Scaffold Safety

Overview

Scaffolds provide temporary access and working platforms but can create severe fall, collapse and falling-object hazards when incorrectly erected, modified or used. Scaffolds should be designed, erected, altered and dismantled by competent persons, inspected before use and maintained in a safe condition throughout the work.

Main Hazards

• • Falls from open sides, ends or incomplete platforms
• • Scaffold collapse caused by poor foundations, missing ties or overloading
• • Falling tools, materials or scaffold components
• • Unsafe or obstructed access
• • Missing guardrails, midrails or toe boards
• • Platform gaps, loose boards or insufficient decking
• • Contact with overhead electrical lines
• • Unauthorized alteration or removal of scaffold components
• • Adverse weather, high winds or slippery platforms

Essential Controls

1. 1Ensure the scaffold is designed, erected, altered and dismantled by trained and competent persons.
2. 2Provide stable foundations using suitable base plates, sole boards and level supporting surfaces.
3. 3Install all required ties, braces and stabilizers in accordance with the scaffold design.
4. 4Fully deck working platforms and control gaps between boards and structural members.
5. 5Provide complete top rails, midrails and toe boards on exposed sides and ends.
6. 6Provide safe access using secured ladders, stair towers or purpose-designed access systems.
7. 7Display a clear scaffold-status tag and prevent use when the scaffold is incomplete or unsafe.
8. 8Inspect the scaffold before first use, after alteration, after severe weather and at required intervals.
9. 9Keep platforms free from loose materials, waste, ice, oil and trip hazards.
10. 10Respect the scaffold load rating and distribute materials evenly.
11. 11Maintain safe clearance from overhead electrical lines.
12. 12Prevent unauthorized removal or movement of guardrails, boards, ties and other components.

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