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Working in scaffolds

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Toolbox Talk: Working Safely on Scaffolds

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate participants on the safe use of scaffolds, including hazard identification, control measures, and emergency procedures. By the end of this session, participants should be able to identify common scaffold hazards and implement appropriate safety measures.

Introduction

Working on scaffolds is common in construction and maintenance activities, but it poses significant risks if not managed properly. Falls from scaffolds are a leading cause of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Ensuring scaffold safety is crucial to prevent accidents and protect workers.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to scaffold safety.

Key Points

  • Fall Protection: Employees on scaffolds more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falling. This includes using personal fall arrest systems and guardrail systems for certain types of scaffolds [1].
  • Inspection: Scaffolds must be inspected before use to ensure they are secure and meet safety standards [2].
  • Load Capacity: Scaffolds should not be overloaded. They must be designed to support at least four times the intended load [3].
  • Weather Conditions: Work on scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined it is safe [4].
  • Training: Only trained and experienced employees should erect, move, dismantle, or alter scaffolds under the supervision of a competent person [4].

Hazard Identification

  • Falls: The most common hazard, often due to lack of fall protection or improper use of safety equipment.
  • Structural Failure: Can occur if scaffolds are not properly constructed or overloaded.
  • Weather Conditions: High winds or storms can destabilize scaffolds, increasing the risk of falls.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

  • Fall Protection Systems: Use personal fall arrest systems and guardrails as required [1].
  • Regular Inspections: Conduct inspections before each use to ensure structural integrity and safety compliance [2].
  • Load Management: Adhere to load limits and ensure scaffolds are not overloaded [3].
  • Weather Monitoring: Avoid scaffold work during adverse weather conditions unless deemed safe by a competent person [4].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Inspect the scaffold before use.
  2. Ensure all safety equipment is in place and functional.
  3. Use personal fall arrest systems as required.
  4. Do not overload the scaffold.
  5. Monitor weather conditions and cease work if conditions become unsafe.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Harnesses: Use when working on scaffolds over 10 feet high.
  • Hard Hats: Protect against falling objects.
  • Non-Slip Footwear: Prevent slips and falls on scaffold platforms.

Real-World Example or Case Study

Discuss a recent incident where a worker fell from a scaffold due to lack of fall protection. Highlight the importance of using personal fall arrest systems and conducting regular inspections.

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common hazards you've encountered on scaffolds?
  2. How do you ensure your safety when working on a scaffold?
  3. What improvements can be made to current scaffold safety practices?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop work immediately if a hazard is identified.
  2. Evacuate the scaffold safely.
  3. Report the hazard to a supervisor.
  4. Follow emergency response protocols as trained.

Questions and Answers

Encourage participants to ask questions and provide answers to common questions related to scaffold safety.

  • Q: What should you do if you notice a defect in the scaffold?

A: Report it immediately and do not use the scaffold until it is repaired.

  • Q: Can you work on a scaffold during high winds?

A: No, unless a competent person has determined it is safe.

  • Q: How often should scaffolds be inspected?

A: Before each use and regularly during use.

Summary

  • Always use fall protection systems.
  • Inspect scaffolds before use.
  • Do not overload scaffolds.
  • Avoid working in adverse weather conditions.

Action Items

  1. Review scaffold safety procedures regularly.
  2. Ensure all safety equipment is available and functional.
  3. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of your coworkers.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 99

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (b) designed, constructed and erected to support or resist: - (i) in the case of a wooden scaffold, at least 4 times the load that may be imposed on the scaffold; - (ii) in the case of a metal scaffold, at least 2.2 times the load that may be imposed on the scaffold; - (iii) in the case of any components suspending any part of a scaffold supporting workers, at least 10 times the load that may be imposed on those components; and - (iv) 4 times the maximum load or force to which the scaffold is likely to be subjected without overturning; and - (c) erected, maintained and dismantled by a competent worker. - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a freestanding scaffold is restrained from overturning by guying or other suitable means. - (4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a scaffold that is built from the ground or other surface: - (a) is supported by a foundation that is of sufficient area, stability and strength to ensure the stability of the scaffold; - (b) is set level on a stable sill that is at least 38 x 240 millimetres and continuous under at least 2 consecutive supports; - (c) has a base plate installed in any upright that could penetrate the sill; - (d) is supported against lateral movement by adequate, secure bracing; - (e) is anchored: - (i) vertically at not less than 4-metre intervals and horizontally at not less than 6-metre intervals; - (ii) if designed by a professional engineer, at intervals recommended by a professional engineer; or - (iii) if commercially manufactured, at intervals recommended by the manufacturer; - (f) is provided with internal stairways or ladders if the scaffold is 9 metres or more in height; and - (g) is checked to ensure that the scaffold is plumb and level after each tier is added. - (5) If a scaffold is partially or fully enclosed, an employer or contractor shall ensure that all scaffold components and tie-ins are adequate to support the added load that may be placed on the scaffold as a …

