SCAFFOLDS
Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission/ Health & Safety Division
www.awcc.state.ar.us   1-800-622-4472   FAX: 501-683-3169
Health&Safety@awcc.state.ar.us

SCAFFOLD SAFETY

There is little doubt that the very presence of scaffolding at a job site creates a hazardous work environment. Falls, falling objects and structure instability are all dangerous possibilities. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA's) 1996 revisions to 29 CFR 1926.451 hope to make working on or around scaffolding a little safer.

The most common accident involving scaffolds is a fall to a lower level. That's quite obvious, since the purpose of erecting scaffolds is to provide a safe place to work when you must work at a height above ground level. This handout is designed to review some of the basics of scaffolds and how to properly use this equipment. This handout does not list all hazards or safety measures of scaffolds, it's simply an overview of some basics, to help make you more aware of safety around scaffolds.

Always follow your company rules and regulations when working with or using scaffolds. Any scaffold must be constructed to safely support a weight 4 times the maximum intended load. For example, a scaffold normally expected to hold a 200 lb. man and his 20 lb. of material should be designed to support 880 lbs. without breaking. To be on the safe side, you should never load a scaffold beyond the maximum intended weight. 

Always inspect the scaffold. Make sure the planks are laid with their edges close together so no tools or materials can slip through and strike someone below. Plank ends must be overlapped at least 12 “ or nailed, so the planks will not move when you walk on them. Cleating both ends also prevents sliding. Scaffold planks must not extend more than 18 “ or less than 6 “ beyond the supports. If the planks extend more than 18 “, you run the risk of walking on unsupported ends. The minimum 6 “ extension is necessary to keep the plank from slipping off the support under pressure. For your protection, elevated working platforms must be surrounded on all open sides and ends with guardrailing, which consists of a top rail, intermediate rail and toeboard.

Although many codes only require such scaffolding and guardrailing over 10 ‘ high, for your safety it should always be provided; after all, you can be severely injured by a 4' or 5 ‘ fall. Let's take a look at guardrailing, as guardrailing must be properly constructed. The top rail should be at least 2 x 4 lumber or the equivalent. It must be at least 3 1/2 ‘ high. Intermediate rails should be made from 1 x 6 lumber or its equivalent and installed approximately half way between the top rail and the platform surface. The toeboard should be at least 4 “ high and if necessary, a screen or paneling should extend along the entire opening between the toeboard and the intermediate or top rail to prevent materials stacked higher than the toeboard, such as bricks, from being knocked off the scaffold and striking people below. To make sure the scaffold is rigid, space support posts for guardrailing should not be more than 8 ‘ apart.

If workers are exposed to falling objects, overhead protection must be provided. Of course, power lines near scaffolds are dangerous...so make sure the power company has shut off the electricity before a scaffold is erected where a worker might come in contact with the lines. Even safely constructed scaffolds are hazardous if they are not used correctly. When hoisting materials onto a scaffold, attach a tag line to safely control the load and keep it from swinging and striking someone or damaging the scaffold. Naturally, keep the work platform clear of tools, materials, and debris which could cause tripping hazards. Do not work on scaffolds which are covered with ice and snow....slipping hazard is too great. Proper scaffold maintenance is important also. Check metal on scaffolds for rust, which, if left untreated, can weaken the structure. Do not use damaged parts. If a scaffold is damaged in any way...don't use it until it's repaired or replaced.

The most common types of scaffolds are built-up scaffolds, rolling scaffolds and suspended scaffolds. Built up scaffolds are made of wood or metal supports and are built up higher as the work progresses. In all built up scaffolds, the vertical members must be straight up and down and the horizontal members completely level. If the scaffold tilts noticeably it might collapse if it is unevenly loaded. Cross bracing or diagonal bracing or both will keep the scaffold erect, level and rigid. Again, make sure the footing and anchorage for built up scaffolds are sound, rigid and strong enough to support four times the maximum intended load.

Never allow unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks to be used as support for scaffolds or planks. As a means for additional safety, built up scaffolds should be secured to the building or structure at least every 30 ‘ horizontally and every 26 ‘ vertically, by heavy wire, brackets or the equivalent. A ladder must be provided to give you safe access to the scaffold platform.

