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SCAFFOLD TRAINING
INSTITUTE
HOUSTON - USA
 OSHA OUTREACH
TRAINING PROGRAM
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
SAFETY STANDARDS
Subpart L
Scaffolds
29 CFR 1926.450
29 CFR 1926.454
 References
• 29 CFR 1926, Subpart L
• 29 CFR 1910, Subpart D
• Scaffold Training Institute
 What Is A Scaffold?
An elevated, temporary work platform

Three basic types:

 Supported scaffolds -- platforms
supported by rigid, load bearing
members, such as poles, legs, frames,
& outriggers
 Suspended scaffolds -- platforms
suspended by ropes or other non-
rigid, overhead support
 Aerial Lifts -- such as “cherry
pickers” or “boom trucks”
 Some Supported Scaffolds

Supported scaffolds are scaffolds that are have an attachment to the ground
rather than are suspended by cables.
Aerial Lifts
 Hazards
Employees working on scaffolds are
exposed to these hazards:

• Falls from elevation – caused

by slipping, unsafe access, and
the lack of fall protection
• Struck by falling tools / debris
• Electrocution – from overhead
power lines
• Scaffold collapse - caused by
instability or overloading
• Bad planking giving way
UNSAFE ACT & CONDITIONS
 Types of Scaffolds - Load
• light duty scaffold: A scaffold designed and
constructed to carry a working load not to
exceed 25 pounds per square foot.
• Medium duty scaffold: A scaffold designed
and constructed to carry a working load not to
exceed 50 pounds per square foot.
• Heavy duty scaffold: A scaffold designed
and constructed to carry a working load not to
exceed 75 pounds per square foot.
 Rated Load Capacity
Rated Load Capacity of Intended Load
scaffold should be
Light-duty 25 pounds per square
“standard” foot applied uniformly
Medium-duty 50 pounds per square
“brick masons” foot applied uniformly
Heavy-duty 75 pounds per square
“stone-setters” foot applied uniformly
 Maximum Capacity
• To determine the maximum weight that can
be applied to the scaffold, determine the
square footage and multiply it by the
manufacturer’s rated load capacity.
– Example: scaffold size is 7’ x 5’ = 35sq. ft.
– 35 x 25 psf (light-duty) = 875 pounds
Persons are estimated at 250 pounds by
industry standard. Three workers, plus
another 125 pounds will be allowed on this
scaffold.
 Types of Scaffoldings
A- Frame Scaffolding
• The primary steel
scaffolding system.
• It is primarily for
rectangular jobs.
• It is relatively simple
and fast to erect,
provided the surface is
level, and the access is
not restricted.
Frame Scaffold
• OSHA refers to
frame scaffolds as
sectional steel
scaffold.
• There are two basic
parts to a frame
scaffolds – The frame
and the cross brace.
 Frame Selection
• Scaffold frames are available in two basic
configurations – the end frame and the
walk-through frame.
 Access Onto Scaffold
• OSHA requires that adequate means of
access is given to the scaffold platform.
• Stairways or demountable ladders.
• In addition Waco has a walk-through and an
end frame with built-in ladders.
 Scaffold Access

• No access by
crossbraces
• When using ladders,
bottom rung no more
than 24 inches high
• Can use some end
frames
• Can access from
another scaffold, Do not access
structure or hoist End Frame by crossbraces
 B- Tube and Clamp
• To accommodate jobs too
difficult for frame
scaffolding, because of
the obstruction, limited
access.
• Tube and clamp requires
much greater expertise to
erect.
• Oil Refineries
 C- Modular System Scaffolds
• The advantage that
modular systems have
over tube and clamp is
that they do not require
the high degree of
expertise .
• Once the base is set, the
erector does not have to
worry about the location
of connections
Cup-lock System Scaffold
 D- Rolling Scaffolds
• When height to
minimum base width
ratio of the scaffold
exceeds 4:1,
stabilizers are
required.
• Casters (brakes)
• Adjustable screws
with base plates.
 Mobile Scaffolds
1926.452(w)(2)

• Scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked

with positive wheel and/or wheel and swivel
locks to prevent movement of the scaffold
while the scaffold is used in a stationary
manner.
Do not use casters
with defective
braking devices.
E- Suspended Scaffolds ‫السقاالت المعلقة‬
PAINTER’S CRADLES
 Competent Persons

• All scaffolds must be

erected, moved,
dismantled or altered
only under the
supervision of a
competent person
 What is a “Competent Person”?

