Scaffolding highlight 2

Scaffolds cause THOUSANDS of accidents

and kill HUNDREDS of workers every year
Most of the injuries involved in scaffold accidents were caused by either the
planking or support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by
a falling object. Plank slippage is apparently the most common cause of
serious accidents.
 Typical Hazards 3

Typical hazards associated to scaffolding activities are:

People and objects falling from height

Electrical shocks from power lines or use of
electrical equipment attached to scaffold
Use of equipment/machinery for material lifting
Reduced lighting levels
Poor access-egress/simultaneous
activities/congested areas: slips, trips, contacts
Collapse / improper material and design /
improper modification
Dizziness / strong wind / overloading
Slips, trips, falls, etc.
 Typical Hazards 4

Poor initial design

Inadequate bracing
Overloading
Deteriorated or faulty fittings or materials
Unauthorized alteration
Impact from passing vehicles
Failure of the structure when incomplete
Falls of scaffolders !!!
Scaffolding materials being dropped
 Supported Scaffolding 5

Mobile

Frame or Fabricated
Tube and Coupler

Wooden Bracket Scaffold

 Supported Scaffolding 6

Structure Supporting Scaffold & Cantilever Scaffold

 Basic Scaffold 7

Scaffolding is a temporary framework used to

support people and material in construction or
repair activities. It is usually a modular system
of metal pipes, although it can be made out of
other materials. Wood is still used frequently

A. SCAFFOLD PLANKS (BOARDS)

B. BEARER (TRANSOM)
C. LONGITUDINAL (FACADE)
BRACING
D. TRANSVERSE (SECTIONAL)
BRACING
E. TOPRAIL
F. MIDRAIL
G. TOEBOARD
H. POST (STANDARD)
I. RUNNER (LEDGER)
J. BASE PLATE
K. SILL (SOLE BOARD)
L. SELF-CLOSING DROP BAR (INSIDE
POSTS)
M. BASE LIFT (KICKER LIFT)
N. FALSE UPRIGHT (PUNCHEON)
O. COUPLER
 Scaffold Duty and Safe Factor 8

Scaffold shall be designed and/or constructed for a specific

loading Here examples of typical applications:
purpose and loading.

Max Distributed Load

Duty of Platform Typical use of Platform
on Platform kg/m2
Inspection, Painting, Cleaning
Very light 75
and Access
Light Painting - Cleaning 150

General Purpose General Construction Work 200

Heavy Heavy Construction 250

Special Very Heavy Construction 300

The scaffold shall support 4 times the

maximum intended load
 Scaffold Material and Manufactures Instruction 9

Cannot intermix components from

different manufacturers unless
compatible and integrity is maintained

Tubes, units, frames, clamps, etc. shall

be of the suitable thickness, straight
and shall be free of cracks, splits,
excessive corrosion or other defects
defects..

Tubes requiring consistent

maintenance such as brushing or
scraping shall be replaced. The only
acceptable tubes coating is the
galvanizing and zinc primer. No tubes
will be otherwise painted
 Basic Scaffold Components 10

Starting with a Solid & Flat Base

is possibly the most important
step when erecting scaffold

First inspect the area and make the surface level

• The ground or surface must be capable of supporting
the scaffold and the imposed load
• The ground or surface under the standards must be
made as level as possible
• Getting the base right, saves time and effort and is
critical for the stability of the scaffold
 Solid and Flat Base 11

No!!!

Yes!!!
 Solid and Flat Base 12

Be sure of what’s below !!!

