Pump Jack Operations Safe Work Procedure

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines the safety requirements for the erection, use, and dismantling of pump jack scaffolds in construction and maintenance activities. It includes hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, and emergency procedures to ensure worker safety. This SWP applies to all personnel involved in pump jack operations. Pump jack scaffolds are suitable for light-duty work, such as painting, siding, and window installation, on residential and commercial buildings. This SWP does not cover the use of pump jack scaffolds for heavy construction or demolition work, or in environments with high winds or other adverse weather conditions.

2. Definitions

Pump Jack Scaffold A supported scaffold consisting of a platform supported by vertical poles and movable brackets. The brackets are raised and lowered by a pump mechanism, allowing workers to adjust the height of the platform. Competent Person An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. Fall Protection Equipment, systems, or procedures used to prevent workers from falling from heights or to minimize the severity of injuries if a fall occurs.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are adequately trained and competent in the safe use of pump jack scaffolds.
Conduct regular inspections of pump jack scaffolds to identify and correct any defects or hazards.
Enforce the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) by all workers.
Ensure that the pump jack scaffold is erected and used according to the manufacturer's instructions and relevant safety regulations.
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss potential hazards and safety measures with the work crew.

3.2 Workers

Participate in required training and demonstrate competency in pump jack scaffold operations.
Inspect the pump jack scaffold and all components before each use and report any defects or hazards to the supervisor.
Use all required personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed.
Follow all safe work procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor.
Report any unsafe conditions or practices to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in regular safety meetings and inspections related to pump jack operations.
Assist in the development and review of safe work procedures for pump jack scaffolds.
Investigate incidents and near misses involving pump jack scaffolds and recommend corrective actions.
Promote a culture of safety and encourage workers to report hazards and concerns.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height	Serious injury or death from falling off the scaffold platform.	Install guardrails on all open sides and ends of the platform. Ensure workers use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) with proper anchorage points. Maintain three points of contact when climbing.
Scaffold collapse [1]	Scaffold failure due to overloading, improper assembly, or damaged components.	Ensure the scaffold is erected on a stable and level surface. Do not exceed the maximum load capacity. Inspect all components before use and replace any damaged parts. Use rigid triangular bracing at the top and bottom of the poles.
Falling objects	Workers below being struck by falling tools, materials, or debris.	Use toe boards on the platform to prevent objects from rolling off. Establish a drop zone and prohibit workers from entering the area below the scaffold. Secure all tools and materials to prevent them from falling.
Electrical hazards	Electrocution from contact with overhead power lines or faulty electrical equipment.	Maintain a safe distance from power lines. Inspect electrical tools and cords for damage before use. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
Pole slippage [1]	The pump jack poles can slip, especially when wet, leading to scaffold instability and potential falls.	Ensure poles are plumb and secured to the structure with rigid triangular bracing. Install mending plates at all splices to prevent slippage.
Material failure [2]	Brackets, braces, and accessories failing due to being made from unsuitable materials.	Ensure pump jack brackets, braces, and accessories are made from metal plates and angles.
Slippage of pump jack brackets [2]	Failure or slippage of pump jack brackets can lead to falls.	Ensure pump jack brackets have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent any failure or slippage.
Passing installed bracing [2]	Compromised stability when moving pump jacks past bracing.	Install an additional brace approximately four feet above the brace to be passed and leave it in place until the original brace is reinstalled.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All workers must wear the appropriate PPE for the task.

Hard Hat: Provides head protection from falling objects and impacts. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards. Inspect before each use for cracks, dents, or damage.
Safety Glasses: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and chemical splashes. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Ensure proper fit and clear visibility.
Safety Shoes: Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and slips. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards. Ensure slip-resistant soles and proper fit.
Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Select appropriate glove type based on the task (e.g., leather gloves for general work, chemical-resistant gloves for handling chemicals).
Fall Protection Harness: Full body harness with lanyard and appropriate anchorage for fall arrest. Must meet ANSI Z359.1 standards. Inspect before each use for damage, wear, or defects.
Hearing Protection: Earplugs or earmuffs to protect against noise exposure. Required when noise levels exceed 85 dBA. Ensure proper fit and consistent use.

Inspect all PPE before each use for damage, wear, or defects. Replace any damaged PPE immediately. Clean and maintain PPE according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store PPE in a clean, dry place when not in use.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be in good working condition and inspected before each use.

