Scaffold Safety – “What Goes Up Will Come Down if You Aren’t Careful”

For basic scaffold safety requirements, Bonitz safety rules and OSHA requirements we offer the following information.

Fall protection or fall arrest systems – Each employee working more than 4 feet from a lower level, for Baker type scaffolds, and 6 feet for all other scaffolds shall be protected from falls by guardrails or a fall arrest system.  Those associates on a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold shall be protected by both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail.  Be aware that scaffolds erected by others may not comply with Bonitz’s safety requirements, check them carefully.

Guardrail height  - The height of the top rail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after January 1, 2000 must be between 38 inches and 45 inches.

Cross bracing – When the cross point of cross bracing is used as a top rail, it must be between 38 inches and 48 inches above the work platform.

Mid-rails – Mid-rails must be installed approximately halfway between the top rail and the platform surface.  When a cross point of cross bracing is used as a mid-rail, it must be between 20 inches and 30 inches above the work platform.

Footings – Scaffold support footings shall be level and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold.  The legs, poles, frames, and uprights shall bear on base plates and mud sills.

Platforms – Supported scaffold platforms shall be fully planked or decked at the working level.

Guying ties and braces – Supported scaffolds with a height-to-base ratio of more than 4:1 shall be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or the equivalent.

Capacity – Scaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load.  Suspension scaffold rigging must support at least 6 times the intended load.

Rolling scaffolds – Maintain a 2:1 height-to-base ratio. Each wheel must have a locking brake.  Brakes must be locked while associates are working on the scaffold.

Training – Bonitz will train each of its associates who works on a scaffold on the hazards ad the proper procedures to control those hazards.

Inspections – Before each work day and after any occurrence that could affect the structural integrity, a competent person must inspect the scaffold and scaffold components for visible defects.  This is an OSHA requirement.  Some are erected by outside sources, some by other contractors and some we are erecting ourselves.  It doesn’t matter who erects it if we are using it, we are responsible for the inspection.  Make sure each scaffold has a Bonitz yellow inspection tag.  Sign and date the tag after you have completed the inspection; only if you find no defects.  Nay defects must be corrected before the scaffold is put into use.

Erecting and Dismantling – When erecting and dismantling supported scaffolds, be aware of power lines in the work area.  Also, a competent person must determine the feasibility of providing a safe means of access and fall protection for the operations.