Scaffolding Inspector

Why this Course?

As it is a legal requirement that all “working at height” operations are carried out by
suitably trained and experienced personnel, this safety training course has been
specifically designed to satisfy part of this requirement by providing you with a basic
awareness of the local and industry regulations and best practices relating to this
subject.

Why Work at Height Safety

Course Objective
An approximate 65 % of the construction industry, work on scaffolds
frequently. Protecting these workers from scaffold-related accidents would
prevent 744,500 injuries and 1014 deaths every year, at a saving of $810
million dollars in workdays not lost.

We will focus:

1. The nature of scaffold hazards;

2. The correct procedures of erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspection and maintaining types of scaffolds in use; &

3. The design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity, and intended use of scaffold.

FALLS ARE PREVENTABLE!

Scaffold Types
 Scaffold Types
• Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported
by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers,
etc.

• Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by

ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support.

• Other scaffolds, principally man lifts, personnel hoists, etc., which are
sometimes thought of as vehicles or machinery, but can be regarded as
another type of supported scaffold.
Supported Scaffolding
 Supported Scaffolding Types
• Tube and Coupler Scaffold
Tube and coupler scaffolds are so-named because they are
built from tubing connected by coupling devices.

• Properties
–Strength
–Suitable for heavy loads
–multiple platforms must reach several stories high
–Versatility to be assembled in multiple directions Hard to build
–correctly
Suspended Scaffolding
Other Scaffolds
Industry Definitions
Scaffold: “means any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and
its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting
employees or materials or both.”

Mobile scaffold: “means a powered or unpowered, portable, or wheel-

mounted supported scaffold.”

Platform: “means a work surface elevated above lower levels. Platforms can be
constructed using individual wood planks, fabricated planks, fabricated decks,
and fabricated platforms.”

Guardrail system: “means a vertical barrier, consisting of, but not limited to,
toprails, midrails, and posts, erected to prevent employees from falling off a
scaffold platform or walkway to lower levels.”
Industry Definitions
Body (safety) Belt: “means a strap with means both for securing
it about the waist and for attaching it to a lanyard, lifeline, or
deceleration device.”

Body Harness: “means straps which may be secured about the

employee in a manner that will distribute the fall arrest forces
over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and shoulders with
means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall
arrest system.”

Connector: “means a device which is used to couple (connect)

parts of the personal fall arrest system and positioning device
systems together. It may be an independent component of the
system, such as a carabiner, or it may be an integral component of
part of the system (such as a buckle or dee-ring sewn into a body
belt or body harness, or a snap-hook spliced or sewn to a lanyard
or self-retracting lanyard).”
Industry Definitions
Controlled access zone: “means an area in which certain work (e.g.,
overhand bricklaying) may take place without the use of guardrail
systems, personal fall arrest system, or safety net systems and
access to the zone is controlled.”

Deceleration device: “means any mechanism, such as a rope grab,

Rip-titch lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming
lanyards, automatic self-retracting lifelines/lanyards, etc., which
serves to dissipate a substantial amount of energy during a fall
arrest, or otherwise limit the energy imposed on an employee
during fall arrest.”

Lanyard: “means a flexible line of rope, wire rope, or strap which

generally has a connector at each end for connecting the body belt
or body harness to a deceleration device, lifeline, or anchorage.”
Industry Definitions
Personal fall arrest system: “means a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from
a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness
and may include a lanyard deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of
these. As of January 1, 1998, the use of a body belt for fall arrest is prohibited.”

Safety-monitoring system: “means a safety system in which a competent person is

responsible for recognizing and warning employees of fall hazards.”

Maximum intended load: “means the total load of all persons, equipment, tools,
materials, transmitted loads, and other loads reasonably anticipated to be
applied to a scaffold or scaffold component at any one time.”