A competent person is able to:

• identify existing and

predictable hazards

• identify working conditions

that are unsanitary, hazardous
or dangerous and

• has authority to eliminate hazards

NOTE: This training does not make a person a “competent person” as

defined by the rule.
Proper Selection of Scaffold
 Step 1: Preparation
Consider the following:
What is the intended use?
• what work tasks are involved
• anticipated loads (materials & equipment)
• how many people will be on it
• unique building configurations
• obstructions, such as electrical or piping
 Step 1: Preparation
Consider the following:
What are the site conditions?
• debris to be cleared
• uneven grade/slopes to consider A scaffold leg
broke through
• foundation type this city
• soil conditions sidewalk...
• concrete foundation
• pavement/asphalt foundation
• weather conditions
 Step 1: Preparation
How high will the scaffold be?
• will scaffold need to be secured or designed
by a qualified person
What work will be performed on it?
• welding or heat-producing tasks
• how many people will be on the scaffold
Will pedestrians be affected?
• building accesses must be maintained
• overhead protection may be required
 Step 2: Proper Erection
Erect, alter, move, and dismantle under the
supervision of a competent person!
Build to OSHA standards.
Use the appropriate fall protection system
for the situation. Scaffolding
should always be
built as complete
as possible -
“missing parts” is
no excuse!
 Step 3: Safe Use
Maximum Capacity Fall Protection
Inspection Falling Object
Electrical clearances Protection
Snow, ice, mud
Storms, high winds
Debris
Working level height
 General Requirements
• Scaffolds and their components shall be
capable of supporting without failure at least
four times the maximum intended load.
• Nails or bolts used in the construction of
scaffolds shall be of adequate size and in
sufficient numbers at each connection to
develop the designed strength of the
scaffolds. Nails shall not be subjected to a
straight pull and shall be driven full length.
• All planking or platforms shall be
overlapped (minimum 12 inches) or secured
from movement.
 Continued
• An access ladder or equivalent safe access
shall be provided.
• Scaffold planks shall extend over their end
supports not less than 6 inches nor more
than 18 inches.
• Employees shall not work on scaffolds
during storms or high winds.
• Tools, materials, and debris shall not be
allowed to accumulate in quantities to cause
hazard.
 Working Conditions
1926.451(f)(13)
• Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate
on platforms.
– scrap material
– mortar
– demolition materials
 General Requirements
• Wire or fiber rope used for scaffold suspension
shall be capable of supporting at least six times
the intended load.
• OSHA has determined a 10 - foot fall protection
for scaffolding.
• Scaffolds cannot be erected, used, closer than 10
feet (3.1m) near energized power lines. (from
300 v to 50 kv).
• OSHA requires that scaffolding must always be
secure when height of the scaffold exceeds four
(4) times the minimum base width.
 Power line clearance

Insulated lines All other power lines

50 – 299 volts = 3 feet 50 – 50k Volts = 10 feet
Over 50k Volts, add .4” per KV

Examples of scaffolds too close to power lines

 Foundations/Sills
• Base plates must be
placed under the legs.
• Use mudsill continuous
under both legs of the
scaffold. The sill
extends at least 9 inches
past the center line of
the leg and be of 2inch
x 10 inches lumber.
Foundation Sills
 Mud Sill Size
Most scaffolds 4 levels 2” x 10” pad,
or less in height 12” - 18” long
Larger scaffolds on 2” x 10” pad,
Type A Soil 18” long
Larger scaffolds on 18” square pads
Type B Soil
Larger scaffolds on 36” square pads
Type C Soil
Scaffold Foundations

• Scaffolds must have

base plates, even
when setting on a
concrete floor.
• Also, the lack of a
base plate could
damage the scaffold
leg.
 Scaffold Support Examples

Base plate

Mud sills

Good support Inadequate support –

in danger of collapse?
 Scaffold Foundations
• Scaffold legs must be
set on base plates and
adequate mudsills.
• There is no base
plate and the scrap
plywood is not
adequate.
• The scaffold frame
could penetrate the
plywood.
 Never on Masonry!
• Scaffolds should
never be set on
bricks, masonry
blocks, etc.
• These are not
structural elements
and could crush
under the scaffold
load.
 Screw Jacks
• Screw jacks are used to
level the scaffold.
• Maximum extension is
18” in height.
Some screw adjusting “nut”
jacks will have
a built in stop “screw”
so that the 18”
cannot be base plate
exceeded.
When a scaffold is being erected on uneven grade, adjusting screws
should be used in all legs.
 Bracing
• 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.
• Bracing at right angles to the building is achieved
by the ties to the building and the inherent
rigidity of the frame.
• Special care should be taken with tube and
coupler or systems scaffolds which need
transverse bracing as well as ties.
All vertical members must be connected
horizontally at regular intervals by horizontal
bracing, cross bracing, or other methods
Bracing
• Bracing restricts the
amount of side
movement.
• The normal interval
is every lock spacing
with frame
scaffolds, and every
6.5 feet for tube and
coupler or system
scaffold
Question 5s. How many un-braced panels would you allow between the
longitudinally braced panels of an un-sheeted modular scaffold?

