Safety Guidelines

Important Notice: It shall be the responsibility of all users to read and comply with the following common-sense guidelines, designed to promote safety during the erection, dismantling, and use of scaffolds.

These guidelines are not all-inclusive and do not replace additional safety measures required for usual or unusual conditions. If these guidelines conflict with any state, local, federal, or government statute/regulation, the government regulation shall supersede these guidelines, and it shall be the responsibility of each user to comply therewith.

I. General Guidelines

Post and Inform: Post these scaffolding safety guidelines in a conspicuous place. Ensure all personnel who erect, dismantle, or use scaffolding are fully aware of them.
Comply with Codes: Strictly follow all state, local, and federal codes, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to scaffolding.
Survey the Job Site: Inspect the job site for hazards such as untamped earth fills, ditches, debris, high-tension wires, unguarded openings, and hazards created by other trades. These conditions should be corrected or avoided as noted in the following sections.
Inspect Equipment: Never use equipment that is damaged or defective in any way. Remove compromised items from the job site immediately.
Follow Manufacturer Specs: Scaffolds must be erected strictly in accordance with design specifications and/or the manufacturer's recommendations.
Supervision Required: Do not erect, dismantle, or alter a scaffold unless under the direct supervision of a qualified person.
No Misuse: Never abuse or misuse scaffolding equipment.
Continuous Inspection: Erected scaffolds should be continually inspected by users to ensure they remain in safe condition. Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.
Never Take Chances: If you are in doubt regarding the safety or use of a scaffold, consult your scaffold supplier right away.
Use for Intended Purposes Only: Never use equipment for purposes or in ways for which it was not originally intended.
Fitness for Work: Do not work on scaffolds if your physical condition causes you to feel dizzy or unsteady in any way.

II. Guidelines for Erection and Use

Base, Levelling, and Foundations

Adequate Sills/Pads: Scaffold bases must be set on an adequate sill or pad to prevent slipping or sinking, and fixed securely where required. Supporting structures shall be capable of supporting the maximum intended load.
Adjusting Screws: Use adjusting screws or other approved methods instead of blocking to adjust to uneven grade conditions.

Bracing and Plumbing: Frame Scaffolds

Plumb as You Go: Plumb and level all scaffolds as the erection proceeds. Do not force frames or braces to fit—level the scaffold until proper fit can easily be made.
Secure Connections: Each frame or panel shall be braced by horizontal bracing, cross bracing, diagonal bracing or any combination thereof for securing vertical members together laterally. All brace connections shall be made secure, in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Bracing and Plumbing: Tube & Clamp and System Scaffolds

Plumb Posts: Erect posts plumb in all directions, positioning the first level of runners and bearers as close to the base as feasible.
Tie and Fasten: Plumb, level, and tie all scaffolds continuously as erection proceeds. Fasten all couplers and connections securely before assembling the next level.
Diagonal Bracing: Install vertical and/or horizontal diagonal bracing strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Tying and Stability

Running Scaffolds: Tie continuous scaffolds to the wall or structure at each end and at least every 30 feet of length when scaffold height exceeds the maximum allowable free-standing dimension. Begin ties or stabilizers when the scaffold height exceeds that dimension and repeat at vertical intervals not greater than 26 feet. The top anchor shall be placed no lower than four (4) times the base dimension from the top of the completed scaffold. Anchors must prevent scaffolds from tipping into or away from wall or structure. Stabilize circular or irregular scaffolds in such a manner that completed scaffold is secure and restrained from tipping.
Free-Standing Towers: When free-standing towers exceed (4) times their minimum base dimension vertically, they must be restrained from tipping (Note: CAL/OSHA and some agencies require a stricter 3-to-1 ratio).
Wind and Enclosures: When scaffolds are partially or fully enclosed or subjected to overturning loads, specific precautions shall be taken to ensure the frequency and accuracy of ties to the wall and structure. Due to increased loads resulting from wind or overturning loads, the scaffolding components to which ties are subjected shall be checked for additional loads.