Pump Jack Brackets: Metal brackets used to support the platform. Ensure they have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent slippage. [2]
Wooden Poles: Straight-grained wood poles free of defects. Use wooden poles up to 30 feet. [1]
Triangular Braces: Rigid triangular braces used to secure the poles to the structure. Install at the top, bottom, and other points as necessary. [1]
Mending Plates: Used at all splices to develop the full strength of the member when splicing two by fours together to make a pole. [2]
Guardrails: Toprails and midrails to prevent falls from the platform. Ensure they meet height and strength requirements. [1]

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage, wear, or defects. Remove any damaged equipment from service immediately. Maintain equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Keep tools clean and properly stored.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers involved in pump jack operations must receive adequate training and demonstrate competency in the following areas: pump jack scaffold assembly, inspection, and use; fall protection equipment and procedures; hazard identification and control; emergency procedures. Training records must be maintained and readily available. [4]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before beginning any pump jack operations. The briefing should include a review of the safe work procedure, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. All workers must participate in the briefing and acknowledge their understanding of the requirements.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Before beginning pump jack operations, the work area must be inspected and prepared to ensure a safe working environment. This includes: ensuring the ground or supporting surface is level and stable; identifying and mitigating any potential hazards (e.g., overhead power lines, unstable structures); establishing a controlled access zone (CAZ) around the scaffold.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Pre-Erection Inspection: Inspect all pump jack components (brackets, poles, braces, platforms) for damage, wear, or defects. Replace any damaged components before use. Ensure the poles are straight-grained and free of shakes, large loose or dead knots, and other defects which might impair strength. [2]
Surface Preparation: Ensure the ground or supporting surface is level, stable, and capable of supporting the scaffold load. Use mud sills or other supports as needed to distribute the load.
Pole Erection: Erect the poles plumb and secure them to the structure using rigid triangular bracing at the top, bottom, and other points as necessary. Ensure proper spacing between poles according to the manufacturer's instructions. [1]
Bracket Installation: Install the pump jack brackets onto the poles, ensuring they are securely attached and properly aligned. Verify that the brackets have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent slippage. [2]
Platform Installation: Install the platform planks, ensuring they are fully planked and securely attached to the brackets. Do not use work benches as scaffold platforms. [1]
Guardrail Installation: Install guardrails on all open sides and ends of the platform. Ensure the guardrails meet height and strength requirements. A workbench may be used as a toprail only if it meets the toprail requirements. [1]
Fall Protection: Ensure workers use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) with proper anchorage points. Inspect the PFAS before each use for damage, wear, or defects.
Safe Use: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the scaffold. Maintain three points of contact when climbing. Do not sit or stand on workbench platforms. [1]
Adjusting Height: When the pump jack has to pass bracing that's already installed, install an additional brace approximately four feet above the brace to be passed and leave it in place until the original brace is reinstalled. [2]
Dismantling: Dismantle the scaffold in a reverse order of the erection process. Inspect all components for damage during dismantling. Ensure that materials are lowered safely and do not pose a hazard to workers below.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Conduct a thorough hazard assessment of the work area before beginning any pump jack operations. Identify potential fall hazards, electrical hazards, and other risks. [3]
Ensure that all workers are trained in the safe use of pump jack scaffolds and fall protection equipment. Training should include proper assembly, inspection, and use of the equipment. [6]
Establish a controlled access zone (CAZ) around the scaffold to prevent unauthorized access and protect workers below from falling objects. [7]
Regularly inspect the pump jack scaffold and all components for damage, wear, or defects. Remove any damaged components from service immediately.
Maintain good housekeeping practices around the scaffold to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Keep the platform clear of debris, tools, and materials.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation. Evacuate the area if necessary and contact emergency services. Provide first aid to any injured workers and ensure they receive prompt medical attention.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Worker falls from the scaffold and is suspended in a fall arrest harness.: Immediately initiate rescue procedures. Do not leave the worker suspended for an extended period. Trained rescuers should use appropriate rescue equipment to safely lower the worker to the ground. Provide first aid and medical attention as needed. [5]
Scaffold collapse.: Evacuate the area immediately. Account for all workers. Contact emergency services and provide first aid to any injured workers. Investigate the cause of the collapse and take corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
Electrical contact.: Immediately de-energize the circuit if possible. Use non-conductive tools to separate the worker from the electrical source. Contact emergency services and provide first aid. Ensure the electrical equipment is inspected and repaired before resuming work.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will complete an incident report and submit it to the safety department. The incident report should include a detailed description of the incident, the cause of the incident, and any corrective actions taken.

A thorough investigation will be conducted for all incidents to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence. The investigation team will include representatives from management, safety, and the work crew. The investigation will involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing documentation, and inspecting the work area. A written report will be prepared outlining the findings and recommendations.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]