15 Mar Scaffold Safety Rules

Scaffold Safety Rules

General

• Before starting work on a scaffold, inspect it for the following:
  • Are guardrails, toeboards, and planking in place and secure?
  • Are locking pins at each joint in place?
  • Are all wheels on moveable scaffolds locked?
• Do not attempt to gain access to a scaffold by climbing on it (unless it is specifically designed for climbing – always use a ladder.
• Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting four times the maximum intended load.
• Any scaffold, including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, ladders, etc., damaged or weakened in any way, must be immediately repaired or replaced.
• Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches, unless otherwise specifically required.
• Scaffold platforms must be at least 18 inches wide unless otherwise specifically required or exempted.
• Where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold, scaffolds shall be provided with a screen between the toeboard and guardrail, extending along the entire opening.  The screen must be made of No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard wire, ½ inch mesh or equivalent protection.
• All scaffolds must be erected level and plumb, and on a solid footing.
• Do not change or remove scaffold members unless authorized
• Do not allow workers to ride on a rolling scaffold when it is being moved.  Remove or secure all materials and tools on deck before moving.
• Do not alter any scaffold member by welding, burning, cutting, drilling, or bending.