equipment, tools, and materials.
- Midrail: A rail approximately midway between the toprail and platform of a guardrail system.
- Open Sides and Ends: That portion of a scaffold platform unit that is not protected by a guardrail system, cross braces, vertical work surfaces, or stirrups.
- Personal Fall Arrest System: An assembly of components and subsystems used to arrest a person in a fall from a working height.
- Plank: A wood board and fabricated component that serves as a platform unit.
- Plank (Metal): A metal platform united in size to support one or more workers or uniformly distributed loads. Metal planks would be similar dimensions as wood planks.
- Plank (Wood, Laminated): A platform unit of glue-laminated wood whose method of manufacture and assigned design values contemplates flat use in a scaffolding application.
- Plank (Wood, Sawn): A board of sawn lumber whose grading rules and assigned design values contemplate flat use in a scaffolding application.
- Platform: A general term for an elevated work surface composed of one or more platform units.
- Qualified Person: A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training or experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work or the project.
- Rated Load: The manufacturer’s recommended maximum load.
- Runner: A horizontal scaffold member that forms a tie between posts and may also support a bearer.
- Safety Screen: A wire or plastic screening that protects the workers and passers-by below from dropped items.
- Scaffold: A temporary elevated or suspended work unit and its supporting structure used for supporting worker(s) or materials, or both.
- Sill: A footing (usually wood) which distributes the vertical loads to the ground or slab below.
- Tie: A device used between scaffold component and the building or structure to enhance lateral stability.
- Toeboard: A barrier secured along the sides and the ends of a platform unit to guard against the falling of material, tools and other loose objects.
- Toprail: The uppermost horizontal rail of a guardrail system.
- Working Load: Load imposed by persons, materials and equipment.
For a more complete list of terms with definitions, see OSHA's 1926.450, Scaffolds.
4. Which of the following scaffold terms means a work surface elevated above lower levels?
a. Platformb. Landing
c. Running board
d. Walkway
General Requirements in 1926.451
OSHA's scaffolding standard has number of key provisions:
- Fall protection or fall arrest systems -- Each employee more than 10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest system, except those on single-point and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. Each employee on a single-point and two-point adjustable suspended scaffold shall be protected by both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail. 1926.451(g)(1)
- Guardrail height -- The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after January 1, 2000 must be between 38 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000 can be between 36 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)
- Cross Bracing -- When the crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a toprail, it must be between 38 inches (0.97 meters) and 48 inches (1.3 meters) above the work platform. 1926.451(g)(4)(xv)
- Midrails -- Midrails must be installed approximately halfway between the toprail and the platform surface. When a crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a midrail, it must be between 20 inches (0.5 meters) and 30 inches (0.8 meters) above the work platform. 1926.451(g)(4)
- Footings -- Support scaffold footings shall be level and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold. The legs, poles, frames, and uprights shall bear on base plates and mud sills. 1926.451(c)(2)
- Platforms -- Supported scaffold platforms shall be fully planked or decked. 1926.451(b)
- Guying ties, and braces -- Supported scaffolds with a height-to-base of more than 4:1 shall be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or the equivalent. 1926.451(c)(1)
- Capacity -- Scaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Suspension scaffold rigging must be at least 6 times the intended load. 1926.451(a)(1) and (3)
- Training -- Employers must train each employee who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the procedures to control the hazards. 1926.454
- 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)
- Erecting and Dismantling -- When erecting and dismantling supported scaffolds, a competent person2 must determine the feasibility of providing a safe means of access and fall protection for these operations. 1926.451(e)(9) & (g)(2)
5. For most scaffolds, at what working-surface height must workers be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest systems?
a. Four or more feet above ground levelb. Two feet above dangerous equipment
c. More than 10 feet above a lower level
d. Six feet above any lower surface
Competent Persons
OSHA's scaffolding standard defines a competent person as "one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary, hazardous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them."
The standard requires a competent person to perform the following duties under these circumstances:
Click on the button to see competent person duties and responsibilities.
Competent persons are responsible to:
- Select and direct employees who erect, dismantle, move, or alter scaffolds.
- Determine if it is safe for employees to work on or from a scaffold during storms or high winds and to ensure that a personal fall arrest system or wind screens protect these employees.
- Train employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting scaffolds to recognize associated work hazards.
- Inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects before each work shift and after any occurrence which could affect the structural integrity and to authorize prompt corrective actions.
- Inspect ropes on suspended scaffolds prior to each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect the structural integrity and to authorize prompt corrective actions.
- Inspect manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope being used for toprails or midrails.
