[. Before starting any scaffold project, the employer should conduct a hazard assessment to ensure the safety of workers. All erection of scaffold greater than or equal to 20 feet shall be conducted by a licensed contractor. Hardware should be included to fasten the planks into place. Use the scaffold, handle materials on the scaffold and determine the maximum load limits when handling materials, Recognize and avoid scaffolding hazards such as electric shock, falls from heights and being hit by falling objects, Erect, maintain and disassemble fall and falling object protection systems, Properly erect, move, operate, repair, inspect, maintain and disassemble the scaffold, Identify the maximum load-carrying capacity and intended use of the scaffold. Extreme weather or damage to structural components can also affect a scaffold's stability. The number one scaffold hazard is worker falls. Unsafe scaffolding has the potential to result in death or serious . Platforms can be made of wood, but most new scaffolding systems feature specially designed platforms that are made of wood but reinforced with steel ends to ensure solid connections with the transoms. Each frame or panel shall be braced by horizontal bracing, cross bracing, diagonal bracing or any combination thereof for securing vertical members together laterally. Scaffold is not level because it was erected without base plates on an uneven surface. A horizontal diagonal brace is required on the bottom buck of scaffolding at a 45 degree angle. The height of the scaffold in relation to the minimum base width, wind loads, the use of brackets or cantilevered platforms, and The competent person should use this checklist for daily inspections of the scaffold. For example, if the base width is three feet, the first vertical tie will be (3 feet x 4) 12 feet from the ground. [. [, When intermediate members (such as balusters or additional rails) are used, they must be no more than 19 inches apart. Plumb and level all scaffolds as the erection proceeds. Faults: Damaged. Place the first frame onto the base plates at the high point. PLUMB/LEVEL/SQUARE. They may be made of solid material or mesh with openings no greater than 1 inch. Cross-braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds are not allowed to be climbed. Tip: A scaffold can be overloaded by removing the braces, which causes the weight on the scaffold to be distributed to fewer structural members. [, When horizontal lifelines are used, they are to be secured to two or more structural members of the scaffold. [, As frames are stacked, cross braces must be of such length as will automatically keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. There are many important safety considerations in working with scaffolds including the selection of the appropriate scaffold, proper assembly, training, inspections, and use . In general, a level is the easiest way to achieve the desired right angles. The towers you can find on Scaffold Frame are towers configured by the use of frame and brace scaffolding. Basic Parts to Consider when Building Your Own Scaffold Tower Here are some of the basic parts you would need to know about building a scaffold tower. Training must include how to safely do the following: Erectors and dismantlers of tube and coupler scaffolds are at particular risk because their work starts before ladders, guardrails and platforms are completely installed. The space between planks cannot exceed 1 inch, except where necessary for obstructions. 2. There are a great number of different scaffolds and scaffolding towers: they can be generally classified as independent scaffolding. goes around the corner of a building), any platform that rests on a support (i.e. B.13 Scaffolds (other than suspended scaffolds) shall bear on . Platform/decking planks may be made of solid sawn wood, manufactured wood, manufactured steel, or manufactured aluminum. Scaffolding shall be designed by a qualified and competent . 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. [, Have uniform spacing between rungs of a maximum 16 inches. You can measure if something is plumb by using a plumb bob or a spirit or laser level. Do not force frames or braces to fit - level the scaffold until proper fit can easily be made. Therefore, assessing personnel abilities should be a part of all phases of the scaffolding inspection. A specific access, such as a mounted ladder, must be used. [, 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. Consider such platforms for added stability and safety. This is one more reason for always using fall protection. If the base width is wider than three feet, the first tie will be a vertical distance of four times the base width and every 26 feet vertically thereafter. [, Not be used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11 inches in length, unless each affected employee uses appropriate fall protection. We pride ourselves on exceeding our clients expectations in every interaction to make sure that our clients know how much we value and appreciate their business. All brace connections shall be made secure. 22.B.12 Scaffolds shall be plumb and level unless engineered and designed to contour as the structure does. In some cases, you may choose a new. These scaffolds can be assembled in multiple directions, making them the preferred option for work surfaces with irregular dimensions and/or contours. Attach tags at the access point of the scaffold. The guardrail system shall be installed along all open sides and ends of the platform before being used as a work platform by employees. It is not all-inclusive and should be used as a starting point for the competent person to develop a checklist specific to the type of scaffold and jobsite conditions encountered. Make sure the scaffold is stable. Not one that is tied to a structure, (which would allow you to go much higher than 30 feet). The two measurements should be equal. CapacityScaffolds and scaffold components must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load. The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds must be plumb, and securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement. Step 2. 