2. scaffolds amd ladders


What Is A Scaffold?An elevated, temporary work platform

Three basic types: Supported scaffolds -- platforms

supported by rigid, load bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, & outriggers

Suspended scaffolds -- platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support

Aerial Lifts -- such as “cherry pickers” or “boom trucks”


Hazards

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

Employees working on scaffolds are exposed to these hazards:


Fall Hazards While climbing on

or off the scaffold Working on

unguarded scaffold platforms

When scaffold platforms or planks fail

Falls may occur:


Protecting Workers from Falls

Guardrails, and/or Personal Fall

Arrest Systems (PFAS)

If a worker on a scaffold can fall more than 10 feet, protect them by:


Install along open sides & ends Front edge of platforms not more than 14 inches from the work, unless using guardrails and/or PFASTop rails - 39 to 45 inches tall Midrails halfway between toprail and platformToeboards at least 3-1/2 inches high

Guardrails


Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

You must be trained how to properly use PFAS

PFAS include anchorage, lifeline and body harness.


Can use PFAS instead of guardrails on some scaffolds

Use PFAS & guardrails on suspension scaffolds

Use PFAS on erectors and dismantlers where feasible

Fall Protection Requirements

The ends of this scaffold are not properly guarded


Falling Object Protection Wear hardhats Barricade area below scaffold

to forbid entry into that area Use panels or screens if

material is stacked higher than the toeboard

Build a canopy or erect a net below the scaffold that will contain or deflect falling objects


Overhead Power Lines

The possibility of electrocution is a serious consideration when working nearoverhead power lines

Check the clearancedistances listed in thestandard


Scaffold Support Examples

Good support Inadequate support – in danger of collapse?

Base plate

Mud sills


Essential Elements of SafeScaffold Construction

• Use appropriate scaffold construction methods

• Proper scaffold access

• Properly use a competent person


Scaffold Platform Construction

Platforms must:• be fully planked

or decked with no more than 1 inch gaps

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

• be at least 18 inches wide This is not a properly

constructed scaffold


• No large gaps in front edge of platforms

• Each abutted end of plank must rest on a separate support surface

• Overlap platforms at least 12 inches over supports, unless restrained to prevent movement


Planks not properly overlapped



• No paint on wood platforms

• Use scaffold grade wood

• Fully planked between front upright and guardrail support

• Component pieces used must match and be of the same type

• Erect on stable and level ground

• Lock wheels and braces


Scaffold Height

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’


Platform Ends

Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks, must extend over its support by at least 6 inches

No Cleats


Supported ScaffoldsPlatforms supported by legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles, uprights, posts, & frames

Restrain from tipping by guys, ties, or braces

Scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights must be on base plates and mud sills or other firm foundation This support is not adequate!


Proper Scaffold AccessProvide access when scaffold

platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access

Permitted types of access: Ladders, such as portable,

hook-on, attachable, stairway type, and built-ins

Stair towers Ramps and walkways

May use building stairs and come out window


Scaffold Access• No access by

crossbraces• When using

ladders, bottom rung no more than 24 inches high

• Can use some end frames

• Can access from another scaffold, structure or hoist

End FrameDo not access by crossbraces


Suspension Scaffolds

Train employees to recognize hazardsSecure/tie to prevent swayingSupport devices must rest on surfaces

that can support four times the loadCompetent person: evaluate connections to ensure the

supporting surfaces can support load inspect ropes for defects before shift

PFAS must have anchors independent of the scaffold support system

Platforms suspended by ropes or wires. Rope must be capable of supporting 6 times the load


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

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

both sides of scaffolds

Employees can’t be on scaffold part beyond the wheels

Competent person must be on site to supervise


Fatal Fact – Moving a LiftEmployee 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


Don’t use Shore or Lean-to Scaffolds

Shore scaffold supported scaffold which is placed against a building or structure and held in place with props

Lean-to scaffold supported scaffold which is kept erect by tilting it toward and resting it against a building or structure


Using ScaffoldsDon’t work on

snow or ice covered platforms or during storms or high winds

Use tag lines on swinging loads

Protect suspension ropes from heat & acid A covered scaffold has special

wind load considerations


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

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

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


Overhand Bricklayingfrom Supported Scaffolds

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

the work is being done


Competent 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


Scaffold InspectionCompetent person

inspects scaffolds for visible defects before each shift and after any alterations

Defective parts must be immediately repaired Deformed bearer


Scaffold ErectionScaffolds can only

be erected, moved, dismantled or altered under the supervision of a competent person

Competent person selects & directs these workers and determines the feasibility of fall protection


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

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

Retrain as necessary


Training Erectors

Train employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold to recognize its hazards and the correct procedures to use


Avoid the Main Hazards of ScaffoldsFalls from

elevationBad plankingScaffold collapse

Getting struck by falling

tools or debrisElectrocution


Summary

Use appropriate scaffold construction methods Erect, move, or alter scaffold properly Protect from falling objects or tools

Ensure stable accessUse a competent person

Train on scaffold construction and the hazards involved with scaffolds

Inspect scaffold before each shift and after alterations

Determine fall protection requirements

Remember to:


General Requirements:29 CFR 1926.1051

A stairway or ladder must be provided when there is a break of elevation 19 inches or greater.

