Skip to content
All safety questions
Asked by a personGeneral — US and Canadaen-US

scaffold safety

A person submitted this question to Rosie's free generator. The asker's identity is neither imported nor published.

Rosie's answer

Published by SALUS

When working with scaffolds, several safety measures should be followed to ensure worker safety. Here's a summary of key points:

  • Competent Supervision: Erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration of scaffolds must be supervised by a competent person qualified in these activities [1].
  • Trained Personnel: These activities should only be performed by experienced and trained employees selected by the competent person [1].
  • Weather Conditions: Work on scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person determines it's safe and employees are protected by personal fall arrest systems or wind screens 1, 2. Wind screens should only be used if the scaffold is secured against anticipated wind forces 1, 2.
  • Surface Conditions: Employees should not work on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery materials, except when removing such materials 1, 2. If there is snow or ice, it must be removed and the planking sanded to prevent slipping [2].
  • Load Control: When hoisting loads onto or near scaffolds, use tag lines or equivalent measures to control the loads 1, 2, 4.
  • Platform Maintenance: Debris should not be allowed to accumulate on platforms 1, 2, 4.
  • Proper Equipment: Makeshift devices like boxes and barrels shall not be used to increase the working level height 1, 2. Ladders should not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height, except in specific situations where the scaffold and ladder are properly secured 1, 2.
  • Platform Deflection: Platforms shall not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded 1, 2.
  • Welding Safety: When welding from suspended scaffolds, use an insulated thimble to attach each suspension wire rope to its hanging support, and cover the suspension wire rope with insulating material [3].
  • Regular Inspections: Frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment must be made by competent persons [4]. All parts and fasteners should be thoroughly inspected as often as possible for damage, corrosion, loose or missing parts, improper assembly, and wear [4].
  • Fall Protection: Always use fall-arrest equipment when using suspended scaffolds [5]. Each person on a suspended powered scaffold must be attached to a fall-arrest system at all times [6].
  • Load Limits: Do not overload scaffolds. The total combined weight of workers and materials shall not exceed the rated working load [4].
  • Power Line Safety: Maintain a safe clearance between scaffolds and power lines [7].
  • Falling Object Protection: Implement measures to protect workers below from falling tools, materials, or equipment [8].
  • Wire Rope Safety: Use only wire rope and attachments as specified by the hoisting machine manufacturer. Inspect wire rope during each ascent and descent [6].
  • Training: Users must be trained on how to safely operate equipment and handle emergency situations [5].
  • Scaffold design: Scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting without failure at least four times the maximum intended load [2].
  • Rolling Scaffold stability: The height of a rolling scaffold should not be more than 3 times the smallest dimension of the scaffold's base [9].

It is important to be aware of the hazardous working environment when using scaffold equipment and to be properly trained in its use and rigging [4].

9 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

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

Page 107

Open source document

Source excerpt

## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 ## Workers' responsibilities - 12-20 (1) Before starting to work on a suspended powered scaffold, a worker shall inspect the scaffold to ensure that: - (a) the thrustouts or parapet hooks are secured; and - (b) the suspension ropes and lifelines are free from abrasion or other damage. - (2) While working on a suspended powered scaffold, a worker shall: - (a) remain on the platform between the suspension ropes at all times; - (b) secure from fouling all ropes from the scaffold that extend to the ground or a landing; - (c) use a full-body harness, connecting linkage, personal fall arrest system and lifeline that meet the requirements of Part 7; and - (d) ensure that, when the scaffold is being moved up or down on a suspension rope, the scaffold is kept level. - (3) A worker shall not: - (a) bridge the distance between a suspended powered scaffold and any other scaffold with planks or by any other means; or - (b) use the lifeline or the suspension ropes as a means of access to or exit from the scaffold except in cases of emergency. - (4) A worker shall comply with the work practices and procedures developed pursuant to clause 12-19(1) (a). 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s12-20. ## Rolling scaffolds - 12-21 (1) An employer or contractor shall ensure that the height of a rolling scaffold is not more than 3 times: - (a) the smallest dimension of the scaffold's base; or - (b) if outriggers are provided, the smallest dimension of the scaffold's base, including the extended outriggers. - (2) If outriggers are provided on a rolling scaffold, an employer or contractor shall ensure that the outriggers are firmly attached to the scaffold uprights to ensure the stability of the scaffold. - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that: - (a) each wheel on a rolling scaffold is equipped with a device to securely attach the wheel to the scaffold; - (b) if vertical adjusting devices are required, they are securely attached to th…