Outrigger: “means the structural member of a supported scaffold used to increase the
base width of a scaffold in order to provide support for and increased stability of the
scaffold.
Industry Definitions
Bearer (putlog): “means a horizontal transverse scaffold member (which may be
supported by ledgers or runners) upon which the scaffold platform rests and
which joins scaffold uprights, posts, poles, and similar members.”

Brace: "means a rigid connection that holds one scaffold member in a fixed
position with respect to another member, or to a building or structure.”

Cleat: "means a structural block used at the end of a platform to prevent the
platform from slipping off its supports. Cleats are also used to provide footing on
sloped surfaces such as crawling boards.”

Coupler: “means a device for locking together the tubes of a tube and coupler
scaffold.”

Runner (ledger or ribbon): “means the lengthwise horizontal spacing or bracing

member which may support the bearers.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Maximum Working Load is the total of all loads including the
working load, the weight of the scaffold, and such other loads as may
be reasonably anticipated.

• Light Duty Scaffold is a scaffold designed and constructed to carry a

working load not to exceed twenty-five (25) pounds per square foot.

• Medium Duty Scaffold is a scaffold designed and constructed to carry

a working load not to exceed fifty (50) pounds per square foot.

• Heavy Duty Scaffold is a scaffold designed and constructed to carry a

working load not to exceed seventy-five (75) pounds per square foot.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Column (Post)
A pipe used as a column or vertical in the construction of a scaffold
& transmitting a load to the ground via a base plate.

The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds shall be securely and rigidly

braced to prevent swaying and displacement.

• Tie (Runner/Bearer)
A pipe used to connect two columns horizontally. Ties can be
longitudinal ties or cross ties depending on which columns are tied.

• Ledger
A cross tie which also acts as a support for Deck Boards.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Guardrail
A barrier secured to uprights and erected along the exposed
sides and ends of platforms to prevent falls of persons.

• Handrail
A rail connected to a ladder stand running parallel to the
slope and/or top step.

• Mid Rail
A tie erected midway between the Deck Boards & the Hand
Rail for further safety of men and material.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Sole Plate or Sole Board
Also known as spreader. A plate of adequate size suitable to be used to
distribute the load from the base plate over an area of ground and
generally used in unfloored area to prevent sinking of scaffold.

• Base Plate
A 6” x 6” (150mm x 150mm) steel plate providing a flat bearing surface for
load distribution from columns.

• Bay
The space between two adjacent columns along the face of a scaffold.

• Lift
The height from the ground or floor to the lowest tie or the vertical distance
between two adjacent ties.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Platform
Also known as Deck. A close boarded scaffold platform which provides space to work
on.

• Longitudinal Bracing
Pipes secured diagonally across the face of a scaffold to ensure stability.
Diagonal bracing shall be provided to prevent the poles from moving in a direction
parallel with the wall of the building, or from buckling.

• Cross Bracing
Pipes secured diagonally between lifts from tie to tie or column to column to ensure
stability.
Cross bracing shall be provided between the inner and outer sets of poles in
independent pole scaffolds. The free ends of pole scaffolds shall be cross braced.
Full diagonal face bracing shall be erected across the entire face of pole scaffolds in
both directions. The braces shall be spliced at the poles.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Fixed Coupler
Also known as 90° coupler. A load bearing coupler used for connecting two pipes together at
right angles.

• Swivel Coupler
Used for connecting two pipes together at any angle through 360°. Not to be used for the load
bearing purposes for which a fixed coupler has been designed.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Joint Pin
Also known as a Spigot. Used for connecting two pipes end to end. Fitted
internally it expands to apply grip against the wall of the pipe.

• Pipe
1-1/2” I. D. pipes of different lengths varying from 6’ to 20’ which are used as
columns (vertical supports) ties, braces, handrails and midrails.

• Spanners
Special 7/8” spanners are used in scaffolding work.
 Scaffolding Terms
• Decking Boards or Planks
All planking or platforms shall be overlapped (minimum 12 inches) or secured from
movement.

