B-2.

1 Scaffolds
1.0 Scope
This procedure provides general information about the competent person, erection, inspection, and use of both welded-frame and tube-and-coupler scaffolds. Do not intermix scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers unless the component parts fit together without force or modification and the resulting scaffold meets DuPont, federal, state, and local requirements.

2.0

Definitions

3.1 Erecting Scaffolds

Only employees who have been trained by and are under the supervision of a competent person will erect, move, or modify scaffolds. The site manager must approve scaffolds higher than 50 feet (15 meters) above the base plates. A registered professional engineer must design any scaffold exceeding 125 feet (38 meters) in height. For more information on erecting scaffolds, see OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451. Where fall hazards cannot be eliminated, use fallarrest systems while erecting, modifying, and dismantling scaffolds. It is the responsibility of the competent person to determine the feasibility and type of fall-arrest system to be used. For more information on continuous fall protection, see B-8.1. Set scaffold legs on base plates placed on foundations or mudsills that are adequate for supporting the maximum intended loads. Scaffold boards and masonry blocks are not appropriate scaffold foundations. The total load on a scaffold consists of the sum of the weight of the workers and materials on a scaffold plus the weight of the scaffold. Install adjusting screws only between the base plate and the vertical frame section. Adjusting screws may be used with casters if allowed by the manufacturer of the scaffold and used per manufacturers instructions. Do not extend adjusting screws beyond 12 inches (30 centimeters). The position and number of braces used on a scaffold not only restricts the amount of side movement, but also determines the strength of the scaffold. Never use cross-braces as substitutes for handrails or midrails. When the height of a scaffold exceeds four times the smallest width of the base, secure it to the building

Competent person - one who is knowledgeable of applicable scaffolding regulations; is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards related to the erection, alternation, dismantlement, storage, and inspection of scaffolding; and has the authority to take prompt corrective actions to eliminate such hazards. Qualified person - one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his or her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

3.0

General

Scaffolds are intended to provide safe working positions at elevations. To eliminate fall exposures, scaffolds must have complete handrails, midrails, and decking that eliminate the need for fall-arrest equipment. Do not use fall arrest equipment as a substitute for handrails, midrails, or a complete deck. Before erecting scaffolds, consider all nearby or overhead hazardous energy sources such as electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, thermal, and chemical. In addition, consideration should be given to the condition of working surfaces, the presence and activity of other people in the vicinity of the work area, and the weather. Welded-frame scaffolds are made of basic prefabricated end frames, cross-bracing, and frameconnecting devices to hold the parts firmly in place. Tube-and-coupler and system scaffolds are made of various lengths of tubing clamped together by special patented couplers to support or suspend working platforms of various shapes.

Issued Reaffirmed Page Revised

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FC&S Safety Manual

12/05

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B-2.1 Scaffolds
or structure at every other lift and every 30 feet (9 meters) horizontally. The scaffold should be secured by both ties and braces to prevent movement towards or away from the building or structure it is secured to. Equip scaffold working platforms with handrails approximately 42 inches (1.1 meters) high, midrails, and toeboards, all secured rigidly. Working platforms should be completely decked with safety planks, manufactured scaffold decking, or laminated wooden planks. To allow access to the working platform of a tubular welded frame scaffold, the ladder built into the end frames can be used if it has been specifically designed and constructed by the manufacturer for the purpose of access. Non-uniform rung spacing caused by joining end frames together is allowed, provided the resulting spacing does not exceed 16- inches (0.4 meters). End frames that have not been manufacturer-designed for access must be equipped with offset ladders for platform access. Employees engaged in erecting or dismantling tubular-welded frame scaffolds may use the endframe horizontal members for access provided they are parallel, level, and are not more than 22 inches (0.6 meters) apart vertically. Hook-on attachable ladders shall be installed as soon as scaffold erection has progressed to a point that permits safe installation and use. Consideration should be given to breaking the ladder at approximately 20-foot (6.0 meters) intervals. Retractable or vertical lifelines should be used for fall protection while climbing more than 20feet (6.0 meters). When portable straight or extension ladders are used for access to tube-and-coupler scaffolds, the proper 4-to-1 slope should be maintained to avoid a horizontal tube interfering with the use of the ladder. Scaffold users should be able to step off the scaffold access ladder directly onto the working platform. Provide entry gates for scaffolds to eliminate the need for users to climb over handrails. If scaffolds are incomplete, a handhold above the platform elevation must be provided to allow a safe transition from the access ladder to the working platform. Toeboards do not satisfy this requirement. Tag or otherwise identify scaffolds that should not be occupied or that require particular safety precautions. The tag should indicate special requirements, the date of erection, and the signature of the competent person.