Manhole Cover Street

Back Fill
Sewer

Incorrect
 Base Plate and Sole Board 13

Scaffold
shall be
plumb !!!!
At least 15x15
Steel Base
Plate

Base Plate
Individual
Sole Board
 Sole Boards 14

Sole Boards are lengths

or pieces of timber that
are placed underneath the
standards bases to
spread the load

Always used with a metal

base plate
Must always be placed on
flat and even ground
Try to get more than one
standard on each sole board
They must be strong and
thick enough to support the
entire weight of the scaffold
Base Plate and Sole Board 15

Improper Placement
Base Plate and Sole Board 16

Improper Placement of scaffolds

can cause direct and indirect
problem at site till to arrive to
possible collapse of scaffold
and/or ground
 Planking 17

Metal planks shall be

preferably used.
Wooden planks may be
allowed, but planks shall
meet quality material and
shape standard

Wooden material for

scaffolding, treated for long
scaffolding
term exposure and climatic
conditions, free of knots,
cracks, splits or damage and
with banded ends.
Planks shall be at least a
standard size (5 5 cm thick
and 20 cm wide),
wide flat and
not warped
 Plank Inspection 18

The planks quality shall be checked before entering the site and periodically
there after.
after. Both ends of the approved planks should be marked with colour paint,
and shall not be painted or treated in any other way that may conceal defects.

Scrap or unsuitable boards shall not be used as scaffolds planks

planks, but may be
used for toe boards or short make-up boards. They should be marked with different
colour paint.

Scaffold boards shall not be used for other purpose and vice-
vice-versa
Components Thickness and Resistance 19
 Standards and Ledgers 20

Standards are Standards

vertical tubes that
serve as vertical legs
and compression
(load) supports

Ledgers are tubes

that tie the standards
together

Ledgers
 Transom 21

Transom are horizontal tubes that tie standards

together at right angles to the ledgers

The transoms that support

the work platform must
always be placed on top of
the ledgers: if not and one
clamp fail, this can cause
the work platform to fall
Intermediate Transom
Bracing Example 22
 Bracing Example 23

Properly placed sway bracing, transoms

and check clamps…

Check Clamps

Sway Brace

Transoms
 Junction Systems 24

Tube and Coupler, embossed or forged marking are acceptable

Cup locks Kwikstage

 Work Platform 25

Work Platform is the boarded area that is used as an access

and/or working area with toe boards and hand rails in place

ALL BOARDS OR Hand rail and

PLANKS USED FOR
ANY SCAFFOLD Toe board to
MUST ALWAYS BE be fixed to the
SECURED BY
MECHANICAL/
inside of the
METAL MECHANISM support
OR THE USE OF standard
WIRE
 Work Platform – Guard Rail and Toe Board Falls Protection 26

Guard Rails (middle 0.5 m and upper 1.0 m from the platform)
are horizontal tubes fixed to the uprights that prevent the
users from falling from the work platform

Uprights

Toe Boards NOTE:

are lengths of TOE BOARD
NOT
vertically placed REQUIRED
timbers/planks FOR
INTERNAL
(no less than 20 SIDE OF
cm high) to ensure SCAFFOLD
CLOSER
that tools, THAN 25 cm
equipment and FROM A
WALL
materials stay on
the work platform
work
Tie Methods 27
 Tie Methods 28

Tie is a method of connecting a scaffold to a fixed

structure to prevent the scaffold from falling over

Box Tie

Through Tie
 29
Recapitulation
 Access 30

Access route shall be provided for each working platform

by ladder, stair, ramp or walkway, based on a sound
footing. Home made ladders are prohibited.

Ladders Stair Tower Direct Access

Improper Access 31
 Route 32

This photo shows several unsafe condition, but remind also that
the preferably direction change of scaffold route is the right angle
 Access 33

Climbing of scaffold braces, runners, etc. is not permitted,

except as required by scaffold craftsmen during scaffold
erection, alteration, and dismantling. Proper access to be
erected and used
Access by Ladders 34
 Mobile Scaffolds 35

Mobile tower scaffolds shall be erected and used as per

manufacture instructions, supported on four wheels
with suitable brakes and with one safe working platform
Such kind of scaffolds shall be used up to 12 meters,
with a safe access prefarably by internal ladder
Maximum height to minimum base width ratio of 3:1
Shall be plumb, level and braced to prevent collapse or
racking. Use it only on firm and strong surfaces.
Wheel brakes shall be applied always when the
scaffold is not in motion and a man is on it
A mobile scaffold can be moved only when nobody is
on it and by pushing or pulling it at the base: remove all
materials and equipment prior to moving it, ensure the
route is clear, watching for holes and overhead
obstructions (dangerous electrical lines, etc.).
Mobile Scaffold 36

