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 necessary safety precautions and procedures for the safe operation of pump jack scaffolds. It includes hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, and emergency procedures to minimize the risk of falls and other related injuries. This SWP applies to all workers involved in the assembly, use, and disassembly of pump jack scaffolds. It is designed to be used for wooden poles up to 30 feet and aluminum poles up to 50 feet. This procedure does not cover other types of scaffolds, such as carpenter's brackets, tubular welded scaffolds, or ladder jacks.

2. Definitions

Pump Jack Scaffold A type of scaffold supported by vertical poles and brackets that are raised by a pumping mechanism to adjust the working height. [1]

Guardrail A horizontal rail erected to prevent workers from falling from a scaffold platform. [1]

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. 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 the pump jack scaffold to ensure it is in safe working condition.
Enforce all safety procedures and ensure workers comply with this SWP.
Provide workers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ensure a pre-job briefing is conducted to discuss potential hazards and control measures.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures outlined in this SWP.
Use the provided personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Inspect the pump jack scaffold before each use and report any defects to the supervisor.
Participate in pre-job briefings and ask questions if unsure about any aspect of the work.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
Monitor compliance with safety procedures and make recommendations for improvement.
Participate in incident investigations related to pump jack scaffold operations.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Falls from height [1]	Serious injury or death due to inadequate fall protection.	Install guardrails on all open sides and ends of the platform. Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) when guardrails are not feasible. Ensure proper use of PFAS, including full-body harness, lanyard, and anchor points.
Scaffold collapse	Scaffold failure due to improper assembly, damaged components, or overloading, leading to falls and injuries.	Ensure the scaffold is assembled by a competent person according to manufacturer's instructions. Inspect all components before use for damage or defects. Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the scaffold.
Material falling from scaffold	Workers below struck by falling tools or materials, causing injury.	Use toe boards to prevent materials from falling off the platform. Secure tools and materials to prevent them from being dislodged. Establish a drop zone and restrict access to the area below the scaffold.
Electrocution [1]	Contact with overhead power lines or electrical equipment, resulting in electrocution or burns.	Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines. Inspect the work area for electrical hazards before starting work. Use insulated tools and equipment.
Pole slippage [2] [2]	Pump jack brackets slipping or failing, causing the scaffold to drop or collapse.	Ensure pump jack brackets have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent slippage. Secure poles to the structure with rigid triangular bracing at the top, bottom, and other points as necessary.
Unstable base	Scaffold instability due to uneven or soft ground, leading to collapse.	Ensure the scaffold is erected on a stable and level surface. Use mud sills or base plates to distribute the load.
Inclement weather	Working in high winds, rain, or ice, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and scaffold instability.	Do not use the scaffold in high winds or severe weather conditions. Provide adequate protection from rain and ice.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All workers must use the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

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 other projectiles. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. Use side shields for added protection.
Safety Shoes: Provides foot protection from impacts, punctures, and slips. Must meet ASTM F2413 standards. Use slip-resistant soles.
Gloves: Protects hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Select gloves appropriate for the task.
Full Body Harness: Used as part of a personal fall arrest system. Must meet ANSI Z359.1 standards. Inspect before each use for damage or wear. Ensure proper fit.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace any damaged or defective PPE. Clean and maintain PPE according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Equipment and Tools

All equipment and tools must be inspected before each use to ensure they are in safe working condition.

Pump Jack Brackets: Metal brackets used to support the platform. Must be made from metal plates and angles. Ensure they have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent slippage. [2] [2]
Wooden or Aluminum Poles: Vertical supports for the pump jack system. Use straight-grained wood poles free of defects or aluminum poles in good condition. [1] [2]
Triangular Braces: Rigid braces used to secure the poles to the structure. Install at the top, bottom, and other points as necessary. [2]
Mending Plates: Used to reinforce splices in wooden poles. Install at all splices to develop the full strength of the member. [1] [2]
Level: Used to ensure poles are plumb.

Regularly inspect all equipment and tools for damage or defects. Remove any damaged or defective equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: All workers must be adequately trained and competent in the safe use of pump jack scaffolds. Training should include the proper assembly, use, and disassembly of the scaffold, as well as hazard identification and control measures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Before starting work, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the scope of the work, potential hazards, and control measures. Ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Inspect the work area for potential hazards, such as overhead power lines, unstable ground, and obstructions. Ensure the area is clear and free of debris.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Pre-Erection Inspection: Inspect all components of the pump jack scaffold before assembly. Check for any signs of damage, wear, or defects. Do not use any damaged or defective components.
Erecting the Scaffold: Erect the scaffold on a stable and level surface. Use mud sills or base plates if necessary. Ensure poles are plumb and securely braced to the structure.
Installing Pump Jack Brackets: Install pump jack brackets according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure brackets have two positive gripping mechanisms to prevent slippage. [2]
Planking the Platform: Use scaffold-grade planks that are fully planked and secure. Ensure the platform is wide enough for the work being performed. [1]
Installing Guardrails: Install guardrails on all open sides and ends of the platform. Ensure guardrails meet the required height and strength requirements. [1]
Using Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): When guardrails are not feasible, use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). Ensure the PFAS is properly inspected, fitted, and used. Anchor the PFAS to a secure anchor point.
Adjusting the Height: Adjust the height of the scaffold using the pump jack mechanism. Ensure the scaffold remains stable and level during adjustment.
Working on the Scaffold: Keep the platform clear of obstructions and debris. Do not overload the scaffold. Use proper lifting techniques when handling materials.
Moving the Scaffold: When moving the scaffold, disassemble and re-erect it in the new location. Do not move the scaffold while it is loaded or occupied.
Dismantling the Scaffold: Dismantle the scaffold in a safe and orderly manner. Lower components to the ground using ropes or other safe methods. Inspect components for damage and store properly.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never exceed the maximum load capacity of the pump jack scaffold.
Ensure all workers are trained in the safe use of pump jack scaffolds.
Regularly inspect the scaffold for any signs of damage or wear.
Maintain a safe distance from overhead power lines.
Use proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries.

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.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Worker falls from the scaffold: Immediately call for emergency medical assistance. Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger. Provide first aid until medical help arrives.
Scaffold collapse: Evacuate the area immediately. Account for all workers. Report the incident to the supervisor and safety department.
Electrocution: Immediately shut off the power source. Do not touch the victim if they are still in contact with the electrical source. Call for emergency medical assistance.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor and safety department immediately. The incident report should include a detailed description of the event, the cause of the incident, and any injuries or damages that occurred.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation will involve interviews with workers, inspection of the work area, and review of relevant documents and procedures.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]