SCAFFOLDINGSafe 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 of, but not limited to top rails, midrails, toe boards, and posts erected to prevent employees from falling of scaffold platform or

• Midrail: A rail approximately between the guardrail and platform, secured to the uprights erected along the exposed sides and ends walkway to lower levels. Of platform.

• Mudsill: A support pad used to support a scaffold leg. It is larger in area than the leg, and will prevent the leg from sinking into loose or wet ground. Mudsills must be labeled or marked to specify the are sills, and not to be used as scaffolding planks.

• Runner: The lengthwise horizontal bracing or bearing members or both.

• Toe boards: A barrier along the sides and ends of a platform to guard against the falling of material.

• 1926.45 Subpart L - Scaffolds

• Guardrail height -- The height of the top rail for scaffolds can be between 36 inches (0.9 meters) and 45 inches (1.2 meters). 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)

• Midrails -- Midrails must be installed approximately halfway between the top rail and the platform surface. When a cross point of cross bracing is used as a midrail, it must be between 20 inches (0.5 meters) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work platform. 1926.451(g) (4)

• Capacity -- Scaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. Suspension scaffold rigging must at least 6 times the intended load. 1926.451(a)(1) 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)

Inspection Checklist

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 secure

4. Baseplates and screws firmly supported, mudsills required.

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 identified, and 100% fall protection required .

• All scaffolding planks are tied down, and plum flat.

• All hoist equipment installed on scaffolding must be signed off and approved by engineer and must be routinely inspected.