On scaffolds where scaffold planks are abutted to create a long platform, each abutted end shall rest on a separate support surface. WebWhen scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 m) above or below a point of access, portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers (scaffold [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)], Scaffold planking must be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the intended load. [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(1), 29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2) and 29 CFR 1926.451(h)(3)], Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour Cards), OSHA Training Institute Education Centers. Front-end loaders and similar pieces of equipment shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless they have been specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. [29 CFR 1926.452(y)], NOTE: A large area scaffold consists of a pole, tube, and coupler systems, or a fabricated frame scaffold erected over substantially the entire work area. Climbing the structural cross-braces of a scaffold is unsafe, and specifically forbidden by federal standards. Platforms may be coated periodically with wood preservatives, fire-retardant finishes, and slip-resistant finishes; however, the coating may not obscure the top or bottom wood surfaces. Steel or plastic banding shall not be used as a toprail or midrail. If such access is not possible, portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers, stairway-type ladders, ramps, walkways, or built-in ladders must be used, under the following regulations: Portable, Hook-on, and Attachable Ladders. the tail line is guided, retained, or both, so that it does not become grounded. However, where the employer can demonstrate that it is not possible to place an outrigger beam perpendicular to the face of the building or structure because of obstructions that cannot be moved, the outrigger beam may be placed at some other angle, provided opposing angle tiebacks are used. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A(1)(a)], Each platform must be planked and decked as fully as possible with the space between the platform and uprights not more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. This standard requires the scaffold to resist tipping against two times or more the load exerted on it when a worker accesses, uses, or exits it. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(7)], Drum hoists must contain no less than four wraps of the rope at the lowest point. d) Added precautions around power lines. Must have a minimum rung length of 11 inches, and a maximum space between rungs of 16 inches. Are guardrails required on all open sides of scaffolding? [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(iii)], Counterweights used for suspended scaffolds must be made of materials that can not be easily dislocated. [, When scaffold platforms are more than 24 inches (61 cm) above or below a point of access, ladders, ramps, walkways, or similar surfaces must be used. [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)]. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(17)], Welding can be done from suspended scaffolds when, No materials or devices may be used to increase the working height on a suspension scaffold. 10 OSHA Scaffolding Requirements 1. Treads and landings shall have slip-resistant surfaces. What are the requirements for suspension scaffolds? Must be uniformly spaced within each frame section. Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height of employees, except on large area scaffolds where employers have satisfied the following criteria: When the ladder is placed against a structure which is not a part of the scaffold, the scaffold shall be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by the ladder; The platform units shall be secured to the scaffold to prevent their movement; The ladder legs shall be on the same platform or other means shall be provided to stabilize the ladder against unequal platform deflection, and. Must have uniform tread depth, within inch, for each flight of stairs. A personal fall-arrest system is a system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level. Note to paragraph (g)(1): The fall protection requirements for employees installing suspension scaffold support systems on floors, roofs, and other elevated surfaces are set forth in subpart M of this part. What are scaffold platform construction requirements? WebScaffold design. [. WebAccess to all scaffold platforms must be safe and clear. When can personal fall-arrest systems be used when working on scaffolding and aerial lifts? The platform must not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded. [, When employees are plastering and lathing 18 inches (46 cm) or less from the front edge. Devices whose sole function is to provide emergency escape and rescue shall not be used as working platforms. Non-uniform rung spacing caused by joining end frames together is allowed, provided the resulting spacing does not exceed 16 3/4 inches (43 cm). When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members on a single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, the scaffold shall be equipped with additional independent support lines and automatic locking devices capable of stopping the fall of the scaffold in the event one or both of the suspension ropes fail. WebIntegral prefabricated scaffold access frames must be designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs, and cannot be used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11.5 inches in Are there specific requirements for outrigger beams? Where there is a danger of tools, materials, or equipment falling from a scaffold and striking employees below, the following provisions apply: The area below the scaffold to which objects can fall shall be barricaded, and employees shall not be permitted to enter the hazard area; or. [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iv)]. [. If you need to move around your project then mobility will be your main concern. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(6)] Also see, OSHA Standards and Interpretation Letter: 06/16/1999 - Scaffolds: Lifelines, support lines, and suspension ropes cannot have a common anchor point. The inboard ends of suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall be stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or they shall have their inboard ends stabilized by counterweights, except masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold outrigger beams shall not be stabilized by counterweights. Guys, ties, and braces shall be installed according to the scaffold manufacturer's recommendations or at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height and be repeated vertically at locations of horizontal members every 20 feet (6.1 m) or less thereafter for scaffolds 3 feet (0.91 m) wide or less, and every 26 feet (7.9 m) or less thereafter for scaffolds greater than 3 feet (0.91 m) wide. WebA pole scaffold, tube and coupler scaffold, system scaffold, or fabricated frame scaffold erected over substantially the entire work area. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)]. Scaffolds must be equipped with proper access and may include dual access as necessary. When wire rope clips are used on suspension scaffolds: There shall be a minimum of 3 wire rope clips installed, with the clips a minimum of 6 rope diameters apart; Clips shall be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations; Clips shall be retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations after the initial loading; Clips shall be inspected and retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations at the start of each workshift thereafter; U-bolt clips shall not be used at the point of suspension for any scaffold hoist; When U-bolt clips are used, the U-bolt shall be placed over the dead end of the rope, and the saddle shall be placed over the live end of the rope. [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)], Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surfaces. Each stairway must be at least 18 inches between stair rails. Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights shall bear on base plates and mud sills or other adequate firm foundation. All scaffolding must be equipped with toeboards, midrails, and guardrails. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(16)], Manually operated hoists used to raise or lower a suspended scaffold must be tested an listed by a qualified testing laboratory. How can one prevent supported scaffolding from tipping? Direct access to or from another surface shall be used only when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surface. When the falling objects are too large, heavy or massive to be contained or deflected by any of the above-listed measures, the employer shall place such potential falling objects away from the edge of the surface from which they could fall and shall secure those materials as necessary to prevent their falling. [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v)], Fall-arrest and guardrail systems must be used when working on single- and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds and self-contained adjustable scaffolds that are supported by ropes. [29 CFR 1926.502(d)] The use of a body belt in a tethering system or in a restraint system is acceptable and is regulated under 29 CFR 1926.502(e). Ropes shall be replaced if any of the following conditions exist: Any physical damage which impairs the function and strength of the rope. Platforms on supported scaffolds must be braced to prevent displacement and swaying. Does a scaffold meet the requirements of 1926.502 (d) (15)? Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. each suspension rope and any other independent lines are insulated from grounding. WebDetermines that each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or There are no specific requirements under these rules that address access gates in scaffold configurations incorporating a ladder-access to the work platform in Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope. Our Office Location. Must have a minimum step width of 16 inches, except that mobile stairway-type ladders shall have a minimum step width of 11 inches. For example: A scaffold erected What is the maximum deflection of a platform? WebWhat are the requirements for constructing scaffold platforms? NY Scaffold is the leading specialty Scaffold Erector Company covering the whole of the US. Platforms shall not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded. Two-point and multi-point suspension scaffolds shall be tied or otherwise secured to prevent them from swaying, as determined to be necessary based on an evaluation by a competent person. Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(viii)], Tiebacks must be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(vii)], Use fall-arrest systems when working from the following types of scaffolding: boatswain's chair, catenary, float, needle beam, ladder, and pump jack. Suspension scaffold outrigger beams, when used, shall be made of structural metal or equivalent strength material, and shall be restrained to prevent movement. This section highlights OSHA standards and documents related Each scaffold stairway shall be at least 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide between stairrails. How wide does the work area need to be on scaffolding? Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more above ground level. A suspension scaffold contains one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure, 29 CFR 1926.450(b), such as the following scaffolds: single-point, multi-point, multi-level, two-point, adjustable, boatswain's chair, catenary, chimney hoist, continuous run, elevator false car, go-devils, interior hung, masons', and stone setters'. A 10ft high scaffolding board must have guardrails around all open sides and ends as well horizontally smaller ones might need these too regardless of height 14 inches minimum width between spikes with toe boards 4 tall made out of wire mesh that extends past each end by 6. Suspension ropes supporting adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be of a diameter large enough to provide sufficient surface area for the functioning of brake and hoist mechanisms. Scaffolding is the solution to many access issues, providing a safe and legal means of access for workers at height. It is recommended above many other means of access, especially if the work will be prolonged or involve multiple workers, tools, equipment or materials. [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(1)] Load carrying timber members should be a minimum of 1,500 lb-f/in2 construction grade lumber. [29 CFR 1926.450(b)], Gasoline power-operated hoists or equipment are not permitted. This includes ladders, boxes, and barrels. [, A competent person must evaluate all direct connections prior to use to confirm that the supporting surfaces are able to support the imposed load. Single tiebacks installed at an angle are prohibited. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)], Suspension ropes supporting adjustable suspension scaffolds must be a diameter large enough to provide sufficient surface area for the functioning of brake and hoist mechanisms. Effective September 2, 1997, access for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds shall be in accordance with the following: The employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. Sand, gravel and similar materials that can be easily dislocated shall not be used as counterweights. Scaffold planking must be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the intended load. Tiebacks shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed. [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)], Solid sawn wood, fabricated planks, and fabricated platforms may be used as scaffold planks following the recommendations by the manufacturer or a lumber grading association or inspection agency. The top edge height of toprails or equivalent member on supported scaffolds manufactured or placed in service after January 1, 2000 shall be installed between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m) above the platform surface. Ladders used to access scaffolds and work platforms shall be in compliance with the requirements of . In addition to wearing hardhats each employee on a scaffold shall be provided with additional protection from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects through the installation of toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems, or through the erection of debris nets, catch platforms, or canopy structures that contain or deflect the falling objects. [29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Appendix A(1)(b) & (c)]. When other types of hoists are used, the suspension ropes shall be long enough to allow the scaffold to be lowered to the level below without the rope end passing through the hoist, or the rope end shall be configured or provided with means to prevent the end from passing through the hoist. Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be specifically designed for use with the type of scaffold used; Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have a minimum rung length of 11 1/2 inches (29 cm); and. WebNever alter a scaffold structure or extend it. Must have a slope of no more than 1 vertical to 3 horizontal degrees (20 degrees above the horizontal). [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(ii) and 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(iii)], Outrigger beams (thrustouts) are the structural members of a suspension or outrigger scaffolds that provide support. Paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vii) of this section establish the types of fall protection to be provided to the employees on each type of scaffold. Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used to counterweight scaffold systems. The training must include fall hazards, falling object hazards, electrical hazards, proper use of the scaffold, and handling of materials. Crossbraces shall not be used as a means of access. [, A competent person must inspect ropes for defects prior to each workshift and after every occurrence that could affect a rope's integrity. This provision does not preclude the use of systems which are designed to function both as suspension scaffolds and emergency systems. Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)], To protect employees from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects, install toeboards, screens, guardrail systems, debris nets, catch platforms, canopy structures, or barricades. 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