1. Top rails (manufactured after 1/1/2000) must be 38 - 45 inches above the platform surface. Planking on this platform should be six planks wide, instead of only two. [, It is dangerous and therefore impermissible for two or more vertical lifelines to be attached to each other, or to the same point of anchorage. Aluminum, the cheaper option, is light thus easy and quick to move the scaffold tower from one location to another. [3] Lift the planks through the scaffold bars and into place. Prepares layout, using rule, framing square, and calipers. To ensure the scaffold is "square", use a tape measure and measure the distance between opposite corners. A guardrail system shall be installed with openings small enough to contain the objects. 1. Integral (built-in) scaffold access frames must: Stair towers (scaffold stairway/towers) must have (Figure 7): Direct access to or from another surface is permitted only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches horizontally and not more than 24 inches vertically from the other surface. 5. The erected scaffold must support its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. There are various types of supported scaffolds: frame scaffolds, tube and clamp scaffolds, system scaffolds, mobile scaffolds, pump jack, ladder jack and wood . (1) Scaffolds shall be properly braced by diagonal braces for securing vertical members together laterally, and the cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid. 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. OSHA has standards that apply specifically to the steps that must be taken to assure a stable scaffold base. Scaffold components of dissimilar metals should not be used together, unless the competent person has determined that galvanic action will not reduce the strength of any component. Basically this is referring to a stand alone structure with platform. 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. 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 As they were lifting the scaffold, the top section partially separated from the adjoining section, toppled over, and contacted a power line. Also, note that the planks are bowing because the bricks are loaded at one point on the platform instead of being evenly distributed. Scaffold Guardrail Systems - Standard rails are required on all scaffold towers. 1926.454 These are only a few basic physical structures of scaffold towers. [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(3)]. The planking used must be "scaffold grade.". 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 . [, Be positioned so that their bottom step is not more than 24 inches above the scaffold supporting level, [, Have rest platforms at maximum vertical intervals of 12 feet, [, Have a minimum step width of 16 inches, except for mobile scaffold stairway-type ladders, which shall have a minimum step width of 11 inches [, Have slip-resistant treads on all steps and landings. This will determine how many of each component you will need. Wooden platforms (i.e. Toeboards must be capable of withstanding at least 50 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction. Scaffolding is naturally unstable because it is usually a tall structure with a narrow base. 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 other five workers were hospitalized with electrical burns. Pinning - Frames and panels must be joined together vertically through the use of stacking pins or coupling, or equivalent means. General Information Base/Footing Plumb/Level/Square Securing Platforms/Decking Access Fall Protection General Information . Once a scaffold is built, even if it is compliant with every other standard relating to footings, structure, capacity, etc., it still will not provide a safe work platform if it does not remain upright. When a supported scaffold reaches a height that is more than four times its minimum base dimension (4:1), it must be restrained by guys, ties, or braces to prevent it from tipping. [, 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. [, Any part of a scaffold that has been damaged or weakened so that it no longer meets OSHA strength requirements must either be repaired, replaced, braced, or removed from service. Install a suitable means of access, such as a sloping or vertical ladder secured to the scaffold at the landing point. 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. The entire platform is attached to the fork. bearer) at an angle other than a right angle, shall be laid first. 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). We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. length as will automatically square and aline vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid. Specific requirements are described below. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)]. Where platforms overlap to create a running scaffold, the overlap must occur only over a support and shall not be less than 12 inches unless nailed together. The area below the scaffold being barricaded so employees are not permitted to enter. Tip: One way to ensure a stable foundation, when a sill is used, is to secure it to the baseplate (Figure 2). Footing. The amount of time needed to erect and dismantle the scaffold. All scaffolds must pass a safety standard test and be labeled thereafter with the sticker or label of the appropriate regulatory body. 2011 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Website Feedback. Do not mix scaffold components from different manufacturers, unless you can do so while maintaining the scaffolds structural integrity. 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. Scaffold frames (i.e. Too much material being stored on the platform. [, To prevent slippage, platforms must be cleated or otherwise restrained at each end, or else overlap their support at least 6 inches (, Unless it is designed and installed to support employees and materials without tipping, or has guardrails that block employee access, each end of a platform may not extend over its support more than 12 inches (for platforms 10 feet or shorter in length) or more than 18 inches (for platforms more than 10 feet long). 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