BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 1 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

Preparer: Owner: Approver:
SIH Team Leader SIH Team Leader LA Hub EHS Manager

Date Summary of Changes

03/09 Added Revisions table. Added definition of Floor Opening. Added 4.1.1. Added
4.1.9. Revised 4.4.2.2 to add clarification regarding yellow tags, and added 4.4.2.3
– 4.4.2.5.
05/11 General review. Incorporated GSS30 (Contaminated Scaffold).into 4.2
06/14 Revised 4.1.18. Added 4.1.20.B and 4.1.23. Added requirement for scaffold
personnel to wear a personal SRL during erection and dismantling of scaffolds.
02/17 Updated green and yellow scaffold tags.
09/22/17 Added 4.5.2 inspection requirements
11/27/17 Replaced EHS BC References
04/05/18 Updated 4.1.11 to state that toe-boards for swing gate access points must be
attached to the swing gate. MOC was determined to not be necessary.
8/24/2018 Revised 4.1.11 A: Top handrails are now required to be between 39 and 42 inches
(+- 3 inches)
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 2 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

1. PURPOSE
This procedure establishes the basic requirements for the safe design, construction, use
and inspection of scaffolds.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1. Competent Person

One who has specific training in scaffolds and is knowledgeable about the
structural integrity of scaffolds and the degree of maintenance needed to maintain
them, must be knowledgeable about the requirements of the scaffold standard and
this procedure, and have training and knowledge to identify and correct hazards
encountered in scaffold work.

2.2. Mobile Scaffold

A powered or unpowered, portable, caster or wheel-mounted supported scaffold.

2.3. Qualified Person

One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional
standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has
successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to
the subject matter, the work, or the project.

2.4. Supported Scaffold

One or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs,
uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.

3. SCOPE
This procedure applies to all scaffolds built on BASF Corporation’s Geismar Plant Site.
Scaffolds used by personnel covered under the Construction standard (1926 subpart L)
must comply with those standards.

4. PROCEDURE

4.1. General Requirements

4.1.1. All scaffolds are considered temporary platforms and shall be dismantled
as soon as possible after use.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 3 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

4.1.2. Support Capability Requirements

Unless otherwise provided in this procedure, each scaffold and scaffold
component must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least four (4)
times the maximum intended load.

4.1.3. Width Requirements

Scaffold platforms must be at least 18 inches wide when possible. When
not possible, personnel working on the scaffold shall be protected from
falling by guardrails and/or a personal fall arrest system.

4.1.4. Space/Opening Requirements

Space between platform units (scaffold boards, metal scaffold platforms,
etc.) must not exceed one inch unless special circumstances warrant wider
spacing. In those circumstances, plywood decking of at least ¾ inch
construction grade must be nailed in place to cover the spaces. At no time
shall spaces be left which exceed 9½ inches.

Note: Decking should be free of obvious defects, such as cracks, knot

holes, etc. and be uncontaminated by chemicals, paint, concrete or other
substances which may weaken the plywood decking.

4.1.5. Maximum Opening Spans

Plywood decking may be used to span an opening up to a maximum width
of two (2) feet. The decking shall extend the full width of standard scaffold
planking that shall be used for support.

4.1.6. Securing the Decking

The plywood decking shall be secured in place with nails.

4.1.7. Limits of Extension Over End Supports

Scaffold units must extend over their end supports a minimum of six (6)
inches or be otherwise secured in place. Scaffold units shall not extend
more than twelve (12) inches over their end supports.

4.1.8. Overlapping Requirements

Where overlapping is necessary, boards must be overlapped a minimum of
twelve (12) inches and nailed together or otherwise restrained to prevent
movement.

4.1.9. Scaffold planking shall be cleated at each end. Nails, wire, or bolts used
for cleating shall be of sufficient and adequate size as to provide secure
banding of the cleat. Nails shall not be subjected to a straight pull and
shall be driven full length.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 4 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

4.1.10. Intermixing of Scaffold Components with Different Manufacturers

Scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers shall not be
intermixed unless the components fit together without force, are not
modified, and the scaffold’s structural integrity is maintained. Written
approval from each scaffold manufacturer must be available for review
whenever scaffold components are intermixed.

4.1.11. Guard Rail / Toe Board / Swing Gate Requirements

A. Guardrails (top-rail and mid-rail) must be installed on all sides, except
at the location where a swing gate is installed. Cross-braces are not
allowed in lieu of top-rails or mid-rails.
 The top-rail shall be between 39 inches and 42 inches +- 3 inches
above the top rail.
 The mid-rail shall be approximately halfway between the top-rail and
scaffold platform.
B. Toe-boards, a minimum of 3 ½ inches high, shall be provided on all
sides of the scaffold, except where a swing gate is installed. Toe-
boards attached to the swing gate are preferred, but not required.
C. A swing gate shall be installed, at the top of each ladder, for each
scaffold 10 feet or greater in height, except in situations where the
scaffold configuration makes it impossible to do so.

