Scaffolding Erection, Inspection, and Safe Use

Date: 2026-02-24

Duration: [DURATION] minutes

Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME]

Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To ensure all employees understand the safety requirements for scaffolding erection, inspection, and safe use, focusing on fall protection and OSHA compliance.

Introduction

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction, maintenance, and repair work. Due to the potential for serious injuries or fatalities, it is crucial to follow safety regulations and guidelines for scaffolding erection, inspection, and use.

Key Points

• Competent Person: A competent person must be clearly identified for all scaffolding work. This person is responsible for inspecting the scaffold, ensuring it is safe for use, and supervising erection, dismantling, or alterations. [1]
• Training: All employees who work on scaffolding must receive training from their employer. Training should cover scaffold hazards, proper use, fall protection, and maximum load limits. [1] [5]
• Inspections: Scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person at the beginning of each shift and after any event that may have compromised its structural integrity. Use Daily Scaffold Inspection tags. The tag should be hung where the employees access the scaffold. [1] [2] [2]
• Fall Protection: Guardrails and toeboards shall be installed on all open sides and ends of scaffolding platforms 10 feet or more above ground or floor level. When guardrails are not feasible, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) must be used. [1] [6]
• Proper Access: Employees shall not climb cross braces or end frames unless end frames are designed and constructed to be climbed. An access ladder, stair tower, or equivalent safe access shall be provided for all scaffolding. [1]
• Load Capacity: Each scaffold must be designed to support its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. Do not overload scaffolds; distribute materials evenly. [3]

Hazard Identification

Scaffolding work presents several hazards that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Identifying these hazards is the first step in preventing accidents.

• Falls from heights: Serious injuries, broken bones, head trauma, or death. [6]
• Scaffold collapse: Serious injuries or death to workers on or near the scaffold. [2] [6]
• Falling objects: Injuries to workers below the scaffold. [2] [6]
• Electrical hazards: Electrocution or electrical burns. [2] [6]
• Instability due to improper erection: Scaffold collapse, falls. [2]

Control Measures

• Use guardrails, midrails, and toeboards on all open sides and ends of platforms 10 feet or more above the ground.: Ensure guardrails are between 38 and 45 inches high, midrails are halfway between the platform and top rail, and toeboards are at least 3.5 inches high. [1]
• Provide and ensure the use of personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when guardrails are not feasible.: Ensure PFAS includes an anchorage point, lifeline, and full-body harness. Inspect PFAS before each use. [6]
• Erect scaffolding on stable and level ground using mud sills and base plates.: Use mud sills when the scaffolding is erected on soil. [6] [1]
• Ensure proper scaffold construction and use matching component pieces of the same type.: Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper assembly. [6] [6]
• Provide proper access to scaffolding, such as ladders, stair towers, ramps, or walkways.: Do not climb cross braces for scaffold access. [1] [6]
• Barricade the area beneath the scaffold to prevent workers from entering the area and being struck by falling objects.: Use debris netting in addition to barricades where necessary. [6]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat to protect against head injuries from falling objects or bumping into overhead structures. [6]
• Safety Glasses: Use safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards.
• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, abrasions, and other injuries.
• Fall Protection Harness: When required, use a full-body harness with a properly attached lanyard to prevent falls from heights. [6]

Real-World Example or Case Study

Willie, a construction worker, fell 20 feet from an unsecured scaffold. He had been helping to install metal frames on the outer wall of a residential building when the accident happened. The leaning scaffold was not tied off, and while Willie was working, the scaffold moved away from the building. He then fell to the ground, hitting his head on the second story, and died. This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper scaffold erection, securing, and fall protection. [4]

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

1. What types of scaffolds are used on this project?
2. Have these scaffolds been erected by a competent person?
3. Is the scaffold in good condition and has it been erected properly?

Emergency Procedures

1. In case of a fall, immediately call for help and provide first aid.
2. If the scaffold collapses, evacuate the area immediately and account for all workers.
3. In the event of an electrical hazard, immediately de-energize the power source and call for qualified assistance.

Questions and Answers

• Q: What do I do if I see a damaged scaffold component?

A: Immediately report it to the competent person and do not use the scaffold until it is repaired or replaced.

• Q: How often should I inspect my fall protection equipment?

A: Inspect your fall protection equipment before each use to ensure it is in good working condition.

• Q: What is the minimum distance a scaffold should be from overhead power lines?

A: A minimum of 10 feet must be maintained between the scaffold and electrical hazards. [2]

Summary

Recap of main points:

• Always follow safety regulations and guidelines for scaffolding erection, inspection, and use.
• A competent person must inspect the scaffold before each shift and after any event that may compromise its integrity. [1]
• Use proper fall protection, including guardrails and personal fall arrest systems, when working at heights. [6]
• Never overload scaffolds and ensure they are erected on stable and level ground. [3] [6]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

1. Inspect all scaffolding before use and report any defects to the competent person.
2. Use the provided access methods and never climb cross braces.
3. Ensure proper use of PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and fall protection.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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