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