SCAFFOLDING SAFETY

CORPORATE SAFETY TRAINING

29 CFR 1926 - SUBPART L

WELCOME
 COURSE OBJECTIVES
 Introduce The Scaffolding Safety Program
 Establish The Programs Role.
 Discuss the components of an effective program.
 Introduce ideas to help develop an effective program.
 Introduce Basic Skills in the Recognition & Control of
Scaffolding Hazards.
 BASIS FOR THIS COURSE
 Reduction of Injury and Illness Rates.

 Daily Exposure to Fall Hazards by Thousands of Workers.

 Efficiency Can Be Greatly Improved.

 OSHA Safety Standards Require:

 Establishment of a “Safety” Program

 Training Be Conducted
 Job Hazards Be Assessed
 Hazards and Precautions Be Explained
 REGULATORY STANDARD

29CFR - 1926 - Subpart L

29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

1926 - CONSTRUCTION SAFETY

Subpart L - SCAFFOLDING
 REGULATORY STANDARD
(Continued)

SUBPART L COMPONENTS:
 1926.450 Scope, application and definitions
 1926.451 General requirements
 1926.452 Additional requirements for specific types of scaffolds
 1926.453 Aerial lifts
 1926.454 Training
 Appendix A - Scaffold Specifications
 Appendix B - Criteria for Safe Access and Fall Protection
 Appendix C - List of National Consensus Standards
 Appendix D - List of Training Topics
 Appendix E - Drawings and Illustrations
 BASIS FOR THE REGULATIONS
(Continued)

 9000 Scaffold related injuries occur annually in the U.S.

 100,000+ work-related fall injuries annually.
 Most workers who survive falls lose time from their job.
 This training helps improve:
 Safety
 Morale
 Productivity
 Employee well-being
 BASIS FOR THE REGULATIONS

SCAFFOLDING PROBLEM AREAS:

 Lack of supervision by competent person.

 Improper scaffold platform construction.
 Improper dismantling procedures.
 Inadequate fall protection.
 Poor scaffold access.
 Inadequate footings.
 Improper planking.
 SAFETY CASE STUDY #1
NARRATIVE: A 34 YEAR OLD BRIDGE PAINTER IN
PENNSYLVANIA WAS ATTEMPTING TO PERFORM
UNAUTHORIZED ADJUSTMENTS ON AN ELEVATED WORK
PLATFORM SUSPENSION SYSTEM. A SCAFFOLDING
SUPPORT CABLE SLIPPED CAUSING THE PLATFORM TO
SHIFT. THE EMPLOYEE PLUNGED 364 FEET RESULTING IN
INSTANTLY FATAL INJURIES.
CITATION: FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TRAINING.
FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN SYSTEM.
 SAFETY CASE STUDY #2
NARRATIVE: A 45 YEAR OLD MASONRY WORKER IN NEW
YORK CITY WAS WORKING ON AN ELEVATED WORK
PLATFORM. THE GUARD RAIL HAD BEEN TEMPORARILY
REMOVED IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE TRANSFER OF MATERIAL
TO THE PLATFORM. DURING THE TRANSFER THE EMPLOYEE
LOST CONTROL AND PLUNGED 50 FEET RESULTING IN
INSTANTLY FATAL INJURIES.

CITATION: FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TRAINING.

FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN SYSTEM.
 SAFETY CASE STUDY #3
NARRATIVE: TWO BRICK LAYERS (35 YEARS AND 50 YEARS)
WORKING ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN MISSOURI WERE ON
A SCAFFOLD WORK PLATFORM. THE UNAPPROVED
PLYWOOD FLOORING THEY WERE WORKING ON GAVE WAY
CAUSING THEM TO PLUNGE 47 FEET RESULTING IN
INSTANTLY FATAL INJURIES. THE WORKERS HAD HAD
SCAFFOLDING SAFETY TRAINING.
CITATION: FAILURE TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN SYSTEM.
 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE TRAINING:

 Five training areas.