DO NOT MOVE MOBILE SCAFFOLDING

WITH PERSON ON BOARD
PUSHING/PULLING IT AT THE BASE
AND PAY ATTENTION TO OVERHEAD
LIVE ELECTRICAL CABLE
 Slipping / Tripping / Material Falls 37

Housekeeping shall be maintained to prevent slips, trips and falls

Access-ways should be kept clear of tripping hazards
Spills, mud, scrap and other debris to be cleared-up immediately
All chords, leads, hoses, etc. shall, if possible, be supported above
walkways and platforms by non-conductive material
Supplies and materials should be stacked to a height as low as
practical without exceeding load capacity
Secure loose or light materials to prevent them from falling
Use container to store small objects and secure the container
Always push, do not pull objects. Block & chock cylindrical objects
Be alert to wind forces when handling materials at heights
Do not leave loads suspended. Use tag lines to guide loads.
 Falling Object Protection 38

In addition to wearing hardhats,

more protection from falling objects
may be provided by:

Barricading not permitting area

below into which objects can fall

Erecting debris nets, catch

platforms, or canopy structures
sufficient to catch falling objects, or

Applying safe practices to prevent

falls: tool pockets, tool tied-off,
buckets, etc.
 Falls Protection 39

Guardrail systems shall be able to withstand a force of at least 90 Kg

applied in any downward or horizontal direction at any point

Guardrail systems shall be installed before an elevated work area may be

used by anyone other than the scaffold craftsmen

Where a complete guardrail system cannot be implemented,

implemented a personal
fall arrest system shall be continuously used by anyone on an elevated
platform A personal fall arrest system includes a full body
work area or platform.
harness, lanyard, connectors, substantial anchorage(s) and possible lifeline

At no time shall body belts or safety belts be used as part of a personal

fall arrest system: five points contact harnesses properly worn is right!
Falls Protection 40
 Distance from The Face of The Work 41

Scaffold shall be erected

close to the structure where
the work has to be executed
(generally no more than 30-40
cm from the face of the work).
In case of more distance a
safety harnesses shall be
worn at all time while on
scaffolding (known also as
YELLOW TAG scaffolding)
This condition is typical for
example during the initial
phase of insulation activities
 Hazard Highlight: WIND 42

Be careful of wind condition while on scaffold: the wind

force shall be considered when projecting a scaffold
anchor points and stability system, particularly in case
of the use of safety net, shields, etc. and it shall be
considered also in case during the use of scaffold:
working at height during strong wind is always more
hazardous than in normal condition
Wind can overturn scaffold or make it collapsing
 Hazard Highlight: Electricity 43

Electrocution can be very dangerous

at height due to direct possible effect or
due to possible falls
Generally when electrical apparatus
shall be installed on scaffold, it shall
be gorunded
Safe clearance shall be maintained
always between conductive equipment
/ scaffolds and power lines: at least 5
m till 50kV, then shall be increased
proportionally. If needed, barrier
erection with insulated material can
be useful too
Hazard Highlight: Electricity 44
Special Scaffold Shall Be Designed 45
 Scaffolds Tags 46

TAGGING SYSTEM IDENTIFIES THE CURRENT STATUS

OF THE EXISTING SCAFFOLD:

RED – DO NOT USE

GREEN – PASSED INSPECTION : SAFE FOR USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION

YELLOW – FULL BODY HARNESS REQUIRED
 Red Tag 47

Red tag means scaffold under construction,

modification, incomplete, dangerous, etc.

Scaffold not Any red tagged scaffold

shall not be used, except
tagged, by scaffold craftsmen that
regardless of are fall protected for the
reason, shall be purpose of erecting,
dismantling, altering, or
assumed to be correcting scaffold
"UNSAFE FOR deficiencies. Unauthorized
person using a Red
USE." tagged scaffold will be
disciplined
 Green Tag 48

Green tag means scaffold completed

and accepted for use.

Scaffolds Green
tags shall be
attached at some Green tags shall
point near the have a maximum
access ladder, validity till next
where it is inspection (generally
visible to anyone one week).
climbing the
ladder.