- For Suspension Scaffolds: evaluate direct connections to support the load, and evaluate the need to secure two-point and multi-point scaffolds to prevent swaying.
- For Erectors and Dismantlers: determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection and access, and train erectors and dismantlers to recognize associated work hazards.
- For Scaffold Components: determine if a scaffold will be structurally sound when intermixing components from different manufacturers, and determine if galvanic action has affected the capacity when using components of dissimilar metals.
6. Who must conduct scaffold training in erecting, disassembling, operating, repairing, and maintaining scaffolds?
a. A designated personb. A qualified person
c. An authorized person
d. A competent person
Qualified Persons
The scaffold standard defines a qualified person as "one who -- by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience -- has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project."
The qualified person must perform the following duties in these circumstances:
Click on the button to see qualified person duties and responsibilities.
Qualified persons are responsible to:
- Design and load scaffolds in accordance with that design.
- Train employees working on the scaffolds to recognize the associated hazards and understand procedures to control or minimize those hazards.
- Design the rigging for single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.
- Design platforms on two-point adjustable suspension types that are less than 36 inches (0.9 meters) wide to prevent instability.
- Make swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire suspension ropes.
- Design scaffold components construction in accordance with the design.
Registered Engineers
A "Registered Professional Engineer" is a person who is registered as a professional engineer in the state where the work is to be performed. However, a professional engineer, registered in any state is deemed to be a "registered professional engineer" within the meaning of OSHA standards.
The scaffold standard requires a registered professional engineer to perform the following duties in these circumstances:
Click on the button to see registered engineer responsibilities.
Registered engineers are responsible to:
- Design the direct connections of masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.
- Design scaffolds that are to be moved when employees are on them.
- Design pole scaffolds over 60 feet (18.3 meters) in height.
- Design tube and coupler scaffolds over 125 feet (38 meters) in height.
- Design fabricated frame scaffolds over 125 feet (38 meters) in height above their base plates. 1926.452(c)(6)
- Design brackets on fabricated frame scaffolds used to support cantilevered loads in addition to workers.
- Design outrigger scaffolds and scaffold components.
Qualified Trainer
Scaffold training should be conducted by a qualified person certified by the employer to conduct training. Certified trainers must train all employees who erect, disassemble, move, operate, repair, maintain, or inspect scaffolds.
Click on the button to see criteria for a qualified scaffold trainer.
Qualified Trainer Criteria:
- adequate practical experience and fully knowledgeable of the topics being taught;
- necessary skills to demonstrate safe procedures and practices;
- adequate skills to train, test, and evaluate student knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs);
- successful evaluation by the employer of the person's training KSAs; and
- certification by the employer as qualified and authorized to conduct training.
7. Who is responsible for training scaffold workers how to recognize hazards and understand procedures?
a. A registered engineerb. A qualified person
c. An authorized person
d. A competent person
Training Requirements
Scope of Training
The employer must have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training must include the following areas, as applicable:
Click on the button to see general mandatory scaffold training topics.
General mandatory training topics include:
- fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area;
- procedures for dealing with electrical hazards;
- erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems being used;
- proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold;
- the maximum intended load-carrying capacities of the scaffold, and
- any other pertinent requirements of the standard.
Erector and Dismantler Training Topics
In additional to the mandatory general training, scaffold erectors and dismantlers should also receive specific training for the type of supported scaffold being erected or dismantled.
Click on the button to see specific scaffold training topics for erectors and dismantlers.
Additional Erector and Dismantler Training Topics
Training for the specific types of scaffolds being erected or dismantled includes:
- erection/dismantling planning
- PPE and proper procedures
- specific fall protection
- materials handling
- components
- parts inspection
- specific safety requirements
- access and platforms
- working platforms
- foundations
- buttresses, cantilevers, & bridges
- guys, ties and braces
- rolling scaffold assembly
- putlogs
Retraining
When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer must retrain the employee so they regain requisite proficiency.
Click on the button to see when retraining is required.
Retraining should be done when the following conditions exist:
- where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or
- where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other equipment present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or
- where inadequacies in an affected employee's work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite proficiency.
8. Which of the following is an additional specific training topic for scaffold erectors and dismantlers?
a. Electrical hazardsb. Guys, ties and braces
c. Maximum intended load requirements
d. Fall hazards and falling object hazards
Check your Work
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Video
Watch this NAHBTV video on scaffold safety. Scaffolds, or temporary work platforms, can provide a safe and more efficient way to work in construction, but the use of scaffolds is also one of the leading causes of injuries on construction sites.