Bay 1 Bay 2 Bay 3

 Ties
• It is essential that every scaffold be
adequately tied to the building structure
throughout its entire length and height. If
not, collapse of the scaffold will occur.
• The bottom tie must be placed no higher
than four (4) times the minimum base width
and every 26 feet vertically thereafter.
• Horizontal ties will be at intervals not to
exceed 30 feet.
• At least 50% of ties should be positive.
 Securing
1926.451(c)(ii)
• If the base width is wider than 3’,
the first tie will be a vertical
distance of 4 times that (from the
ground), and every 26’ thereafter.
• Example:
• base width = 5’
• first vertical tie will be (5’ x 4)
20’ from the ground
 Securing
1926.451(c)(ii)
• Guys, ties, and braces shall be installed at
each end of the scaffold and at horizontal
intervals not to exceed 30’.
For example, on
this scaffolding
which extends the
length of the
hotel, horizontal x x
braces will be x x x
installed at the red 30’ 30’
<30’ <30’
marks.
Types of Ties ‫أنواع الربط‬
Through Ties (+ ve) •
Reveal Ties (- ve) •
Box Ties (+ ve) •
Anchor Bolt (+ ve) •
 Through Ties (+ve type)
A tube is taken through any convenient opening, such
as a window, and coupled to a vertical or horizontal
tubes
 B- Reveal Ties (Not Positive)
A tube is wedged into an opening in the wall by
means of reveal pin. A second tube is then fixed
between this tube and the scaffold to form the tie.
 C- Box Ties (Positive Ties)
If there are columns close to the scaffold. Tie
tubes run both sides of the column, with cross
tubes tied back and front to both tie tubes.
D- Anchor Bolt (Positive Type)
• They leave a hole
behind which has to
be repaired.
• A pull out force of at
least 800 lbs, 1200
lbs, and 1600 lbs is
necessary for light,
medium, and heavy
duty scaffolds
respectively.
Planking
• Wood scaffold planks
should be nominal
2inches x 10 inches.
• Planking should extend
a minimum of 6 inches
over the center of each
support (unless cleated
to prevent the plank
from sliding) and a
maximum of 12 inches
 Platforms

• Scaffold grade or equivalent

– 1,500 lb-f/in2 (stress grade) construction lumber
– Manufactured planks used according to
manufacturer’s recommendations
 Planks
• Wood scaffold planks should be nominal 2 inches x 10
inches. (actual 1.5” x 9¼”)
• Planks should bear the stamp of a grading agency
approved by the American Lumber Standards
Committee)
• The maximum span for wood planks should not exceed 8
feet. (platform shall not deflect more than 1/60 of the
span when loaded.
• Span of 8 feet for 25 pounds per square foot
• Span of 6 feet rated for 50 pounds per square foot
maximum.
• Gaps between adjacent planks or toe boards should not
exceed one (1) inch. (minimum width 18 inches)
 Table 1 Access and Working scaffolds of tube and
Duty Use of
couplers
Distributed Maximum Commonly Max. bay
platform load on number of used widths length m
platforms platforms using 225 mm
KN/m2 boards

Inspection and Inspection, 0.75 1 working 3 boards 2.7

very light duty painting, platform
cleaning,

Light duty Plastering, 1.50 2 working 4 boards 2.4

painting, platforms
cleaning

General General 2.00 2 working 5 boards or 4 2.1

purpose building work, platforms + 1 boards + 1
window fixing at very light inside
duty
Heavy duty Blockwork, 2.5 2 working 5 boards 2
brickwork, platforms+ 1 at
heavy cladding very light duty

Masonry or Masonry 3.00 1 working 6 to 8 1.8

special duty work, platform boards
concrete
 Maximum
Nominal
span
Maximum
of scaffold
Minimum
boards
Maximum
thickness of span between overhang overhang
boards transoms

Mm M Mm Mm
38 1.5 50 150
50 2.6 50 200
63 3.25 50 250
‫يجب تغطية المنصة بالكامل‬
 Platforms/Decking
1926.451(b)

