When the supported Scaffolding Couplers is inspected, be sure the following is inspected:
All metal components are checked for cracks, holes, bends, rust, pits, broken welds, welding splatter and non-compatible parts.
All floor openings are covered, secured and labeled.
Safe access to the scaffold is provided; i.e. ladders, ramps, walkways, and stair towers.
Suspended Scaffolds
Suspended scaffolds are required to be made of materials that are not easily dislocated; the counterweight must be able to resist at least four times the tipping moment. Be sure that on a suspended scaffold each rope supports six times the intended load.
Fall Protection and PPE
OSHA states that workers are required to have fall protection when working on a scaffold 10 feet or higher. As part of this policy, they require the following:
On a supported scaffold: the use of a guardrail or personal fall arrest system.
On a single-point or two-point suspended scaffold: both the use of a guardrail and personal fall arrest system.
On an aerial lift: solely the use of a personal fall arrest system.
Each worker’s lifeline must be tied back to a structural anchor that is capable of withstanding 5,000 lbs of dead weight. Workers must also wear hard hats and ensure debris nets, toe-boards and screens are in place to stop objects from falling.
Training
Every worker must be trained on the following:
Proper scaffold usage
Hazard recognition associated with the specific type of scaffold they are working on.
The recognition of defects and how to report them
The intended maximum load and capacity
The proper fall protection systems that must be in place.
By following these regulations, workers can be sure they will go home safely. For more information on effective safety training for Frame Scaffolding or any other safety related topic, download our free safety manager’s guide to effective safety training.
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