Working with Mobile Scaffolds - Safety is non-negotiable

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety 

Scaffold Safety :- Good Scaffold Practices : Get Connected

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

Good Scaffold Practices : Get Connected

This detail are intended to promote good scaffold practices in the masonry industry. The series deals with arch-frame scaffolds and this issue looks at frames and braces.
Before erecting scaffolds, make sure frames are not bent or missing any of their components. Broken or bent frames should be tagged and taken out of service.

Installation

Align frames along the wall leaving sufficient clearance for side brackets. A space of 2 to 4 inches will allow excess mortar to fall freely without splattering the wall, yet not allow a worker's foot o become jammed. Vertical bracing is necessary on both sides of every frame. Use a hand level to endure frames are plumb. Minor adjustments should be made by adjusting leveling screws.

Horizontal Bracing The use of horizontal bracing on the first tier helps to square the scaffold before nailing base plates to the mudsills. Horizontal brace s should be installed on the first level and on every second level thereafter.
When placing horizontal bracing on the first level it is good practice to install the bracing near the top of the first frames. This will not impeded distribution of materials to masons or present a tripping hazard to laborers.

It is good practice to install horizontal bracing at the same level as tie-ins to the structure. This topic will be dealt with in a later edition of this bulletin.

Connections

Insert pins are good to connect frames vertically. It is good practice to have the insert pin permanently installed in the top of each gram. When the nest frame is places over the pin, a pigtail or other connecting device is used to connect this frame to the pin. Securing devices are very important. as they eliminate the possibility of uplift or separation

Coupling devices are often omitted in the belief that the load on the scaffold will keep the sections together. In fact, uplift can occur due to swaying or uneven loading, causing the scaffold to pull apart if not connected positively


Vertical Bracing

Each level of the scaffold should be fully braced in the vertical direction (cross brace) before proceeding to the next level. If the scaffold has been laid out level and square, the braces should fit easily. Do not force braces to fit easily.
Cross braces are equipped with either notches or holes t the ends. The braces with notched ends can only be used with J-Lock connectors.

Braces with holes at the ends can be used with any of the standard locking devices.
Ensure all connectors are maintained in good condition.

All parts, fitting, and accessories must be installed in accordance with the manufactures' instructions.
Failure to install all components can significantly reduce safety factors and stability.

Braces should be on both sides of each scaffold piece except for the end frame.
Do not use braces to climb up and down scaffold. Use a ladder.


NOTE:

The National construction regulations requires a positive connection between frames in both tension and compression.
Scaffold components from different manufacturers may not fit together properly. Do not force or alter components to fit. Check with manufacturer before using replacement parts.

Never climb up or down the braces. This creates a dangerous fall hazard and may damage the braces. The National Construction Regulations requires that a ladder be used to access a scaffold at all times. Always ensure ladders are tied off.

The National Construction Regulations require that each scaffold frame be braces in the vertical and horizontal direction to prevent lateral movement.



Refresher Quiz (Right or Wrong) answers found below

1) One brace per scaffold frame is sufficient.	Right_____	Wrong_____
2) Scaffold frames must be pinned together to prevent uplift.	Right_____	Wrong_____
3) Bent frames should only be used at the end of a scaffold run.	Right_____	Wrong_____

Scaffold Safety :- Good Scaffold Practices: Well Decked Out

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

Good Scaffold Practices Well Decked Out 

 

This is the third in a series of bulletins intended to promote good scaffold practices in the masonry industry. The series deals with arch-frame scaffolds and this issue looks at planks and platforms.

Scaffold platforms can be either sawn or laminated lumber planks or prefabricated aluminum and plywood platforms. Due to the heavy loads involved in masonry work, 2 x 10 sawn lumber planks are the most common platforms used.

Planks are often overlooked as an important element is scaffold construction. They are in fact one of the most important components of the scaffold. The Construction Regulation has specific requirements for scaffold planks.

