SCAFFOLD & LADDER SAFETY

TRAINING
INTRODUCTION
Falls from scaffolds and ladders are a leading
cause of serious and fatal injuries in residential
construction.
The goals of this course are to help you:
• understand how to correct or eliminate fall hazards
on your job sites related to scaffold and ladder use
• understand the OSHA scaffold and ladder safety
requirements

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 COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the importance of preventing
falls from ladders and scaffolds.
2. Recognize fall hazards associated with
ladder and scaffold use.
3. Identify OSHA requirements for ladders,
stairways, and scaffolds.
4. Identify work practices for using
ladders and scaffolds safely.

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COURSE AGENDA
Section 1: Overview
Section 2: Ladder Safety
Section 3: Scaffold Safety
Section 4: Group Workshop
SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

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HOW DO YOU PREVENT FALLS FROM
LADDERS AND SCAFFOLDS?

Implement a comprehensive safety

program.
Understand OSHA ladder and scaffold
regulations.
Train workers to identify hazards
associated with ladder and scaffold use.
Use safe work practices.

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SECTION 2: LADDER SAFETY

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
SECTION 2
Determine the proper ladder to use based
on weight capacity and height.
Calculate the proper pitch of extension
ladders for proper set-up, and identify how
to secure and stabilize ladders.
Identify how to maintain a safe position
when using a ladder.
Identify safety requirements for protecting
stairways.

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COMMON LADDER HAZARDS

Improper set-up
Portable ladders not 3 feet above landing
surface
Not securing ladder correctly
Standing on the top two steps of a
stepladder
Overreaching when working from a ladder

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT LADDER

Before stepping onto a ladder, think about these

things:
Duty rating of the ladder—what capacity can it
hold?
Height of the ladder—too short or too tall?
Condition of the ladder and instructions unique to
the ladder selected.

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PROPER DUTY RATING/CAPACITY

OSHA Requirement
Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the maximum
intended load for which they were built nor beyond
their manufacturer's rated capacity.

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PROPER DUTY RATING/CAPACITY, CONT.

TYPE DUTY RATING USE LOAD

1AA Special Heavy Duty Rugged 375 Lbs.
1A Extra Heavy Duty Industrial 300 Lbs.
1 Heavy Duty Industrial 250 Lbs.
II Medium Duty Commercial 225 Lbs.
III Light Duty Household 200 Lbs.

Select a ladder with the proper duty rating for your weight and the materials
you are handling.

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EXTENSION LADDERS

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PROPER LADDER SET-UP

Consider placement and pitch of the ladder.

Secure and stabilize the ladder.

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PITCH EXTENSION LADDERS

Extension ladders
should be used at a 4
to 1 pitch (1.2 to .3 m).
For every 4 ft. (1.2 m)
in height, the bottom of
the ladder should be 1
ft. (.3 m) away from the
structure.

Example:
20 ft. (height) ÷ 4 ft. = 5 ft. pitch

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PITCH EXTENSION LADDERS,
CONT.

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PROPER HEIGHT EXTENSION LADDERS

When accessing
another level, the
ladder must
extend at least 3 ft.
3ft. (0.9m) above
the landing to
provide a hand
hold for getting
on and off the
ladder.

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SECURE AND
STABILIZE LADDERS
Extension ladders should be
secured at the top or bottom to
prevent movement.
The base of an extension ladder
must be secured in place by
using the safety feet on the ladder
or other effective means.

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SECURE AND STABILIZE
LADDERS, CONT.

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STEP LADDERS

Only use in the fully open

position on firm level
ground.
Do not use a stepladder
that is folded or in a
leaning position.
Never sit/stand on the top
two rungs.
Consider work height when
selecting a stepladder.

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STEP LADDERS, CONT.

• Stepladders
are designed
for use in an
opened-and-
locked
position.
• Always
ensure 3 –
point Contact.

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STEP LADDERS, CONT.

Do NOT use a
stepladder that
is folded or in a
leaning position.

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PROPER HEIGHT STEPLADDERS
Maximum Height Stepladder Height
Choose a You Need to Reach
stepladder 7 3
that is no 8 4
more than 9 5
4ft. shorter 10 6
than the 12 8
height you 14 10
want to 15 11
Reach. 16 12
18 14
20 16
MAINTAIN A SAFE POSITION
ON LADDERS
Face the ladder when ascending or
descending.
Maintain three points of contact at all times.
Keep your body centered on the ladder.
Never let your belt buckle pass either
siderail.
MAINTAINING A SAFE POSITION
ON A LADDER, CONT.
LADDER INSPECTIONS
Ladders must be
inspected before
each use.
Broken or weak
ladders or ladders
that are not stable
must be marked or
tagged as defective
and taken out of
service.
Look for cracks and
weak points.
Competent person
must periodically
inspect ladders.
LADDER INSPECTION, CONT.
REVIEW THE SAFETY LABELS ON
THE LADDER
ADDITIONAL SAFE WORK
PRACTICES: LADDERS
Extension ladders should not be separated
to create two ladders.
Keep the areas around the tops and bottoms
of all ladders clear to prevent trip-and-fall
hazards.
Avoid setting ladders up in high traffic areas
or barricade the area around ladder.
ADDITIONAL SAFE WORK
PRACTICES: LADDERS, CONT.
Ladders must be kept free of oil, grease,
and other slipping hazards.
Consider using a rope to raise/lower
materials instead of carrying items while
climbing a ladder.
Do NOT use metal or aluminum ladders
near exposed energized electrical
equipment.

