The stall load of any scaffold hoist shall not exceed 3 times its rated load. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(6)], Employers must replace wire rope when the following conditions exist: kinks; six randomly broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one lay; one third of the original diameter of the outside wires is lost; heat damage; evidence that the secondary brake has engaged the rope; and any other physical damage that impairs the function and strength of the rope. Must be uniformly spaced within each frame section. For example: A scaffold erected When are both fall-arrest and guardrail systems required? Sound points of anchorage include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(6)] Also see, OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. When winding drum hoists are used on a suspension scaffold, they shall contain not less than four wraps of the suspension rope at the lowest point of scaffold travel. Non-uniform rung spacing caused by joining end frames together is allowed, provided the resulting spacing does not exceed 16 3/4 inches (43 cm). Employees shall be prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials. Handrails, and toprails that are used as handrails, shall be at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) from other objects. Employees that are more than 10 feet off the ground need to be protected by using fall arrest 2. At all points of a scaffold where the platform changes direction, such as turning a corner, any platform that rests on a bearer at an angle other than a right angle shall be laid first, and platforms which rest at right angles over the same bearer shall be laid second, on top of the first platform. What is the maximum deflection of a platform? Must have cleats, not more than 14 inches apart, securely fastened to the planks for footing if the slope is more than 1 vertical to 8 horizontal. An active welding rod or uninsulated welding lead shall not be allowed to contact the scaffold or its suspension system. Where scaffolds must be used in areas that the employer can demonstrate are so narrow that platforms and walkways cannot be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide, such platforms and walkways shall be as wide as feasible, and employees on those platforms and walkways shall be protected from fall hazards by the use of guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems. The load end of wire suspension ropes shall be equipped with proper size thimbles and secured by eyesplicing or equivalent means. Suspension scaffold power-operated hoists and manual hoists shall be tested by a qualified testing laboratory. Such materials cannot be used as counterweights. [29 CFR 1926.450(b)] They must be placed perpendicular to their bearing support. The 10 OSHA scaffolding requirements are as follows: Fall Protection Employees more than ten feet off the ground need to be protected using guardrails or other fall arrest systemsexcept for employees on single or two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. [ 29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1) ] A qualified person must design the scaffolds, which are loaded in DESIGN & ENGINEERING. In addition, masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold connections shall be designed by an engineer experienced in such scaffold design. A suspension scaffold contains one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure, 29 CFR 1926.450(b), such as the following scaffolds: single-point, multi-point, multi-level, two-point, adjustable, boatswain's chair, catenary, chimney hoist, continuous run, elevator false car, go-devils, interior hung, masons', and stone setters'. [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(1), 29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2) and 29 CFR 1926.451(h)(3)], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers. Handrails, and top-rails used as handrails, must be at least 3 inches from other objects. Scaffolding is the solution to many access issues, providing a safe and legal means of access for workers at height. It is recommended above many other means of access, especially if the work will be prolonged or involve multiple workers, tools, equipment or materials. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(i)], Steel or plastic banding must not be used as a toprail or a midrail. Paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vii) of this section establish the types of fall protection to be provided to the employees on each type of scaffold. [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)], Scaffold planking must be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the intended load. Scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers shall not be modified in order to intermix them unless a competent person determines the resulting scaffold is structurally sound. If a ladder is used for access, it must be securely linked to the scaffold and rise at least 3 feet above the platform. What are some of the requirements for power-operated suspension scaffold hoists? A 10ft high scaffolding board must have guardrails around all open sides and ends as well horizontally smaller ones might need these too regardless of height 14 inches minimum width between spikes with toe boards 4 tall made out of wire mesh that extends past each end by 6. This determination shall be based on site conditions and the type of scaffold being erected or dismantled. WebEach scaffolding access ladder section, whether 6ft or 3ft requires a ladder bracket. 5.3.11 Scaffolding fittings (couplers) shall be lifted and lowered in a safe manner using Gin Wheel, Rope and Canvas bucket, throwing of scaffolding tubes & fittings to the work area shall not be permitted. What Are the Requirements for Supported Scaffolds? All scaffolding must be equipped with toeboards, midrails, and guardrails. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(iii) and 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(iv)], When working from an aerial lift, attach the fall-arrest system to the boom or basket. When a guardrail system is used, the guardrail height must be increased in height equal to the height of the stilts. Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be specifically designed for use with the type of scaffold used; Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have a minimum rung length of 11 1/2 inches (29 cm); and. 724-452-8300. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A(1)(b) & (c)]. Do employees working on supported scaffolds need to be trained? Devices whose sole function is to provide emergency escape and rescue shall not be used as working platforms. [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5)], The stall load is the load at which the prime-mover (motor or engine) of a power-operated hoist stalls or the power to the prime-mover is automatically disconnected. [, A competent person must evaluate all direct connections prior to use to confirm that the supporting surfaces are able to support the imposed load. Unstable objects shall not be used as working platforms. [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v)], Fall-arrest and guardrail systems must be used when working on single- and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds and self-contained adjustable scaffolds that are supported by ropes. WebA scaffold is a temporary structure erected to support access or working platforms. Exception to paragraph (b)(1): The requirement in paragraph (b)(1) to provide full planking or decking does not apply to platforms used solely as walkways or solely by employees performing scaffold erection or dismantling. Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used to counterweight scaffold systems. Wire suspension ropes shall not be joined together except through the use of eye splice thimbles connected with shackles or coverplates and bolts. [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(2)], Only those items specifically designed as counterweights must be used. May forklifts, front-end loaders, or similar equipment support platforms? [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(3)], All employees must be trained by a qualified person to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards. [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(13)], Each scaffold platform and walkway must be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide, guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems must be used. If such access is not possible, portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers, stairway-type ladders, ramps, walkways, or built-in ladders must be used, under the following regulations: Portable, Hook-on, and Attachable Ladders. WORKERS MUST USE FALL PROTECTION WHEN WORKING FROM THIS SCAFFOLD Green: SCAFFOLD IS OK FOR USE Tag must include the scaffold capacity: Unstable objects shall not be used to support scaffolds or platform units. WebAccess points may be designed for access or be opportunistic. Capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 50 pounds (222 n) applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point along the toeboard (toeboards built in accordance with Appendix A to this subpart will be deemed to meet this requirement); and. Each employee performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold shall be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to the wall being laid) by the use of a personal fall arrest system or guardrail system (with minimum 200 pound toprail capacity). Stair-rails and handrails must be designed and constructed to prevent punctures, lacerations, snagged clothing, and projection. 6, 1979, as amended at 58 FR 35182 and 35310, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 46025, Aug. 30 1996; 61 FR 59831, Nov. 25, 1996], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance. Unsafe scaffolding has the potential to result [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(i)], Use fall-arrest systems also when working from the boom/basket of an aerial lift. Wood platforms shall not be covered with opaque finishes, except that platform edges may be covered or marked for identification. Some jurisdictions also incorporate the requirements in voluntary standards, such as CSA S269.2-M87 Access Horizontally - at each end; at intervals not to exceed 30 feet (9.1 m) from one end. Any part of a scaffold damaged or weakened such that its strength is less than that required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet those provisions, or removed from service until repaired. [29 CFR 1926.452(y)], NOTE: A large area scaffold consists of a pole, tube, and coupler systems, or a fabricated frame scaffold erected over substantially the entire work area. Riser height shall be uniform, within 1/4 inch, (0.6 cm) for each flight of stairs. What are the capacity requirements for all scaffolds? Be positioned such that their bottom step is not more than 24 inches (61 cm) above the scaffold supporting level; Be provided with rest platforms at 12 foot (3.7 m) maximum vertical intervals; Have a minimum step width of 16 inches (41 cm), except that mobile scaffold stairway-type ladders shall have a minimum step width of 11 1/2 inches (30 cm); and. The inboard ends of suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall be stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or they shall have their inboard ends stabilized by counterweights, except masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall not be stabilized by counterweights. Are there specific requirements for outrigger beams? Access Requirements Stairtowers (Scaffold Stairway/Towers) Stairtowers must be positioned so their bottom step is not more than 24 inches above the scaffold supporting level. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(viii)], Tiebacks must be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. Does a scaffold meet the requirements of 1926.502 (d) (15)? WebScaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other man-made structures.Scaffolds are widely used on site to get access to heights and areas that would be otherwise hard to get to. What are the footing and foundation requirements for supported scaffolds? Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally while employees are on them, unless they have been designed by a registered professional engineer specifically for such movement or, for mobile scaffolds, where the provisions of 1926.452(w) are followed. Scaffold Must be positioned so as not to tip the 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: Exception to paragraph (f)(6): Scaffolds and materials may be closer to power lines than specified above where such clearance is necessary for performance of work, and only after the utility company, or electrical system operator, has been notified of the need to work closer and the utility company, or electrical system operator, has deenergized the lines, relocated the lines, or installed protective coverings to prevent accidental contact with the lines. Paragraph (g)(2) of this section addresses fall protection for scaffold erectors and dismantlers. d) Added precautions around power lines. Must have a stair-rail, consisting of a top-rail and a mid-rail, on each side. Footings shall be level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement. Must be at least 18 inches wide between stair-rails, and have a landing platform at least 18 inches wide by at least 18 inches long at each level. Must be specifically designed for the type of scaffold with which they are used. Must be installed between 40 degrees and 60 degrees from the horizontal. Sound anchorages do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit. The top-rail of each stair-rail must also be capable of serving as a handrail, unless a separate handrail is provided. When the falling objects are too large, heavy or massive to be contained or deflected by any of the above-listed measures, the employer shall place such potential falling objects away from the edge of the surface from which they could fall and shall secure those materials as necessary to prevent their falling. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(ii)], Counterweights must be secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beams. When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members on a single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, the scaffold shall be equipped with additional independent support lines and automatic locking devices capable of stopping the fall of the scaffold in the event one or both of the suspension ropes fail. Must have slip-resistant surfaces on all treads and landings. SCAFFOLDING IN NEW ZEALAND KEY POINTS: Duty holders have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act In these situations, only the planking that the employer establishes is necessary to provide safe working conditions is required. Suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall be: Provided with stop bolts or shackles at both ends; Securely fastened together with the flanges turned out when channel iron beams are used in place of I-beams; Installed with all bearing supports perpendicular to the beam center line; Set and maintained with the web in a vertical position; and. Evidence that the secondary brake has been activated during an overspeed condition and has engaged the suspension rope. WebStandards Scaffolding is addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, and construction. Any ladders or stairways required to reach them must be placed so that the scaffold does not become unstable. WebScaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other man-made structures.Scaffolds are widely used on site to get access to heights and areas that would be otherwise hard to get to. Must have uniform tread depth, within inch, for each flight of stairs. [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)] A qualified person must design the scaffolds, which are loaded in accordance with that design. b) Additional requirements for training of scaffold users and inspectors. [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(8)], The standard does require specific clearance distances. Effective September 2, 1997, access for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds shall be in accordance with the following: The employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. Unsafe scaffolding has the potential to result This provision does not preclude the use of systems which are designed to function both as suspension scaffolds and emergency systems. When other types of hoists are used, the suspension ropes shall be long enough to allow the scaffold to be lowered to the level below without the rope end passing through the hoist, or the rope end shall be configured or provided with means to prevent the end from passing through the hoist. [, When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members on single-point or two-point adjustable scaffolds, the scaffold must have additional independent support lines equal in number and strength to the suspension lines and have automatic locking devices. NOTE: As of January 1, 1998, subpart M of this part provides that body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Must have rest platforms at 35-foot maximum intervals on all supported scaffolds more than 35 feet high. In general, 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. How can one prevent supported scaffolding from tipping? [, When using direct access, the surface must not be more than 24 inches (61 cm) above or 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally from the surface. Outrigger beams which are not stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck shall be secured by tiebacks. Here are the scaffold guardrail The second part is sufficient clearance. [29 CFR 1926.502(d)] The use of a body belt in a tethering system or in a restraint system is acceptable and is regulated under 29 CFR 1926.502(e). This basically means that the ladder rungs should have sufficient clear space behind them to allow a foot or hand to make sufficient purchase on the rung. Crossbraces shall not be used as a means of access. When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 m) above or below a point of access, portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers (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. Any of these independent modules or units should form a base. WebDetermines that 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 Must not be used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11 inches, unless each employee uses. The top edge height on supported scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000, and on all suspended scaffolds where both a guardrail and a personal fall arrest system are required shall be between 36 inches (0.9 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m). Access requirements for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds are specifically addressed in paragraph (e)(9) of this section. This includes ladders, boxes, and barrels. Steel or plastic banding shall not be used as a toprail or midrail. Scaffolds are commonly used in construction work so workers have a safe, stable work [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(6)], Gears and brakes must be enclosed. Before the scaffold is used, direct connections shall be evaluated by a competent person who shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed. How wide does the work area need to be on scaffolding? When the loads specified in paragraph (g)(4)(vii) of this section are applied in a downward direction, the top edge shall not drop below the height above the platform surface that is prescribed in paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of this section. Front-end loaders and similar pieces of equipment shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless they have been specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. Guardrail systems installed to meet the requirements of this section shall comply with the following provisions (guardrail systems built in accordance with Appendix A to this subpart will be deemed to meet the requirements of paragraphs (g)(4)(vii), (viii), and (ix) of this section): Guardrail systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms. Sand, gravel and similar materials that can be easily dislocated shall not be used as counterweights. Have a maximum spacing between rungs of 16 3/4 inches (43 cm). Steps and rungs of ladder and