CAL/OSHA Scaffold Guide for safe use of supported Scaffolds

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Scaffolding provides safety and adds to the efficiency of work. However, unsafe scaffolding can lead to accidents, serious injuries, and death.

This GUIDE promotes awareness of safe work practices for supported scaffolds and covers:
• Types of Commonly Used Supported Scaffolds
• Common Scaffolding Hazards
• Selected CAL/OSHA Regulations
• Safe Work Practices

Read the CAL/OSHA Scaffold Guide for safe use of supported Scaffolds Flipping book :

Table of Contents

Commonly Used Supported Scaffolds

Frame or Fabricated
Tube and Coupler
Outrigger Scaffold
Bracket Scaffold
Tower/Rolling
Horse Scaffold
Ladder Jack
System Scaffolds

Common Scaffolding Hazards

Individuals exposed to scaffolding hazards include scaffold erectors and dismantlers, personnel working on/under scaffolds, and employees and the general public near scaffolding. Scaffold erectors and dismantlers are at particular risk since they work on scaffolds before ladders, guardrails, platforms, and planks are completely installed. Common scaffolding hazards are:

( Also Read: Books: CAL/OSHA Pocket Guide for Construction Industry)
Hazards From Structural Flaws

Missing/improperly supported base plates
Scaffold not tied properly to building
Platform slope exceeds the requirement
Legs not plumb
Braces/runners/cross-bracing not secure
Missing braces/runners and cross-bracing
Some planks are overextended/under extended
Severe overloading/danger of collapse
Broken pins on frames
Fall Hazards
Missing mid and top guardrails
Improper access
Platforms not fully planked
Substandard planks
Falling objects/missing toe boards
Slippery platforms

Electrical Hazards

Building scaffolds too close to power lines
Ungrounded/damaged tools & equipment on the scaffold
These hazards mainly come from parts failure, not following proper installation, inspection, and dismantling procedures, failures at attachment points, inadequate fall protection, changing weather conditions, and overloading of scaffolds.

Safe Work Practices

Scaffolding accidents can occur during the erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolds. The following Safe Work Practices can help in preventing scaffold-related accidents.
Do these during scaffold design and selection:

Select proper scaffold/scaffolding material.
Follow proper design for constructed scaffold.
Follow all requirements from the manufacturer.
Follow all Title 8 design requirements.
Have the stationary scaffolds over 125 feet in height and rolling scaffolds over 60 feet in height designed by a professional engineer.

Follow these during erection and dismantling:

Scaffold and each level are maintained plumb.
Scaffold is being erected under the direction of a qualified person.
All employees involved with (or near) the scaffold wear hard hats.
Footings are sound and rigid.
Scaffolds are built from the bottom up and dismantled from the top down.
The scaffold is secured to the structure during erection and dismantling.
Ties to the structure are installed as soon as the scaffold is completed to each tie-in area.
If platforms are sloped, the slope is no more than 2 feet vertical to 10 feet horizontal.
Platforms are also secured so they can’t slip.
When a platform turns a corner, planks are laid so as to avoid tipping.
Guardrails on open sides/toeboards on all railed sides are provided as required.
Proper access is provided.
Electrical safety clearance distances are maintained and consideration for long materials such as gutters and pipes is given when determining clearances.
Scaffold requirements for your trade are followed.
Ties are removed only as the work progresses downward unless other methods are used to prevent the scaffold from falling over.
When dismantling, structural members are not removed below the level being dismantled.

Do these during scaffold use:

Has the scaffold been inspected by a qualified person before putting it into use?
Inspect daily and before each use.