3.2 Load Capacity Considerations

Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least four times the maximum intended load. Materials should be evenly distributed on platforms and not concentrated in one small area. If casters are used, caster ratings are the limiting factor in calculating the maximum allowable load for scaffolds. Because caster ratings vary, check the manufacturer's specifications for the rating of the casters in use.

3.3 Scaffold Inspection

A competent person shall visually inspect all components of the scaffold for defects prior to each shift's use and following any occurrence that could affect the scaffold's structural integrity. Defective components will be immediately discarded. Before erecting and while dismantling scaffolds, inspect all components. Scaffold components should be straight and free from bends, kinks, dents, and severe rusting. Immediately discard defective components. Inspections should include an evaluation of the following components: Handrails, midrails, cross-bracing, and steel tubing for nicks and other damage, especially near the center span, and for signs that welding arcs may have struck the equipment Weld zones on the scaffold frame for cracks The end of tubing for splits or cracks Manufactured decks for loose bolts or rivet connections and bent, kinked, or dented frames Plywood surfaces for softening due to rot or wear and for peeling at the edges of laminated layers (the surface should have an abrasive, nonskid cover) Safety planks for rot, cracks, cuts, and other external damage Tie rods or bolts and angle iron cleats Cams, springs, threaded connection, toggle pins, or other quick-connecting devices

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B-2.1 Scaffolds
Casters for rough rolling surfaces, "sticky" swivels, and defective locking mechanisms. 3.6.2 Mechanical Plank Testing A mechanical plank inspection program is an additional means of determining the structural integrity of a scaffold plank. The mechanical inspection supplements the visual inspection program and provides the users with objective data on the planks' integrity. Two methods of mechanical plank inspection include load testing to determine deflection and nondestructive electronic testing using EWAVE. Both methods of mechanical inspection determine the stiffness of a plank. The load-test method determines the stiffness based on the amount of plank deflection. The EWAVE system determines the modules of elasticity (stiffness) through computer hardware and software that examines the vibration (sine wave) which are induced into a plank.

3.4 Scaffold Plank Selection

Only scaffold grade/quality boards should be used for scaffold planks. In the U.S., solid sawn wood planks should bear a grade stamp from an approved grading agency. Laminated planks should bear the seal of an independent, recognized inspection agency certifying compliance with design criteria.

3.5 Scaffold Plank Storage

Scaffold planks should be stored out of the weather, inside, under a shed, or with a tarp covering the top of the stack of planks. Planks should be stacked in a manner that allows for adequate air circulation around each board to facilitate drying. Excessive moisture can cause the wood fibers to quickly degrade from fungus attack and affect the reliability of the plank.

3.7 Training
Employees involved in the erection, dismantling, moving, repairing, etc., of scaffolding shall receive training from a competent person. The purpose of the training is to recognize any hazards associated with the work in question. Training shall consist of: The nature of scaffold hazards The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of scaffold in question The design criteria, maximum intended loadcarrying capacity, and intended use of the scaffold

3.6 Scaffold Plank Testing

Sites should develop and implement a scaffold plank inspection program. A thorough scaffold plank inspection program includes both visual and mechanical inspection requirements. A scaffold plank must be inspected for visual defects prior to each use and routinely throughout its service in place. 3.6.1 Visual Inspection A visual inspection program should conform to the plank manufacturers criteria and a plank must be removed from service as soon as damage is discovered. Damage includes, but is not limited to: Saw kerfs Saw cuts Drilled holes Notches Face breaks Dents Gouges and depressions End splits Narrow face splits Discoloration Chemical attack or decay

Employees who perform work while on a scaffold shall be trained by a qualified person so they will recognize hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and understand the procedures to control those hazards. Training will cover the following topics as necessary: The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards, and falling object hazards in the work area The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems used The proper use of the scaffold and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold

Issued Reaffirmed Page Revised

9/91

FC&S Safety Manual

12/05

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B-2.1 Scaffolds
The maximum intended load and the loadcarrying capacities of the scaffolds used

5.0

For Further Information

4.0

References

5.1 ANSI A10.8, Construction And Demolition Operations - Scaffolding - Safety Requirements

4.1 FCSM B-8.1, Continuous Fall Protection 4.2 SHE Standard S38G, Scaffold Safety

4.3 OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, Scaffolding

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