Safe Work Procedure: Scaffold Erection and Dismantling

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 and step-by-step instructions for the safe erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolding. It applies to all workers involved in these activities. This procedure aims to minimize the risks associated with working at heights and potential hazards related to scaffold construction and use.

2. Definitions

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 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Qualified Person: A person with a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who has extensive knowledge, training, and experience, and can demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Scaffold: A temporary structure erected to support access or working platforms 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers involved in scaffold erection and dismantling are adequately trained and competent 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Conduct regular inspections of scaffolding to ensure it is in safe working condition 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Provide appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

3.2 Workers

Follow all instructions and procedures outlined in this SWP 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Inspect PPE and equipment before use 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Monitor compliance with safety procedures and regulations 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Investigate incidents and recommend corrective actions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height	Serious injury or death	Use fall protection equipment (harness, lanyard) and ensure proper anchorage. Erect guardrails and toe boards on all open sides and ends of platforms. Maintain three points of contact while climbing. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15
Scaffold collapse	Serious injury or death	Ensure scaffold is erected on a stable and level surface. Use base plates and mud sills as needed. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maximum load capacity. Do not exceed the load limit. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15
Struck by falling objects	Head injury, cuts, bruises	Establish a drop zone and use debris netting to prevent objects from falling. Wear hard hats. Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15
Electrical hazards	Electrocution, burns	Maintain safe clearance from power lines. Inspect the work area for overhead power lines and other electrical hazards. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) when using electrical tools. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15
Musculoskeletal injuries	Strains, sprains, back injuries	Use proper lifting techniques. Avoid awkward postures and repetitive motions. Take frequent breaks. Use mechanical aids when possible. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15
Exposure to crystalline silica	Silicosis, lung cancer	Use water suppression or local exhaust ventilation to control dust. Wear a respirator when dust exposure cannot be adequately controlled. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Hard hat - To protect against head injuries from falling objects 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Safety glasses or goggles - To protect eyes from dust and debris 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Gloves - To protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Safety boots - To provide foot protection and slip resistance 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Fall protection harness and lanyard - Required when working at heights above [HEIGHT] feet 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Respirator - Use a NIOSH-approved respirator when exposed to dust or other airborne contaminants 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Scaffold components - Frames, braces, platforms, base plates, etc. 3, 5, 7, 10, 15
Adjustable wrenches - For tightening and loosening bolts and nuts 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Level - To ensure scaffold is level and plumb 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Tag line - To control materials being hoisted 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Hoisting equipment - Ropes, pulleys, or cranes for lifting materials 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must be trained and competent in scaffold erection, use, and dismantling. Training must include fall protection, hazard recognition, and safe work practices 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting work. The briefing should cover the scope of work, potential hazards, safety procedures, and emergency procedures 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Inspect the work area for hazards such as overhead power lines, unstable ground, or obstructions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Ensure the ground is level and stable. Use base plates and mud sills as needed 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Establish a drop zone and barricade the area to prevent unauthorized access 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Scaffold Erection

Detailed description of scaffold erection.

Inspect all scaffold components for damage or defects before use 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Erect the scaffold according to the manufacturer's instructions and a design by a qualified person 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Ensure the scaffold is level and plumb 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Install guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards on all open sides and ends of platforms 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Use proper fall protection equipment when working at heights 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Safety considerations for this step include ensuring proper footing, using fall protection, and following the manufacturer's instructions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

8.2 Scaffold Use

Detailed description of scaffold use.

Inspect the scaffold before each use to ensure it is in safe working condition 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the scaffold 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Keep the platform free of debris and obstructions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Use proper fall protection equipment when working at heights 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Never climb on the outside of the scaffold 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Safety considerations for this step include maintaining three points of contact, using fall protection, and avoiding overloading the scaffold 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

8.3 Scaffold Dismantling

Detailed description of scaffold dismantling.

Inspect the scaffold to ensure that it is safe to dismantle 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Dismantle the scaffold in reverse order of erection, following the manufacturer's instructions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Use tag lines to control materials being lowered 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Do not drop or throw scaffold components 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Use proper fall protection equipment when working at heights 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Safety considerations for this step include ensuring proper footing, using fall protection, and controlling materials being lowered 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Fall Protection: Always use fall protection equipment when working at heights above [HEIGHT] feet 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Load Limits: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the scaffold 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Weather Conditions: Do not erect, use, or dismantle scaffolding in high winds or severe weather conditions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Housekeeping: Keep the scaffold platform free of debris and obstructions 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Inspections: Inspect the scaffold before each use to ensure it is in safe working condition 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

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 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall from Height: Immediately call for medical assistance. Do not move the injured person unless there is a risk of further injury. Secure the area to prevent further incidents 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Scaffold Collapse: Evacuate the area immediately. Account for all workers and contact emergency services. Do not attempt to re-enter the area until it has been assessed by a qualified person 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.
Electrical Contact: Immediately shut off the power source if it is safe to do so. Call emergency services and provide first aid to the injured person 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
Health and Safety Representative: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence 3, 5, 7, 10, 15.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]