stairway type access shall line up vertically with each other between rest platforms. [29 CFR 1926.450(b)] The structural members: poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights must be plumb and braced to prevent swaying and displacement. Excess suspension wire rope and any additional independent lines from grounding shall be insulated; The suspension wire rope shall be covered with insulating material extending at least 4 feet (1.2 m) above the hoist. Fall protection includes guardrail systems and personal fall arrest systems. [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)], Solid sawn wood, fabricated planks, and fabricated platforms may be used as scaffold planks following the recommendations by the manufacturer or a lumber grading association or inspection agency. Web(1) A type of supported scaffold set on wheels or casters (2) A simple device consisting of a platform resting on brackets attached to a ladder (3) A uniquely designed scaffold consisting of a platform supported by moveable brackets on vertical poles (1)Mobile Scaffold (2) Ladder Scaffold (3) Pump Jack Scaffold Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, the front edge of all platforms shall not be more than 14 inches (36 cm) from the face of the work, unless guardrail systems are erected along the front edge and/or personal fall arrest systems are used in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section to protect employees from falling. [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v) and 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)], Vertical or horizontal lifelines may be used. Each suspension rope, including connecting hardware, used on adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 6 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to that rope with the scaffold operating at either the rated load of the hoist, or 2 (minimum) times the stall load of the hoist, whichever is greater. The ends of stairrail systems and handrails shall be constructed so that they do not constitute a projection hazard. Supported scaffolds with a height to base width (including outrigger supports, if used) ratio of more than four to one (4:1) shall be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or equivalent means, as follows: Guys, ties, and braces shall be installed at locations where horizontal members support both inner and outer legs. A study of the degradation properties of Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports as follows: Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated platform) shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, except where the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary (for example, to fit around uprights when side brackets are used to extend the width of the platform). EQUIPMENT. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(iii)], Counterweights used for suspended scaffolds must be made of materials that can not be easily dislocated. Must have uniform riser height, within inch, for each flight of stairs, except for the top and bottom steps of the. Stairtowers (scaffold stairway/towers) shall be positioned such that their bottom step is not more than 24 inches (61 cm.) Each ladder jack scaffold, top plate bracket scaffold, roof bracket scaffold, and pump jack scaffold shall be at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Where swinging loads are being hoisted onto or near scaffolds such that the loads might contact the scaffold, tag lines or equivalent measures to control the loads shall be used. c) Added guidance for assessing base soil conditions. The maximum distance from the face for outrigger scaffolds shall be 3 inches (8 cm); The maximum distance from the face for plastering and lathing operations shall be 18 inches (46 cm). Handrails, and toprails that serve as handrails, shall provide an adequate handhold for employees grasping them to avoid falling. This paragraph applies to scaffold access for all employees. Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope. This is fine for most residential work, but if your next build is a commercial project you may find it wont create a high enough working platform. For all scaffolds not otherwise specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(vi) of this section, each employee shall be protected by the use of personal fall arrest systems or guardrail systems meeting the requirements of paragraph (g)(4) of this section. Climbing the structural cross-braces of a scaffold is unsafe, and specifically forbidden by federal standards. What types of scaffolds does the standard prohibit? [, When scaffold platforms are more than 24 inches (61 cm) above or below a point of access, ladders, ramps, walkways, or similar surfaces must be used. Tread depth shall be uniform, within 1/4 inch, for each flight of stairs. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(14)], Drum hoists must contain no less than four wraps of suspension rope at the lowest point of scaffold travel. Scaffold components made of dissimilar metals shall not be used together unless a competent person has determined that galvanic action will not reduce the strength of any component to a level below that required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section. COF employees receive annual training Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity. Scaffolds are commonly used in construction work so workers have a safe, stable work platform when work cannot be done at ground level or on a finished floor. Scaffolds (Staging). Guardrail systems are explained below in another question. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(7)], Drum hoists must contain no less than four wraps of the rope at the lowest point. The scaffolding standard prohibits the Swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire suspension ropes shall not be used unless they are made by the wire rope manufacturer or a qualified person. Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms. Stairrails shall be not less than 28 inches (71 cm) nor more than 37 inches (94 cm) from the upper surface of the stairrail to the surface of the tread, in line with the face of the riser at the forward edge of the tread. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(iv)], Vertical lifelines must not be fastened to counterweights. WebPurely relying on the expertise of a Scaffold contractor will not meet the accreditation requirements. When acids or other corrosive substances are used on a scaffold, the ropes shall be shielded, treated to protect against the corrosive substances, or shall be of a material that will not be damaged by the substance being used. Give Us a Call. Platforms may be coated periodically with wood preservatives, fire-retardant finishes, and slip-resistant finishes; however, the coating may not obscure the top or bottom wood surfaces.