1. cracks in boards
2. excessive gaps between boards
3. not scaffold grade planks
 Platforms/Decking
1926.451(b)(4)
• Each end of the platform, unless cleated or
restrained by hooks or equivalent means,
shall extend over the centerline of its support
at least 6”.
 Platforms/Decking
1926.451(b)(7)

• Where platforms
overlap to create a
long platform, the
overlap shall occur
only over supports,
and shall not be less
than 12” unless nailed
together.
 Scaffold Platform Construction
• No large gaps in front
edge of platforms
• Each abutted end of
plank must rest on a
separate support surface
• Overlap platforms at
least 12 inches over
supports, unless
restrained to prevent Planks not properly
movement overlapped
 Platform Ends

Each end of a
platform, unless
cleated or otherwise
restrained by hooks,
must extend over its
support by at least 6
inches

No Cleats
Each scaffold walkway shall be at
least 18 inches (45 cm) wide.
 Planks
• Always plank out the full width of the
scaffold. (the minimum plank width is 18
inches)
• Checking of Scaffold Boards (A board should
not be used if:
1. Either end is split sufficient to cause a
weakness.
2. It is damaged by fracture or saw cut, is
splintered, has been nailed, or concrete or
plaster is sticking to it.
Planks
3- It has had oil,
corrosive liquid or
acid split on it.
4- It has any part
painted (which may
cover up a weakness)
5- It is excessively
warped, or if any
part is decayed.
 Platforms/Decking
1926.451(b)(3)

• (b)(3) platform shall not

be more than 14” from
the face of the work
unless fall protection is
provided.
 Capacity

• 4 times the intended load + scaffold weight

• Planks must not deflect more than 1/60 of span when

loaded

10’ total plank length

6” overlap 6” overlap

Downward deflection must be no more than 1.8”

 Maximum Capacity
1926.451(f)(16)

• Platforms shall not deflect more than

1/60 of the span when loaded.
• Example: span = 10’ ( or 120” )
• 120”/60 = 2” maximum deflection (or bowing
of the board under the weight)
 Loads
• OSHA requires that a scaffold be designed
with a 4:1 safety factor.
• Light duty: 25 pounds per square foot
• Medium duty: 50 pounds per square foot
• Heavy Duty: 75 pounds per square foot.
• Material loads should be evenly distributed
on platform and not concentrated in one
small area.
Fall Protection
 Using Scaffolds

• Don’t work on snow or ice

covered platforms or during
storms or high winds
• Use tag lines on swinging
loads
• Protect suspension ropes
from heat & acid

A covered scaffold has special

wind load considerations
Scaffold Inspection
 Inspection
1926.451(f)(3)
• The Scaffold Competent Person
must inspect the scaffold:
– before each shift
– after an occurrence which could
affect the scaffold’s integrity
• Check for visual defects, such as:
– bent or damaged components
– missing guardrails or crossbracing
– foundation remains solid and firm
– proper access
 Scaffold Inspection
Competent person
inspects scaffolds for
visible defects before
each shift and after any
alterations

Defective parts must be

immediately repaired
Deformed bearer
 Material Inspection

 Prior to erection of any scaffold all

materials must be inspected by Scaffold
Supervisor and any damaged or dented
or corroded or weak or broken materials
shall be taken out of service.
 Plumb, Level, and Square
1926.451(c)(3)
• Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts,
frames, and uprights shall be plumb
(perfectly vertical) and braced to prevent
swaying and displacement.
Crossbracing is
required on both
front and back
of each scaffold
frame.
crossbracing
 Plumb, Level, and Square
1926.451(c)(3)

• Use a tape measure to check for “square”

by measuring the distance between
opposite corners. The measurements
should be equal.
A D

C B
..\..\Safety Training Films\Safety
Training Films2\scafftag_whole.avi
Scaffold Labeling
 Independent Guard Rail (Approx 1.0 m high)
Brick Guard
Tied
Intermediate guard rail (Max gap of 470 mm)
Scaffold END OF
Toe Board (Min 150 mm high)
SCAFFOLD

Scaffolding Planks
(Deck area min of 600 mm wide)

Transom

Facade Brace
Large
Through Tie Ledger Brace Eye Bolt

Reveal Tie

Couplers at joints

Ledger

Standard

Eye Bolt
and Strap
Base Plates
Sole Plates
 Putlog Brick Guard Guard Rail (Approx 1.0 m high)
Scaffold
Intermediate guard rail (Max gap of 470 mm)
Toe Board (Min 150 mm high)
Scaffolding Planks
(Deck area min of 600 mm wide)

Putlog

Through Tie

Facade Brace

Couplers at joints

Ledger

End Brace

Standard
Putlog
Base Plate
Sole Plate