• Toe Boards
The standard size of these boards is 1” x 5” x 10’. These boards are positioned at the
edges of a platform to prevent persons, tools & materials from falling.

• Scaffolds shall be provided with a screen between the toe board and the guardrail,
extending along the entire opening, where persons are required to work or pass
under the scaffolds.

• Rope
Various standard sizes are used. 3/8” for tying planks and 1/2” for lifting light
tools/materials to the platform.
Illustration
 Common Scaffolding Hazards
• Falls from elevation, due to lack of fall
protection;
• Collapse of the scaffold, caused by instability
or overloading;
• Being struck by falling tools, work materials,
or debris; and
• Electrocution principally due to proximity of
the scaffold to overhead power lines.
 Accident & Losses
• From these Hazards, if use calculate the risk, the
risk will be in un tolerable limit / range.
• If any accident happens due to any reason it will be
catastrophic (A sudden and wide spread disaster).
• The accident resulting from these hazards may
involve following consequences
1. Fatality
2. Permanent disability
3. Permanent partial disability
4. Partial disability
5. Lost work day
6. Medical treatment
Any of these happening reflects bad impact on loss
time injury (LTI) performance, HSE record, and
company reputation.
 Scaffolding PTW
A scaffolding permit is required for erecting,
dismantling, moving or altering any scaffold.
The scaffolding PTW shall be prepared by the
scaffolding inspector and wetted by a scaffolding
supervisor/engineer.

The permit requester will provide complete description

of the scaffolding including the height of its working
platform, base width, maximum loading capacity of
working platforms, soil condition, necessary design
information to enable inspection to be performed, e.g.,
sole plates requirements, span, tie spacing, plan or
ledger bracing, rest platforms, additional posts or
putlogs, etc.
 Who Uses Scaffolds
Workers on scaffolds can be divided into 2
groups:

•Erectors/Dismantlers; and

•Users
 Erectors/Dismantlers
Erectors and dismantlers are workers whose
principal activity involved assembling and
disassembling scaffolding before other work
can commence, and after that work, or a
portion of it, bas been completed.
 Users
Scaffold users are those whose work requires
them, at least some of the time, to be
supported by scaffolding to access the area of
a structure where that work is performed.
 Scaffold Tag
Scaffold tags are color coded tags placed by
scaffold inspector after detailed inspection of
scaffolds. These tags tell users whether or not
a scaffold meets scaffold safety requirements.
These are distinguished into three colors.
1:- Green;
2:- Yellow; and
3:- Red.
 Scaffold Tag
Green Tag: Indicates that the scaffold is complete, has been
inspected, and is safe for use at the time of inspection. A
green scaffold tag is valid for maximum of 2 weeks.

Yellow Tag: Indicated the scaffold has been inspected and

may be used only by workers wearing a properly anchored
personal fall arrest system, including full body harness and
lanyard. A yellow scaffold tag is required whenever all
guardrails or planks can’t physically be installed or must be
temporarily removed. A yellow tag is valid for a maximum of
2 weeks.
 Scaffold Tag
Red Tag: Indicates that the scaffold has not been inspected or
is not safe for use (by anyone other than the scaffolding
crew).

!
WARNING
UNLAWFUL REMOVAL OR INTERFERENCE
WITH THIS SIGN COULD MAKE YOU LIABLE TO
PROSECUTION AND FINES

AUTHORISED PERSON:
DATE SIGNED

LADDER No RUNGS:…………….

No OF STANDARDS:……………..

No OF LIFTS:………………………

M2 BOARDING:…………………..

STRUCTURE DECOMMISSIONED
Scaffold General Requirements
1. Firm footing

2. Load bearing capacity

3. Bracing

4. Planks and Planking

5. Tie Assembly

6. Guard Rails, Mid rails, Toe board

7. Ladder

8. Work Platform
General Requirements - Scaffold
• Each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of
supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4
times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to
it.