Planks must:

• Be number 1 grade SPF or better
• Be at least 48mm x 248mm (2" x 10" full size)
• Be arranged so their span does not exceed 2.1 meters (7 feet)
• Overhang their supports by no less then 150 mm (6") an no more than 300 mm (12")
• Be laid tightly side by side across the full width of the working level
• Be cleated or otherwise secured against slipping
• Be capable of carrying any load likely to be applied and as a minimum be capable of carrying 2.4 KN per square meter (50 pounds per > square foot). 
  
  Dressed lumber should never be used as scaffold material.

Loading

One of the biggest concerns in masonry scaffolding is overloading. The Construction Regulation stipulates that, where possible, cubes of masonry units are to be placed directly over the frame. The most effective way to accomplish this is to load material as the scaffold is being erected. Where the scaffold has already been erected and this is not possible, the planks should be laid double thickness and loads maintained below 1300 kg.

This full box of mortar is causing too much deflection in the single layer planks and can weaken and break the planks.
It is also creating a tripping hazard.

Planks

Before a plank is used for scaffolding it should be checked by a competent worker for: Large knots Worm holes Saw cuts Splits Steeply sloping grain pattern Plants must be cleated, as above, or be otherwise secured to prevent slipping. Side Platforms In the masonry trade the working platform is a combination of planks and scaffold brackets. Side brackets are fitted on the front of the scaffold, planked two wide, and can be adjusted to keep the mason working at a convenient height. When using scaffold brackets take the following precautions:       Make sure that brackets are mounted securely on the frame. Never stock materials on the working platform. The working platform is for workers only. Make sure the planks extend 150 mm (6") beyond the brackets and are cleated to prevent slipping. Place brackets so that the level where the worker stands is no more than 1 meter below the level where the material is stored. Clean ice, snow, oil and grease off planks. Platform decks should be slip-resistant and should not be allowed to accumulate water. Unsafe Practices Rotten or damaged planks should be destroyed Insufficient overhang and lack of cleats can lead to a fall hazard. Note: Never cut bricks or blocks on a scaffold plank. A saw-cut reduces the depth of the plank by the depth of the cut and substantially weakens the plank. These defects can go unnoticed if the plank is laid with the "good side" up. Refresher Quiz (true or false) 1) Planks should be laid "good side up" on a scaffold. True____ False____ 2) Material should be loaded directly over scaffold frames. True____ False____ 3) Dressed lumber should not be used as scaffold material. True____ False____

Scaffold Safety :- Good Scaffold Practices From the Ground Up

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

Good Scaffold Practices From the Ground Up

 
This series highlight good scaffold practices. It is a joint initiative between labor and management designed to increase awareness of safe working practices in the masonry industry.

Statistics indicate that the most common injuries are slips and falls, injuries occur because of improper scaffold practices. The information presented here deals with site preparation, mudsills, baseplates and leveling screws.

Site Inspection: Check location for

• Ground conditions
• Overhead wires
• Obstructions
• Change in surface elevation

Site Preparation

Soil must be level and firm

Mud and soft soil should be replaced with compacted gravel or crushed stone

Where mudsills must be placed on sloping ground, the area should be leveled, if possible, by excavating rather than by backfilling.

Clear ice and snow before placing mudsills

The National Construction regulations require that every scaffold have footings, sills or supports that are sound, rigid and capable of supporting twice the maximum load to which the scaffold may be subjected without settlement or deformation.

Mudsills

Use 2" x 10" planks for mudsills.

Lay Planks under at least two supports, either along the scaffold or across its width.

Center scaffold baseplates on the mudsill and extend mudsills two feet past the last scaffold frame.

Use leveling screws to compensate for uneven ground and to ensure that scaffold is level and plumb.

Baseplates

• Distribute weight on mudsill and prolong plank life.
• Attach scaffold to mudsill and prevent movement due to impact, vibration or uplift due to improper loading

Leveling Screws

• Eliminate need for blocking under mudsill.
• Allow for easy leveling and plumbing of scaffold.
• Leveling screws can be adjusted up or down so that the scaffold sits level. Be careful not to overextend screws.

Refresher Quiz - Answer True or False

1. Baseplates should be centered on and nailed to mudsills (T/F)

2. Mudsills should never extend beyond end of scaffold. (T/F)

3. For minor adjustments to plumb, use leveling screws. (T/F)

Scaffold - Safe Measures To Reduce Accidents

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

Scaffold - Safe Measures To Reduce Accidents

 
When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, fall hazards can occur. Throughout the world several thousands of  construction workers frequently work on scaffolds every day. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would prevent many workers getting injured or fatal each year.