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SECTION 3: SCAFFOLD SAFETY
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
SECTION 3
Identify general requirements for safely building and
using scaffolds.
Identify competent person responsibilities.
How to access scaffolds safely.
Determine proper fall protection including guardrails
and personal fall arrest systems.
Identify safety requirements applicable to specific types
of scaffolds.
COMMON SCAFFOLD HAZARDS

No guardrails on scaffolds.
Defective wood planks and inadequate planking
overhang.
Unsafe access to scaffold.
Cross bracing not adequate.
Inadequate footings.
Bridging of scaffolds.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Erect/dismantle all Scaffolds According to the

Manufacturer's Instructions and Competent
Persons (CP) Direction
• Capacity
• Must support 4x Intended Load
Stable Footings
• Base Plate, Screw Jacks &
Mudsills
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS,
CONT.
Platforms at Least 18” Wide
• Ladder Jack, Pump Jack, Top Plate, and
Roof Brackets Can Be 12” Wide

• Front edge of all platforms within 14” of face

of work
• Exceptions:
• 3” for outrigger scaffolds
• 18” for plastering and lathing
operations
SCAFFOLD CAPACITY, CONT.

Scaffold Capacity =
Expected Load x 4
400 lbs of Workers
+100 lbs of Tools
+ 100 lbs of Materials
600 lbs x 4 = 2,400 lbs
BASE PLATE & MUDSILL
REQUIRED
PROPER SCAFFOLD BASE
MASONRY BLOCKS & BRICKS NOT
ACCEPTABLE AS SCAFFOLD BASE
SCAFFOLD PLATFORM

Each platform on all working levels must be

fully planked and secured to prevent
movement.
No more than a 1” space between
decking/platform units and upright supports.
Wood scaffold planks must be nominal 2” x
10”.
Must be Scaffold Grade Planks or equivalent.
PLANKS WITH VISIBLE DEFECTS
MUST NOT BE USED
SCAFFOLD USE
Do NOT use objects (ladders, boxes, barrels, etc.)
on top of scaffold platforms to increase height
Planks Extend 6” Past Supports or Secured
Do NOT Paint Platforms
• Exception: Platform edges may be covered or
marked for identification
Brace Fully
FRONT EDGE WITHIN
14” OF FACE
SCAFFOLD PLANK 6” PAST
SUPPORT
SCAFFOLD PLANK CLEAT
FULLY BRACED SCAFFOLD
COMPETENT PERSON
RESPONSIBILITIES
Designated competent person:
Designated by the employer.
Has the knowledge and experience required to
identify existing and predictable hazards.
Has authority to eliminate unsafe working
conditions.
Has authority to stop work if unsafe conditions
exists.
COMPETENT PERSON
RESPONSIBILITIES, CONT.

Train employees who erect, dismantle, move,

or alter scaffolds.
Determine if it is safe for employees to work on
or from a scaffold during storms or high winds.
Inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for
visible defects before each work shift.
SCAFFOLD ACCESS
Ladders Needed if Access
More Than 2’
Don’t Climb Cross Braces
Place Ladders Securely
• Ladders must be positioned so they will
not tip the scaffold
SCAFFOLD ACCESS,
CONT.
Access to or from another surface (such as a
window) can only be used when the scaffold is:

•No more than 14” horizontally,

and
•No more than 24” vertically from
the other surface
PORTABLE ACCESS LADDER

Must be
secured to
prevent
displacement.
Extend at least
3’ above
landing to
provide a
handhold.
ATTACHABLE ACCESS LADDER
SCAFFOLD STAIRWAY
SCAFFOLD FALL PROTECTION
Scaffolding 10’ or higher must have some means of fall
protection:
• guardrails or
• personal fall arrest system (PFAS)
Toprails installed between 38” and 45” High.
Midrails installed halfway between toprail and platform.
• Cross bracing OK as guardrails if the center point is between 20” to
30” for Midrail and 38” to 45” for Toprail.
Toprails to 200 lbs. of force/Midrails to 150 lbs. of force in
any direction.
SCAFFOLD FALL
PROTECTION, CONT.
Erecting and Dismantling:
• Fall protection should be used when
feasible and when it does not create a
greater hazard
• Competent person determines the feasibility
and safety of providing fall protection
FALLING OBJECT PROTECTION

Anyone working on or around a scaffold

must wear a hard hat.
Workers on or below scaffolds must be
protected from falling objects by:
• Toeboards
• Mesh
• Screens; or
• Equivalent measures
FALLING OBJECT
PROTECTION, CONT.
FALLING OBJECT PROTECTION,
CONT.
SCAFFOLD SAFETY TRAINING
All employees must be trained prior to working on
scaffolds.
Qualified person must conduct the training and
include the following:
• Electrical Hazards
• Fall Protection
• Falling Object Protection
• Proper Use
• Material Handling
• Load-carrying Capacities
WHAT TYPE OF SCAFFOLD DO
YOU USE?
FABRICATED FRAME
FABRICATED FRAME

Have guardrails
installed.
FABRICATED FRAME, CONT.