Rolling scaffolds are similar to built up scaffolds except they are wheel mounted. They have the same safety requirements, plus a few additional ones. To prevent tipping, the maximum work height of a rolling scaffold must not be more than 4 times the smallest dimension of its base. When this requirement cannot be met, either use suitable outrigger frames to enlarge the base, or brace the scaffold. Rolling scaffold wheels must have a lock to prevent unexpected movement. Never move the scaffold with anyone on the scaffold.

Suspended scaffolds, such as those used in office building construction, carry a working platform on ropes secured to outrigger beams thrust out from the building. There are light duty, medium duty and heavy duty scaffolds, each designed for a specific requirement and use. Always follow your company's policies and procedures when erecting, using, handling or working on scaffolds. There have been many fatalities and serious injuries related to poorly constructed scaffolds, overloading, improper use of scaffolds and in general, not following proper procedures. There's no reason to take short cuts....it's simply asking for an accident. When you’re using scaffolds, take the time to work and act safely because your life really does depend upon how well you follow the rules.

Training

Prior to 1996, it was estimated that more than 70 percent of workers only received on-the-job training and 25 percent received no training at all. To prevent this from continuing, OSHA strengthened the training requirements.

Because this standard is performance-based, there are no specific topics that must be covered during training. However, Appendix D of the scaffold standard (29 CFR 1926.451)does provide the following outline for the training of all users of scaffolding:

General Overview of Scaffolding

•	Regulations and standards 
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•	Erection/dismantling planning 
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•	PPE and proper procedures 
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•	Fall protection 
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•	Materials handling 
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•	Access 
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•	Working platforms 
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•	Foundations 
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•	Guys, ties and braces 

Inspections

Scaffolding is a temporary, field erected structure used for working aloft.  Because it is temporary and field erected, it is subject to wear and abuse, improper assembly, and unauthorized changes.  Construction standards require that a “competent person” inspect scaffolds for defects before every work shift.  Yet, in all industries, every employee who works on or around scaffolding should be aware of safety requirements.  

The following list includes things to watch for:

•	Scaffolding must be erected on firm footing capable of carrying the maximum intended load.  Boxes, barrels, loose concrete blocks or brick must not be used to support the structure. 

•	Consideration must be given to the weight the scaffold is to carry.  It must be capable of supporting, without failure 4 times the maximum intended load.  The load includes not only the weight of the people on the scaffold but also any supplies and equipment being used. 

•	Scaffolding is naturally unstable because it is usually a tall structure with a narrow base.  To counteract this, the scaffold must be braced or tied off to a stable structure such as a ship’s hull or building wall.

•	The planking used must be “scaffold grade”.  The wood must be clear, free of loose knots, splits, or other defects.  To create a proper work surface, generally 2 planks need to be laid side by side to create a 20" wide work platform.  At the ends, the planking must overlap at least 6" but no more than 18" (limited to 12" for shipyards and construction) unless the planks are fastened to the supporting members.

•	Toe boards at least 4 “ high (3 ½" for construction) should be installed along the outer scaffold edge, to prevent tools or materials from falling onto workers below.

•	Guard rail requirements for supported scaffolds vary for different industries.  The federal OSHA standard for construction and general industry requires guardrails when a platform is 10 ‘ or higher.  In shipyards, they must be installed if the work platform is  5 ‘ or more above a solid surface, or at any distance above water. 

•	Guard rails are usually made of 2 X 4 lumber or steel pipe.  The top rail should be about 42 “ above the scaffold walking surface, with a “mid-rail” at about 21 “ Fiber or wire rope can be used if it is attached to rigid supports and kept taut.  However, a variance may be needed to do so in some jurisdictions. It should be noted that the railings must be adequate strength to restrain someone who has started to fall.

•	Railings can be omitted if a structure, such as a ship’s hull prevents their use.  However in these circumstances, you must wear safety harness and life line if you working more than 5 ‘ above a solid surface.  If over water, you must wear an approved a buoyant work vest.  

Finally, never make any changes to scaffolding yourself.  Only designated “Competent Persons” should make modifications.  

References

Videos that are pertinent to this subject may be obtained, at no cost, from the Arkansas Department of Labor/Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Health and Safety Division Resource Center at (501) 682-9090:

Disclaimer: Information contained in this handout is considered accurate.  For complete information on rules and regulations on Scaffold Safety, please consult your Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1926.451.