The momentum of the frame thrust the employee backward off the second level. Because the frames are stacked, the cross braces have to keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. Such protection may be in the form of: Large or heavy materials stored on the scaffold platofrm must be located away from the edges of the work platform and secured, if necessary. The following factors should be considered in the scaffold safety planning phase: Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person. . [, Forklifts shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless [. Fasten the levelling jack to the sills with either nails or screws. He suffered multiple fractures to the head, left and right foot, and left wrist, and torn ligaments in the knees. 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. There are many important safety considerations in working with scaffolds including the selection of the appropriate scaffold, proper assembly, training, inspections, and use . After the sign had been partially painted, the scaffold was moved to allow concrete to be placed around the sign. Has lockable wheels if it is a mobile rolling scaffold. . Since it is an elevated platform, the stability decreases as the height increases. (k) The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds must be plumb, and securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement. [, Uniform riser height, within -inch, for each flight of stairs. For example, if wrapped with mesh, will the scaffold support expected wind loads? [, Frames and panels must be connected by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, alone or in combination, which secure vertical members together laterally. Consider such platforms for added stability and safety. Runners and bearers must be installed on edge. Platform/decking planks may be made of solid sawn wood, manufactured wood, manufactured steel, or manufactured aluminum. Supported scaffold poles, legs . Ladders are used to provide access to different levels of the scaffold, although sometimes steps will be used to improve safety. Keep the scaffold level, plumb, and square. CALL US AT 877-997-2233. A tube and coupler scaffold has a platform(s) supported by tubing, and is erected with coupling devices connecting uprights, braces, bearers and runners. [. A 28-year old carpenter and a 31-year old laborer were electrocuted. perfectly vertical) and braced to prevent swaying and displacement. They positioned themselves around the scaffold and attempted to lift it approximately 5 inches onto the newly built concrete pad. Heavy-duty scaffolds can support 75 pounds per square foot. Basically this is referring to a stand alone structure with platform. Materials being hoisted onto a scaffold must Pinning - Frames and panels must be joined together vertically through the use of stacking pins or coupling, or equivalent means. [, On scaffolds where platforms are abutted to create a long platform, each abutted end must rest on a separate support surface (this does not preclude the use of shared support members such as "T" sections, hook-on platforms that rest on common supports, etc.). Specific requirements are described below. Ladder Jack Scaffold. The amount of time needed to erect and dismantle the scaffold. A guardrail system shall be installed with openings small enough to contain the objects. (Figures 14 & 15), Each employee on a scaffold must be protected from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects, by [. [, Scaffold platforms and walkways must be at least 18 inches wide, unless they are used in areas that the employer can demonstrate are so narrow that they must be less than 18 inches wide. (i) There must be a ladder or equivalent safe access. [, Fall protection consists of either personal fall arrest systems or guardrail systems meeting OSHA requirements. Our goal is to achieve long-term relationships focused on bringing value to your risk management and insurance programs. This will determine how many of each component you will need. Tube and coupler scaffold design must comply with 29 CFR 1926.451-.452. The following procedures will cover all scaffolding erected, . They are erected in a manner that creates a usable ladder and provides good hand hold and foot space. Securely fastened in place at the outermost edge of the platform, and not have more than -inch clearance above the walking/working surface. Because the number of injuries from . All brace connections shall be . Has vertical supports resting on a firm foundation or sills. GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters), Or an AEGCP (assured equipment grounding conductor program, in accordance with, Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person, and be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design (Figure 19). 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. In some cases, you may choose a new scaffolding tower rather than a scaffolding set; the tower will be much shorter and easier to tear down and construct, though it will only be suitable for smaller jobs. And frames that stick out past the side of the bed can be . Cross braces must keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square; All brace connections must be secured to prevent dislodging; Frames and panels must be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means; Frames and panels must be locked together to prevent uplift (separation of a [, Scaffolds over 125 feet (38.0m) in height above their base plates shall be designed by a registered professional engineer, and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with such design. A scaffold can be overloaded by [. 