Nobody shall access a scaffold unless it has been

tagged GREEN
GREEN,, the signature is visible and the
user, himself, is satisfied about the structure.
 Yellow Tag 49

May indicate that scaffold has been inspected and

may be used only by workers wearing a properly
anchored personal fall arrest system, including a full
body harness and lanyard (see example pag.64)

Back of Green Tag is Generally Utilize as Tag

Inspection Space
 Scaffolders 50

Only skilled scaffolders supervised by a

Competent Person are allowed to construct,
modified or dismantling scaffold
 Scaffolder: 100% Fall Protection 51

Climb scaffold
structure while
maintaining 100%
fall protection
Safety harnesses with two lanyards shall be used at all time. Any
other needed fall protection devices (independent lifeline, self
arrest equipment, etc.) shall be used to guarantee 100% tied off
and to minimise falling hazards
 Scaffold Construction 52

Before the erection starts, the

scaffolding material shall be inspected
to ensure that it is of the right type and
it is in suitable condition.

A safe area shall be established

around the construction place by
means of proper signs, plastic tape,
barriers, etc.

During erection a RED tag shall be

affixed to the scaffold at each access
point.
Scaffold Construction 53
 Hand Over 54

Only a scaffold Competent

Person/Supervisor or
Inspector is authorized to
finally check the scaffold,
indicate eventual rectifications
needed and, after completion,
to remove RED tags for hand
over to users and its final
acceptance, so determining
GREEN tag status
 Scaffold Use 55

Scaffold users shall utilise the scaffold in a safe manner maintaining always a
safe clearance of conductive equipment/material from power lines
Utilise always the attached ladders or the other safe access foreseen
Jumping from one scaffold to another is prohibited. Climbing scaffolding on its
exterior perimeter is strictly prohibited.
Scaffold/components shall not be loaded in excess of their max intended loads.
The platform shall not visibly/excessively deflect when loaded. No stockpiled
Maintain the scaffold free of rubbish, clear of tools and materials, oil-grease, etc.
Tools/materials are not to be thrown: never!
Hand lines/buckets to be used for raising/lowering light hand tools/equipment
Windscreens shall not be used if scaffold has not designed for those devices
Makeshift work platforms not be used on scaffold to increase the work height
Ladders to increase working level height only if allowed on large area scaffolds
All work in height might be stopped in bad weather, storms or high wind speeds
Modified scaffold is prohibited to the users
Scaffold Use 56
 Scaffold Inspection 57

All scaffolds shall be inspected initially to determine the green tag

status and then regularly, generally weekly recorded on the tag, and
after adjustments, modifications, adverse weather conditions, etc. by a
Competent Person.
Continuous inspection shall be done by users, inspectors, HSE staff, staff
etc. to verify that the scaffolds have not been altered and are in a safe
working condition.

If it seems that the scaffold is

unsafe then the Scaffold Supervisor
shall be immediately informed
 Scaffold Dismantling 58

All scaffolds shall be dismantled only under the direction of

the Scaffold Supervisor:
Supervisor: he ensures that the GREEN tag is
removed from the scaffold and that a RED tag is securely
affixed at each point of access.
Only trained and experienced scaffold craftsmen can do it
Dismantling shall be planned,
planned orderly, and performed level
by level from top to bottom
bottom.
Scaffold components, tools, etc.etc. shall be lowered to the
ground in an orderly manner by rope, etc. and not thrown down
Area underneath shall be fenced and controlled
Scaffold materials shall be inspected, returned and
properly stacked at their designated storage location
immediately after
 59

• Independents scaffold shall always be built on firm level ground

• To achieve level ground always remove soil rather than build up

• Only authorized trained scaffolders can erect, dismantle or alter

scaffolding - it is forbidden for any other person to do this

• All scaffolds must be built to Local Code or a higher Standard without

exception

• Barriers must be erected around any scaffold that is being erected,

dismantled or altered
 60

INCREASE YOUR
SAFETY SENSATION…
IN ELEVATION !!!