Scaffolding Safety Dos:
- Inspect the scaffold using a checklist or mobile inspection app before the work shift and ensure it is safe and in proper working order.
- Provide proper training.
- Have a toolbox talk before beginning work.
- Wear appropriate PPE.
- Always check inspection tags.
- Know the weight capacity of the scaffold.
- Have a handhold above the scaffold platform.
- Level the scaffold after each move. ...
- Use Proper Safety Equipment. ...
- Mind Load Limits. ...
- Know Relevant Regulations and Standards. ...
- Inspect Scaffolding Materials. ...
- Build Properly. ...
- Inspect the Site and Equipment—Again. ...
- Keep Vehicles and Heavy Equipment Clear. ...
- Stay Organized.
What are the safety requirements for scaffolding?
Scaffold planking must be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the intended load. [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)]Solid sawn wood, fabricated planks, and fabricated platforms may be used as scaffold planks following the recommendations by the manufacturer or a lumber grading association or inspection agency.
Can I use ladders instead of scaffolding?
Can’t I just use ladders instead of scaffolding? By Arthur East . 0 Comments . Ladders are an option, but the truth is they don’t offer as much flexibility or stability as scaffolding. Scaffolding has a more stable base compared to ladders, which makes it far safer and less likely to slip or fall over.
How to use any kind of ladder safely?
What you can do
- Choose the right ladder for the job. ...
- An A-frame or extension ladder may be appropriate for some tasks, but a platform ladder is safer.
- Inspect the ladder for damage before each use.
- Only use a ladder if you are physically-capable of doing so.
- Always set up the ladder on a flat, stable surface. ...
How do you use a ladder safely?
The OSHA general industry ladder requirements can be summarized as follows:
- Use one! ...
- Choose the right style, height, material, and performance (duty) rating required for the job.
- Inspect ladders before initial use and before each work shift: replace defective ladders.
- Set up and use your ladder according to the manufacturer’s label.
- Climb and balance safely.
- Avoid hazards and misuse like ascending a closed ladder.
How do you use scaffolding safety?
Avoid using a scaffold during adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice snow or strong winds. Climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing. Never climb with any materials or tools in your hand, they should be hoisted up to the scaffold separately. Jump from, to, or between scaffolding.
What is a safe practice for working on a scaffold?
Do not jump onto planks or platforms. Do not use ladders or makeshift devices to increase the working height of a scaffold. Do not plank guardrails to increase the height of a scaffold. Climb in access areas only, and use both hands.
What are the 10 tips of scaffolding?
10 Important Scaffolding Safety TipsUse Proper Safety Equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial when working on scaffolding. ... Inspect the Scaffold Regularly. ... Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions. ... Be Wary of Load Limits. ... Keep the Work Area Clear. ... Stay Organized. ... Get Proper Licensing. ... Be Mindful of the Weather.More items...•
Do and don'ts with scaffolding?
1) Do carry out a health and safety check before using a scaffold. 2) Do not use a scaffold without a scaffold tag in place. 3) Do not climb up or down the scaffold or enter the scaffold from an unapproved entry point. 4) Do use the ladders or stairs.
What is the safety factor for scaffolding?
(c) all rigging hardware has a safety factor of at least 10. (6) An employer, contractor or owner shall ensure that a suspended powered scaffold is equipped with a secondary safety device that will activate if the suspension rope connection or primary hoisting system fails.
What is the 3 to 1 rule in scaffolding?
The stall load of any scaffold hoist shall not exceed 3 times its rated load.
What are four scaffold hazards?
The following are some of the most common scaffolding hazards and precautions you'll need to undertake while on the job.Debris, Tools, and Materials. ... Poor Scaffolding Assembly. ... Scaffolding Damage. ... Electrical Wires. ... Untrained Employees.
What is the #1 injury when using scaffolding?
Most Common Injuries Workers Sustain Concussions. Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
What are the four steps of scaffolding?
Guidelines for effective scaffoldingStage 1 – Estimate foundation knowledge. ... Stage 2 – Introduce a new task. ... Stage 3 – Provide appropriate scaffolds. ... Stage 4 – Demonstrate mastery of new knowledge.