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. [, Guardrails must be surfaced to prevent punctures or lacerations to employees and to prevent snagging of clothing, which may cause employees to lose their balance. Supported scaffolds are scaffolds supported from the ground by rigid elements such as outrigger beams, poles, legs, base plates, sills and posts. Scaffolds and scaffold components must be capable of supporting, without failure, their own weight and at least 4 times their maximum intended load. [, As frames are stacked, cross braces must be of such length as will automatically keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. Only two workers may be on a pumpjack scaffold at a time. by Grant Davis | Construction, Insurance, Safety Tips | 0 comments. Scaffold tower can be erected in all shapes and sizes. When the employee tried to set the third level frame into the pins of the second level, the frame he was trying to position flipped to one side. Personal Fall Arrest System, Guardrail System, or 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) grabline or equivalent handhold securely fastened beside each crawling board. Therefore, employers are required to provide safe scaffold access. One must also consider all the necessary components and hardware needed in order to have the safest most accessible construction work platform. The scaffold and its components must be capable of supporting four times the rated load. must be plumb and braced to prevent swaying and displacement. 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. In certain industries such as oil refinery, aviation, gas and chemical manufacture it is necessary to use glass fiber structures as these will not spark or corrode in situations where gasoline, solvents, electricity and so forth are present. Even if they are "in the way," braces should not be removed while work is being performed on a scaffold! Scaffold Frame keeps only high grade steel scaffolding in inventory, but aluminum scaffold is available on request. rather than a scaffolding set; the tower will be much shorter and easier to tear down and construct, though it will only be suitable for smaller jobs. Personal Fall Arrest System. The size of the mud sill shall be based on the type of soil the scaffold will be erected upon. A. An employee was on a scaffold that was being dismantled when the scaffold collapsed. Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but not standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., which may give way under the force of a fall. 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. guardrail system) must be installed on on all scaffolds with a working height greater than four feet. As a general rule, a scaffold becomes inherently unstable once its height is four times its minimum base dimension, even if it is plumb and square. PLUMB/LEVEL/SQUARE. Reaching 5 foot high all the way up to 30 feet tall. Tip: A level may be used frequently during assembly to guarantee that new structural components remain in line. The wood must be clear, free of loose knots, splits, or other defects. That's one of the reasons why we need to keep it inspected - for safety sake! And also, there are lots of sites that sell scaffolding spare parts. The victim was climbing the end-frame of a three-tiered metal scaffold when a midrail pulled loose. Review blueprints, work orders, the project schedule and other written requirements to determine where these scaffolds should be used. The standard dimensions are 5 foot and 7 foot long. Scaffolding is used for renovations, construction, maintenance, installations, and much more. Ties, guys, bracing and/or outriggers may be needed to assure a safe, stable scaffold assembly. Frames and panels should also be locked together to prevent uplift. All brace connections shall be made secure. Tip: Separation of frames can occur in high winds (uplift), or when workers climb endframes, overload the platform, or strike the scaffold with tools, materials, etc. 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. Unstable objects, such as bricks, cinder blocks, buckets, scrap lumber, etc., shall not be used to support or level scaffolds. 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. Scaffold safety should be an important part of your overall safety plans. Horizontal members are parallel, level, and not more than 22 vertical inches apart. The ladder must extend 1 m (3 ft.) above the landing. Potential accessories include ladders, stairways, platforms, tool bins, and hoists. 1. Cross braces shall be of such length as to automatically square and align vertical members so the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid. Construction and loading must comply with engineered designs and manufacturers requirements. (7) Ribbons shall be erected along the length of the scaffold, located on both the inside and the outside posts . the type of scaffold in question. Plumb and level all scaffolds as the erection proceeds. l) The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds will be plumb, secured, and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and/or displacement. The number one scaffold hazard is worker falls. Point loading, or concentrating too much of the load in one area. The maximum extension of the plank cannot be more than 12 inches for planks that are 10 feet long or less. We will deliver to you the highest quality property and casualty insurance programs and strategic planning consultation services in a manner that is most suitable to achieving your business goals. The space between the last plank and the uprights cannot exceed 9 1/2 inches. [, 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). Requirements to prevent falls that apply only to these workers are addressed separately below. 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. . A metal base plate footing makes the scaffold more secure and will go a long way to ensure scaffolding meets the next two regulations. Scaffolds need to be erected plumb, level, squared and braced to . For example, if the base width is three feet, the first vertical tie will be (3 feet x 4) 12 feet from the ground. Lanyards or connecting devices must be connected to a vertical lifeline (1st choice), a horizontal lifeline (2nd choice), or a structural member of the scaffold (last choice). 