• On scaffolds where platforms are overlapped to create a long

platform, the overlap shall occur only over supports and shall
not be less than 12 inches unless the platforms are nailed
together or otherwise restrained to prevent movement.

• Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights

shall bear on base plates and mud sills or other adequate firm
foundation.

• Footings shall be level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting

the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement.

• Unstable objects shall not be used as working platforms.

General Requirements - Scaffold
• When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below
a point of access, portable ladders, hook-on ladders,
attachable ladders, stair tower (scaffold stairways/towers),
stairway-type ladders (such as ladder stands), ramps,
walkways, integral prefabricated scaffold access, or direct
access from another scaffold, structure, personnel hoist, or
similar surface shall be used. Crossbraces shall not be used as
a means of access.

• Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be positioned so that

their bottom rung is not more than 24 inches above the
scaffold supporting level.
Safety Instructions
• Clear the surrounding area.
• Make use of all necessary PPE eg. Hand gloves, safety shoes, helmet.
• Safety belt to be worn above 2.0m height.
• Ensure that correct size spanner is used.
• Ensure that correct type of fittings are used.
• Make use of inspected and certified material only.
• Don’t overload a scaffold.
• Keep only the materials you need on a scaffold.
• Keep tools and materials away from the edge of a scaffold.
• Remove all materials from a scaffold at the end of the day.
• Keep the area around the scaffold clear of debris.
• Avoid instant shocks to the scaffolds.
• Do not work on scaffolds during storms and high winds.
• Remove paint, grease, mud, gravel, etc from scaffolds immediately.
• Inspect scaffolds periodically.
Safety Instructions
• No paint on wood platforms, except edges that may be marked for identification.
• Fully planked between from upright and guardrail.
• No mixed components, unless compatible and integrity maintained.
• No modification of mixed components unless approved by competent person.
• No components or dissimilar metals unless competent person determines
galvanic action will not reduce strength.
• Maximum rung length 11 ½ inches, and a maximum space between rungs 16 ¾
inches
• Develop Job Safety Analysis.
• Provide training and PPEs to the workforce.
• Inspection working platforms, access and egress.
• Inspect fall protection devices.
• Plan adequately for emergencies and rescue operation.
• Deploy experienced supervisor.
• Provide a safe working system.
Types of Protection?
Every working place shall be safe and of adequate dimensions. Where men, tools or
materials could fall 6 ft or more, passive and/or active prevention measure should be
taken to avoid any loss.

• Passive are protective systems that do not involve the actions of employees.

• Active includes systems and components that require manipulation by employees

to make them effective in providing protection.

Passive system include: Active systems components

– Guardrails (personal fall arrest system-PFAS)
– Safety nets include:
– Covers – Anchorage points
– Fences – Lanyard
– Barricades – Snap hooks
– Life lines
– Body harness
Passive Systems Protection
• Designed to operate in free fall situations.
• Must be connected to other systems/components or activated to provide
protection.
• Active systems are designed to protect employees from the following items:
– Falls
– Forces that can cause injury

Guardrails
• Guardrails are the most common • Must have top rail, mid rail, posts
form of fall protection. and toe board
• May be made of wood, pipe, • System must be strong enough to
structural steel, or wire rope. support 200 pounds of force
– Flags must be provided on applied to the top rail
wire rope to increase visibility • Steel or plastic bands are not
acceptable
Guard Rail System
• The top rail must be elevated above the surface 39-45 inches and must be free of
jagged edges.

• The mid rail must be located between the top rail and the walking surface
(approximately 21 inches).

• Toe boards must be made of a solid material with no openings greater than one
inch and be 3.5 inches high.

• Chains or movable rails must be used near hoists.

Safety Net System
Safety net and safety net installations shall be drop-tested at the job site after initial
installation and before being used as a fall protection system, whenever relocated,
after major repair, and at 6-month intervals if left in one place. The drop test shall
consist of a 400 pound (180 kg) bag of sand 30 [plus] 2 inches in diameter dropped
into the net from the highest walking/working surface at which employees are
exposed to fall hazards, but not from less than 42 inches (1.1m) above that level.