What is a safety rule for rolling scaffolds?
Employees may ride on rolling scaffolds moved by others below if the following conditions exist: (1) The floor or surface is within 3 degrees of level, and free from pits, holes, or obstructions; (2) The minimum dimension of the scaffold base, when ready for rolling, is at least 1/2 of the height.
What are the rules in setting up a scaffolding?
General guidelines for scaffolding safetyScaffolding should be assembled under the supervision and direction of a competent person.Provide safe ladder access – workers should never climb on braces or structural members/frames.Use scaffold-grade lumber when creating platforms.More items...•
How can we prevent scaffolding accidents?
Know the traffic signs, signals, lights and traffic safety rules before you hit the road. Always remember that “Road safety rules are best tools to avoid accidents”. Do not drive for long hours in a stretch. Have a proper beaks after every 2 hours of continuous driving.
What are 5 requirements for scaffolding?
10 OSHA Scaffolding RequirementsFall protection. ... Guardrail height. ... Cross bracing. ... Midrails. ... Footings. ... Platforms. ... Guying ties and braces. ... Capacity.More items...•
What are the three 3 basic scaffold types covered by OSHA regulations?
Workers who use scaffolds can be divided into three groups:Suspended Scaffolds.Supported Scaffolds.Aerial Lifts.
What is OSHA Standard for scaffold?
The standard requires employers to protect each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level from falling to that lower level.
What is a safety rule for rolling scaffolds?
Employees may ride on rolling scaffolds moved by others below if the following conditions exist: (1) The floor or surface is within 3 degrees of level, and free from pits, holes, or obstructions; (2) The minimum dimension of the scaffold base, when ready for rolling, is at least 1/2 of the height.
What is Scaffolding Safety?
Scaffolding safety is a combination of practices and safety procedures that enforces proper and safe use of scaffoldings. It involves a set of preemptive actions in building, inspecting, using, and tagging scaffolds.
OSHA Scaffolding Safety: Who is a Competent and Qualified Person?
According to OSHA, a competent person is “ 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 .” This is typically someone who holds a scaffolding high-risk work license..
Scaffolding Safety Training
Scaffolding safety training is a collection of practical lessons to help employees develop skills for the safe use of scaffolds at work. Proper training equips workers with the right knowledge to protect themselves and others against injuries and illnesses when dealing with scaffolding.
Scaffolding Tagging
Scaffold tags are used to protect the lives of your workers. It identifies if a scaffold is safe or unsafe for use. Follow the guidelines below when tagging scaffolds.
Scaffold Tag System and Meaning
It is common practice to use a scaffold tag system with the following color schemes: Green, Yellow, Red.
Download and Use Scaffolding Checklists for Free
Scaffolding safety checklists in iAuditor by SafetyCulture, the award-winning health, safety, and risk management, can be used to record, inspect, and recommend actions to prevent injuries when working on a scaffold. Get started with free sample templates to ensure that your scaffold is safe and ready to use.
1. Use proper safety equipment
First of all, personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must when working in any industrial or construction setting, especially at height.
2. Mind load limits
Scaffolding materials and designs are made with specific load-bearing capabilities in mind. Choosing components that aren’t sufficient for the types of loads you intend to use in your work will pose a serious risk to employees. Platforms may crack, break, or otherwise collapse entirely, causing serious injuries for anyone working in the vicinity.
3. Know all relevant regulations and standards
Each industry has its own regulations and standards to follow, and those regulations may vary from state to state (or even city to city).
4. Inspect scaffolding materials
Before setting up your work platforms, you must inspect all of your materials before construction. Make sure none of the parts you use have any defects or damage that could compromise the structural integrity of your scaffolds.
5. Build properly
Follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer when building your scaffold. In particular, check that you are using the right types of bracings and fasteners. Jury-rigging these components is not an option since it could compromise the entire structure.
6. Inspect the site and equipment – again
After the scaffold has been erected, the need for inspections doesn’t go away. The area should be checked over regularly for hazards, defects, debris, or other factors that could cause a problem. A good time to perform these inspections is at the start of the workday to make sure the area is clear for that day’s shift.