1. Nature of electrical, fall, and falling object hazards.
2. Correct procedures for protection from above.
3. Proper use the scaffold.
4. Load capacities of scaffolds.
5. Requirements of Subpart L.
 Retraining as necessary to restore proficiency.
 RETRAINING REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED WHEN THERE IS A:
 Close-call event.
 Program related injury.
 Change in job assignment.
 New scaffolding equipment.
 New fall hazard or equipment.
 New fall hazard control methods.
 Failure in the fall safety procedures.
 Reason to doubt employee proficiency.
 Any changes rendering previous training obsolete.
 SCAFFOLDING SAFETY TRAINING IS IMPORTANT

A GOOD PROGRAM WILL HELP:

 Reduce fatalities.
 Reduce injury and illness rates.
 Acceptance of high-turnover jobs.
 Workers feel better about their work.
 Reduce workers’ compensation costs.
 Elevate OSHA compliance to a higher level of awareness.
 PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
REASONS TO MAINTAIN AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM:
 Safety.
 Peace of mind.
 Reduced liability.
 Increased productivity.
 Reduced lost man-hours.
 Improved employee morale.
 Reduced or eliminated fines.
 Improved health of employees.
 Reduced injury and illness rates.
 Lower workers’ compensation costs.
 Because it’s the right thing to do!!!!!!
 BASIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDING:

 10 Foot trigger height established for fall protection.

 Extensive training required for scaffold workers.
 Extensive training required for “Competent Persons”.
 Top Guard rails required to 36 inches before Jan 2000.
 Top Guard rails required to 38 inches after Jan 2000.
 Regular inspections required before each work shift.
 Regular inspections required after any event that could
effect the structural integrity of the scaffold system.
 BASIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
(Continued)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCAFFOLDING:

 Conduct personal inspections before work shifts.
 Do not travel under elevated loads.
 Do not work over unprotected employees.
 Warn those below when necessary.
 Wear proper personal protective equipment.
 Report unstable footings or tie-offs immediately.
 Be observant for unstable or missing planking.
 Be observant for unstable connections.
BASIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
(Continued)

A TRAINED AND “COMPETENT

PERSON” MUST BE APPOINTED TO
OVER-SEE SCAFFOLD ERECTION,
DISMANTLING AND GENERAL USE.
 SITE EVALUATION

BEFORE YOU BEGIN SCAFFOLD ERECTION:

 The site must be assessed.
 Potential hazards must be determined.
 Known hazards reduced or eliminated.
 Footing locations determined.
 Emergency procedures established.
 Periodic inspection intervals determined.
 Tie-off locations must be determined.
 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

 Know your site Emergency Response Procedures.

 Know your Emergency Procedures in advance.
 Immediately call 911, or the Emergency Response Team.
 Report: - Exact Location
- Number of Victims
- Nature of Emergency
- Special Hazards
 Shut down heavy equipment and potential hazards.
 Clear unneeded by-standers away from the accident site.
 Be prepared to meet and brief rescue personnel.
 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Continued

 What to do: - Don’t Panic!

- Control would-be rescuers.
- Don’t sacrifice anyone else.
- Deenergize electrical hazards.
- Control on-site equipment.
 Remember - Your actions could save a life!
ACCIDENT PREVENTION METHODS

FOOT AND VEHICLE TRAFFIC:

 Control on-site vehicles.
 Control unauthorized personnel.
 Control contractors.
 Post signs and barricades.
 Warn and reroute public traffic.
 Install protective support barriers where needed.
 Review prevention methods on a regular basis.
 SURFACE ENCUMBRANCES

MUST BE:
 Removed.
 Relocated.
 Supported to protect site personnel.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
 Fencing.
 Posts.
 Telephone cables.
 Electrical cables.
 Electrical Access Boxes.
 HAZARDS OF WATER ACCUMULATION

 Adequate Precautions Must Be Taken When

Footings Rest in Accumulated Water.
 Controlling Water and Water Removal Must Be
Monitored by a Competent Person.
 Ditches, Dikes or Comparable Means Should Be
Used to Prevent Surface Water From Eroding
Footings or Other Support Surfaces.
 WEATHER FACTORS
 Don’t under estimate the effects weather can have.
 Weather can have a drastic effect on the site.
 Daily (or hourly) site inspections must be made.
 Consider protection from:
 Lightning
 Flooding
 Erosion
 High winds
 Hot or Cold Temperatures
 SITE INSPECTIONS

 Daily inspections must be made by a competent

person of:
 Scaffolding Structural Integrity
 Adjacent Tie-Off Points
 Fall Protective Systems
 Footings and Connections

 When evidence is found of a hazardous condition, the

exposed employees must be Immediately removed
from the scaffolding and adjacent area.
 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

 Must be free from damage or defects that might

impair proper function.

