A scaffold is defined as any temporary elevated work platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage) used for supporting employees or materials or both. Note that there are three main points to the definition: it is elevated, it is temporary, and it supports either personnel or materials or both. Scaffolds are divided into two main categories, those supported from underneath, or those suspended from above. This guide will be mainly discussing suspended from above type scaffolding (AERX).
For single point or two point suspended scaffolds, both guardrails and a personal fall arrest system are required. On suspended scaffolds, a vertical lifeline (yo-yo) will be utilized for each person the entire time they are using the platform.
Inspecting Equipment.
Scaffolds are often used on construction sites, in industrial settings, and in other harsh environments. As a result the equipment may be subject to damage during use as a result of erection, dismantling, handling, transporting, or environment conditions.
All scaffolding equipment must be carefully inspected before use to insure that it is serviceable and in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated equipment must be removed from service.
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a. Do not use scaffold equipment or accessories that are obviously damaged.
b. Do not use rusty or corroded scaffold equipment. The strength of rusty, corroded equipment is
unknown. If any areas show pitting, flaking, powdering, or excessive rust, discard the equipment. Certain
atmospheric conditions (such as might be present in industrial plants) may corrode metal after short
exposure.
c. Check for bent components, in particular where the tube is kinked, flattened, or crushed.
d. Check for cracks around welds, joints, or around the circumference.
e. Look around the platform and inspect for any signs of deterioration.
f. Check yo-yo for freedom of movement and braking.
g. Check for brackets with deformed attachment hooks.
h. Check the holes in collar and platform arms for splitting out.
i. Check all areas of the platform for missing hooks, locks, missing bolts, bent siderails/toe boards, or
damaged walking surface.
j. Look for any areas which appear blistered, cracked, or separated which may indicate prior damage.
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k. When in doubt about the condition of scaffold equipment, consult your platform supplier. Do not
take chances with potentially defective equipment. Remember that scaffolding components are
relatively inexpensive commodities to replace, especially compared to the cost of an accident.
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Ascending / Descending ladders
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Ladders are tools. Many of the basic safety rules that apply to most tools also apply to the safe use of a
ladder:
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If you feel tired or dizzy, or are prone to losing your balance, stay off the ladder.
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Do not use ladders in high winds or storms.
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Wear clean slip-resistant shoes. Shoes with leather soles are not appropriate for ladder use since they are not considered sufficiently slip resistant.
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Before using a ladder ,inspect it to confirm it is in good working condition.
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Ladders with loose or missing parts must be rejected. Rickety ladders that sway or leanto the side must be rejected.
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The Three Point-of-Contact Climb
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Factors contributing to falls from ladders include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention, the condition
of the ladder (worn or damaged), the user's age or physical condition, or both, and the user's footwear.
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Although the user's weight or size typically does not increase the likelihood of a fall, improper climbing posture creates user clumsiness and may cause falls. Reduce your chances of falling during the climb by:
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Wearing slip-resistant shoes with heavy soles to prevent foot fatigue;
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Cleaning the soles of shoes to maximize traction using towlines, a tool belt or an assistant to convey materials so that the climbers hands are free when climbing;
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Climbing slowly and deliberately while avoiding sudden movements;
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Keeping the center of your belt buckle (stomach) between the ladder side rails when climbing and while working. Do not overreach or lean while working so that you do not fall off the ladder sideways or pull the ladder over sideways while standing on it.
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When climbing a ladder, it is safest to utilize Three Points-of-Contact because it minimizes the chances of
slipping and falling from the ladder. At all times during ascent, descent, and working, the climber must
face the ladder and have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder
steps, rungs and/or side rails. In this way, the climber is not likely to become unstable in the event one
limb slips during the climb. It is important to note that the climber must not carry any objects in either
hand that can interfere with a firm grip on the ladder. Otherwise, Three Points-of-Contact with the ladder
cannot be adequately maintained and the chance of falling is increased in the event a hand or foot slip
occurs.
