Introduction

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, and using scaffolds. Standard rules and requirements for working on scaffoldings can
minimize or remove workers’ exposure to hazards such as falls, electrocutions, and falling
objects.

Scaffolding safety is important because it can help prevent workplace incidents from
recurring. With baseline scaffold requirements to keep workers safe such as better inspections,
training, and controls, frontline teams can ensure scaffolding safety and be proactive about
building a safety culture from the ground up.
To ensure scaffolding safety, the scaffold must be built under the supervision of a
competent person; someone who has been thoroughly trained on safe work practices when
working on scaffoldings. And workers must be trained by a qualified person before they use the
scaffold. The scaffold and its components should also be checked by a competent person and
properly tagged before the start of the shift to ensure its integrity and safety.

Specifications of Scaffolds at Site

 H – Frame Set (1.20m x 1.70m)

 Platform – (1.20m x 500mm)

 GI Pipe (1 ½” x 6m, 3m, 1m)

 Swivel Clamp (1 ½”)

  Base Jack (30mm x 600mm)

PPE Required for Installation for Scaffolding

The PPEs required when working on a scaffolding typically include of hard hats, safety
harnesses, safety shoes or heavy-duty boots, gloves, eye and face protection, and high-visibility
vests or clothing. Note, however, that these PPE requirements still vary depending on several
factors so it is important that employers set specific PPE guidelines to ensure the safety of
workers.

Scaffolding Safety Dos:

1. Inspect the scaffold using a checklist before the work shift and ensure it is safe and in proper
working order.
2. Provide proper training.
3. Have a toolbox talk before beginning work.
4. Wear appropriate PPE.
5. Know the weight capacity of the scaffold.
6. Have a handhold above the scaffold platform.
7. Level the scaffold after each move. Do not extend adjusting leg screws more than 12 inches.
8. Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more
above ground level. Attach the lanyard to a secure member of the scaffold.
9. Safely use the ladder when climbing the cross braces for access to the scaffold.
10. Keep both feet on the decking.
11. Stay off the scaffold during loading or unloading.
12. Ensure planking is overlapping or secured from movement.
13. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when erecting the scaffold, under the direct supervision
of a competent person.
14. Be mindful of coworkers working above and below you at all times, as well as others working on
the scaffold.

Scaffolding Safety Don’ts:

1. Leave anything on the scaffold at the end of your shift.
2. Overload the scaffold.
3. Use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick or concrete blocks to support scaffolds,
increase your work height or planks.
4. Work on platforms or scaffolds unless they are fully planked.
5. Use a scaffold unless guardrails and all flooring are in place.
6. Stand on ties, guardrails, or extensions.
7. Use the scaffold if it appears damaged in any way, has been tampered with, or if there are
components missing such as planking, guardrails, toeboards, debris nets or protective canopies.
8. Walk on scaffold planking covered in ice, snow or mud.
9. Avoid using a scaffold during adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice snow or strong
winds.
10. Climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing.
11. Never climb with any materials or tools in your hand, they should be hoisted up to the scaffold
separately.
12. Jump from, to, or between scaffolding.
13. Lean out or overreach outside the guardrails.
14. Rock the scaffold.
15. Throw anything “overboard” unless a spotter is available.
16. Move a mobile scaffold if anyone is on it.
How to Use Scaffolding Properly
1. Secure the scaffolding area and put signage indicating an ongoing scaffolding structure.
2. Validate the correct number of parts by comparing them with existing documentation.
3. Find the corner point and align the scaffolding with the building.
4. Assemble the parts of the first lift to set up positions for soleplates then ensure that they form a
firm foundation for the scaffolding.
5. Adjust the baseplates to accommodate uneven floors and grounds.
6. Erect the first bay by starting at the highest point.
7. Use a spirit level to align the bay then alter the baseplates through baseplate adjustments.
8. Check if the distance of the bay from the building is correct then move it if required—use a lever
to safely move the bay.
9. Measure the diagonal dimensions of the bay or align the plates to make sure that they are
squared.
10. Create a working platform by arranging planks in a lift—this makes it easier to add the
succeeding upper ledgers and transoms.
11. Build an access bay on the non-operating area of the structure using stairs to provide easy access
to the scaffold.
12. Add transverse braces to the scaffold to strengthen the structure and prevent it from swaying.
13. Construct scaffold returns similar to how the other bays were structured. 
14. Connect the main scaffold to the return by tying them together using scaffold tubes and right-
angled couplers.
15. Add longitudinal braces to every fourth bay then form the next temporary platform by
transferring the planks from the base working platform on the next lift.
16. Install the standards for the next level then set up transoms and ledgers to function as temporary
guard rails.
17. Set up the working platform by arranging all the transoms and ledgers for the next lift.
18. Continue to build the scaffold until the desired number and height of lifts are established.
19. Arrange a working platform between the scaffold and the building.
20. Inspect the scaffold to ensure safety before authorizing its use.

Scaffolding Safety Checklist

 Inspect Scaffolding Integrity
 Inspect Scaffolding Platforms
 Inspect Scaffolding Access
 Inspect Scaffolding Working Conditions
 Evaluate Fall Protection Measures
 Evaluate Personnel Training