Minimum required
Vertical distance from working
horizontal distance of outer
level to horizontal plane
edge of net from the edge of the
of net
working surface
Up to 5 feet……………………. 8 feet
More than 5 feet up to 10 feet.. 10 feet
More than 10 feet…………….. 13 feet
Safety Net System
• Placed beneath the working surface (not to exceed 30 feet) to catch personnel or
falling material.

• Must be placed as close to the hazard as possible.

• Equipment must be drop tested and certified.

• Must be inspected weekly and after impact.

• Openings can not exceed 2 inches.

• Defective equipment can not be used.

• Safety nets must extend outward from the outer most projection of the work
surfaces.
Safety Net System
• Placed beneath the working surface (not to exceed 30 feet) to catch personnel or
falling material.

• Must be placed as close to the hazard as possible.

• Equipment must be drop tested and certified.

• Must be inspected weekly and after impact.

• Openings can not exceed 2 inches.

• Defective equipment can not be used.

• Safety nets must extend outward from the outer most projection of the work
surfaces.
44
Safety Net System
• Placed beneath the working surface (not to exceed 30 feet) to catch personnel or
falling material.

• Must be placed as close to the hazard as possible.

• Equipment must be drop tested and certified.

• Must be inspected weekly and after impact.

• Openings can not exceed 2 inches.

• Defective equipment can not be used.

• Safety nets must extend outward from the outer most projection of the work
surfaces.
Active System - Personal Fall Arrest
• All components of a fall arrest system must be inspected before each use and after
impact.

• When stopping a fall, a PFAS must:

– Limit the arresting force to 1800 pounds.

– Be rigid so that an employee can not fall more than 6 feet of contact a lower
level.

– Bring an employee to a complete stop and limit maximum deceleration

distance an employee travels to 3.5 feet.

– Strength to withstand 2X potential impact of employee falling 6 ft. or permitted

fall distance.
HISTORY OF A FALL
FREE FALL SPEED HUMAN FALL ARREST
DISTANCE IN MPH RESPONSE SYSTEM ACTION
0.0 0” 0 NONE SLACK
0.1 2” 2 AWARE SLACK
ELAPSED TIME IN SECONDS

0.2 8” 5 AWARE SLACK

0.3 18” 7 REFLEX SLACK

START
0.4 31” 9 MOVEMENT
SLACK
START
0.5 48” 11 MOVEMENT SLACK
13 SLIGHT
0.6 70” MOVEMENT SLACK
0.61 72” 13.3 IMPACT SLACK
IMPACT LOAD RISES
0.7 95” 16 PEAKS AND PEAKS
0.8 124” 18 IMPACT LOAD
DECLINES DECLINES
0.9 156” 20 SUSPEND STATIC LOAD
1.0 193” 22 SUSPEND STATIC LOAD
2.0 773” 44 SUSPEND STATIC LOAD
 Scaffold Pre-Planning
 Determining the type of the Scaffold necessary for the job.
(Supported, suspended)

 Determining the maximum load of Scaffold (Load baring

capacity, 4 times the load exposed.) The load include not
only the weight of the person on the Scaffold but also any
supplies & equipment being used.

 Assuring a good foundation. (Firm footing, use base

plate/sole plate)

 Avoiding electrical Hazards (electrocution from Over head

power lines). Check the clearance distance in the standard
Tube & Coupler Scaffold
 Scaffold General Requirements
The height of the scaffold should not be more than four times
its minimum base dimension unless guys, ties, or braces are
used

20’

5’
 Scaffold Capacity
Scaffolds must be capable of supporting its own weight and at
least 4 times the expected load.

Expected load includes:

• Workers;
•Equipment;
• Tools; and
•Materials.
 Scaffold Capacity

Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting,

without failure, their own weight and at least 4 times their
maximum intended load.