 

Take these steps to help protect workers and reduce accidents:

1. Follow industry guidelines for erecting scaffolds: verify that each scaffold and its components is capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load.
2. Inspect scaffolds daily before use; check footing, guard rails, connectors, fastening, tie-ins and bracing.
3. Do not use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks, or concrete blocks to support scaffolds or planks.
4. Fully plank platforms on all working levels.
5. Install guardrails and toe-boards on all open sides and ends of platforms on scaffolding over 10 feet above floor or ground.
6. If a scaffold is more than two feet above or below a level, provide adequate access, such as a ramp, ladder, or steps.
7. Do not erect, use, dismantle, alter or move scaffolds so they, or any conductive material handled on them, might come closer than 10 feet to energized overhead power lines.
8. Obtain scaffold user training prior to working on scaffolding.
9. Inspect all scaffolds prior to use or at least on a daily basis.
10.  Erect and dismantle under the direction of a scaffold competent person.

Inspect scaffolds and scaffold parts daily, before each work shift, and after any event that may have caused damage.

• Check to see if power lines near scaffolds are de-energized or that the scaffolds are at least 10 feet away from energized power lines.

• Make sure that tools and materials are at least 10 feet away from energized power lines.

• Verify that the scaffold is the correct type for the loads, materials, employees, and weather conditions.

• Check footings to see if they are level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold.

• Check legs, posts, frames, and uprights to see if they are on base-plates and mud sills.

• Check metal components for bends, cracks, holes, rust, welding splatter, pits, broken welds, and non-compatible parts.

• Check for safe access. Do not use the cross braces as a ladder for access or exit.

• Check wooden planks for cracks, splits greater than one-quarter (1/4) inch, end splits that are long, many large loose knots, warps greater than one-quarter (1/4) inch, boards and ends with gouges, mold, separated laminate(s), and grain sloping greater than 1 in 12 inches from the long edge and are scaffold grade lumber or equivalent.

• If the planks deflect one-sixtieth (1/60) of the span or 2 inches in a 10-foot wooden plank, the plank has been damaged and must not be used.

• Check to see if the planks are close together, with spaces no more than 1 inch around uprights.

• Check to see if 10-foot or shorter planks are 6 to 12 inches over the center line of the support, and that 10-foot or longer planks are no more than 18 inches over the end.

• Check to see if the platform is 14 inches or more away from the wall or 18 inches or less away if plastering or stucco.

• Check for guardrails and mid-brains on platforms where work is being done.

• Check for employees under the platform and provide falling object protection or barricade the area. Make sure that hard hats are worn.

• Use braces, tie-ins and guying as described by the scaffold's manufacturer at each end, vertically and horizontally to prevent tipping.

Scaffold Safety :- Scaffolding Specification - India

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Chapter :- Construction Safety 

SCAFFOLDING SPECIFICATIONS - INDIA

The details of Scaffolding type, Scaffold Erection procedure & safety features to be followed & Standards to be adhered are given below.

1. SCAFFOLDING TYPE

1. The agency shall mobilise System Scaffolds for the jobs. The type of system scaffold can be ‘CUPLOK’, ‘MODEX’, TECHLOK etc. (System scaffolding is also known as unit or frame scaffolding and is composed wholly or partly of prefabricated section. There are many types of system scaffolding available which vary in design and method of erection.)
2. Care should be taken that scaffolding is erected on a sound base with standards / vertical and ledgers / horizontal.
3. Adjustable bases should be used with at least 1/3 threaded in. It should be adequately braced and securely tied. Diagonal bracing shall be used to provide rigidity. Standard scaffold tubes and couplers may be used for bracing. All connections on a scaffold level shall be secured before assembling next level.
4. System scaffold components of different manufacturers shall not be intermixed unless they are compatible.

2. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All scaffold components shall conform to the relevant Indian (IS: 2750- 1964 & IS 4014-1967) or equivalent. They shall be maintained in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated components shall not be used.
• Tubes shall be free of cracks, surface flaws and other defects. Tubes shall be straight. All tubes should be maintained in a good condition, not corroded and regularly inspected.
• Fittings should be regularly examined. Moving parts should be regularly lubricated for easy movement.
• Boards shall conform to British/European standards or equivalent. Only Metallic boards shall be used at all locations. TIMBER BOARDS are not allowed.

3. CONSTRUCTION OF SCAFFOLDS:

1. GENERAL:
• Scaffold Members shall support own weight and at least 4 times maximum intended load. Contractor or supplier shall show documentary proof on this aspect.
• Scaffolds exceeding 38m (125 ft) height and scaffolds to suit special application and those required for unusual heights or for use in abnormal circumstances shall be designed by a qualified engineer and approved by authorities.
• The following codes shall be adhered during erection of scaffolding.
• Code of practice for Steel Tubular Scaffolding IS: 4014 – 1967 (Part II)
• Safety Code for scaffolds & ladders IS: 3696 – 1987 (Part I) and IS 3696 – 1991 (Part-2) –Code of Safety
• OSHA 3150 2002 (USA) – A guide to Scaffold use in the construction industry
• OISD – GDN – 192 – Safety practices during construction. 
  
2. FOUNDATIONS, BASE PLATES & SOLE PLATES:
• A good base is essential, so the ground or floor on which the scaffolding is going to stand should be carefully examined. Soil or made up ground will need consolidating.
• Sole plates at least 9" x 1½" (230 mm x 40 mm) cross section are required to spread the load on earth, made up ground, asphalted surface etc. Sole plates shall extend under at least two standards. For Scaffolds resting on concrete surface or steel structure where there is no risk of displacing or sinking, base plate may rest directly on the surface without a sole plate.
3. STANDARDS (Vertical Tubes/Uprights/Columns/Posts):
• Standards shall be pitched on base plates and sole plates.
• Joints in standards should not occur in the same lift. Joints should be arranged so that they occur as near as possible to a ledger. All standards shall be vertical.
4. LEDGERS (Horizontal Tubes/Runners):
• Ledgers shall be securely fixed to standards as per the system scaffold design. Joints in ledgers should be staggered.
5. DECKING:
•  All decking shall be close-boarded, each board resting evenly on at least three supports. Boards shall over sail end supports by at least 2" (50 mm) but shall not over sail by more than four times their thickness.
• Supports for scaffold boards shall be spaced with due regard to the nature of the platform and the load it will bear.
• Maximum permissible distances between supports for scaffold boards should not exceed 5 feet.
• Except on decking contiguous to the curved surface of a cylindrical or spherical structure, boards shall be laid flush (level) wherever possible.
• Boards shall be laid with no openings more than 1 inch (25 mm)between adjacent boards or scaffold member.
• Decking shall be kept free from unnecessary obstructions and from materials, rubbish and projecting nails.
• Decking which has become slippery with oil or other substance shall be immediately replaced.
• Boards shall be secured from movement. Nylon or other combustible material shall not be used anywhere in the scaffolding.
6. GUARDRAILS & TOE BOARDS:
• Guardrails and toe boards shall be fitted at edges of decking from which persons or material could fall a distance exceeding 6 feet (1.8 m). Top guardrail shall be not less than 3' (90 cm) and not more than 3' 9" (1.15 m) high. Mid rail shall be provided. Toe boards should be 6" (15 cm) high and secured in position by toe board clips or other means.
• Guardrails and toe boards shall be fitted to the inside of standards to prevent outward movement, unless they are so designed and used as to prevent such movement.
• If guardrails and toe boards are removed for the movement of materials, they shall be restored as soon as practicable.
7. MATERIAL GUARDS:
• Where materials are to be stacked on a working platform or working place above the height of the toe boards, suitable barriers such as nets or metal sheets shall be positioned so as to prevent the fall of such material from the platform or place.
8. ACCESS:
• Access to a working platform is best achieved by providing a separate ladder tower or cantilevered access platform so as not to obstruct the platform and to minimize the possibility of persons falling through the gap in the guardrail or decking this is not practical, the top handrail should be hinged or a hinged short bar provided at access point.
• Use of monkey ladder to access working platforms on scaffolds is not recommended, as it will obstruct free entry through the ladder cage.
9. INCLEMENT WEATHER:
• Executor, Issuer and HPCL Safety shall jointly review the job if the wind speed exceeds 50 kmph. Personnel shall not be on any scaffold or other temporary elevated work area during storms or high winds, sustained winds more than 65 kmph (40 mph) - unless the scaffold or working level is indoors. Outdoor scaffolds or elevated work platforms shall not be used during thunderstorms or when there is likelihood of lightning. Anemometers should be available with the agency.
10. SAFETY NETS & LANDING BAGS:
• Safety nets shall be provided while erecting scaffolds from 2.5 m height onwards as a safety measure. Wherever safety nets cannot be provided, soft landing bags shall be provided. While erecting scaffolds above 2.5m height either safety net or soft landing bag should be provided. Safety net & landing bags should also be provided at areas where fall from heights above 2.5m is possible & there are no working platforms.