Clearances, Access, and Platforms

Power Lines: Do not erect scaffolds near electrical power lines unless proper precautions are taken and the power service company is consulted.
Access Required: Provide a safe means of access to all working platforms. Never use ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to increase height.
Guardrails: Provide guardrails and mid-rails at each working platform level where open sides and ends exist, along with toeboards where required by code.
Brackets & Cantilevers: Brackets for SYSTEM SCAFFOLDS shall be installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Brackets for FRAME SCAFFOLDS shall be seated correctly with side bracket parallel to the frames and end brackets at 90 degrees to the frames. Brackets shall not be bent or twisted from normal position. Brackets (except mobile brackets designed to carry materials) are to be used as work platforms only and shall not be used for storage of material or equipment.
Manufacturer’s directions: All scaffolding components shall be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommended procedure.
Planking Standards: Working platforms shall cover the scaffold bearer as completely as possible using only scaffold-grade wood or certified fabricated decking. Check planks for damage before use. Planks must overlap at least 12” and extend 6” beyond support centers. Solid sawn lumber, LVL (laminated veneer lumber) or fabricated scaffold planks and platforms (unless cleated or restrained) shall extend over their end supports not less than 6” nor more than 18”. This overhang should not be used as a work platform.

“Putlogs” and “Trusses”

Do not cantilever or extend putlogs/trusses as side brackets without thorough consideration for loads to be applied.
Putlogs/trusses should be extended at least 6” beyond point of support.
Place recommended bracing between putlogs/trusses when the span of putlog/truss is more than 12 feet.

Rolling Scaffolds

Riding Warning: Riding a rolling scaffold is extremely hazardous. The Scaffold Industry Association does not recommend this practice. However, if you choose to do so, be sure to follow all state, federal or other governmental guidelines.
Casters & Brakes: Attach casters to panels or adjustment screws with pins. Ensure no more than 12 inches of the screw jack extends between the adjusting nut and caster top. Wheels or casters shall be provided with a locking means to prevent caster rotation and scaffold movement and kept locked.
Joints shall be restrained from separation. Use horizontal diagonal bracing near the bottom and at 20-foot intervals measured from the rolling surface. Do not use brackets or other platform extensions without compensating for the overturning effect.
Height Limits: Rolling scaffold platform height must not exceed 4 times the smallest base dimension (CAL/OSHA and some government agencies require a stricter ratio of 3 to 1). Secure all materials before moving and never move without sufficient help.

Safe Use of Scaffold

Prior to use, inspect 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 scaffold. Follow manufacturer’s safe working load recommendations.
Do not jump onto planks or platforms.
Do not use ladders or makeshift devices on top of working platforms to increase the height or provide access from above.
Climb in access areas only and USE BOTH HANDS.

III. Guidelines for Dismantling

Pre-Dismantling Check: Prior to use, inspect the scaffold to ensure it has not been structurally altered or compromised. Reconstruct where necessary before tearing down. This includes all scaffold ties.
Inspect Planks: Visually inspect all planks prior to removal to ensure they are safe.
Component Impact: Consideration must be given as to the effect removal of a component will have on the rest of the scaffold prior to that component’s removal.
Keep Levels Clear: Do not accumulate excess components or equipment on the level currently being dismantled.
Tie Removal Sequence: Do not remove ties until the scaffolding section above has been fully dismantled.
Lowering Material: Lower dismantled components in an orderly manner. Never throw components off the scaffold. Dismantled equipment should be stockpiled in an orderly manner.

Final Operational Note

These safety guidelines (Codes of Safe Practice) set forth common sense procedures for safely erecting, dismantling and using scaffolding equipment. However, equipment and scaffolding systems differ and accordingly, reference must always be made to the instructions and procedures of the supplier and/or manufacturer of the equipment. Since field conditions vary and are beyond the control of the Scaffold Industry Association, safe and proper use of scaffolding is the sole responsibility of the user. Contact your Brand Scaffold representative for additional safety instructions or for information on weights, bracing, access, load capacities and engineering assistance.