Rated Load Intended Load

Capacities
Light Duty 25 pounds per square foot
Medium duty 50 pounds per square foot
Heavy duty 75 Pounds per square foot
 Scaffold Guardrails
 Install along open sides & ends
 Front edge of platforms not more than 14 inches from the
work, unless using guardrails and/or PFAS
 Top rails - 38 to 45 inches tall
 Midrails halfway between toprail and platform
 Toeboards at least 3-1/2 inches high

< 48"

Install Mid Rail

38 - 48"
Platform
Base Plate & Mudsill Required
Base Plate & Mudsill Required
 1926.451(b) Platform construction

• Fully planked and decked

– No more than 1” gap between
adjacent units and platform and
uprights
– Max openings between platform
and uprights 9 -1/2”
– Platform and walkways at least
18” wide
 1926.451(b) Platform construction (cont’d)

• Each abutted end shall rest on a

separate support surface
• Overlap platforms not be less than
12” only over supports unless
restrained to prevent movement
• On direction changes, platforms
that rests on a bearer at an angle
other than a right angle must be
laid first
• Platforms that rest at right angles
over the same bearer laid second
 1926.451(b) Platform construction (cont’d)

• Front edge of all platforms

– No more than 14” from face of work
– 3” from face for outrigger scaffolds
– 18” from face for plastering and lathing
operations
• Platforms 10’ and less to extend at least 6”
but not more than 12” past support
• Platforms greater than 10’ nor more than 18”
past support unless
 1926.451(b) Platform construction (cont’d)
• Fully planked and decked
– Ladder jack, top plate
bracket, roof bracket, and
pump jack scaffold at least
12” wide
– Guardrails and/or personal
fall arrest systems for
platforms and runways not
18’ wide
 1926.451(b) Platform construction (cont’d)
• No paint on wood platforms, except edges that may be
marked for identification
• Fully planked between from upright and guardrail
• No mixed components, unless compatible and integrity
maintained
• No modification of mixed components unless approved by
competent person
• No components or dissimilar metals unless competent person
determines galvanic action will not reduce strength
 1926.451(c) Supported scaffolds

• Restrained from tipping

by guys, ties, or
equivalent when higher
than 4:1 ratio
• Support installed per
recommendations or at
closest horizontal
member to the 4:1
height
 1926.451(c) Supported scaffolds (cont’d)

• Never use scaffolds that

do not have proper
guardrails installed
 1926.451(c) Supported scaffolds (cont’d)

• Scaffold platforms
must be fully planked
 1926.451(c) Supported scaffolds (cont’d)

• Must bear on adequate

foundations

• Unstable objects will

not be used as working
platforms

• Plumbed and braced

 1926.451(d) Suspension scaffolds

• Support devices must

support 4 x imposed load
• Outrigger beams, metal or
equivalent material, and
restrained
• Outrigger beams stabilized
to floor or roof deck
• Direct connection evaluated Anchor point for lifeline rope not
evaluated prior to use
by competent person
 1926.451(d) Suspension
scaffolds (cont’d)
• Counterweights made of non-
flowable material, sand, gravel,
etc.
• Counterweights secured, and
not removed until scaffold
disassembled
• Tiebacks secured to sound
anchorage on the building or
structure
• Single tiebacks installed at angle
prohibited
 1926.451(d) Suspension
scaffolds (cont’d)
• Minimum lengths for suspension ropes on
hoists
• No repaired wire rope
• Proper sized eye splice thimbles
• Ropes inspected by competent person
• No swaged attachment unless approved
 1926.451(d) Suspension
scaffolds (cont’d)
• No gasoline powered equipment or hoist
• Automatic brakes on powered and manual
hoists
• Positive crank force to descend
• Tied to prevent swaying
• Safety devices not used as platforms
 1926.451(e) Access
• Must have safe access
• Cross-braces prohibited as means
of access
• Bottom rung no more than 24’
high
• Rest platforms required at 35’
intervals
• Slip-resistant treads on all steps
and landings
• September 2, 1997, sets access for
erectors and dismantlers
• Can use end frames for access
 1926.451(e) Access (cont’d)
• Hook-on attachable ladders
– Specifically designed for type of
scaffold
– Lowest rung no more than 24
inches above level on which
scaffold is supported
– Rest platforms at 35 foot intervals
when more than 35 feet high
– Maximum rung length 11 ½
inches, and a maximum space
between rungs 16 ¾ inches
 1926.451(f) Use
• Never overloaded
• Erected, moved, dismantled and
altered near power lines
• Repair in place or replace
damaged components
• Restrict horizontal movement
with employees unless designed
by registered P.E.
• Prohibit work activities during
high winds unless authorized by
C.P.
• Remove whole scaffold from
service until repaired
 1926.451(f) Use (cont’d)
Proper clearance near overhead lines