4. ERECTION & DISMANTLING:

1. Scaffolding shall be erected, altered and dismantled by experienced workmen working under the direction of a competent supervisor.
2. The procedure for erection & dismantling should be such that an unstable condition is not reached at any time.
3. Scaffolders shall wear safety harness with secured lanyards (2). When changing positions they shall position securely before unhooking and re-hooking the lanyards. All safety harness shall carry two lanyards to provide 2 life lines for the scaffolders.
4. Scaffolding materials and other objects shall not be dropped, thrown, tipped or shot from heights. Drop area shall be barricaded.
5. Extension or alteration of scaffold is not permitted on the approved part of scaffold being used at that time. Erection/dismantling directly above an approved scaffold platform shall not be allowed.
6. During dismantling, no component, which endangers the stability of the remaining structure, shall be removed. The procedure of dismantling shall be orderly and planned and should proceed generally from the top in horizontal sections.
7. Components shall be lowered hand to hand in an orderly fashion or brought down by crane, gin wheel or other suitable means. Dismantled scaffold materials shall be lowered to the ground and not stored on the scaffold.

5. SCAFFOLD TAG & CHECKLIST

1. Green and red scaffold tags are used to inform/warn users about the readiness of a scaffold. Scaffold Checklist is used while inspecting scaffolds before certifying them for use. The checklist is provided on the backside of tags which has to be filled by the agency erecting scaffolding.
2. Tags shall be displayed near access points at eye level.
3. Agency shall prominently display red scaffold tag (DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD) when scaffolding is incomplete, whether it be during erection, dismantling or alteration. Access to those parts, which are incomplete, shall be barred. Barricade should be such that users would not accidentally step in to the unfinished portion.
4. No portion of the scaffold should be utilized unless that portion is fully decked, braced, tied, demarcated and certified.
5. Scaffold supervisor of scaffold agency shall inspect the scaffold after completion of erection and certify using the checklist.
6. Duly signed green tag (Use Scaffold) shall be displayed. It shall be reinspected at least every seven days or after modification/alteration and after weather is likely to have affected stability, whichever occurs earlier.
7. Failure on the part of the agency in ensuring the above requirements shall be viewed critically & necessary action to be taken.

Scaffold Safety :- Scaffolds and Working Platforms

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

 

SCAFFOLDS AND WORKING PLATFORMS

 
I. SCAFFOLDS

Scaffolds should be erected as per required standard.


 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCAFFOLDS

1. Scaffolding should be strong, sturdy and sway free.
2. Scaffolds should preferably be of metal tubes with bolted joints or made of wooden (casurina) poles and tied with wet coir. Bamboos shall not be used for scaffolding.
3. Erection of scaffolding should be from lift pit bottom to the bottom of machine room.
4. Wooden poles used shall be of sound material and free from any defects like cracks, termites etc.,
5. The diameter of vertical casurina poles should be 4” (100 mm) and that of horizontal 3” (75 mm) minimum.
6. The horizontal members must be tied at a vertical spacing of 750 mm. (2 ½feet)
7. For rigid scaffolding, horizontals should be stuck against side walls.
8. The coir ropes used for tying wooden poles should not be worn. The coir ropes should be wetted periodically.

