


Access in the form of a secured ladder, stair tower, ramp, etc. Lack of proper access to the scaffold work platform is an additional reason for falls from scaffolds. These contractors are increasing safety margins by exceeding the minimum requirements of the OSHA standards. OSHA’s standards represent the minimum level of protection many general contractors require 100% fall protection at 6’ or greater when working on scaffolds. The OSHA standard requires fall protection must be used when work heights reach 10’ or more. High winds are classified by the National Weather Service as 30 mph gusts or higher.ĭON’Ts for Scaffolding Safety in Constructionįalls are a major concern in scaffolding construction, these are attributed to the lack of guardrails, improper installation of guardrails and failure to use personal fall arrest systems when required. Work shall not be permitted during high winds.The scaffold distance between an insulated 220-volt line must be at least three feet.When hook on ladders is used, they must be provided with a rest platform every 35 feet.Scaffold platforms above one section high must be provided with safe access.The maximum intended load of a 10-inch wide, two-inch nominal thickness wood scaffold plank platform with the scaffold frames seven feet apart horizontally is approximately 175 pounds. Wind, climbing a scaffold or the use of a hoist can also cause it to lift up. This can occur with a rough terrain forklift grabbing a scaffold. The purpose of using pins to lock a scaffold vertically together is to prevent uplift. Cross bracing is acceptable in place of top rail when the ‘x’ is between 30 and 48 inches above the work surface. An uncleated scaffold planks must extend over the end to support a minimum of six inches.Ĭross bracing is acceptable in place of mid-rails when the ‘x’ is between 20 and 30 inches above the work surface. The maximum distance permitted between a plank and a frame upright is nine inches. The space between the scaffold planks must be no more than one inch. Scaffold legs must bear on base plates and these shall rest on either firm foundation or mudsills. Mid rail strength on a welded frame scaffold must be at least 150 pounds. The strength must be at least 200 pounds for welded frame scaffolds. Top rail shall be at least 36 inches to a maximum of 45 inches. Guardrails are required on welded frame scaffolds that are 10 feet high or more. A scaffold five feet wide, 35 feet in length, and 30 feet high with frame spacing of seven feet must have horizontal securement every 20 feet and vertically-in every 20 feet. On a 10-section wide frame scaffold, the overlap for each plank on top of each other must be 12 inches. Using horizontal frame separation distance of seven feet, the maximum plank extension over the end support shall be no more than 12 inches, if guardrails are not used to block access to the area. The frame scaffold must be capable of supporting four times the maximum intended load. Safe usage of non-mobile welded frame scaffolding A competent person is defined as one who is capable of identifying, existing, and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them. No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered except under the supervision of competent persons. The DO’s for Scaffolding Safety in Construction A range of people have specific responsibilities for scaffolds and scaffolding including, designers, scaffolding contractors and workers who carry out scaffolding.ĭiscussed below are a few do’s and don’ts that have to be followed while construction for safety. Everyone in the workplace has work health and safety duties. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes or tubes, although it can be from other materials too. Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures.