Keep 10 foot minimum unless de-energized,

Relocated, or installed protective covering installed!
 1926.451(f) Use (cont’d)

• No work on snow, or ice

covered platforms
• No barrels, boxes or
ladders on top of
scaffolds
 1926.451(g) Fall protection (PFAS or
guardrails)
• Required at 10’
• May be used in lieu of guardrails
on some scaffolds
• PFAS and guardrails on
suspension scaffolds
• Required for erectors and
dismantlers after September 2,
1997 if feasible and no greater
hazard
• Top-rails after 1-1-2000, 38” to
45” high
• In some cases, may use cross
bracing in lieu of top-rail or mid-
rail
 1926.451(h) Falling object protection

• Hardhats required for

employee
• Protect employees below
from falling objects
– Toe-boards
– Canopies
– Barricades
 29 CFR 1926.452 - Supported scaffolds

• Supported scaffolds
consist of one or more
platforms supported by
outrigger beams,
brackets, poles, legs,
uprights, posts, frames,
or similar rigid support
 Tube and Coupler
• When platforms are being moved to
the next level, the existing platform
must be left undisturbed until the new
bearers have been braced and set in
place
• Couplers must be made of a structural
metal
• Couplers made from gray cast iron is
prohibited
• Designed by P.E. if over 125 feet
 Tube and Coupler (cont’d)
• Transverse bracing forming an "X" across the width of the
scaffold must be installed at the scaffold ends, and at least at:
– Every third set of posts horizontally (measured from only one end)
– Every fourth runner vertically
• Bracing must extend upward diagonally to opposite sides of
the scaffold
• Where length is greater than their height, longitudinal bracing
must be repeated beginning at least at every fifth post
• On outside posts, tube and coupler guardrails and midrails
may be used in lieu of outside runners
 Fabricated frame
• Existing platforms remain
until the frames are set /
braced
– Joined with stack pin
• Must be designed by
registered engineer when
over 125 ft.
 Mobile
• Plumb, level and squared
• Braced to prevent collapse
• Casters and wheels locked to
prevent movement while in a
stationary position
• Platforms must not extend beyond
the base supports of the scaffold,
unless stability is ensured
 Mobile (cont’d)
• Not allowed to ride on scaffolds unless the following exist
– Surface on which scaffold is being moved is within 3
degrees of level, and free of pits, holes and obstructions
– Height to base width ratio during movement is 2:1 or less
– Outrigger frames, when used, are installed on both sides
of the scaffold
• When power systems are used, the propelling force is: 
– Applied directly to the wheels
– Does not produce a speed in excess of 1 foot per second
• No employee is on any part of the scaffold that extends
beyond the wheels, casters, or other supports
 Suspended scaffolds
• Suspended scaffolds are
platforms suspended by
ropes, or other non-rigid
means, from an
overhead structure
 Two point swing stage
• Platform limited to 36”
• Platform securely fastened to
hangars
• Platforms must be of ladder,
plank or beam type
• Must not be bridged together
unless bridge and hoist is
appropriately sized
 Single-point adjustable
• Supporting rope between
scaffold and the suspension
device must be kept vertical
unless:
– Rigging has been designed by a
qualified person
– Scaffold is accessible to rescuers
– Support rope is protected from
rubbing during direction changes,
and
– Scaffold is positioned so swinging
cannot bring it into contact with
other surfaces
 1926.453 - Aerial lifts
• Must meet ANSI criteria
• Secured to lower traveling
position by a locking device
before moving
• Ensure proper fall protection
prior to using
– Includes use of guardrails
• Lifts must allow you to access
heights and work from a
protected area
 Aerial lifts (cont’d)
• Requires use of body belt or
harness and lanyard
• Worker must stand on floor of
basket
• Never exceed load capacity
• Do not move lift truck with
workers in basket unless
adequately designed (upper
controls – personnel carriers)
• Brakes set for outrigger use
(wheels chocked)
 Aerial lifts (cont’d)
• Vehicle-mounted or self-propelled elevating work
platforms – training is required!