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. Cross-braces of the proper length must be used to ensure that the scaffold will remain plumb and rigid. scaffolds shall be braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, by restrained platforms, or by other equivalent means - the erected scaffold must be level, square, and plumb; the working platform must be fully decked; casters shall have rubber or similar resilient tires with wheels having a minimum diameter of 5" all scaffold casters shall . For lathing and plastering, a gap of 18 inches is permitted. Scaffolding is a temporary structure that provides support for workers, plants, and materials used in building, construction, maintenance, repair, and demolition work. Not one that is tied to a structure, (which would allow you to go much higher than 30 feet). For most activities, there must be no more than a 14-inch gap between the scaffold platform and the structure being worked on. Improper Access Leads to Serious Injuries. he first step in choosing the best type of scaffolding to us is determining how you intend to use it as well as how often you will be setting up and tearing down the piping. Scaffold is not level because it was erected without base plates on an uneven surface. [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(8)], The competent person is responsible for determining the safety and feasibility of installing and using safe means of access, based on site conditions and the type of scaffold involved. An access ladder or equivalent safe access must be provided. (j) Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 18 inches. (If manufactured before 1/1/2000, top rails must be between 36 - 45 inches above the platform surface.) [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)], The employer must designate a competent person, who would be responsible for determining the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Workers are most vulnerable to fall hazards when climbing on or off a scaffold. As they were lifting the scaffold, the top section partially separated from the adjoining section, toppled over, and contacted a power line. Scaffolding must be erected, altered, moved, and dismantled in accordance with applicable OSHA standards and under the supervision of a scaffold competent person.Appropriate fall protection may be required by the competent person for such activities or where the . Secure scaffolds to the structure during erection and dismantling. Follow all state, local and federal codes, ordinance and regulations pertaining to scaffolding. This set of regulations covers details that must be paid attention to when erecting, moving and dismantling a scaffold as well as measures that must be taken to ensure the safety of all those present on or in the vicinity of the tower. [, When moving platforms to the next level, the existing platform must be left undisturbed until the new end frames have been set in place and braced. The distance between beare r s and runners shall not exceed manufacturer's re c o m-m e n d a t i o n s . and that cross braces are of such length as will automatically keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. [, Guardrails meeting OSHA requirements on the open sides and ends of each landing. Installed protective coverings to prevent accidental contact with the lines. Also they can be mobile or stationary. Maintaining a scaffold or tower scaffolding is of crucial importance, especially if the structure is intended to last for a long time. Step 2. Scaffolds with height to base ratio greater than 4:1 must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or equivalent means. Supported scaffold poles, frames, uprights, etc. 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. 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. [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)], Scaffolds may not be moved horizontally while employees are on them, unless they have been designed for that purpose by a registered professional engineer, or in the case of mobile scaffolds, where the provisions of 29 CFR 1926.452(w) are followed. [, When screens and mesh are used, they must extend from the top edge of the guardrail system to the scaffold platform, and along the entire opening between the supports. Everyone loves supplies that are low in price and goes on sale periodically. Planking on this platform should be six planks wide, instead of only two. 5. The top edge height of toprails on supported scaffolds must be between 36 inches and 45 inches. Some people would like their own customized scaffold towers. A common type of standard scaffolding used in the US is tube and clamp scaffolding, which is assembled by fixing together all the different components. the side of a building) basically serves as the fall protection system. Such a scaffold can be set up on either side of the building, and offers a great level of flexibility. This unit specifies the outcomes required to safely erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding at the basic level. At least 3 inches high from the top edge to the level of the walking/working surface. Scaffold Guardrail Systems - Standard rails are required on all scaffold towers. While sitting or kneeling on a fixed deck plank attached to a fabricated frame scaffold, a worker was pulling a 16-foot long 2x4 off the bucket of an excavator. Correct scaffold erection is one of the key factors that ensure scaffold safety. A worker was standing on a scaffold 6' high, measuring windows for covers to be installed later. The scaffold design must include the following: If during the inspection a defect or damage to the scaffold is discovered, the scaffold must betagged out and not used until repairs are made. Article sourced from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, http://www.OSHA.gov. Runners must: Extend over two poles at minimum. Screens which are erected between the toe board and hand rail of the work platform, Debris nets to catch materials before they hit the ground, or. This consists of scaffolding work connected with the operation/use of modular or prefabricated scaffolds; cantilevered material hoists with a max working load of 500kg, ropes and gin wheels, safety nets and static lines, as well as bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork) for licensing . from the top of the sill, depending on the slope. These are only a few basic physical structures of scaffold towers. [3] Lift the planks through the scaffold bars and into place. Suffered multiple fractures to the level of flexibility thrust the employee backward off the second level more... Scaffolds with height to base ratio greater than 4:1 must be a ladder or equivalent safe access must used. Members are parallel, level, and square of either personal fall arrest systems or systems. The wood must be installed with openings small enough to contain the objects go much higher than 30 ). 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