 Must be used and maintained in a manner that is

consistent with the recommendations of the
scaffolding manufacture.

 Must be examined by a competent person if damage

occurs.
 Must be immediately removed from service and
identified as defective or needing repair.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING

THE MANUFACTURERS GUIDELINES

MUST BE DETERMINED AND USED IN
ORDER TO ENSURE THAT SPECIFIC
TYPES OF SCAFFOLDING ARE USED
SAFELY AND CORRECTLY.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Scaffolding must be inspected prior to use.
 Scaffolding systems must be securely connected.
 Scaffolding systems must be installed and removed in a
manner that protects from collapse.
 Scaffolding must not be subjected to loads exceeding
design specifications.
 Additional precautions must be taken to ensure safety
before dismantling begins.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 INSPECTION PRIOR TO ERECTION:

 RUST - Heavily rusted scaffolding equipment is a sign of
abuse or neglect.
 STRAIGHTNESS OF MEMBERS - Mishandling, storing and
transporting may case damage. Members must be in
serviceable condition.
 WELDS - Weld points should be checked before use for
cracks or signs of weakness. Rewelds should be done
according to manufacturer specifications.
 COMPATIBILITY - Parts must be compatible with each
other in order to ensure safe operation.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 INSPECTION PRIOR TO ERECTION:

 LOCKING DEVICES - Check for good working order and
serviceability. Repair or replace if not serviceable.
 COUPLING PINS - Ensure proper alignment with frame and
leg structures. Repair or replace if not serviceable.
 PIVOTED CROSS BRACES - Ensure proper alignment with
frame. Ensure center pivot point is secure. Repair or
replace if not serviceable.
 FOOTINGS - Ensure proper alignment with legs. Check for
proper operation of leveling mechanism. Repair or
replace if not serviceable.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 FOUNDATION/SOIL CONDITION INSPECTION:

 LOAD BEARING SOILS - Consider variety of soils and soil
conditions. Consult an engineer if necessary.
 DISTURBED SOILS - Take care not to excessively disturb
soil where footings will be placed. Consult an engineer if
necessary to ensure stability.
 CONDITION OF FOUNDATION - Ensure load will be
distributed over suitable ground area. Ensure
foundations are level.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SUPPORT CAPACITY:
 Must support own weight and 4 X the maximum
intended load.
 Suspension rope & hardware, 6 X the maximum
intended load.
 Stall load of scaffold hoist must not exceed 3 times its
rated load.
 Must be designed by a qualified person and built and
loaded to design.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SCAFFOLD PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION:

 Must be fully planked or decked.
 No more that 1 inch gaps.
 Maximum openings of 9.5 inches.
 Platforms and walkways at least 18 inches wide.
 Ladder jack, top plate bracket, roof bracket and pump
jack scaffold at least 12 inches wide.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SCAFFOLD PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION:

 Front edge of all platforms.
 No more than 14” from the face of the work.
 3” from the face for outrigger scaffolds.
 18” from the face for plastering & lathing operations.
 Platforms 10’ and less to extend at least 6” but not more
than 12” past support unless designed and installed and/or
guarded properly.
 Platforms greater than 10’ no more than 18” past support
unless designed and installed and/or guarded properly.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SCAFFOLD PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION:

 Each abutted end of plank must rest on a separate support
surface.
 Overlap platforms not less than 12” over supports, unless
restrained to prevent movement.
 On direction changes, any platform on a bearer at other
than a right angle shall be laid first, and platforms which
rest at right angles over the same bearer laid second.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SCAFFOLD PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION:

 No paint on wood platforms, except edges that may be
marked for identification.
 Fully planked between front upright and guardrail support.
 No mixed scaffold components used unless compatible and
integrity maintained.
 No modification of mixed scaffold components unless a
competent person approves.
 No components of dissimilar metals unless approved by
competent person.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SCAFFOLD PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION:

 Higher than 4:1 ratio restrained from tipping by guys, ties,
or equivalent.
 Guys, ties, installed per recommendations or at the closest
horizontal member to the 4:1 height.
 Bear on adequate foundations.
 Plumbed and braced.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SUSPENSION SCAFFOLD CONSTRUCTION:

 Support devices, 4 X the imposed load.
 Outrigger beams; metal or equal and restrained.
 Stabilize outrigger beams.
 Direct connections evaluated by competent person.
 Consider safety and use of counterweights.
 Construction requirements for outrigger beams.
 Maintain minimum lengths for suspension ropes on hoists.
 Ensure no repaired wire rope is used.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 SUSPENSION SCAFFOLD CONSTRUCTION:

