What Is A Scaffold?

An elevated, temporary work platform Three basic types: Supported scaffolds -- platforms supported by poles, legs, frames, & outriggers Suspended scaffolds -- platforms suspended by ropes or overhead support Aerial Lifts -- such as cherry pickers or boom trucks

Hazards
Employees working on scaffolds are exposed to these 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 Bad planking giving way

Supported Scaffold
Requirements: Proper scaffold access Keep scaffold free from debris Place scaffold legs on firm footing Provide guardrails

Supported Scaffold
The height to base ratio should not be more than four (4) unless guys, ties, or braces are used

6m

1.5 m

Suspended Scaffolds
Ropes capable of supporting 6 times the load Train employees to recognize hazards Secure/tie to prevent swaying Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) must anchor independently of the scaffold support system

Moving Scaffolds
Employees cant be on a moving scaffold unless:
Surface is level Height to base ratio is 2 Outriggers are installed on both sides of scaffolds

Competent Person
Scaffolds must be erected, moved, dismantled or altered under the supervision of a competent person.

Falls in Construction
Falls are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. Falls from as little as 1.5 to 2 m can cause serious accidents and even death, so must be protected.

Fall Protection Options

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

Guardrails

Safety Net

Fall Protection Planning

PFAS in use

PFAS in place before work starts

Safety Line Anchorages

Must be independent of any platform anchorage, able to support 1140 kg per worker

Guardrails
Top Rail Mid- Rail Toeboard

Top rails about 90 cm tall Toeboards at least 15 cm high

Safety Nets

Place as close as possible, but not more than 7.5 m below employees working.

Fall Protection Needed

Unprotected edge

Unprotected sides must have guardrails or equivalent

Fall Protection Needed

This 1/4" nylon rope alone is not a proper way to guard this open floor

Fall Protection Needed

Floor Holes

Improperly Covered

Cover completely and securely If no cover, guard with a guardrail

Fall Protection Needed

Concrete Forms and Rebar

When working on formwork or rebar cover or cap protruding rebar

Fall Protection Needed

Excavations

Barricade or fence excavations 2 m or more deep

Fall Protection Needed

Roofs

If you work on roofs, you must be protected

Good Work Practice

Perform work at ground level as much as possible Example: building prefab roofs on the ground and lifting into place with a crane