[2] Spider by Brand Safway: Swing Stage Operator’s Manual

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

## CAUTION Hazardous Working Environment This equipment is used off the ground in high or dangerous places. Anyone using this equipment is exposed to a hazardous working environment. Users must be properly trained in the use and rigging of this equipment and be familiar with all applicable local, state, and federal codes; safety rules and regulations pertaining to single and two-point suspension scaffolding; general safety and health provisions; and personal protective and lifesaving equipment. The Scaffolding shall be properly assembled according to instructions available from your Spider representative. Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards shall be used as required by local, state, and federal regulations. Their use is recommended in all cases. The working surface shall be level at all times. This equipment should not be used by persons affected by (but not limited to) the following: ill health, not of sound mind or body, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, acrophobia, arachnophobia, epilepsy, fainting spells, suicidal tendency, despondency, or prone to accidents. Safety lines and harnesses shall be used in accordance with federal and state law. Neither the manufacturer nor its distributors can know of, anticipate, or warn against all dangers that exist or can ever arise. Be alert to recognize all dangers, known and unknown. Oil, grease, slippery material, or unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks, tools, or debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on work surfaces. Do not use the product if the decking surface is damaged or has deteriorated. Coat wood decking periodically with a wood preservative. Do not paint. Do not place ladders or other devices on the scaffold to gain greater height. Never climb on to stages from a ladder, unless both the stage and the ladder are secured from moving in all directions. Do not use platform to transfer workers. Do not store tools, materials, or equipment on planks or platforms that are being moved. The…

[3] Spider by Brand Safway: Swing Stage Operator’s Manual

Page 6

Open source document

Source excerpt

## III. Wire rope and hardware guidelines - 1. Use only wire rope and attachments as specified by the hoisting machine manufacturer. Do not use wire rope that is kinked, birdcaged, corroded, undersized, or damaged in any way. - 2. Be sure that wire rope is long enough to reach the lowest possible landing. - 3. Clean, lubricate & handle wire rope in accordance with wire rope or hoist manufacturer's instructions. - 4. Coil and uncoil wire rope in accordance with the wire rope or hoist manufacturer's instruction in order to avoid kinks or damage. - 5. Use thimbles at all wire rope suspension terminations. - 6. Use J-type clamps or swaged fittings to fasten wire rope. DO NOT USE U-CLAMPS. - 7. Tighten wire rope clamps in accordance with the clamp manufacturer's instructions. - 8. Wire ropes used in traction hoists must have prepared ends in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. - 9. INSPECT WIRE ROPE DURING EACH ASCENT AND DESCENT. Do not expose wire rope to fire, undue heat, corrosive atmosphere, chemicals, to passage of electrical currents, or to damage by tools or handling. ## IV. Power supply guidelines - 1. BE SURE YOUR POWER SUPPLY CONFORMS TO HOIST MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS. - 2. GROUND ALL ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCES and POWER CORD CONNECTIONS. Protect with circuit breakers. - 4. Power cord or air hose connections must be restrained to prevent their separation. - 3. Use power cords or air hoses of proper size that are long enough for the job. - 5. Tie off power cords or air hoses at the suspended scaffold to prevent them from falling. - 6. Protect power cords or air hoses at sharp edges. - 7. Remember, air hoist require clean, lubricated air. ## V. Fall-arrest equipment guidelines - 1. Each person on a suspended powered scaffold must be attached to a fall-arrest system at all times. - 2. Each lifeline must be fastened to a separate anchorage. - 3. When wrapping lifelines around structural members, the lines must be protected and a sui…