 Ensure properly sized eye splice thimbles are used.
 Ensure ropes are inspected by a competent person.
 No swaged attachments unless approved.
 No gasoline powered equipment.
 Inspect and use automatic brakes.
 Positive crank force must be in place to descend.
 Ensure system is tied to prevent swaying.
 Safety devices must not be used as platforms.
 INSTALLING AND DISMANTLING
Continued

 DISMANTLING REQUIREMENTS:
 Additional precautions must be taken to ensure safety
before dismantling begins.
 Plan ahead for the process.
 Dismantling must be done according to manufacturer
guidelines.
 Arrange members according to type and inspect before
transport and storage.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.
 USE AND OPERATION

 USE REQUIREMENTS:
 Never overload.
 No shore or lean-to scaffolds can be used.
 Systems must be inspected by competent person.
 Immediately remove, repair, or brace if found substandard.
 No horizontal movement with employees unless approved.
 Maintain clearance near powerlines.
 Erect, move, dismantle or alter only under supervision of a
competent person.
 No work on snow, ice covered platforms.
 USE AND OPERATION
Continued

 USE REQUIREMENTS:
 Tag lines on swinging loads.
 Protect suspension ropes from heat, acid etc.
 No work during storms or high winds.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.
 USE AND OPERATION
Continued

 ACCESS REQUIREMENTS:
 Must have safe access.
 No access by cross braces.
 Bottom access rung not more than 24” high.
 Rest platforms at 35 foot intervals.
 Access requirements for erectors and dismantlers set as
of (September 2, 1997).
 Can use some end frames for access.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.
 USE AND OPERATION
Continued

 FALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS:

 Required at 10 foot.
 PFAS* in lieu of guardrails on some scaffolds.
 PFAS* & guardrails on suspension scaffolds.
 PFAS* required for erectors and dismantlers where feasible
after September 2, 1997.
 Toprails after Jan 1, 2000, 38” to 45” high.
 Use crossbracing in lieu of top or midrails in some cases.
 Must follow manufacturers guidelines & specifications.

* PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM

 USE AND OPERATION
Continued

 FALLING OBJECT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS:

 Hardhats required.
 Protect employees below.
 Install barricades to exclude working below.
 Install toe boards at edges of platforms.
 Install panels and screens.
 Canopies allowed.
 SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES

 TIPS FOR SCAFFOLDING SAFETY:

 Provide adequate sills and base plates at all times.
 Use adjusting screws instead of blocking for leveling.
 Plumb and level all scaffolds during erection.
 Fasten all braces securely. Use compatible bracing.
 Do not permit climbing of cross braces. Ever.
 Use guy wires or properly restrain to structures.
 Institute safety precautions for power lines near scaffolds.
 Never use ladders on top of scaffolds to increase height.
 Never overload scaffolds beyond load limits.
 Always use proper planking and secure safely.
 SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES
Continued

PLEASE DON’T LAND

ON ME. I TOLD YOU
NOT TO TAKE THAT
LADDER UP THERE.
 SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES
Continued

 TIPS FOR ROLLING-TYPE SCAFFOLDS:

 Do not ride scaffolds while repositioning.
 Secure or remove materials & equipment while repositioning.
 Apply caster brakes after positioning for work.
 Use buddy-system when positioning scaffolds.
 Do not extend adjusting/leveling screw beyond specifications.
 Consider effects of an overturn. Plan.
 Consider effects of electrical hazards.
 Consider the operating floor surface.
 Never exceed working height.
 Use manufactures guidelines.
 If you’re not sure, ASK!!
SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES
Continued

PLEASE DON’T USE

THAT THING AS A
SKATEBOARD.
 SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES
Continued

 TIPS FOR SCAFFOLDING ACCESSORIES:

ALL SCAFFOLDING ACCESSORIES MUST BE USED AND
INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE. ACCESSORIES AND THEIR
COMPONENTS, MANUFACTURED BY DIFFERENT
COMPANIES CANNOT BE INTERMIXED.
 TIPS FOR USING CONTRACTORS

 Remember, you control your facility or area!

 Review their procedures before starting the job!
 Determine their safety performance record!
 Determine who is in charge of their people!
 Determine how they will affect your employees!
 Protect your employees!