Work Site Safety - Scaffolds

SCAFFOLDS

Contents
1. Introduction
2. Problem areas
3. Selection
4. Basic types of scaffolds
5. Scaffold components
6. Erecting and dismantling scaffolds
7. Scaffold stability
8. Platforms
9. Proper use of scaffolds

1 INTRODUCTION

More than half of scaffold accidents in Ontario construction are falls. Several fatalities are also related to scaffolds each year. The number and severity of injuries involved make scaffold accidents one of the more serious safety problems in construction.

2 PROBLEM AREAS

The main problem areas are
• erecting and dismantling scaffolds
• climbing up and down scaffolds
• planks sliding off or breaking
• improper loading or overloading
• platforms not fully planked or “decked”
• platforms without guardrails
• failure to install all required components such as base plates, connections, and braces
• moving rolling scaffolds in the vicinity of overhead electrical wires
• moving rolling scaffolds with workers on the platform.

2.1 Erecting and Dismantling

From 15 to 20% of scaffold-related injuries involve erecting and dismantling. The most common problem is the failure to provide an adequate working platform for a worker to use when installing the next lift of scaffold. Working from one or two planks is not recommended.

The next important consideration involves components, such as tie-ins, which you should install as the assembly progresses. Failure to do so makes the scaffold less stable and, while it may not topple, it may sway or move enough to knock someone off the platform. This happens more often when platforms are only one or two planks wide and guardrails are missing, as is frequently the case during erection and dismantling.

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