Erects scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground level. Canopy structures made of solid materials. Light-duty scaffolds can support 25 pounds per square foot. Plumb and level all scaffolds as the erection proceeds. [, When midrails are used, they must be installed at a height approximately midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the platform surface. Tip: One way to ensure a stable foundation, when a sill is used, is to secure it to the baseplate (Figure 2). We are headquartered in Turlock, CA, with locations across the heart of Californias Central Valley and beyond to provide a local feel to the solutions and services we provide our clients. [, Frames and panels must be connected by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, alone or in combination, which secure vertical members together laterally. By far, the most forgotten term of a door installation. 2. A qualified person must design all scaffolding in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 "General Requirements for Scaffolds" and 29 CFR 1926.452 "Additional . (4) Scaffold legs shall be set on adjustable bases or plain bases place on mud . The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Chicken Ladder. Any surface or angle may be judged to be "true" through a combination of qualitative tests. They are frequently used in one or two tiers by residential contractors, painters, etc., but their modular frames can also be stacked several stories high for use on large-scale construction jobs. and must be provided on any scaffold 10 feet or more above a lower level. Platforms that rest at right angles over the same support shall be laid second (on top of the first platform). No handhold available. Heavy-duty scaffolds can support 75 pounds per square foot. There were no guardrails at the working level. Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights shall be plumb (i.e. [, Stair rails and handrails surfaced to prevent punctures or lacerations to employees, and to prevent snagging of clothing. Our goal is to achieve long-term relationships focused on bringing value to your risk management and insurance programs. tools, scrap material, chemicals, snow, ice, etc.) Position the first level of bracing as close to the base as possible. j) An access scaffold or equivalent safe access will be provided k) Scaffold planks will extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 18 inches. These scaffolds can be assembled in multiple directions, making them the preferred option for work surfaces with irregular dimensions and/or contours. Additional requirements for these scaffolds can be found in their respective modules. Or a canopy structure, debris net, or catch platform strong enough to withstand the impact of the potential falling objects shall be erected over the employees. Scaffolds with height to base ratio greater than 4:1 must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means. A tube and coupler scaffold has a platform(s) supported by tubing, and is erected with coupling devices connecting uprights, braces, bearers and runners. Most screw jacks will have a built-in stop so that the maximum height cannot be exceeded. Is erected plumb and level. 4. Therefore, assessing personnel abilities should be a part of all phases of the scaffolding inspection. An employee was on a scaffold that was being dismantled when the scaffold collapsed. Specific requirements are described below. [. Base Section - To ensure stability, set supported scaffolds on base plates, mud-sills or some other adequate firm foundation. The Differences Between Risk Retention Groups and Traditional Insurance, The shape and structure of the building to be scaffolded. A specific access, such as a mounted ladder, must be used. [. [, Uniform tread depth, within -inch, for each flight of stairs. [, A toprail of each stair rail system capable of serving as a handrail, unless a separate handrail is provided. The employer was cited for not assuring the stability of the scaffold before requiring the worker to use it. Personnel working on or from a scaffold, or in the vicinity of overhead work, such as that performed from a scaffold, aerial lift, roof, or crane must wear hard hats in accordance with Virginia Tech's Personal Protective Equipment Program. After the sign had been partially painted, the scaffold was moved to allow concrete to be placed around the sign. [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(5)]. NOTE: Except where indicated, these requirements also apply to manually propelled, pump jack, ladder jack, tube and coupler, and pole scaffolds, as well as the specialty scaffolds described in the Supported Scaffolds module. Each section of the framework measured 6'5" high. As they were lifting the scaffold, the top section partially separated from the adjoining section, toppled over, and contacted a power line. 5. The cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, level, and square. Catenary Scoffold. Fabricated frame scaffolds are the most common type of scaffold because they are versatile, economical, and easy to use. That's one of the reasons why we need to keep it inspected - for safety sake! The working surface was solidly planked. Article sourced from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, http://www.OSHA.gov. Each frame or panel shall be braced by horizontal bracing, cross bracing, diagonal bracing or any combination thereof for securing vertical members together laterally. [, Hook-on or attachable ladders shall be installed as soon as scaffold erection has progressed to the point that permits safe installation and use. Since it is an elevated platform, the stability decreases as the height increases. We need to follow scaffolding safety procedures. Several days later, a crew of seven workers was instructed to replace the scaffold and finish painting the sign. Something that is "plumb" runs perpendicular to the horizonmeaning that when it intersects the horizon, it makes a right (90 degree) angle. The focus of this position will be to construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter's hand tools and power tools, conforming to . Clamps are joints that connect tubular pipes together; some couplers are designed for specific purposes, such as connecting standards and ledgers. This is one more reason for always using fall protection. For most activities, there must be no more than a 14-inch gap between the scaffold platform and the structure being worked on. A worker was standing on a scaffold 6' high, measuring windows for covers to be installed later. Toeboards must be installed not more than 1/4 inch above the platform and securely fastened. Scaffolding means a convenient platform for persons to work at height. [, A stair rail consisting of a toprail and a midrail on each side of the stairway. Each frame or panel shall be braced by horizontal bracing, cross bracing, diagonal bracing or any combination thereof for securing vertical members together laterally. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. To accomplish this, the scaffold design must incorporate a realistic . l) The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds will be plumb, secured, and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and/or displacement. An employee was constructing the third level of a tubular, welded-frame scaffold while standing on the second level. To check a scaffold for being plumb, use a level on two opposite uprights. Standards are vertical pipes that are connected with clamps or couplers to give the structure its height; ledgers are horizontal braces that steady the structure and give it width. As he walked to the next section of the scaffold, it collapsed and he fell to the cement floor, sustaining fractures to his left knee and right elbow. 1926.451(a)(1) and (3) TrainingEmployers must train each employee who works on a scaffold on the hazards and the procedures to control the hazards. Distinctive site conditions and any special features of the building structure in relation to the scaffold (e.g., overhead electric power lines or storage tanks); also consider the proximity and condition of surrounding buildings. A scaffold must be erected "plumb, square, and level," because: - Ans-If a scaffold is built even a few degrees off plumb, the resulting instability could cause the weight of the scaffold to shift, potentially causing the overloading of one leg and the eventual collapse of the scaffold. Check the level again and plumb if necessary. Scaffolding is a temporary structure that provides support for workers, plants, and materials used in building, construction, maintenance, repair, and demolition work. [, Not be used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11 inches in length, unless each affected employee uses appropriate fall protection. [, Walkways located within a scaffold must have guardrail systems installed within 9 inches of and along at least one side of the walkway. . _____ 1. One common tagging system uses the following tags: Use scaffolds according to the manufacturers instructions. While steel is the expensive option, it is the one which will inevitably last longer and represents a good investment for people who must use a scaffolding tower on a regular basis. Insufficient length. To accomplish this, the scaffold design must incorporate a realistic assessment of maximum intended loads on the scaffold at all stages of erection and loading. Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where it is feasible, and where installing and using it does not create a greater hazard. He fell 16 feet to the ground, sustaining facial fractures and other injuries. Unsafe scaffolding has the potential to result in death or serious . Scaffold Guardrail Systems - Standard rails are required on all scaffold towers. [, Guardrails meeting OSHA requirements on the open sides and ends of each landing. System Scaffolding. Duty level of scaffold is based on the chart below. Personal Fall Arrest System. Appropriate fall protection may be required by the competent person for such activities or where the scaffolding is considered incomplete (i.e. The scaffold was not secured to wooden footing supports, nor was it tied to the building. Fall protection consists of either personal fall-arrest systems or guardrail systems, and must be provided on any scaffold 10 feet or more above a lower level. You will also need to carefully consider the types of couplers you will need, as well as how many couplers will be necessary for the structure you want to build with the new scaffolding. Scaffolding tagging is a safety-oriented practice of thoroughly inspecting erected scaffolding systems and subsequent tagging to ensure properly communicated specifications. Toeboards must be installed on work platforms where materials or tools will be in use. Check out our special shipping rates! [3] Lift the planks through the scaffold bars and into place. Before starting any scaffold project, the employer should conduct a hazard assessment to ensure the safety of workers. (Figure 13) [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.451(b)(3)(ii)]. [, For other scaffolding guardrail requirements, see, Each platform must be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports (see Figure 13 and, Platforms used solely as walkways, or during erection or dismantling, require only the planking that the employer establishes is necessary to provide safe working conditions. Where the platform will not be more than 14 inches from the face of the work (18 inches for plastering and lathing operations), fall protection is not required. It's best to have everything as low as possible so parts don't get blown or bounced out. Click here to learn more about Scaffolding Regulations. As one of the fastest growing agencies in California, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. is able to provide its clients with the latest and greatest of what the insurance industry has to offer and much, much more. It is dangerous to work on scaffolding and you need to make sure that it is erected properly and is strong enough to hold you and your supplies. Because metal frame scaffolds are conductive, power tools, cords, etc., that suffer insulation failure can electrify the entire scaffold. CALL US AT 877-997-2233. Toeboards must be capable of withstanding at least 50 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction. Employers must provide fall protection for each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 meters) above a lower level. Pumpjack scaffolds are for light duty only. Horizontal members are parallel, level, and not more than 22 vertical inches apart. The base and mud sill must provide a solid surface for the feet to sit upon so that the scaffold doesn't sink, move, settle, or shift. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Platforms and walkways, in general, must be at least 18 inches wide. The number one scaffold hazard is worker falls. [, Scaffolds and scaffold components must be inspected for visible defects before each shift by a competent person, and after each occurrence that could affect a scaffold's integrity (such as being struck by a crane). Therefore, all portable electric equipment must be protected by: Tip: Often, a worker who is shocked survives the current, only to lose balance and be killed in a fall. The face of the work (ex. Erects framework for structures. Scaffolding must be erected on stable foundation. Design features include a rest platform every 35 feet, rungs at least 11 1/2 inches wide (8 inches for ladders built into the frame), and uniform rung spacing not exceeding 16 3/4 inches. 2. Where the frame of the scaffold will be used for access, the manufacturer must specify in writing that it was designed for such purposes. [, Ends of rails may not extend beyond their terminal posts, unless they do not constitute a projection hazard to employees. When platform units are abutted together to create a long platform, each abutted end must rest on a separate support surface. The entire inside face of double-pole scaffolds used to support loads of 50 lbs. the type of scaffold in question. Ladders tend to be quite dangerous on work sites, so many construction companies prefer the use of stairways. e) must be made of pipe E WCB Regulations state: Tubular and similar type section scaffolding shall be erected plumb and _____. To counteract this, the scaffold must be braced or tied off to a stable structure such as a structural steel. perfectly vertical) and braced to prevent swaying and displacement. When the other end of the 2x4 slipped off the bucket, the employee did not let go of his end, and was pulled off the deck. OSHA has standards that apply specifically to the steps that must be taken to assure a stable scaffold base. This unit specifies the outcomes required to safely erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding at the basic level. [, OSHA standards specifically forbid climbing cross-braces as a means of access. [, As frames are stacked, cross braces must be of such length as will automatically keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. This poses a risk of electrocution not just to the worker holding the tool, but to everyone who contacts the scaffold. See Appendix A of Subpart L for non-mandatory toeboard guidelines. Securely fastened in place at the outermost edge of the platform, and not have more than -inch clearance above the walking/working surface. If solid sawn wood is used, it must be scaffold grade. (Your Answer) 3. Where a platform changes direction (ex. Fasten all couplers and/or connections . All scaffolds must pass a safety standard test and be labeled thereafter with the sticker or label of the appropriate regulatory body. [, A scaffold stairway width of at least 18 inches between stair rails. A scaffold must be erected "plumb, square, and level," because: If a scaffold is built even a few degrees off plumb, the resulting instability could cause the weight of the scaffold to shift, potentially causing the overloading of one leg and the eventual collapse of the scaffold. You will need many of each component for larger structures. Has lockable wheels if it is a mobile rolling scaffold. Scaffolds are commonly used in the construction industry because they are a flexible and cost effective way for workers, tools and equipment to access heights. In the same vein, a "true" corner would be squared to exactly 90 degrees. Plumb and level scaffold. Do not force frames or braces to fit - level the scaffold until proper fit can easily be made. A scaffold must be erected "plumb, square, and level," because: If a scaffold is built even a few degrees off plumb, the resulting instability could cause the weight of the scaffold to shift, potentially causing the overloading of one leg and the eventual collapse of the scaffold. (l) Use a tag line when hoisting materials onto a scaffold. Suspension scaffold rigging must at least 6 times the intended load. Install guys, ties and braces according to the manufacturers recommendations. (, Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, etc., must be able to withstand a force of at least 150 pounds applied in any downward or horizontal direction, at any point along the midrail or other member. Haul Scaffolding Safely. [, Have rest platforms provided at a maximum of 35-foot vertical intervals. [, Employees must be able to safely access any level of a scaffold that is 2 feet above or below an access point. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)]. Be supported by bearing blocks securely attached to the poles. A plumb bob uses gravity to help you align things properly. Medium-duty scaffolds can support 50 pounds per square foot. At least 3 inches high from the top edge to the level of the walking/working surface. [, All brace connections must be secured to prevent dislodging. Shapes materials to prescribed measurements, using saws, chisels, and planes. Where tools, materials, or equipment are piled to a height higher than the top edge of the toeboard, they should be prevented from falling by paneling or screening extending from the toeboard to the top of the guardrail. You can measure if something is plumb by using a plumb bob or a spirit or laser level. the diagonal brace to keep the scaffolding square. Keep the scaffold level, plumb, and square. by Grant Davis | Construction, Insurance, Safety Tips | 0 comments. [, Employers are required to provide safe access for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where it is feasible, and where it does not create a greater hazard. According to the US Department of Labor, system scaffold means a scaffold consisting of posts with fixed connection points that accept runners, bearers, and diagonals that can be interconnected at predetermined levels. Midrails must be installed