Scaffolding Safety Program

Chapter Section

General Requirements

• Scaffolds shall be furnished and erected in accordance with applicable standards for persons engaged in work that cannot be done safely from the ground or from solid construction. Except that ladders used for such work shall conform to ladder safety standards.
• Scaffolds shall only be erected by a qualified third party, who is competent to certify the scaffolding safe to use.
• The footing or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose boards shall not be used to support scaffolds or planks.
• Scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting without failure at least four times the maximum intended loads. Scaffold components must meet OSHA requirements 29 CFR 1910.28 and 29 CFR 1926.451.
• Wood scaffold planks must be cross-supported every 8 feet. Scaffold deck boards shall be cleated, wired or nailed into place.
• All working levels of scaffolds will be floored completely except where internal ladders require space for ladder openings.
• Scaffolds and other devices mentioned or described in this program shall be maintained in safe condition. Scaffolds shall not be altered or moved horizontally while they are occupied.
• Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause shall be immediately repaired and shall not be used until repairs have been completed.
• Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working loads for which they are intended.
• Bolts used in the construction of scaffolds shall be of adequate size and in sufficient numbers at each connection to develop the designed strength of the scaffold.
• All platforms shall be overlapped (minimum 12 inches) and secured from any movement.
• An access ladder or equivalent safe access shall be provided.
• Scaffold planks shall extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches or more than 18 inches.
• The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb, and securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement.
• Materials being hoisted onto a scaffold shall have a tag line.
• Overhead protection shall be provided for workers on a scaffold exposed to overhead hazards.
• Toe boards and guardrails shall be installed if a scaffold or platform is erected to a height of 6 feet or more. Scaffolds shall be provided with a screen between the toe board and the guardrail, extending along the entire opening, consisting of No. 18 gauge wire one-half inch mesh or the equivalent, where workers are required to work or pass under the scaffolds.
• Work shall not be performed on a scaffold during storms or high winds.
• Work shall not be performed on scaffolds that are covered with snow or ice, unless all snow and ice has been removed and all planking has been sanded to prevent slipping.
• Tools, material, and debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in quantities to cause a hazard.