4.1.12. Personal Fall Protection

A. The need for personal fall protection (harness / lanyard) will be
specified on a yellow scaffold tag whenever the scaffold has a missing
or incomplete rail and/or has a hole in the deck.

B. Personal fall protection is also required in the following situations:

 On any green or yellow tagged scaffold if an individual is working or
leaning outside the protective barrier of the mid-rails and top-rails
such that they could fall (ex. Leaning between the mid-rail and top-
rail, climbing on the mid-rail, etc.).
 When the access ladder is equipped with a self-retracting lanyard
(SRL) for ascending / descending the ladder.

4.1.13. Elimination of Slippery Conditions

Slippery conditions on scaffolds must be eliminated as soon as possible
after they occur.

4.1.14. Requirements for Scaffold Materials, Design and Construction

Scaffold materials, design and construction shall be as specified in
applicable OSHA Standards, in addition to the following:

A. Nails – Toe-Boards
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 5 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

When toe-boards are nailed in place, 16d Duplex nails are to be

used and nailed from the outside of the working area of the
scaffold.
B. Nails – Overlaps
When overlapping boards on a platform, the use of Number 12d
Common nails is required. The nail must be driven flush with the
board. This will eliminate the hazard of the nail puncturing
someone under the deck.
C. Nails – Plywood
When using plywood, 6d Common nails must be used to provide a
smoother working surface and less chance of trip hazards.

4.1.15. Inability to Construct a Complete Scaffold

Where physical obstructions such as overhead lines, existing platforms,
etc. prevent scaffolds from being erected in accordance with OSHA
Standards, the precautions and hazards must be listed on the appropriate
scaffold tag (yellow tag).

4.1.16. Dismantling Preparation

Scaffolds must be free of all material, equipment and trash prior to being
dismantled.

4.1.17. Scaffold Design

Scaffolds >125 feet in height shall be designed by a registered
professional engineer and copies of the scaffold design made available.

4.1.18. Scaffold Erection

Scaffolds must be erected in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations. Scaffold builders must wear and use a personal SRL in
place of a standard lanyard during scaffold erection and dismantling.

4.1.19. Rest Platform Requirement

When ladders are used on scaffolds more than thirty (30) feet high, they
must have rest platforms at 30-foot maximum vertical intervals.

4.1.20. Access Ladder Requirements

A. All scaffolds must be equipped with access ladders with rungs

designed to withstand a working load of two hundred (200) pounds
and the ladder must extend 3 feet above the exiting platform.

B. A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) shall be affixed to each scaffold 10

feet or greater in height for use while accessing the scaffold ladder.
The SRL must be attached to a safety harness when accessing the
scaffold ladder.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 6 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

4.1.21. Requirements for Securing Ladders

Access ladders shall be secured within two (2) feet of their top and two (2)
feet of their bottom. Ladders longer than ten (10) feet require additional
securing as close to their mid-point as practicable.

4.1.22. Access Ladder Inspection/Maintenance

Access ladders shall be maintained in good condition at all times, and
inspected prior to each use. Ladders shall be kept clean of oil and grease.

4.1.23. Falling Object Prevention

On scaffolds ≥ 8 feet in height debris netting, with max mesh opening of
0.25” X 0.25”, shall be provided between the toeboard and mid-rail to
minimize the potential for objects to fall from the scaffold. The netting
should be attached using tie-wraps or other means that will not pose a
hazard to personnel on the scaffold (ex. wire is not to be used).

4.1.24. Scaffold Platform Support by Mobile Equipment

Mobile equipment (forklifts, front-end loaders, etc.) shall not be used to
support scaffold platforms unless approved in writing from the mobile
equipment manufacturer and Site Safety.

4.1.25. Scaffold Use Near Power Lines

Scaffolds must not be erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such
that they or any conductive material handled on them might come closer
than ten (10) feet to exposed and energized power lines, unless the lines
have been de-energized or have had protective coverings installed.

4.1.26. Sub-Scaffold Barricades

Where toe-boards do not provide adequate falling object protection for
employees working below a scaffold, the area below the scaffold must be
barricaded to prevent employees from entering.

4.1.27. Scaffold planks installed in pipe racks

Planking in pipe racks is permitted with approval from the Unit’s
supervision. Planking must have a 12” minimum clearance from extreme
heat (400oF).