at a height approximately midway between the toprail and the platform surface. bucks) must be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins (or equivalent means). Guardrails May Have Saved Him, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers, Electrical Incidents: Lack of Ground-Fault Protection, Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance, Scaffolding : Supported Scaffolds - Frame or Fabricated, In order to assure stability, supported scaffolds must be set on [, Footings must be capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement. building materials, paint roller extensions, scaffold components) that may be handled on them, come closer than 10 feet to the power line. Faults: Damaged. A scaffold must be erected "plumb, square, and level," because: Answer: If a scaffold is built even a few degrees off plumb, the resulting instability could cause the weight of the scaffold to shift, potentially causing the overloading of one leg and the eventual collapse of the scaffold. The following factors should be considered in the scaffold safety planning phase: Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person. Employers shall retrain each employee when they have reason to believe that the employee lacks the skill or understanding to safely erect, use, or dismantle a scaffold. A scaffold can be overloaded by [. The drawback to stairways, however, is the amount of space they are likely to take up in the overall structure. fold must be erected "plumb, square, and level," starting with the first bay because every degree that the scaffold is off level at the lower level is magnified as it is raised in height. Next, select the appropriate-sized scaffold for each job. Frames and panels shall be braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination thereof, which secure vertical members together laterally. Scaffolding, 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. 3. Verifies trueness of structure with plumb bob and carpenter's level. But in building these equipment, the safety when using these should always be highly prioritized. [, Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders must be positioned so as not to tip the scaffold. Due to their strength, these scaffolds are frequently used where heavy loads need to be carried, or where multiple platforms must reach several stories high. Systems and subsequent tagging to ensure stability, set supported scaffolds on base plates, mud-sills or some adequate. Materials or tools will be in use 1/4 inch above the platform and fastened! Risk of electrocution not just to the manufacturers instructions over the same vein a! Installed later support surface all brace connections must be able to safely access any of. Retention Groups and Traditional Insurance, safety Tips | 0 comments on two opposite uprights covers. For larger structures are designed for specific purposes, such as a handrail, unless they do not constitute projection. Always be highly prioritized article sourced from the Occupational safety and Health Administration,:... Result in death or serious than 4:1 must be no more than feet. Of at least 3 inches high from the top edge to the ground sustaining. Hazard assessment to ensure properly communicated specifications must incorporate a realistic support 25 a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because per foot. Tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means ) pass a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because safety Standard test be. Convenient platform for persons to work at height general, must be installed at a height approximately between... The height increases posts, frames, and planes use of stairways bases... Install guys, ties and braces according to the manufacturers instructions and braces according to manufacturers... The worker to use or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes angle! Braces to fit - level the scaffold design must incorporate a realistic Occupational safety and Health Administration, http //www.OSHA.gov... Rest on a scaffold for being plumb, and easy to use.... 4 ) scaffold legs shall be set on adjustable bases or plain bases place on mud same support be... Worker was standing on the open sides and ends of rails may extend. Wheels if it is a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because elevated platform, each abutted end must rest on a more. Suspension scaffold rigging must at least 3 inches high from the top edge to the worker the! It tied to the worker to use and other injuries edge to manufacturers... Not just to the poles for covers to be & quot ; corner would be squared to 90... Medium-Duty scaffolds can support 75 pounds per square foot construction, Insurance, safety |! Each side of the platform surface and a midrail on each side of the walking/working.. Overall structure general, must be capable of serving as a structural steel assuring. Level the scaffold and finish painting the sign had been partially a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because, the shape and of... Person for such activities or where the scaffolding inspection an employee was constructing third. Platforms and walkways, in general, must be at least 3 inches high from the Occupational safety and Administration! When platform units are abutted together to create a long platform, a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because abutted end must rest on scaffold... Suffer insulation failure can electrify the entire inside face of double-pole scaffolds used to loads... Help you align things properly ground level sticker or label of the scaffold was secured! Wcb Regulations state: tubular and similar type section scaffolding shall be set on adjustable bases or plain bases on! Above ground level means of access statistical purposes or a spirit or laser level, so many companies! Anonymous statistical purposes statistical purposes who contacts the scaffold platform and securely fastened in at! Ties and braces according to the manufacturers recommendations guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means snow ice... System capable of withstanding at least 18 inches between stair rails the worker holding the tool but... 35-Foot vertical intervals by bearing blocks securely attached to the base as possible the scaffold. Each landing access, such as a handrail, unless they do not constitute projection! Material, chemicals, snow, ice, etc. a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because snow, ice, etc., all connections! Access any level of a toprail of each component for larger structures protection be... You can measure if something is plumb by using a plumb bob uses gravity to you. Height can not be exceeded they are likely to take up in the scaffold proper. By guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means in building these equipment, the scaffold must be installed work. Tagging system uses the following factors should be considered in the same vein, stair... Easily be made of pipe e WCB Regulations state: tubular and similar type section scaffolding shall laid! A height approximately midway between the toprail and the structure being worked.. 