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

Page 538

Open source document

Source excerpt

## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - NOTE: This paragraph does not require all employees on scaffolding to wear hardhats. It simply details additional responsibilities when hardhats are required. Requirements for hardhats are found in OAR [redacted phone].100. - (2) Where there is a danger of tools, materials, or equipment falling from a scaffold and striking employees below, the following provisions apply: - (i) The area below the scaffold to which objects can fall shall be barricaded, and employees shall not be permitted to enter the hazard area; or - (ii) A toeboard shall be erected along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower levels for a distance sufficient to protect employees below, except on float (ship) scaffolds where an edging of 3/4 X 1 1/2 inch (2 X 4 cm) wood or equivalent may be used in lieu of toeboards; - (iii) Where tools, materials, or equipment are piled to a height higher than the top edge of the toeboard, paneling or screening extending from the toeboard or platform to the top of the guardrail shall be erected for a distance sufficient to protect employees below; or - (iv) A guardrail system shall be installed with openings small enough to prevent passage of potential falling objects; or - (v) A canopy structure, debris net, or catch platform strong enough to withstand the impact forces of the potential falling objects shall be erected over the employees below. - (3) Canopies, when used for falling object protection, shall comply with the following criteria: - (i) Canopies shall be installed between the falling object hazard and the employees. - (ii) When canopies are used on suspension scaffolds for falling object protection, the scaffold shall be equipped with additional independent support lines equal in number to the number of points supported, and equivalent in strength to the strength of the suspension ropes. - (iii) Independent support lines and suspension ropes shall not be attached to the same points of anchorage. - (4) …

[5] Spider by Brand Safway: Swing Stage Operator’s Manual

Page 5

Open source document

Source excerpt

- protected by a safety lifebelt attached to a lifeline. The lifeline shall be securely attached to substantial members of the structure (not scaffold), or to securely rigged lines, which will safely suspend the worker in case of a fall. - 11. Two-point suspension scaffolds shall be securely lashed of the building or structure to prevent them from swaying. Window cleaners' anchors shall not be used for this purpose. - 10. Where acid solutions are used, fiber ropes are not permitted unless acid-proof. ## I. Single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. - 8. The hoisting machines, cables, and equipment shall be regularly serviced and inspected after each installation and every 30 days thereafter. - 9. The units may be combined to form a two-point suspension scaffold. Such scaffold shall comply with paragraph (g) of this section. - 10. The supporting cable shall be straight for it's entire length, and the operator shall not sway the basket and fix the cable to any intermediate points to change his original path of travel. - 11. Equipment shall be maintained and used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions, - 12. Suspension methods shall conform to applicable provisions of paragraph (g) and (h) of this section. ## Code of safe practices for suspended powered scaffolds It shall be the responsibility of all employers and users to read and comply with the following common-sense guidelines, which are designed to promote safety in the erection and use of suspended powered scaffolds. These guidelines are not allinclusive, nor do they supplant or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures to cover usual and unusual conditions. If these guidelines conflict in anyway with state, local, or federal statute or governmental regulation, said state statute or regulation shall supersede these guidelines, and it shall be the responsibility of each employer and user to comply therewith and also to be knowledgeable and understand all state, local or fed…

[6] 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…

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

Page 532

Open source document

Source excerpt

## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - (iii) When erecting or dismantling tubular welded frame scaffolds, (end) frames, with horizontal members that are parallel, level and are not more than 22 inches apart vertically may be used as climbing devices for access, provided they are erected in a manner that creates a usable ladder and provides good hand hold and foot space. - (iv) Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress. ## (f) Use. - (1) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities, whichever is less. - (2) The use of shore or lean-to scaffolds is prohibited. - (3) Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity. - (4) Any part of a scaffold damaged or weakened such that its strength is less than that required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet those provisions, or removed from service until repaired. - (5) Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally while employees are on them, unless they have been designed by a registered professional engineer specifically for such movement or, for mobile scaffolds, where the provisions of §1926.452(w) are followed. - (6) The clearance between scaffolds and power lines shall be as follows: Scaffolds shall not be erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such that they or any conductive material handled on them might come closer to exposed and energized power lines than as follows: ## Insulated Lines Exception to paragraph (f)(6): Scaffolds and materials may be closer to power lines than specified above where such clearance is necessary for performance of work, and only after the utility company, or electrical system operator, has been notified of the need to work closer and the utility company, or electrical syst…