Spiral staircases shall not be used unless it is part of the permanent structure.

Passageways must be clear if it is the only means of access or egress on any working level.


General Requirements Cont.When work is required to be done in the

access/egress area, another means must be provided for the employees to exit and/or enter.

A Double-cleated ladder or two or more separate ladders must be provided when there are 25 or more employees on any working level.


Stairways29 CFR 1926.1052Stairway Requirements: A) Temporary stairways must have 30

inch landing in the direction of travel and 22 inches wide every 12 feet.

B) Riser height and tread depth must be uniform and variations must not exceed 1/4 inch.

C) Stairways must be installed between 30 and 50 degrees from horizontal.


Stairway Requirements Cont.D) A platform must be provided when doors or gates open into the stairways.

E) All parts of the stairway system shall be free from hazardous projections.

F) Metal pans must be filled prior to use.

G) Slippery conditions must be eliminated prior to use.


Handrail, Stairrail and Midrail RequirementsStairrail Requirements: A) Stairrails are required when there are 4 or

more risers or an elevation change of 30+ inches.

B) The height of stairrails must be: 1) 36 inches installed 2) Between 30-34 inches


Handrail, Stairrail and Midrail Requirements (Cont.)

Midrail Requirements:A) Midrails must be installed midway

between the steps and the top rail.B) When screens or mesh are used as a

midrail, they must extend from the top rail to the floor.

C) Vertical members used as midrails must not exceed 19 inches between members.


Handrail, Stairrail and Midrail Requirements (Cont.)Handrail and Starrail Requirements: A) Must be able to withstand 200 lbs force

applied in any direction. B) Must be separated from the wall by at least 3

inches. C) Must have a safe surface. D) The ends cannot be a projection hazard.


Ladders29 CFR 1926.1053Ladders must be able to hold the following

loads without failure:A) Self-supporting and non-self

supporting portable ladders. 1) Must be able to withstand 4 times the

maximum intended load. (3.3 for extra duty ladders)


Ladders Loading Requirements Cont.

B) Fixed Ladders1) Must be able to hold 250 lbs

on two consecutive rungs.


Ladder RequirementsLadder rungs must be spaced evenly.Ladder rungs must be made out of a slip

resistant material.Ladders should not be tied or fastened

together to provide longer sections unless it was designed that way.

Step ladders are required to have a locking spreader bar.


Ladder Requirements Cont.Wood ladders can’t be covered with any

opaque material.Ladder components should be surfaced to

prevent injury.


Fixed LaddersFixed ladders should have one of the

following safety devices installed if it extends above 24 feet: A) Cage or well

B) Ladder safety devices C) Self retracting lifelines *Refer to 1926.1053(a)(19-22) for specific

requirements on fixed ladder safety devices.


Use of Ladders Cont.

Ladders should extend 3 feet above the landing surface.

A 4/1 ratio should be used to set up ladders.


Use of ladders Cont.Ladders should be maintained free from

oil, grease, and other slipping hazards.Ladders should not be loaded beyond the

manufacturers intended loading capacity.Ladders should be used only for the

purpose it was designed.


Use of Ladders Cont.Ladders should only be used on level and

secure ground unless it is stabilized. Ladders should not be used on slippery

surfaces unless it is secured or it has slip-resistant feet.

Ladders placed in areas where they can be displaced should be secured or barricaded.


Use of Ladders Cont.The area around the top and bottom of the

ladder should be kept clear.Ladders should not be moved, shifted, or

extended while occupied.Employees working around electrical

sources should use nonconductive ladders.The top of a step ladder should not be

used.


Use of Ladders Cont.Ladders should be inspected by a

competent person on regular intervals or after an occurrence that could affect its safe use.

Any ladder with structural defects should be tagged out of service.

Single-rail ladders should not be used.


Use of Ladders Cont.When ascending or descending the

ladder, the user should always face the ladder.

Employees should use at least one hand to grasp the ladder when ascending or descending the ladder.

Employees should not carry any items that may cause the employee to loose balance.


Training Requirements29 CFR 1926.1060Training is required for all employees that

use ladders and stairways.Training must be conducted by a

competent person. The competent person must address the following items: A) The nature of all hazards in the work area.


Training Cont.B) Procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection used.C) The proper construction, use, placement, and care of stairways and ladders.D) The maximum intended load of laddersE) The standards.

2. scaffolds amd ladders

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