Scaffold and Ladder

Safety Training
1
 Disclaimer

This material was produced under grant number

SH-17787-08-60-F-24 from the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily
reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor
does mention of trade names, commercial products, or
organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
This presentation is intended to discuss Federal Regulations only -
your individual State requirements may be more stringent as many
states operate their own state OSHA and they may have adopted
construction standards that are different from information presented
in this training. If you live in a state with an OSHA approved state
plan, you should contact your local administrator for further
information on the standards applicable in your state.
These materials are meant for informational purposes only.
No representation is made as to the thoroughness of the
presentation.
2
 Disclaimer, cont.

It is not the intent to provide compliance-based training in this

presentation, the intent is more to address hazard awareness in the
residential construction (i.e. home building) industry, and to
recognize the overlapping hazards present in many construction
workplaces.
Photos shown in this presentation may depict situations that are not
in compliance with applicable OSHA/safety requirements.
No legal advice is offered or implied, and no attorney-client
relationship is intended or established. If legal advice or other
expert assistance is required the services of a competent
professional person should be sought.
It is the responsibility of the employer and its employees to comply
with all pertinent OSHA/safety rules and regulations in the
jurisdiction in which they work.

3
 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
4
 Introduction, cont.

The course is based on the NAHB-OSHA

Scaffold Safety Handbook, Scaffold Safety
Video, Fall Protection Handbook and Fall
Protection Video.
Participants can use the information from
this seminar to:
Provide training to employees
Implement a ladder and scaffold safety
program

5
 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.

6
 Course Agenda

Section 1: Overview
Section 2: Ladder Safety
Section 3: Scaffold Safety
Section 4: Group Workshop
Section 5: Post Test and Review

7
 Section 1: Overview
8
 Why is Preventing Falls from
Ladders and Scaffolds Important?

Falls continue to be the leading cause of

fatalities in residential construction.
Falls (602) were responsible for 45% of
residential construction fatalities from 2003
to 2006.
135 (22%) were falls from ladders.
89 (15%) were falls from scaffolding.

9 Source: NAHB Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006

(www.nahb.org/fatalitystudy )
 Fatalities by Event or Exposure:
Residential Construction
Assaults and Fires and
Violent Acts Explosions
N = 48 (3%) N = 34 (2%)

Transportation
Accidents
N = 199 (14%) Falls
N = 602
(45%)

Exposure to
Harmful
Substances or
Environments
N = 248 (18%)

Contact with
Objects and
Equipment
N = 251 (18%)

10 Source: NAHB Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006

(www.nahb.org/fatalitystudy )
 Fall Fatalities:
Residential Construction
1% 1% 1%
2% 1% Fall from roof (232)
8% Fall from ladder (135)

Fall from scaffold, staging (89)

9%
Fall to lower level, unspecified or
not elsewhere classified (57)
40%
Fall from floor, dock, or ground
level (47)
Fall from nonmoving vehicle (12)

Fall from building girders or

other structural steel (9)
Fall, other or unspecified (7)
15%
Fall on the same level (7)

Fall down stairs or steps (6)

22%
11 Source: NAHB Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006
(www.nahb.org/fatalitystudy )
 Most Frequently Cited Serious
Violations In Construction - 2007

Top 10 Citations
Fall protection Residential construction 6 or more
501(b)(13) - M 2043
Fall protection - Unprotected sides & edges
Standard & Subpart - 1926.

501(b)(1) - M 1889
Head protection
100(a) - E 1612
Scaffolds - Fall protection
451(g)(1) - L 1480
Aerial Lifts - Body belt and lanyard
453(b)(2)(v) - L 1463
Fall hazards training program
503(a)(1) - M 1247
Portable ladders 3 feet above landing surface
1053(b)(1) - X 1219
Scaffolds - Access
451(e)(1) - L 1206
Scaffolds - Platform construction
451(b)(1) - L 1155
Training for employees using scaffolds
454(a) - L 889

12
 OSHA: Scaffold and Ladder
Citations

Plastering Contractor fined $106,200 for exposing

employees to fall hazards while working on a
scaffold without using fall protection equipment.
Roofing Contractor fined $61,800 following an
OSHA inspection for exposing employees to fall
hazards including the use of a ladder that did not
extend 3 ft. beyond the landing surface.

