Scaffolding Good Practices
- By Dale Lindemer, PE
- Aug 14, 2007
Keys to reducing accidents are education, proper selection, and proper use of equipment.
A vast number of those in the construction industry use scaffolding on a daily basis. According to OSHA, nearly 65 percent of workers in the construction industry work on scaffolds frequently. From steel erectors to building equipment installers, bricklayers, window washers, carpenters, and painters, just to name a few, nearly 2.3 million construction workers frequently work on scaffolds.
Construction sites are inherently unstable environments, with movement of workers, materials, etc. and changing landscapes. In 2004, approximately 400,000 workers suffered construction-site injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed in 1996 that 25 percent of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no scaffold training. With the high potential for serious injury, construction safety education remains a top priority.
About Scaffolding
A scaffold is defined as an elevated, temporary work platform. The three basic types of scaffolds are:
• Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load-bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc. Common types of supported scaffolds are frame, system, mobile (rolling), etc.
• Suspended scaffolds, which are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid, overhead support. Suspended scaffolds are often used when washing windows or to access bridges and other structures when overhead support is the best option.
• Other scaffolds, principally man lifts, cherry pickers, scissor lifts, etc., are sometimes thought of as vehicles or machinery but can be regarded as another type of supported scaffold.
Preventing Scaffolding Accidents
The most important preventative measures are training and education, proper selection of equipment, and proper use of equipment. Education is the most powerful tool in reducing the number and severity of scaffold-related injuries. Following are some basic guidelines for workers who use scaffolds:
When using supported scaffolds:
• Prior to use, inspect the scaffold to ensure it has not been altered and is in safe working condition.
• Erected scaffolds and platforms should be inspected continuously by those using them.
• Exercise caution when entering or leaving a work platform.
• Do not overload scaffolds. Follow manufacturer's safe working load recommendations.
• Do not jump onto planks or platforms.
• Do not use ladders or makeshift devices to increase the working height of a scaffold. Do not plank guardrails to increase the height of a scaffold.
• Climb in access areas only, and use both hands.
• Where required, use proper personal fall arrest equipment, and use it properly.
When using suspended scaffolds:
• Use all equipment and all devices in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not overload, modify, or substitute equipment.
• Before commencing work operations, preload wire rope and equipment with the maximum working load, then retighten wire rope clips and recheck rigging to manufacturer's recommendations.
• Inspect all rigging equipment and suspended scaffold systems daily.
• Inspect wire rope during each ascent or descent for damage.
• Use care to prevent damage to equipment by corrosive or other damaging substances.
• Clean and service equipment regularly.
• Always maintain at least four (4) wraps of wire rope on drum type hoists.
• Do not join platforms unless the installation was designed for that purpose.
• Move suspended scaffolds horizontally only when they are not occupied.
• When rigging for another drop, ensure sufficient wire rope is available before moving the suspended scaffold system horizontally.
OSHA estimates as many as 50 lives can be saved and 4,500 accidents prevented annually if construction sites are compliant with current safety standards.
The most common scaffold hazards are:
• falls from elevation;
• collapse/overturning of the scaffold;
• being struck by falling tools, work materials, or debris; and
• electrocution, principally due to proximity of the scaffold to overhead power lines.
Falls
In 2004, general falls, including falls from scaffolding, ladders, and other places, accounted for 36 percent of all construction-related fatalities. Proper selection, use, and installation of guardrails, personal fall arrest systems, and fall prevention systems is essential to prevent falls and to prevent deaths and serious injuries due to falls.
Select equipment that meets current standards. Install it properly as directed by the manufacturer. Use it as it is intended to be used. Again, education is the key. A properly selected personal fall arrest system that meets all current standards does no good if it is not used by employees.
This article originally appeared in the August 2007 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.