Use Cross bracing.

FABRICATED FRAME,
CONT.

Use of uplift pins.

FABRICATED FRAME, CONT.

Supported scaffolds with a

height to base width
(including outrigger
supports, if used) ratio of
more than four to one (4:1)
must be restrained from
tipping by:
• Guying,
• Tying,
• Bracing, or
• Equivalent means
PUMP JACK SCAFFOLD
PUMP JACK SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Must have
guardrails
(including end
rails), or personal
fall arrest system
(PFAS), when
working at heights
above 10‘.
PUMP JACK SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Keep working
surface free from
debris.
PUMP JACK SCAFFOLD, CONT.

When using wood poles the lumber

must be:
• Straight-grained
• Free of shakes
• Free of large loose or dead knots, and
other defects that might impair strength
Wood poles built of two continuous
lengths must have seams parallel.
Mending plates must be used when
2x4’s are splice together.
LADDER JACK SCAFFOLD
LADDER JACK SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Platform cannot
exceed a height of
20’ or be bridged
together.
LADDER JACK SCAFFOLD,
CONT.

Personal Fall
Arrest System
(PFAS) must be
used for work at
heights greater
than 10’.
LADDER JACK SCAFFOLD,
CONT.

Ladders must be
placed, fastened
or equipped with
devices to
prevent slipping.
TRESTLE & HORSE SCAFFOLDS
TRESTLE SCAFFOLD
Scaffold platforms
shall not be used
above the second
to top rung.
Job built ladders
cannot be used in a
trestle scaffold
system.
Ladders must be
secured to prevent
displacement.
HORSE SCAFFOLD
Not erected more than
10’ in height or arranged
more than two tiers.
When stacked one
horse must be directly
over the other horse
and each cross braced.
Legs must be nailed
down or secured.
MOBILE SCAFFOLD
Do Not move while
occupied unless
specifically
designed for such
movement.
Before moving
inspect for pits,
holes, or
obstructions on the
floor.
Push the base On
or Near the bottom
when moving.
MOBILE SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Unlocked

Caster wheels must

be locked to prevent
movement of the
scaffold when
stationary. Locked
ROOF BRACKET SCAFFOLD
Scaffold bracket must be
constructed to form to pitch
of roof and create a level
work surface.
Brackets must be nailed into
place.
When brackets cannot be
nailed into place, ¾” manila
rope should be used to
secure in place.
Must use personal fall arrest
system.
TOP PLATE SCAFFOLD
TOP PLATE SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Must hook over

and be supported
on top plate of
wall structure.
TOP PLATE SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Wall structure
must be braced to
hold at least 4
times the
intended load.
TOP PLATE SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Must follow
manufactures
specification on
particulars of
using the different
styles.
AERIAL LIFTS
AERIAL LIFTS, CONT.

ONLY trained and

authorized
personnel should
operate aerial
lifts.
AERIAL LIFTS, CONT.

Wear a full body

harness and attach
the lanyard to the
boom or an
approved anchor
point inside the
basket and NEVER
tie to the adjacent
structure.
AERIAL LIFTS, CONT.

Aerial lifts
CANNOT be
moved while the
bucket is
occupied.
AERIAL LIFTS, CONT.

Stand on the floor

of the basket,
NEVER step on
rails or outside
the basket.
AERIAL LIFTS, CONT.

Do NOT Exceed
Load Limits.
WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS
WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS

Work platforms
can ONLY be used
if the machine
supporting the
personnel
platform was
designed for such
use.

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WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS, CONT.

ONLY trained and

authorized
personnel are
allowed to
operate forklifts.
 WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS, CONT.

Use ONLY commercially

built personnel baskets
designed for lifting
workers that meet ANSI
requirements.
Homemade boxes lifted
by forklifts are NOT
acceptable.
WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS, CONT.

Entire platform
must be attached
to the lifting
carriage and/or
forks.
WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS, CONT.

Forklifts CANNOT be
moved horizontally
while the platform is
occupied.
WORK PLATFORMS ATTACHED
TO FORKLIFTS, CONT.

Wear a full body

harness and attach
the lanyard to the
boom or an
approved anchor
point inside the
basket and NEVER
tie to the adjacent
structure.
4. GROUP WORKSHOP
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PICTURE #7
PICTURE #8
PICTURE #9
PICTURE #10
PICTURE #11
PICTURE #12
PICTURE #13
PUMP JACK SCAFFOLD, CONT.

Brackets,
braces must be
made of metal
and installed as
per
manufacturer
specifications.
THANK YOU
FOR the VALUABLE
TIME &
PRESENCE….!

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