[8] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA)

Page 75

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 29 CFR 1926 (OSHA) - (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 against a structure which is not a part of the scaffold, the scaffold shall be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by the ladder; - (ii) The platform units shall be secured to the scaffold to prevent their movement; - (iii) The ladder legs shall be on the same platform or other means shall be provided to stabilize the ladd…

[9] Spider by Brand Safway: Swing Stage Operator’s Manual

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

## 1926.21 Safety Training and Education - (a) General requirements. The Secretary shall, pursuant to Section 107(f) of the ACT, establish and supervise programs for the education and training of employers and employees in the recognition, avoidance and prevention of unsafe conditions in employments covered by the act. - (b) Employer Responsibility. - 1. The employer should avail himself of the safety and health and training programs the Secretary provides. - 2. The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. - 3. Employees required to handle or use poisons, caustics, and other harmful substances shall be instructed regarding the safe handling and use, and be made aware of the potential hazards, personal hygiene, and personal protective measures required. ## 1926.28 Personal protective equipment - (a) The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions or where this section indicates the need for using such equipment to reduce hazards to employees. - (b) Regulations governing the use, selection, and maintenance of personal protective and lifesaving equipment are described under Subpart E below. ## Subpart E ## Section 1926.104 Safety belts, lifelines, and lanyards - (a) Lifelines, safety belts, and lanyards shall be used only for employee safeguarding. Any lifeline, safety belt, or lanyard actually subjected to in-service loading, as distinguished from static load testing, shall be immediately removed from service and shall not be used again for employee safeguarding. - (b) Lifelines shall be secured above the point of operation to an anchorage or structural member supporting a minimum dead weight of 5,400 lbs. - (c) Lifelines used on rock-scaling operations, or in areas…

Related Q&A

Keep exploring.

Human questionUS

Write a toolbox talk on safety

A strong toolbox talk on workplace health and safety should focus on identifying hazards before work starts, assessing the level of risk, following site-specific safe work procedures, using the right PPE, reporting incidents and near misses promptly, knowing emergency actions, complying with OSHA requirements, and

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

elevated platform safe working procedure

Safe Work Procedure for Operating and Maintaining Elevated Work Platforms ========================================================================= Document Number: \[SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: \[DATE] Next Review Date: \[NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: \[DEPARTMENT NAME] 1\. Scope This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Installing MEP

Risk Assessment for Installing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) Potential Hazards Electrical Hazards: Risk of electric shock or arc flash from live electrical components. Mechanical Hazards: Injuries from moving parts of machinery or equipment. Plumbing Hazards: Exposure to high-pressure systems or leaks.

Read the thread
Human questionUS

Write a toolbox talk on Using hop ups and working at heights

Safe Use of Hop-Ups and Stepladders ==================================== *Date:** 2026-03-05 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To ensure workers understand the safe practices for using hop-ups and stepladders to prevent falls and comply with OSHA

Read the thread
Human questionUS

Write a risk assessment for Sprinkler installation

A suitable risk assessment and method statement for sprinkler installation work should be task-specific, based on a job hazard analysis, and follow the hierarchy of controls: eliminate hazards where possible, then use engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. The assessment should break the work into

Read the thread
Human questionGeneral

Aerial work

Aerial Work Platform Safety =========================== *Date:** 2025-12-12 *Duration:** \[DURATION] minutes *Presenter:** \[PRESENTER NAME] *Location:** \[LOCATION] Objective To ensure all personnel understand the safety regulations and guidelines for operating aerial work platforms (AWPs) and working at elevated

Read the thread
Discussion thread

Add your experience.

Community answers can add practical context. They are moderated, but they are not SALUS-reviewed safety guidance.

New contributions are temporarily closed while the moderation queue is configured.

Community answers(0)

No community answers have been approved yet.

Comments on Rosie's answer(0)

No comments have been approved yet.

Ready to put operational safety to work?

Join 400K users across 150K sites already on SALUS.

No commitment · 30-minute personalized walkthrough