13
 OSHA Fall Protection Requirements

Subpart L - 1926.451(g)
Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 (3.1M)
above a lower level shall be protected from falling to a
lower level.
Subpart X Ladders
Fall protection is not required for workers climbing or
working on portable ladders.
Subpart X Stairways
Stairways having four (4) or more risers or rising more
than 30 inches must be equipped with at least on
handrail; and one stairrail system along each
unprotected side or edge.
14
 OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
cont.

Subpart M - 1926.501(b)(13)
Residential construction. Each employee
engaged in residential construction activities 6
or more above lower levels must be protected by
conventional or alternative fall protection:
Exemption: When the employer can
demonstrate the protection is infeasible or
creates a greater hazard the employer must
develop an alternative fall protection plan.

15
 In the Headlines

16
 In the Headlines, cont.

17
 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.

18
 Section 2:
Ladder and Stairway Safety
19
 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.

20
 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

21
 Choosing the Right Ladder

Before stepping onto a ladder, think about

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

22
 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.

23
 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.
24
 Extension Ladders

25
 Proper Ladder Set-up

Consider placement and pitch of the

ladder.
Secure and stabilize the ladder.

26
 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
27
 Pitch Extension Ladders, cont.

28
 Proper Height Extension Ladders

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

29
 Proper Height for Extension
Ladders, cont.
Choose the right ladder for the height you need to reach.
Ladder Maximum Height to Gutter or
Height (ft.) Reach (ft.)* Top Support Point+
16 15 9 ft. max.
20 19 9-13 ft.
24 23 13-17 ft.
28 27 17-21 ft.
32 31 21-25 ft.
36 34 25-28 ft.
40 37 28-31 ft.
*Assume a 5 ft.-6 in. person with a vertical reach of 12 in.
+Support points for extension ladders reflect section overlap, ladder angle, or
3-ft. extension above roof line

30
 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.

31
 Secure and Stabilize Ladders,
cont.

32
 Secure and Stabilize Ladders,
cont.

33
 Secure and Stabilize Ladders,
cont.

34
 Loose Soil

35
 Step Ladders

36
 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.

37
 Step Ladders, cont.

Stepladders are
designed for use in
an opened-and-
locked position.

38
Step Ladders, cont.

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

39
 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
40
 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.

41
 Maintaining a Safe Position on a
Ladder, cont.

42
 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.

43
 Ladder Inspection, cont.

44
 Review the Safety Labels on the
Ladder

45
 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.

46
 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.

47
 Section 3:
Scaffold Safety
48
 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.
49
 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.

50
 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

51
 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

52
 Scaffold Capacity

Scaffolds must be capable of supporting

its own weight and at least 4x the
expected load.
Expected load includes:
Workers
Equipment
Tools
Materials

53
 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

54
 Base Plate & Mudsill Required

55
 Proper Scaffold Base

56
 Masonry Blocks & Bricks NOT
Acceptable as Scaffold Base

57
 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.
58
 Scaffold Grade Plank Stamp

59
 Planks with Visible Defects
MUST NOT be Used

60
 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

61
 Front Edge within 14 of Face

62
 Scaffold Plank 6 Past Support

63
 Scaffold Plank Cleat

64
 Fully Braced Scaffold

65
 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.
66
 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.

67
 Scaffold Access

Ladders Needed if Access

More Than 2
Dont Climb Cross Braces
Place Ladders Securely
Ladders must be positioned so they
will not tip the scaffold

68
 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

69
 Portable Access Ladder

Must be secured to
prevent
displacement.
Extend at least 3
above landing to
provide a
handhold.