7. Keep vehicles and heavy equipment clear
Vehicles and heavy equipment should always be kept clear of the scaffold’s base. Setting up barriers to prevent collisions with the base can keep the whole structure from toppling. In some cases, it may be necessary to have heavy equipment nearby. In those situations, make sure the equipment has enough clearance.
Haul Scaffolding Safely
Stack up the planks, braces and bases on the bottom between the wheel wells, and stack the frames on top. Avoid propping the scaffolding frames up on the side of the bed. It’s best to have everything as low as possible so parts don’t get blown or bounced out.
Plank the Whole Bay
Whenever possible, cover the whole width of the scaffold with planks. This creates a larger work area and reduces the risk of a fall. When it isn’t possible, especially when you’re working midway up ladder frames like these, install another plank higher up to create a sort of guardrail. When you work on casters, install a diagonal “gooser” brace.
How to Set Up Scaffolding Safely
Install the base jacks or casters first so you don’t have to lift the entire scaffold to slide them in. Install both cross braces on one frame. It will stay upright with the support of the cross braces (top). Move the second frame into position and attach the cross braces to that (bottom). Slide the scaffold about 14 in.
Install a Guardrail
Installing a guardrail is the best way to prevent accidentally stepping off the edge of the platform. Safety harnesses aren’t necessary when you’re working on this type of scaffold. In fact, if you fall while wearing a safety harness, you could pull the whole platform down with you, endangering everyone working in the area.
Maintain a Three-Point Grip
When you’re climbing a scaffold, always maintain a three-point grip. That means that one hand and two feet, or one foot and two hands, should stay in contact with the scaffold at all times. Keep your body as close to the frame as possible. Leaning way out could cause the whole works to tip over right on top of you.
Setting Up Scaffolding on Uneven Ground
Scaffold frames are designed for use with either casters or base plates. If you skip them, the frame tubes can get damaged and structurally weakened. Set a 2×10 block of wood under each leg, even when using a base plate. This will help prevent sinking into soft soils or hot asphalt.
Working on Scaffolding
Safety first: Keep the planks clear of clutter to reduce the risk of tripping or kicking stuff onto unsuspecting souls working below. Keep your tools and supplies in buckets, caddies and toolboxes whenever possible. Install a 2×4 toe board to prevent items from falling. Hold it in place at the corners with wire.
3 Tips for Preventing Falls from Scaffolds: Scaffolding Safety
First, let’s talk about the risk. Is there a safety risk associated with scaffolds in construction? You bet there is! Every year, construction workers experience injuries and even fatalities when falling from construction when no fall protection was used.
Set Your Scaffold on a Solid Base
If you don’t set a scaffold up properly, it’s much more likely to lead to injuries or fatalities. To work properly and safely, scaffolds must be set up with:
Use Proper Fall Protection when On a Scaffold
OSHA requires that you use some form of fall protection if the working deck of your scaffold is 10 feet or higher.
Be Sure a Competent Person Has Checked for Points of Scaffold Safety
Before anyone uses a scaffold, a competent person must check to see that:
Online Support Scaffolding Training
A robust and effective safety training program will take advantage of a blended learning solution that utilizes classroom-based instructor-led training, field-based training, hands-on training, written training materials, videos, online elearning courses, field-based performance support, refresher training, and more.
12 OSHA Scaffolding Safety Requirements
The OSHA scaffolding requirements are quite detailed when you open the guidebook. We have provided you with an outline of them below. As always, refer to official OSHA documentation for even more specifics and further information.
How High Can You Build a Scaffold Without a License?
It’s a common question. The OSHA scaffolding safety procedures guide says it like this. Employers must provide fall protection for every employee on scaffolding more than 10 feet above a lower level. A competent person should determine the fall protection for employees working on supported scaffolds.
Where Can I Find OSHA Scaffold Competent Person Training?
Interested in OSHA scaffold training for your competent person? We can help you with compliance in all the OSHA and ANSI scaffold standards. Use Safety by Design’s safety training in Houston to ensure a secure workplace on all fronts.
