Scaffold Safety Checklist

Purpose

This checklist is designed to ensure that scaffolds are erected, inspected, and used safely to prevent accidents and injuries. It covers key areas such as structural integrity, fall protection, access, and environmental conditions.

Instructions

Complete this checklist before each work shift and after any event that could affect the scaffold's structural integrity [1]. Inspect all items and mark as either OK or Not OK. If any item is marked Not OK, take corrective action immediately. Ensure that a competent person conducts inspections [1].

General Requirements

Structural Integrity

• Scaffold is designed and constructed to support at least 4 times the intended load for wooden scaffolds, or 2.2 times the intended load for metal scaffolds [2].
• Scaffold is restrained from overturning by guying, tying, or other suitable means if it is a freestanding scaffold [2].
• Scaffold is plumb and level after each tier is added [2].
• Scaffold components are not intermixed unless they fit without force and maintain structural integrity [3].
• Dissimilar metals are not used together unless a competent person has determined that galvanic action will not reduce the strength of any component [3].
• Any part of the scaffold damaged or weakened is immediately repaired, replaced, or removed from service [1].

Foundation and Support

• Scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights bear on base plates and mud sills or other adequate firm foundation [3].
• Footings are level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement [3].
• Unstable objects are not used to support scaffolds or platform units [3].

Platforms

• Scaffold planks are inspected by a competent worker to ensure they are free of defects before use [4].
• Scaffold planks are of the correct dimensions and material 9, 10.
• Scaffold platform is at least 500mm wide for light-duty scaffolds and 1 meter wide for heavy-duty scaffolds 9, 13.
• Platform is continuous around obstructions [5].
• Scaffold planks do not extend less than 150 mm or more than 300 mm beyond the bearers 9, 10.
• Platforms are not overloaded [1].
• Platforms are secured to prevent movement 9, 10.
• Wood platforms are not covered with opaque finishes that obscure the wood surface [3].

Fall Protection

• Employees on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level are protected from falling [6].
• Guardrail systems are installed correctly with minimum 200-pound toprail capacity [6].
• Personal fall arrest systems are provided and used where required [6].

Access

• Access ladders are securely fastened to the scaffold [7].
• Ladders extend at least 1 meter above the uppermost working level of the scaffold [7].
• Cross braces are not used as a means of access or egress [1].

Environmental Conditions

• Work is not performed on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material unless necessary for removal [8].
• Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined it is safe [8].
• Debris is not allowed to accumulate on platforms [8].

Specific Scaffold Types

• Mobile Scaffolds: Height does not exceed 3 times the smallest base dimension [9].
• Mobile Scaffolds: Wheels are locked when stationary [9].
• Suspended Scaffolds: Suspension ropes are shielded from heat-producing processes and corrosive substances [8].
• Suspended Scaffolds: Welding precautions are taken to prevent current arcing through suspension wire rope [8].

Other

• Makeshift devices are not used to increase the working level height [8].
• Tag lines or equivalent measures are used when swinging loads are being hoisted onto or near scaffolds [8].
• The clearance between scaffolds and power lines is maintained [1].

Corrective Actions

• List corrective actions taken for any items marked Not OK:

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Signatures

Inspector: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Supervisor: _________________________ Date: _________________________