70
 Attachable Access Ladder

71
 Scaffold Stairway

72
 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.
73
 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

74
 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

75
 Falling Object Protection, cont.

76
 Falling Object Protection, cont.

77
 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

78
 What type of scaffold do you use?

79
 Types of Scaffolds Covered

Fabricated Frame Roof Bracket Scaffold

Scaffold Top Plate Scaffold
Pump Jack Scaffold Aerial Lifts
Ladder Jack Scaffold Work Platforms
Trestle & Horse attached to forklifts
Scaffold
Mobile Scaffold

80
 Fabricated Frame

81
 Fabricated Frame

Have guardrails
installed.

82
 Fabricated Frame, cont.

Use Cross bracing.

83
 Fabricated Frame, cont.

Use of uplift pins.

84
 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
85
 Pump Jack Scaffold

86
 Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.

Brackets, braces
must be made of
metal and installed as
per manufacturer
specifications.

87
 Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.

Must have guardrails

(including end rails),
or personal fall arrest
system (PFAS), when
working at heights
above 10.

88
 Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.

Keep working surface

free from debris.

89
 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 2x4s are splice together.
90
 Ladder Jack Scaffold

91
 Ladder Jack Scaffold, cont.

Platform cannot
exceed a height of 20
or be bridged
together.

92
 Ladder Jack Scaffold, cont.

Personal Fall Arrest

System (PFAS) must
be used for work at
heights greater than
10.

93
 Ladder Jack Scaffold, cont.

Ladders must be
placed, fastened or
equipped with devices
to prevent slipping.

94
 Trestle & Horse Scaffolds

95
 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.
96
 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.

97
 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.
98
 Mobile Scaffold, cont.

Unlocked

Caster wheels must

be locked to prevent
movement of the
scaffold when
stationary. Locked

99
 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,
manila rope should be
used to secure in place.
Must use personal fall
arrest system.
100
 Top Plate Scaffold

101
 Top Plate Scaffold, cont.

Must hook over and

be supported on top
plate of wall structure.

102
 Top Plate Scaffold, cont.

Wall structure must

be braced to hold at
least 4 times the
intended load.

103
 Top Plate Scaffold, cont.

Must follow
manufactures
specification on
particulars of using
the different styles.

104
 Aerial Lifts

105
 Aerial Lifts, cont.

ONLY trained and

authorized personnel
should operate aerial
lifts.

106
 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.

107
 Aerial Lifts, cont.

Aerial lifts CANNOT

be moved while the
bucket is occupied.

108
 Aerial Lifts, cont.

Stand on the floor of

the basket, NEVER
step on rails or
outside the basket.

109
 Aerial Lifts, cont.

Do NOT Exceed Load

Limits.

110
 Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts

111
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts

Work platforms can

ONLY be used if the
machine supporting
the personnel
platform was
designed for such
use.
 Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.

ONLY trained and

authorized personnel
are allowed to
operate forklifts.

113
 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.

114
 Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.

Entire platform must

be attached to the
lifting carriage and/or
forks.

115
 Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.

Forklifts CANNOT be
moved horizontally
while the platform is
occupied.

116
 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.

117
 Section 4: Group
Workshop
118
 Hazard Violation Workshop

Students will review a series of

photographs of ladders and scaffolds in
use on a jobsite. The assignment is to
identify the hazards in each photo and
discuss the corrective action required to
correct the hazard. (Note: Some of the
photos are of correct safe work practices.)
You Play OSHA!

119
 Picture #1

120
 Picture #2

121
 Picture #3

122
 Picture #4

123
 Picture #5

124
 Picture #6

125
 Picture #7

126
 Picture #8

127
 Picture #9

128
 Picture #10

129
 Picture #11

130
 Picture #12

131
 Picture #13

132
 Section 5:
Post Test and Review
133
 NAHB Labor, Safety & Health
Department and OSHA

If you have any further questions contact:

Robert Matuga, Assistant Vice President
(800) 368-5242 ext. 8507
rmatuga@nahb.com
Kevin Cannon, Safety Specialist
(800) 368-5242 ext. 8507
kcannon@nahb.com

134