[2] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 194

Open source document

Source excerpt

- 343 (7) An employer must ensure that power units on a swingstage scaffold are equipped with - (a) manually operated constant pressure controls, and - (b) positive drives for raising and lowering the scaffold. - 343 (8) An employer must ensure that a swingstage scaffold platform has an enclosure that - (a) is on the 3 sides of the platform that are not adjacent to the building, - (b) is made of wire mesh that complies with section 322 or another material that is at least as effective at containing materials or equipment, and - (c) extends not less than 1 metre above the platform. ## Safety on swingstage scaffolds - 344 (1) An employer must ensure that if workers are required to be on a swingstage scaffold, the hoisting equipment is equipped with automatically operating locking mechanisms so that the suspension ropes cannot slip or run free. - 344 (2) An employer must ensure that if workers are required to be on a manually operated swingstage scaffold, - (a) the hoisting mechanism is securely locked in a positive drive position, and - (b) the scaffold has a secondary anti-fall device that connects the scaffold to the suspension rope at a point above the hoisting mechanism. - 344 (3) An employer must ensure that a powered swingstage scaffold has a manually operated secondary mechanism or an escape device, other than the vertical lifeline used for fall protection, if workers cannot reach a safe exit when there is a mechanical failure or power failure. - 344 (4) An employer must ensure that a worker on the stage of a swingstage scaffold can use the manually operated secondary mechanism or escape device referred to in subsection (3) to move the scaffold to a point at which the worker can exit safely. - 344 (5) An employer must ensure that a suspension rope is long enough to reach the next working surface below the scaffold. - 344 (6) An employer must ensure that the end of a suspension rope is doubled back and held securely by a cable clamp so that the hoisting machin…

[3] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 533

Open source document

Source excerpt

L ## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - (7) Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person. - (8) Employees shall be prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials. - (9) Where swinging loads are being hoisted onto or near scaffolds such that the loads might contact the scaffold, tag lines or equivalent measures to control the loads shall be used. - (10) Suspension ropes supporting adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be of a diameter large enough to provide sufficient surface area for the functioning of brake and hoist mechanisms. - (11) Suspension ropes shall be shielded from heat-producing processes. When acids or other corrosive substances are used on a scaffold, the ropes shall be shielded, treated to protect against the corrosive substances, or shall be of a material that will not be damaged by the substance being used. - (12) Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed. - (13) Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms. - (14) Makeshift devices, such as but not limited to boxes and barrels, shall not be used on top of scaffold platforms to increase the working level height of employees. - (15) Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height of employees, except on large area scaffolds where employers have satisfied the following criteria: - (i) When the ladder is placed agai…

[4] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 534

Open source document

Source excerpt

## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS L - (17) To reduce the possibility of welding current arcing through the suspension wire rope when performing welding from suspended scaffolds, the following precautions shall be taken, as applicable: - (i) An insulated thimble shall be used to attach each suspension wire rope to its hanging support (such as cornice hook or outrigger). Excess suspension wire rope and any additional independent lines from grounding shall be insulated; - (ii) The suspension wire rope shall be covered with insulating material extending at least 4 feet (1.2 m) above the hoist. If there is a tail line below the hoist, it shall be insulated to prevent contact with the platform. The portion of the tail line that hangs free below the scaffold shall be guided or retained, or both, so that it does not become grounded; - (iii) Each hoist shall be covered with insulated protective covers; - (iv) In addition to a work lead attachment required by the welding process, a grounding conductor shall be connected from the scaffold to the structure. The size of this conductor shall be at least the size of the welding process work lead, and this conductor shall not be in series with the welding process or the work piece; - (v) If the scaffold grounding lead is disconnected at any time, the welding machine shall be shut off; and - (vi) An active welding rod or uninsulated welding lead shall not be allowed to contact the scaffold or its suspension system. ## (g) Fall protection. - (1) Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level. Paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vii) of this section establish the types of fall protection to be provided to the employees on each type of scaffold. Paragraph (g)(2) of this section addresses fall protection for scaffold erectors and dismantlers. Note to paragraph (g)(1): The fall protection requirements for employees installing suspension scaffold support systems on…

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