All pneumatic and hydraulic components must comply with

ANSI A92.2.1969 and non-critical parts must have a
burst factor of 2:1
Electrocution - General Requirements
The possibility of electrocution is a serious consideration when working near
overhead power lines. Check the clearance distances to avoid electrocution.
General Requirements - Scaffold
• The clearance between scaffolds and power lines shall be as follows: Scaffolds shall
not be erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such that they or any
conductive material handled on them might come closer to exposed and energized
power lines than as follows:

Insulated lines voltage Minimum distance alternatives

Less than 300 volts 3 feet (0.9 m).
300 volts to 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m)
More than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 2 times the length
0.4 inches (1.0 cm) of the line insulator,
each 1 kv over 50 kv but never less than
10 feet (3.1 m).
Uninsulated lines voltage Minimum distance alternatives
Less than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m).
More than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 2 times the length
0.4 inches (1.0 cm) of the line insulator,
for each 1 kv over but never less than
50 kv. 10 feet (3.1 m).
Ingress & Egress
Proper access must be proved such as:

► Portable ladders;

► Hook-on ladders;

► Attachable ladders;

► Staircase

► Ramps or Walkways
Aerial Lift Safety
Aerial lifts shall be designed and constructed in conformance with applicable
requirements of the American National Standards for “Vehicle Mounted
Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms, “ANSI A92.2-1969.
Aerial Lift Safety Instructions
• Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift.

• Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an

aerial lift shall not be permitted.

• Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and shall not sit or
climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work
position.

• A body belt shall be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when
working from an aerial lift.
Aerial Lift – Accident Alert
• Employee was operating an aerial lift, with
an extendable boom rotating work platform.

• The boom was fully extended and the

machine apparently ran over some bricks,
causing the boom to flex or spring, throwing
the employee from the basket.

• The employee fell 37 feet to a concrete

surface.
Ladders – General Requirements
- A stairway or ladder shall be provided at all personnel
points of access where there is break in elevation of 19
inches or more, and no ramp, runway, sloped
embankment, or personnel hoist is provided.

- Stairways having four or more risers or rising more

than
30 inches, whichever is less, shall be equipped with, at
least one handrail and one stair rail system along each
unprotected side or edge.

- An extension or straight ladder used to access an

elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above
the point of support. Do not stand on the three top
rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
Ladders – General Requirements
- Fixed ladders shall be provided with cages, wells, ladders safety devices where the
length of climb is less than 24 feet but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater
than 24 feet above lower ground.

- Always maintain a 3-point contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body
near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.

- A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities
must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep
traffic away from the ladder.

- Don’t exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder’s load
rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or
equipment.
Questions!
 Make Sure.
You have signed below mentioned
documents for our record.

1.Attendance Sheet; &

2.Course Feedback Form.

Thank You for Active
Participation