DAILY CHECKS

1. Check the tying of scaffolds before entering the scaffold.
2. Check whether Scaffold shakes before entering the scaffold.
3. Check whether the wooden poles are firmly rested and are not shaking before stepping on them.

II. WORKING PLATFORMS
 
SPECIFICATION

1. The working platform should be more than 650 mm wide.
2. For 1 m support span, Board thickness should be more than 32 mm.
3. For 1.5 m support span, Board thickness should be more than 38 mm.
4. 50 mm thickness board can be used for support span of 2.6 m.

DAILY CHECKS

1. Check whether wooden planks are as per standard Specification.
2. Check whether wooden planks are free from cracks and any other defects.
3. Check whether wooden planks are tied firmly to wooden poles before stepping on it.

Scaffold Safety : Types of Scaffolding

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

 

Types of Scaffolding  

 
Inadequate scaffolding is responsible for many construction accidents. Scaffolds should be designed, built and inspected by competent persons. To avoid the use of makeshift platforms, each job should be carefully planned to assure that scaffolding is used when required and that such scaffolding conforms to the applicable regulations.

General

1. Guardrails, Mid-rails and Toe-boards must be installed on all open sides of scaffolds 10 feet or more in height. This guardrail system should be constructed from components furnished by the manufacturer. 
• Where this is not possible, sound 2 x 4 inch lumber must be used for the guardrails and Mid-rails and 1x 4 inch lumber for the Toe-boards. 
• Guardrails shall be 36" to 42" high above the floor or platform. 
• If work is to be performed on the scaffold and/or adjacent hazard warrants, guardrails are required at lesser heights.
2. Scaffold planks must be at least 2 x 10 inch full-thickness lumber, structural grade, or the equivalent.
3. Scaffold planks must be cleated or secured and must extend over the end supports by at least 6 inches but not by more than 12 inches.
4. All scaffolds must be fully planked and constructed to support the load they are designed to carry.
5. All scaffold members must be visually inspected before each use. Damaged scaffold members
6. must be removed from service immediately.
7. Access ladders must be provided for each scaffold. Climbing off the end frames is prohibited unless their design incorporates an approved ladder.
8. Adequate mud sills or other rigid footing, capable of withstanding the maximum intended load must be provided.
9. Scaffolds must be tied off to the building or structure at intervals that do not exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.
10. Scaffold should not be overloaded. Materials should be brought up as needed. Excess materials and scrap should be removed from the scaffold when work is completed.
11. Barrels, boxes, kegs, horses, ladders, loose tile blocks, loose piles of bricks, A-frames or other unstable objects shall not be used as work platforms or to support scaffolds. Never use work platforms mounted on top of other work platforms.
12. Where persons are required to work or pass under a scaffold, a screen of 18 gauge, 1/2-inch wire mesh or equivalent protection is required between the Toe-board and the guardrail.
13. Overhead protection is required if employees working on scaffolds are exposed to overhead
14. hazards. Such protection must be 2 x 10 inch planks or the equivalent.
15. Scaffolds or work platforms must not be altered by unauthorized personnel.

Rolling Scaffolds

• No one is allowed to ride rolling scaffolds
• Rolling scaffolds shall only be used on level surfaces.
• The height of rolling scaffold must not exceed four times the minimum base dimension. Use outriggers if additional height is needed.
• The work platform must be planked tight for the full width of the scaffold. Cleat the underside of planks to prevent their movement.
• Caster brakes must be locked when the scaffold is not in motion.
• Get help when moving rolling scaffolds. Make certain that the route is clear. Watch for holes and overhead obstructions.
• Secure or remove all loose materials and equipment before moving scaffold.

Two-Point Suspended Scaffolds (Swinging Stages)

• Each employee working from a two-point suspended multi-stage scaffold must be tied off to an independent approved safety line attached to a secure part of the structure, extending to the ground.
• Each lanyard should be tied to the lifeline with a triple sliding hitch or mechanical rope grab. Ropes must be protected from burning or welding.
• Suspended scaffolds must not be less than 20 nor more than 36 inches wide.
• Wire ropes used to suspend such scaffolds must have a safety factor six times the maximum
• intended load. The scaffolds should have tie-ins to the building structure or have inside guardrails
• installed.
• Non-conductive insulating material must be placed over the suspension cables on each scaffold for protection when the chance of contact with an electrical are exists.
• All mechanisms and rigging shall be inspected daily.

