Working at Heights – Safety Requirements for Scaffolding

Working at Heights – Safety Requirements for Scaffolding

Scaffolds shall be furnished and erected in accordance with this program and OSHA standard 1910.28, for employees engaged in work that cannot be done safely from the ground.

• All scaffolds must be erected/dismantled under the supervision, or direction of a competent person.
• A competent person shall complete inspection when a scaffold is erected.
• Always dismantle the scaffolding from the top down.
• Lower all components to the ground by rope, hoist, or man to man.
• Never throw the parts to the ground.
• Never leave a partially dismantled scaffold.
• Fall protection is required during the erection of scaffolds unless it creates a greater hazard.
• The front edge of the scaffold platform must be no more than 14 inches (35.56 cm) from the face of the work unless guardrails are used along the front edge and/or a personal fall arrest system is used.
• All scaffolds four feet and higher must be guarded on the sides and back by standard guard-railing, if practical. (fall arrest system may be used if standard guard-railing is not practical)
• When engineering controls such as guardrails and safety nets cannot protect you from fall hazards, then a personal fall arrest system must be used at heights greater than four feet.
• The footing for scaffolds must be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement.
• Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks, or concrete blocks shall not be used to support scaffolds.
• Scaffolds and components shall be capable of supporting without failure four times the maximum intended load.
• Scaffolds must be maintained in safe condition.
• Scaffolds must not be altered or moved horizontally while they are in use or occupied.
• Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause must be immediately repaired and shall not be used until repairs have been completed.
• Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended.
• All planking shall be scaffold grade.
• Nails or bolts used in the construction of scaffolds shall be of adequate size and in sufficient numbers at each connection to develop the designed strength of the scaffold.
• All planking or platforms shall be overlapped at least 12 inches (30.48 cm), or secured from movement.
• Safe means of access to reach the working level shall be provided.
• Never climb the cross-bracing of a scaffold.
• Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches (15.24 cm), nor more than 18 inches (45.72 cm).
• The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb, secure and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement.
• Materials being hoisted onto a scaffold shall have a tag line.
• Overhead protection shall be provided for employees on a scaffold if they are exposed to overhead hazards.
• Where employees are required to work or pass under scaffolds the scaffold must have a screen between the toe-board and the guardrail, extending along the entire opening.
• No employees may work outside on a scaffold during storms or high winds.
• No employees may work on a scaffold, which are covered with ice or snow.
• Housekeeping must prevent the accumulation of tools, debris and materials in quantities that may cause a hazard.