Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers the erection and dismantling of scaffolding structures on construction sites. It includes all types of supported scaffolds. The scope includes the use of fall protection measures and adherence to load capacity guidelines during these activities. Excluded from this assessment are crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms and aerial lifts.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE) is applied to mitigate identified hazards.

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Minor	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Falls from height during erection or dismantling.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or fatality due to falls from height.

Affected Persons: Workers, pedestrians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Eliminate the need to work at height by using alternative methods where possible.
• Use pre-fabricated scaffold systems to minimize erection time.
• Implement a fall protection plan that includes the use of personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) and guardrails.
• Provide comprehensive training on fall hazards and the proper use of fall protection equipment.
• Establish exclusion zones to prevent pedestrians from entering the area beneath the scaffold.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

2. Scaffold collapse due to structural failure.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or fatality due to scaffold collapse.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Use scaffold components manufactured by the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility.
• A competent person determines the resulting scaffold is structurally sound if scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers are intermixed.
• Inspect all scaffold components for damage before use.
• Do not modify scaffold components unless approved by a qualified engineer.
• Ensure proper bracing and ties are installed according to the scaffold design.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Low

3. Scaffold instability due to ground conditions.

Potential Consequences: Scaffold collapse due to ground failure.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure scaffolds are erected on stable and level ground.
• Use base plates and mud sills to distribute the load.
• Regularly inspect the ground conditions for signs of instability.
• Implement water management strategies to prevent soil erosion.
• Avoid erecting scaffolds near excavations or unstable slopes.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

4. Electrocution from contact with overhead power lines.

Potential Consequences: Electrocution or serious burns.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	Medium

Control Measures

• Identify and isolate all overhead power lines near the work area.
• Maintain a safe clearance distance from power lines.
• Use insulated tools and equipment.
• Designate a spotter to monitor power line proximity.
• De-energize power lines when possible.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

5. Struck by falling objects or materials.

Potential Consequences: Injuries from falling objects.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide workers with appropriate PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves.
• Implement safe lifting techniques.
• Use mechanical aids to lift heavy components.
• Provide training on proper materials handling procedures.
• Ensure materials are properly secured to prevent them from falling.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

6. Scaffold overloading.

Potential Consequences: Scaffold collapse due to overloading.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Ensure the scaffold is designed to support the intended load.
• Distribute the load evenly across the scaffold platform.
• Do not exceed the maximum load capacity.
• Clearly mark the load capacity on the scaffold.
• Regularly inspect the scaffold for signs of overloading.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

7. Slips, trips, and falls on the scaffold platform.

Potential Consequences: Minor to moderate injuries due to slips, trips, and falls.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Minor	High

Control Measures

• Provide adequate lighting for all work areas.
• Use non-slip surfaces on scaffold platforms.
• Implement housekeeping procedures to keep the scaffold free of debris.
• Ensure workers wear appropriate footwear.
• Provide training on working in adverse weather conditions.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Negligible	Medium

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct regular inspections of all scaffolding components before each work shift.

Use a checklist to ensure all components are inspected, and document the inspections.

• Ensure all workers involved in scaffolding erection and dismantling are trained and competent.

Provide training on proper procedures, hazard identification, and control measures.

• Implement a permit-to-work system for scaffolding activities.

The permit should outline the scope of work, identified hazards, and required control measures.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In case of a fall, immediately activate the emergency response system and provide first aid.
• If a scaffold collapses, evacuate the area and ensure all personnel are accounted for.
• For electrical hazards, immediately de-energize the affected area and contact a qualified electrician.

7. Training Requirements

• Scaffold Erection and Dismantling Training: Workers must be trained on the proper procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of scaffold in question. [2]
• Hazard Awareness Training: Training must cover the nature of scaffold hazards, including falls, collapses, and electrocution. [2]
• Fall Protection Training: Workers must be trained on the correct use of personal fall arrest systems, including proper inspection, donning, and doffing procedures. [1]
• Scaffold Design and Load Capacity Training: Training should cover the design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity, and intended use of the scaffold. [2]

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident involving scaffolding

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Before each work shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity	Competent Person	Regularly inspect scaffolding components for damage or defects.
Regular Inspection	Daily	Foreman	Monitor ground conditions around the scaffold for stability.
Performance Indicator	Daily	Safety Officer	Ensure all workers are using the correct PPE and following safe work practices.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions such as high winds, rain, or ice can significantly increase the risk associated with scaffolding erection and dismantling.
• Working at night reduces visibility and increases the risk of accidents.
• Lone work should be avoided where possible, and if unavoidable, ensure regular communication and monitoring procedures are in place.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident involving scaffolding or when significant changes occur.

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