4.2. Contaminated Scaffolds

4.2.1 If hazardous agents come in contact with the scaffold and cause a
contamination issue, the scaffold is to be decontaminated as soon as
possible so as not to cause chemical contact with people working on or
around the scaffold.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 7 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

4.2.2 If a scaffold remains erected with potential contamination, means shall be

taken to prevent access by unauthorized personnel, as well as protection
of personnel who must access the scaffold.

4.2.3 The Owning Department representative shall advise the scaffold builders
of the PPE necessary for safely handling the contaminated scaffold.

4.2.4 The Owning Department will determine the method of decontamination.

The scaffold will be decontaminated by qualified personnel in a location
that will not cause further contamination issues.

4.2.5 Scaffold boards requiring destruction shall be cut up and disposed in

accordance with site waste disposal requirements.

4.2.6 Units must assure that scaffolds are decontaminated prior to leaving the
unit. Specific requirements apply to the following chemicals:

A. Acrylonitrile

i. All surfaces shall be maintained free of visible accumulations of

liquid AN.
ii. Where spills of liquid AN are detected, the employer shall assure
that surfaces contacted by the liquid AN are decontaminated.
iii. Employees not engaged in decontamination activities shall leave
the area of the spill, and shall not be permitted in the area until
decontamination is completed.

B. Methylenedianiline (MDA)

i. All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of visible

accumulations of MDA.
ii. All leaks shall be repaired and liquid or dust spills cleaned up
promptly.
iii. Surfaces contaminated with MDA may not be cleaned by the use
of compressed air.
iv. Shoveling, dry sweeping, and other methods of dry clean-up of
MDA may be used where HEPA-filtered vacuuming and/or wet
cleaning are not feasible or practical.
v. Waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers, equipment, and clothing
contaminated with MDA shall be collected and disposed of in a
manner to prevent the re-entry of MDA into the workplace.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 8 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

C. Formaldehyde

i. In work areas where spillage may occur, the employer shall make
provisions to contain the spill, to decontaminate the work area,
and to dispose of the waste.
ii. The employer shall assure that all leaks are repaired and spills
are cleaned promptly by employees wearing suitable protective
equipment and trained in proper methods for cleanup and
decontamination.
iii. Formaldehyde-contaminated waste and debris resulting from
leaks or spills shall be placed for disposal in sealed containers
bearing a label warning of formaldehyde's presence and of the
hazards associated with formaldehyde.

D. Asbestos

i. All surfaces shall be maintained as free as practicable of ACM

waste and debris and accompanying dust.
ii. All spills and sudden releases of material containing asbestos
shall be cleaned up as soon as possible.
iii. Surfaces contaminated with asbestos may not be cleaned by the
use of compressed air.
iv. HEPA-filtered vacuuming equipment shall be used for vacuuming
asbestos containing waste and debris. The equipment shall be
used and emptied in a manner which minimizes the reentry of
asbestos into the workplace.
v. Shoveling, dry sweeping and dry clean-up of asbestos may be
used only where vacuuming and/or wet cleaning are not feasible.
vi. Waste, scrap, debris, bags, containers, equipment, and clothing
contaminated with asbestos consigned for disposal, shall be
collected, recycled and disposed of in sealed impermeable bags,
or other closed, impermeable containers

4.3. Supported Scaffolds

4.3.1. Scaffold Tip Prevention

Supported scaffolds with height to base width of more than 4 to 1must be
restrained from tipping by guying, typing, bracing, or equivalent means.

4.3.2. Scaffold Bracing Requirements

When possible, scaffolds shall be securely braced or anchored to a wall,
existing structure, or equipment at intervals not to exceed thirty (30) feet in
length or twenty-six (26) feet in height. If this is not possible, the scaffold
will be designed by a registered professional engineer.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 9 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

4.3.3. Scaffold Footings

Footings must be level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded
scaffold without settling or displacement.

4.3.4. Use of Unstable Objects as Platforms or Platform Supports

Unstable objects shall not be used as working platforms or to support
platform units.

4.3.5. Scaffold Bracing

Poles, legs, posts, frames and uprights must be plumb and braced to
prevent swaying and displacement.

4.4. Mobile Scaffolds

4.4.1. Bracing
Scaffolds must be braced by cross, horizontal or diagonal braces, or
combination thereof, to prevent racking or collapse of the scaffold and to
secure vertical members together laterally so as to automatically square
and align the vertical members. Scaffolds must be plumb, level and
squared. All brace connections must be secured.

