To prevent falls and structural failures during scaffolding erection, use, and dismantling, it's important to follow safety regulations and inspection procedures. These procedures encompass several key areas, including proper assembly, fall protection, and regular inspections by a competent person. [1] [2]

Scaffolding must be erected on a firm, level surface capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without displacement. Mud sills should be used on soft or unstable ground, and free-standing scaffolding towers should not exceed four times the maximum base dimension unless secured to a structure. Scaffolding erected near structures must be secured and braced at specified intervals. [1] [1] [1] [1]

If a worker is working 10 feet or higher off scaffolding, then the worker must be protected by guardrails or a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). Guardrails must be installed along all sides and ends, with top rails between 38 and 45 inches high, midrails halfway between the platform and top rail, and toe boards at least 3 1/2" high. PFAS includes an anchorage point, lifeline, and full-body harness and can be used instead of guardrails on some scaffolds. A PFAS and guardrails must be used on all suspension scaffolds. [3] [3] [3]

Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each work shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity. This includes checking guardrails, connectors, fastenings, footing, tie-ins, and bracing. Damaged components should be repaired or replaced immediately. [2] [4] [4]

A competent person must be able to identify hazards, determine if it is safe to work on scaffolding, select and train qualified workers, inspect scaffolds for defects, make repairs, and train employees on scaffold hazards and control procedures. [3] [3] [3] [3] [3]

Key safety practices include providing access ladders, using scaffold-grade lumber, ensuring the scaffold can support four times the maximum intended load, and keeping the scaffold level with screw jacks on base plates and mudsills. Scaffolds should be within 14 inches of the building. [5] [5] [5] [6] [5]

Ensure scaffold components from different manufacturers fit together without force and are only modified if a competent person deems the mixed parts structurally sound. Dissimilar metals should only be used together if a competent person determines galvanic action will not reduce component strength. Scaffolds should not be loaded beyond their maximum intended loads, and shore or lean-to scaffolds are prohibited. [7] [7] [7] [7] [7]

Horizontal movement of scaffolds while occupied is prohibited unless designed for movement by a registered professional engineer or is a mobile scaffold meeting OSHA standards. Scaffolds should be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision of a competent person and by experienced, trained employees. [7] [7] [7]

Working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or slippery materials is prohibited except for removing such materials. Tag lines or equivalent measures should be used to control swinging loads hoisted onto or near scaffolds. [7] [7]

Each scaffold and component must support its weight and at least four times the maximum intended load. Scaffold platforms should be fully planked, with minimal space between the platform and uprights. Each platform and walkway must be at least 18 inches wide, and guardrails are required on all open sides if the platform is more than 10 feet above a lower level. [8] [8] [8] [8]

Before using a scaffold, check that the base is sound and level, legs are plumb, braces are in place, locking devices and ties are secured, cross members are level, and planks are of the proper grade. Planks, decks, and guardrails should be installed and secure, and a log of inspections and repairs should be maintained. [9]

When erecting scaffolding, refer to local occupational health and safety regulations, choose the right scaffold system for the job, and erect all parts according to the manufacturer's instructions. Select the scaffold according to height, type and duration of work, weather conditions, weight of workers/materials/equipment, location, and pedestrian traffic requirements. Ensure the scaffold is erected on a base that will support all applied loads, with compact and level backfill, and adequate sills for scaffold posts with base plates. [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10]

When assembling a frame scaffold, ensure you are trained properly, check the location for ground conditions, overhead wires, obstructions, changes in surface elevation, and tie-in problems. Inspect frames, braces, and components for damage, and use a safety harness tied to the scaffold, building, or lifeline. Assemble the scaffold with another person, check for squareness and alignment, remove debris, and level the ground before placing the staging legs on a stable base with mudsills when erected on soil. [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11] [11]

Install guardrails with a top rail 1 m (40 inches) above the platform, a midrail halfway between the platform and top rail, and a toe board 100 mm (4 inches) high fastened to the inner side of posts. Ensure posts and rails can withstand a force of at least 900 N (200 lb.) applied at any point. The ratio of scaffold height to base width should not exceed 3 to 1 unless tied into a structure, stabilized by guy wires, or secured by outriggers or stabilizers. [12] [12] [12]