SCAFFOLD SAFETY BASICS

Joel Cohen, CIH

It is not uncommon for drywall contractors to use existing scaffolding at a job site. This article is a brief overview of scaffold safety issues so that you can tell if the scaffold has been properly erected and safe to climb.

“SIZING UP” THE SCAFFOLD

1. Inspect the scaffold assembly before each use to see that:

· it appears to be level and plumb,

· base plates are in solid contact with “mud sills” or other firm footing,

· bracing is in place and connected,

· platforms are fully planked,

· guardrails and toe boards are in place,

· safe access to the platform is provided,

· it is properly tied and/or guyed (if needed), and

· there are no overhead obstructions or electric lines within 12 feet of the scaffold assembly.

2. Look down at the scaffold “feet”:

· Blocks, bricks, or pieces of lumber should not be used to level or stabilize the scaffold footings. Manufactured steel base plates or mud sills made of hardwood or equivalent should be used.

· Mud sills must be adequate size to distribute the loads on the scaffolding to the soil or supporting structure. Sills should be level and in full contact with the supporting surface.

· Base plates, or screwjacks with base plates, must be in firm contact with both the sills and the legs of the scaffolding. Scaffolds on uneven ground should have screwjacks with base plates.

3. Look for cross bracing:

· Cal/OSHA requires stability bracing when the scaffold height exceeds three (3) times the minimum base width.

· Cross bracing should be fully secured.

4. Examine the work platform:

· It must be fully planked either with scaffold-graded solid sawn or laminated plank, in good sound condition, or with fabricated platforms in good condition.

· Each plank must overlap the support by a minimum of 6 inches or be cleated, i.e. 8 foot planks on 7 foot spans must be cleated.

· Planks should not extend beyond the support by more than 18 inches. Such overhangs should be separated from the work platform by guard-railing so that they cannot be walked on.

· Planks on continuous runs must extend over the supports and overlap each other by at least 12 inches.

· Spans of full thickness, 2 inch by 10 inch scaffold grade planks, should never exceed 10 feet. Loads on plank should be evenly distributed and not exceed the allowable loads for the type of plank being used. No more than one person should stand on an individual plank at one time.

5. Guardrails must be used on all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms. Both top and midrails are required.

6. Toeboards are required whenever people are required to work or pass under or around the scaffold platform. NOTE: The scaffold must have a toeboard if scrap drywall is being placed onto the scaffold!!

7. Access must be provided to all work platforms. If it is not available from the structure, access ladders, frames with built-in ladders, or stairways must be provided. When frames with built-in ladders are used, cleated plank or fabricated plank must be used at platform levels to minimize or eliminate platform overhang. Access ladders must extend at least three (3) feet above platforms.

SAFETY POINTERS

Finally, here are some safety pointers to follow when having to climb the scaffold:

• Use only the safe means of access that is provided. Do not climb bracing or frames not specifically designed for climbing. If such access is not provided, insist that it be provided.
• Face the rungs as you climb up or down.
• Use both hands - Do Not try to carry materials while you climb.
• Be sure of your footing and balance before you let go with your hands. Keep one hand firmly on frame or ladder at all times when climbing.
• Do not overload platforms with materials; keep tools and other items away from edges to prevent falling.
• Keep both feet on the decking; do not sit or climb on the guardrails
• Working heights should not be extended by placing planks on top of guardrails or by use of boxes or ladders on scaffold platforms.
• Do not remove any component of a completed scaffold assembly except under the supervision of a qualified person. Any component that has been removed should be immediately replaced.

jcohen@thecohengroup.com.

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