FLORES, ARAIZA G.

BSEE IV

ASSIGNMENT: HAZARD AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT OF SCAFFOLDING AND

LADDERS
 Hazards Associated in Scaffolding
1. Falls
Falls are attributed to the lack of guardrails, improper installation of guardrails and failure
to use personal fall arrest systems when required. The OSHA standard requires fall protection
must be used when work heights reach 10’ or more. OSHA’s standards represent the minimum
level of protection; many general contractors require 100% fall protection at 6’ or greater when
working on scaffolds. These contractors are increasing safety margins by exceeding the
minimum requirements of the OSHA standards.
Lack of proper access to the scaffold work platform is an additional reason for falls from
scaffolds. Access in the form of a secured ladder, stair tower, ramp, etc. is required whenever
there is 24” vertical change to an upper or lower level. The means of access must be determined
before erection of the scaffold and employees are never allowed to climb on cross braces for
either vertical or horizontal movement.
2. Scaffold collapse
The proper erection of a scaffold is essential in preventing this particular hazard. Before
erecting the scaffold, a number of factors must be accounted for. The amount of weight the
scaffold will be required to hold including the weight of the scaffold itself, materials, and
workers must be considered. Foundation stability, placement of scaffold planks, distance from
the scaffold to the work surface, and tie-in requirements are just a few of the other items that
must be considered prior to building a scaffold.
Scaffold Competent Person
A knowledgeable individual who can perform preplanning will reduce the chances of
injury and save money for any task. However, when building, moving, or dismantling a scaffold,
a knowledgeable person, also known as the scaffold competent person, must be present. A
competent person must also inspect the scaffold daily to ensure the structure remains in a safe
condition. Improper construction can lead to a total collapse of the scaffold or falling
components – both of which can be fatal.
3. Struck by falling materials
Workers on scaffolds are not the only ones exposed to scaffold related hazards. Many
individuals have been injured or killed due to being struck by materials or tools that have fallen
from scaffold platforms. These people must be protected from falling objects. OSHA requires
that this is done one of two ways. The first is to install toe boards or netting on work platforms
to prevent these items from falling to the ground or lower level work areas. The other option is
to erect barricades that physically prevent individuals from walking under work platforms.
FLORES, ARAIZA G. BSEE IV

Caution or Danger tape is often used in an attempt to keep people away from overhead
hazards but is often disregarded or taken down creating possible struck by hazards. A more
robust system such as plastic mesh or wooden barricades is generally more effective and much
easier to maintain. When members of the public could potentially move close enough to be
struck by falling objects, creating barriers to prevent them from entering the area where objects
can fall is a recognized best practice. Regardless of the type of falling object protection used, it
is crucial that other individuals on the work site are aware of the overhead work.
4. Electrocution
Once again we look to preplanning and the competent person to assure there are no
electrical hazards present during scaffold use. A minimum of 10’ must be maintained between
the scaffold and electrical hazards. If this distance cannot be maintained, then the hazard must
be de-energized or properly insulated by the power company. Coordination between the power
company and the company erecting / using the scaffold cannot be over stated.
 Safety Measures when using Scaffolding
1. Scaffold must be sound, rigid and sufficient to carry its own weight plus four times the
maximum intended load without settling or displacement. It must be erected on solid footing.
2. Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks or concrete blocks must not be used to
support scaffolds or planks.
3. Scaffold must not be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a
competent person.
4. Scaffold must be equipped with guardrails, midrails and toeboards.
5. Scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs or ladders that are damaged
or weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired or replaced.
6. Scaffold platforms must be tightly planked with scaffold plank grade material or equivalent.
7. A "competent person" must inspect the scaffolding and, at designated intervals, re-inspect.
8. Rigging on suspension scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each shift
and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity to ensure that all connections are
tight and that no damage to the rigging has occurred since its last use.
9. Synthetic and natural rope used in suspension scaffolding must be protected from heat-
producing sources.
10. Employees must be instructed about the hazards of using diagonal braces as fall protection.
11. Scaffold can be accessed by using ladders and stairwells.
12. Scaffolds must be at least 10 feet from electric power lines at all times.
 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES OF SCAFFOLDING
FLORES, ARAIZA G. BSEE IV

 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED IN LADDERS

LADDER ACCIDENT Ladder falls or accidents increased significantly in 2001-2005, which
gives a significant rise in serious injury from ladder falls. A fall from height, more than one
meter, was the most common mechanism of injury accounting for 59% of the total. It was also
established that about 20% of ladder-related falls greater that one meter and major trauma cases
occurred while people are working on site. despite the knowledge of the dangers of falls from
ladders, there has being a significant increase in the number of casualties from ladder falls which
resulted into broken limb, fracture and bruises on building sites.
 SAFETY MEASURES WHEN USING LADDERS

 Always inspect a ladder before you climb it. Make sure the steps are sturdy and the
locking mechanisms are in good working order.
 Carry ladders horizontally with the front end slightly higher than the back end.
 To open a stepladder, make sure the spreader is locked and the pail shelf is in position.
To open an extension ladder, brace the bottom end and push the rungs or rails out.
 Place ladders on a solid, level surface to ensure safety:

o Watch for overhead obstructions and powerlines.

o To prevent ladders from sinking into soft ground, use a large board under the feet
of the ladder.
o Position a straight or extension ladder so that the base of the ladder is one foot
away from the vertical support for every four feet of working ladder height (e.g.,
if you are working with eight feet of ladder, place the base of the ladder two feet
from the wall).

o Do not place the top of a ladder against a window or an uneven surface.

o When possible, tie the top of a straight or extension ladder to supports. Stake and
tie the feet of the ladder.
o An extension ladder used for access to a roof must extend at least 3 feet beyond
the support point.
o Use a wooden or plastic ladder if you must work near electrical sources.
o Do not place a ladder in front of a door unless you lock and barricade the door
and post a warning sign on the opposite side of the door.

  Use common sense when climbing or working on ladders:

o Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles and make sure they are dry before climbing.
o Never allow more than one person on a ladder.
o To climb or descend a ladder, face the ladder and firmly grip the rails, not the
rungs, with both hands.
o Keep your body between the rails at all times. Do not shift your weight to one
side.
FLORES, ARAIZA G. BSEE IV

o Have someone steady the ladder if it cannot be secured otherwise.

o Do not stand on the top four rungs of an extension ladder or the top two rungs of a
step ladder.
o When working on a ladder, keep two feet and one hand on the ladder at all times.
o Do not stand on the bucket shelf of a ladder.

 When working on a ladder, carry small tools on a tool belt. Use a rope to raise and lower
heavy tools.
 Never leave a raised or open ladder unattended.
 Store ladders away from heat and moisture. Destroy damaged or unsafe ladders.
 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES IN LADDERS