Scaffolding

Summary:

Scaffolding is erected and utilized to work at heights on larger projects of longer duration where a ladder would not be enough.  All scaffolding must be used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.

• A rolling scaffold must not be moved while workers are on it
• Make sure work area is always safe
• Always take great care when working at heights – particularly in public areas
• Be aware of overhead hazards
• Report any defects to a supervisor

Hazards:

• Working at heights
• Environmental
• Serious injury / death
• Pinch points
• Muscle Strain Injuries
• Slip / Fall
• Overhead Hazards

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required:

• CSA Approved Protective Footwear
• Hard Hat
• Gloves (as needed)
• High Visibility Apparel (as needed)
• Fall Protection Harness when required

Pre-set up Procedure:

• Set up safe work zone
• Inspect surface area where scaffolding will be erected for evenness, stability and slope.
• Check for overhead hazards
• Inspect equipment for wear and tear

Procedure:

All scaffolding onsite must be erected as follows:

• with the end frames plumb and all cross bracing in place
• the base must have bearing plates or sills that rest on a solid surface and are sufficient to support the weight of the scaffold
• effectively guyed or secured to a building or structure if the height exceeds three times its minimum base dimension, or in any other circumstances if required for stability
• unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, height adjustment devices must not extend more than ⅔ of their total length or 24″, whichever is less
• all connections between the parts must be secure

Scaffolds erected above 10′ must always have guardrails installed in accordance with established company procedures (Fall Protection), unless:

• the platform is adjacent to a structure that provides protection equivalent to guardrails
• the open space between the platform and the structure is equal to or less than 12″

Scaffold decking must meet the following requirements:

• minimum width of 20″, except when used with ladder jacks, pump jacks, or similar systems, a 12″ wide work platform may be used
• not have more than one opening in the work platform, no greater than 10″ wide
• designed to ensure adequate footing for workers using the platform if the platform is not level
• All lumber used to construct a scaffold must be graded and marked to the National Lumber Grades Authority Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber.

Post Procedure/Take Down:

• Take great care while dismantling and passing down scaffolding components
• Make note of and report any damage to components
• Clean work area
• Store equipment appropriately