Scaffold InspectionScaffold Inspection Procedures for the Competent

PersonMerle ErrthumJason Meyery

01 February 2010

What is a Scaffold?

…an elevated work platformwork platform.

Essential Elements of SafeS ff ld C t tiScaffold Construction

• Use appropriate scaffold construction

th dmethods

• Proper scaffold access• Proper scaffold access

• Properly use a p ycompetent person

Competent PersonCompetent Person

Person capable of identifying and promptly correcting hazards

Determines if it’s safe to work on a scaffold during storms or high winds

Trains workers to recognize hazards

Selects qualified workers to conduct work

Training RequirementsTrain employees on scaffold hazards and procedures tohazards and procedures to control the hazards

The training must include:The training must include:• Nature of electrical, fall, and falling object hazards • How to deal with electricalHow to deal with electrical hazards and fall protection systems• Proper use of the scaffold• Proper use of the scaffold• Scaffold load capacities

Retrain as necessaryRetrain as necessary

Scaffold InspectionScaffold Inspection

•Competent person inspects scaffolds for visible defects before each shift and after any alterations•Defective parts must be immediately repaired•Defective parts must be immediately repaired

HazardsEmployees working on scaffolds are exposed to these hazards:

• Falls from elevation – caused by slipping unsafe access and

exposed to these hazards:

by slipping, unsafe access, and the lack of fall protection• Struck by falling tools / debris • Electrocution – from overhead power lines• Scaffold collapse - caused byScaffold collapse caused by instability or overloading • Bad planking giving way

Supported Scaffolds

Platforms supported by legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles, uprights, posts, & framespoles, uprights, posts, & frames

Restrain from tipping by guys, ties, or braces

Scaffold poles legs posts frames and uprights must beScaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights must be on base plates and mud sills or other firm foundation

Scaffold Support Examplespp p

Base plate

Mud sills

Good support Inadequate support –in danger of collapse?

Mud sills

in danger of collapse?

Proper Scaffold AccessProper Scaffold AccessProvide access when scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of accessPermitted types of access:• Ladders, such as

t bl h kportable, hook-on, attachable, stairway type, and built-ins• Stair towers• Stair towers• Ramps and walkways•May use building stairs

d t i dand come out window

Scaffold Access• No access by y

crossbraces• When using

ladders bottomladders, bottom rung no more than 24 inches high

• Can use some end frames

• Can access from Do not access• Can access from another scaffold, structure or hoist

End FrameDo not access by crossbraces

Fall HazardsFall HazardsFalls ma occ r

• While climbing on or off th ff ld

Falls may occur:

the scaffold• Working on unguarded

ff ld l tfscaffold platforms• When scaffold platforms or planks failplatforms or planks fail

Fall Protection Requirements

Can use PFAS instead of

q

Can use PFAS instead of guardrails on some scaffoldsUse PFAS & guardrails on suspension scaffoldsUse PFAS on erectors and dismantlers where feasible

The ends of this scaffold are not properly guardedare not properly guarded

GuardrailsInstall along open sides & ends Front edge of platforms notFront edge of platforms not more than 14 inches from the work, unless using guardrails and/or PFASand/or PFASTop rails - 38 to 45 inches tall Midrails halfway betweenMidrails halfway between toprail and platformToeboards at least 3-1/2 inches high

Fatal Fact – Ice & No GuardrailsLaborer was working on the third level of a tubular weldedthird level of a tubular welded frame scaffold which was covered with ice and snow

The scaffold was not fully decked, there was nodecked, there was no guardrail and no access ladder

The worker slipped and fell head first 20 feet to the pavement below

Overhead Power Lines

Th ibilit fThe possibility of electrocution is a serious consideration when working nearoverhead power lines

Check the clearancedistances listed in thet d dstandard

Scaffold Platform Construction

Platforms must:• be fully planked or

decked with no more than 1 inch gaps

• be able to support its weight & 4 timesits weight & 4 times maximum load

• be at least 18 inches wideinches wide

This is not a properly constructed scaffoldconstructed scaffold

S ff ld Pl tf C t ti• No large gaps in front

Scaffold Platform Construction• No large gaps in front

edge of platforms• Each abutted end of

l kplank must rest on a separate support surface

• Overlap platforms at least 12 inches over supports, unless Planks not properly supports, unless restrained to prevent movement

overlapped

Scaffold Platform Construction

• No paint on wood platforms p p• Use scaffold grade wood• Fully planked between front y pupright and guardrail support• Component pieces used must

t h d b f th tmatch and be of the same type• Erect on stable and level ground• Lock wheels and braces

Load Capacitiesp

Platform Ends

Each end of a platform, unless pcleated or otherwise restrained by hooks,

t t d itmust extend over its support by at least 6 inchesinches

No Cleats

Scaffold HeightScaffold Height

The height of the scaffold should

20’scaffold should not be more than four times its minimum base dimension unless

tiguys, ties, or braces are used

5’

Using Scaffolds

• Don’t work on i dsnow or ice covered

platforms or during storms or high winds• Use tag lines on swinging loads

P i• Protect suspension ropes from heat & acid

A covered scaffold has special wind load considerationswind load considerations

Moving ScaffoldsEmployees can’t be on a moving scaffold unless:

• Surface is level• Height to base ratio is 2 to 1• Outriggers are installed onOutriggers are installed on

both sides of scaffolds

Employees can’t be on scaffoldEmployees can t be on scaffold part beyond the wheels

Competent person must be on site to supervise

Overhand Bricklayingf S t d S ff ldfrom Supported Scaffolds

A guardrail or personal fall arrest system isA guardrail or personal fall arrest system is required on all sides except the side where the

work is being done

Avoid the Main Hazards of ScaffoldsScaffolds

• Falls from elevation • Getting struck by falling l d b i• Bad planking

• Scaffold collapse

tools or debris• Electrocution

Platform and Mast-Climbing Scaffold Systems

www.seedorff.com

Taking gScaffold to

N H i htNew Heights

Trainingg

• Formal Training is neededFormal Training is needed with all types of scaffold –especially Hydrop y y

• Competent Person Trainingg

• Recognition of specific hazards with Hydro-yMobile capacities

Inspectionp

• Complete & thoroughComplete & thorough prior to start of work

Mud sillsMud sillsLegs in/out – height

– <35’ out– >35’ in & tied in

Access & Guardingg

• LadderLadderFully deployedIf not where is access?If not, where is access?

• Guard Rail SystemAll open ends and sidesAll open ends and sidesGates working properly

Secured?– Secured?

Bridgesg

• Bridges built properlyBridges built properly• Proper lap

Secured???Secured???

Tower Sections

• Tower section installationTower section installationTightBolt inspection?Bolt inspection?

Tie-ins

• What type?What type?• Proper installation

H i ht & i• Height & spacing

Platform Hoist

• Proper InstallationProper InstallationRear PositionSide PositionSide PositionSpecial Circumstances

Scaffold Inspection Recordsp

• Scaffold TagsScaffold Tags• Forms complete

MaintenanceMaintenanceParts/pieces

SummaryRemember to:• Use appropriate scaffold construction methods

Erect, move, or alter scaffold properlyProtect from falling objects or toolsProtect from falling objects or tools

• Ensure stable access• Use a competent personUse a competent person

Train on scaffold construction and the hazards involved with scaffoldsInspect scaffold before each shift and afterInspect scaffold before each shift and after alterationsDetermine fall protection requirements

DiscussionScaffold Inspection for the

Competent Person

2010