4.4.2. Moving Mobile Scaffolds

 Manual force used to move the scaffold must be applied as close to the
base as practicable, but not more than five (5) feet above the
supporting surface.
 Scaffolds must be stabilized to prevent tipping during movement.
 The rolling surface must be free of material that may tip the scaffold
while it is being moved.
 Employees are not allowed to ride on mobile scaffolds while the
scaffold is being moved.

Note: Casters and wheels must be locked when the scaffold is in use
and shall be pinned or otherwise secured in scaffold legs.

4.5 Scaffold Tagging and Inspection

4.5.1 A tag holder will be installed during erection by the scaffold builder on the
access ladder or scaffold frame member within reach and view of the
access point, preferably at ground level. The holder is part of the scaffold
and is not to be removed by anyone other than the scaffold builder at the
time of dismantling.
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 10 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

4.5.2 Each scaffold and related components must be inspected for visible
defects by a Competent Person before each work shift of use. The
scaffold tag will be marked to include the name of the Competent Person
and date of inspection.

4.5.3 Scaffold tags

4.5.3.1 A green scaffold tag is used when the scaffold is erected in

accordance with OSHA requirements and does not have special
precautions or hazards. Installation of a self-retracting lifeline
(SRL) for ladder access does not affect tag color

4.5.3.2 A yellow scaffold tag is used when the scaffold is not erected in
accordance with OSHA regulations or poses a potential hazard or
caution. The yellow tag will identify the hazards and or precautions
that must be taken when accessing the scaffold. Precautions
include, but may not be limited to, the following:
 “Fall Protection Required” shall be marked only when one or
more hand-rails or mid-rails are missing and/or are not installed
at the specified heights (per 4.1.11), or when there is an
opening in the deck through which someone can fall.
 The area below the scaffold must be barricaded when objects
can fall from the scaffold (ex. Openings in the deck, when toe-
boards are missing or do not provide adequate falling object
protection) or there are other hazards that could affect
personnel working below the scaffold (ex. Line breaking).

4.5.3.3 A red scaffold tag or missing scaffold tag indicates that the scaffold
may not be used.

4.5.3.4 When work on a scaffold creates a new hazard not addressed by

the scaffold tag (ex. Creation of an opening due to removal of a
piece of equipment), then the tag must be pulled and the scaffold
foreman notified to update the scaffold tag.

4.6 Training
 All BASF scaffold users will be trained on the requirements prior to scaffold
use.
 Contractors will also comply with 1926 subpart L.

5 RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 Scaffold Erectors

It is the responsibility of workers erecting scaffolds to inspect all scaffold materials
and erect scaffolds that comply with this procedure and applicable Federal
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 11 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

standards. Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person and constructed in

accordance with that design. Scaffold material must be carefully inspected at the
time of scaffold erection by the scaffold erector’s competent person, and defective
components discarded. Scaffolds must only be erected, moved, dismantled, or
altered under the supervision and direction of a competent person. Such activities
shall only be performed by experienced and trained workers.

5.2 Scaffold Users

It is the responsibility of all users to:
 Review the scaffold inspection tag prior to use.
 Ensure that a Competent Person has signed the inspection tag on the shift of
use.
 Remove the scaffold inspection tag if deficiencies are noted or if additional
hazards are created by work on the scaffold.
 Observe safe working rules when using scaffolds.
 Abide by cautionary information posted on the scaffold tag, if applicable.

5.3 Scaffold Requester

Persons requesting a scaffold must give specific information about the installation
of the scaffold: location, time, special design needs, weight of extra material to be
placed on scaffold, etc. (See 5.4 below)

5.4 Contractors
 Contractors shall comply with the requirements of this procedure and all
requirements of 1926 Subpart L. If applicable, scaffolds and scaffold
components on which the contractor company’s employees will be working
shall be inspected for visible defects by the contractor company’s competent
person before each work shift and after any occurrence which could affect a
scaffold’s structural integrity.

6 RELATED DOCUMENTS
N-R-OSA 001
OSHA CFR 1910.28
OSHA CFR 1926, Subpart L
OSHA CFR 1910.21
OSHA CFR 1910.1045
OSHA CFR 1910.1048
OSHA CFR 1910.1050
OSHA CFR 1910.1001
IH-02 (Lead)
IH-06 (Asbestos)
BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 12 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

Green Scaffold Tag (TMAT # 8483646)

BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 13 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

BASF Corporation Title: Scaffolds

Individual Unit Function: Safety

Procedure No.: GSS16 Page: 14 of 14

Geismar Site Reviewed: 04/05/18 Effective: 04/09/18 Supersedes: 12/01/17

Yellow Scaffold Tag (TMAT # 8483656)