Needle Beam Scaffolds

• All employees working from needle beam scaffolds must use safety belts and independent lifelines
• All needle beam scaffolds must be constructed to support the intended load
• Needle beams must be at least 4 x 6 inches and the span must not exceed 10 feet.
• Rope for supports must be at least 1 inch first grade manila or larger. Attach with a scaffold hitch or eye splice, properly secured to prevent the beam from rolling or being displaced.
• Needle beam supports suspended by wire rope must be secured with three wire rope clamps,
• properly attached, and must be protected when near burning or welding.
• Needle beams suspended by threaded rod must be secured by double nuts above the plate and below the beam. At least 1 inch of rod must be exposed.

Floats

• Floats must not be overloaded. They must be inspected carefully prior to each use
• The platform must be constructed from 3/4 inch exterior plywood, grade B-B or better. The minimum width must be 3 feet and the minimum surface area must be 18 square feet.
• The supporting beams must be 2 x 4 inch select lumber and must project at least 6 inches beyond each side of the platform.
• 1 x 4 inch edging must be placed on all sides of the platform to prevent tools from rolling off,
• Supporting ropes must be 1 inch manila or the equivalent and must be protected from burning or welding.
• When getting on or off of a float and when working from floats, employees are required to wear a safety belt and to be tied off to the structure or to an independent lifeline.

Scaffold Safety

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety

Scaffold Safety

It is safe to assume that just about everybody has heard of a scaffolding accident or two.

In many of those cases, faulty design and inadequate construction of the scaffolding was involved but, in most case, scaffold accidents are caused by poor maintenance and improper use.

All employees that would need to utilize scaffolding must be trained by a qualified person to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards. And only a competent person is responsible for overseeing the erection and dismantling of all Scaffolding as well as performing daily inspections of the scaffold.

The training must include: fall hazards, falling object hazards, electrical hazards, proper use of the scaffold, and handling of materials.

Scaffold inspection includes:

• Placement of scaffold relative to energized power lines.
• Verification that the correct scaffold is being used considering loads, materials, workers, and weather.
• Scaffold is structurally secure (framing, plank integrity, plank placement, guardrails, etc.)
• Scaffold has safe access.
• Scaffold placement from structure.

Additional requirements include:

• Provision of falling object protection.

  

  Scaffold Safety
  

• Hard hats.
• Use braces, tie-ins and guying as described by the scaffold’s manufacturer at each end.

If you regularly utilize scaffolding or plan to use scaffolding as a part of your job, please visit the following links for detailed requirements:

A scaffold is an elevated, temporary work platform. There are two basic types:

Supported scaffolds consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc. Other types of equipment, principally scissor lifts and aerial lifts, can be regarded as other types of supported scaffolds.

Suspended scaffolds are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.

To help keep your scaffolds safe, follow these simple procedures:

1. Ensure that the scaffold is built as per safety standards.
2. Inspect the scaffolds daily before using them; Check the guard rails, connectors,fastening, footing, tie-ins and bracing.
3. Ensure ladders are intact and secured.
4. Check for inspection tags ( Green or Red ) before using scaffold. Use them only if tagged green. Red or no tag means the scaffold is unsafe.
5. Keep platforms closely boarded, fenced and securely fastened.
6. Don’t stockpile materials on the scaffolds: remove all materials and tools at the end of the day.
7. Never overload scaffolds. Place the materials being used over ledger and bearer points to minimize platform loading.
8. Don’t work on scaffolds during storms or high winds.
9. Protect the scaffolds; don’t bump or strike against the scaffolds with vehicles or materials and control hoisted material from the ground with taglines.
10. Keep the platforms and area around the scaffold cleared of debris and unneeded equipment, material and other hazards that will cause a worker to trip or fall.
11. Use safety belts, and tie it off if you are working above 10 feet.