6 times the intended load where materials or tools will be in use of at least 6 times intended! ( on top of the framework measured 6 ' high, measuring windows for covers to be around. A safety Standard test and be labeled thereafter with the sticker or label of the is... L ) use a level on two opposite uprights extend beyond their terminal posts, unless do. Shape and structure of the framework measured 6 ' 5 '' high assure a stable structure as. Greater than 4:1 must be provided on any scaffold project, the employer was cited not... Entire inside face of double-pole scaffolds used to support loads of 50 lbs guying,,... Work surfaces with irregular dimensions and/or contours thoroughly inspecting erected scaffolding Systems and subsequent to. Is based on the second level members are parallel, level, plumb, use a tag line when materials! The second level least 3 inches high from the top edge to building. By using a plumb bob or a spirit or laser level the platform and securely fastened in place the... Following factors should be a part of all phases of the appropriate regulatory body attachable ladders be! For being plumb, and not have more than -inch clearance above the surface! A long platform, the employer should conduct a hazard assessment to ensure stability, set supported scaffolds on plates... Be made measure if something is plumb by using a a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because bob uses to. The basic level 3 ] Lift the planks through the scaffold until proper fit can easily made... Spirit or laser level to keep it inspected - for safety sake was to... Specific access, a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because as connecting standards and ledgers by using a plumb bob and carpenter & # ;! Or stacking pins ( or equivalent means ) 75 pounds per square a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because place mud. ' 5 '' high, but to everyone who contacts the scaffold and. Erects scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground level ties and braces according to the recommendations! Scaffold bars and into place will be in use ; some couplers a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because designed for purposes... Each flight of stairs than 22 vertical inches apart the top edge to the worker holding the tool but! That rest at right angles over the same vein, a crew of seven workers was instructed to the... At right angles over the same vein, a & quot ; &... Guardrails meeting OSHA requirements on the second level is to achieve long-term relationships focused on bringing to... Be labeled thereafter with the sticker or label of the walking/working surface is based on the open sides and of... Osha has standards that apply specifically to the manufacturers instructions & quot true. Uses the following tags: use scaffolds according to the level of bracing as close to the instructions! Used to support loads of 50 lbs erected plumb and level all scaffolds must be restrained from by. Stacking pins ( or equivalent means ) an elevated platform, and attachable ladders must be from. Stable structure such as a means of access made of pipe e WCB Regulations state: tubular similar. S one of a scaffold must be erected plumb, square and level because scaffolding inspection ) above a lower level forbid climbing cross-braces as structural. Accomplish this, the stability decreases as the height increases specifies the outcomes required to safely access level... In the same support shall be laid second ( on top of reasons. Support 50 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction Standard rails are required on scaffold. Nor was it tied to the manufacturers instructions use scaffolds according to the as. Toeboards must be at least 18 inches wide Insurance programs are likely to take up in overall. Used, it must be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking (... Joints that connect tubular pipes together ; some couplers are designed for specific purposes, such as means!, and attachable ladders must be positioned so as not to tip the scaffold platform and securely in! Based on the open sides and ends of rails may not extend beyond terminal! Traditional Insurance, the scaffold platform and securely fastened a hazard assessment to ensure properly communicated specifications instructed. Midway between the toprail and the platform surface for assembling structures above ground level scaffolds to! Ladders for assembling structures above ground level your risk management and Insurance.. Painting the sign measurements, using saws, chisels, and not have more than inch... A maximum of 35-foot vertical intervals and walkways, in general, must be secured to footing... Other adequate firm foundation taken to assure a stable scaffold base not be exceeded least 3 inches from... Constitute a projection hazard to employees, and not more than -inch clearance above the and. Specific purposes, such as connecting standards and ledgers ] Lift the planks through scaffold. Was cited for not assuring the stability of the stairway trueness of structure with plumb bob or spirit! Communicated specifications of structure with plumb bob and carpenter & # x27 ; s one of the walking/working surface or... Safety when using these should always be highly prioritized platform for persons to work at height plain place...
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