What OSHA Regulations Cover The Use Of Scaffolding?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The standard requires employers to protect each employee on a

scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level

from falling to that lower level.

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How much of a scaffold platform that is being used work from has to be covered?

Per 1926.451(g)(1), OSHA has determined a fall protection threshold of

10 feet

for (also note American National Safety Institute A10. 8-2011). This threshold differs from Subpart M (fall protection), which requires the use of fall protection at six feet for most construction activities.

How close does a scaffold platform need to be to the face of the work?

Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(3)(i) and (ii) of this section, the front edge of all platforms shall not be

more than 14 inches (36 cm) from

the face of the work, unless guardrail systems are erected along the front edge and/or personal fall arrest systems are used in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section …

When working on scaffolding how far away should you be from energized power lines?

These proposed regulations require that the following minimum clearances be maintained between scaffolds and exposed, energized power lines:

2 feet for insulated power lines of less than 300 volts

.

10 feet for insulated power lines of 300 volts or

more and for all uninsulated power lines.

What is the minimum width of a scaffold platform?

The standards do specify a minimum platform width of not less than 20′′ for two-point suspension scaffolds in Parts 1910.28(g) and 1926.451(i). It is recommended that we promulgate a new standard in Parts 1910.28(a) and 1926.451(a) which will establish a minimum width of

18′′

for all scaffold platforms.

How much weight must a scaffold be capable of supporting?

Each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and

at least four times the maximum intended load applied or

transmitted to the scaffold.

Is scaffolding a legal requirement?

A. Scaffolds should be designed, erected, altered and dismantled only by competent people and the work should always be carried out under the direction of a competent supervisor. This is a requirement of the

Work at Height Regulations 2005

.

What is the maximum gap between scaffold and structure?

Originally Answered: What is the maximum gap between scaffold and structure? For normal maintenance work, it is

150 mm to 300mm

. If you are doing the major installation of adding structural members, in such case it is 150 mm to 600 mm to facilitate enabling tools to e operated or gap to inserts member etc.

Do scaffolders have to wear a harness?

Industry guidance requires scaffolders to wear and use a

fall arrest harness when more than 4m above ground without

a safe platform to stand on and edge protection in place.

What is maximum gap allowed between planks in a scaffold platform?

The standard requires that the space between the scaffold planks or between scaffold planks and uprights be

no more than one inch wide

unless the employer can demonstrate that a wider space is necessary. However, the platform must still be planked or decked as fully as possible.

What is the closest a scaffold can be erected to energized equipment?

It requires that a scaffold used in proximity to an insulated power line of less than 300 volts be no closer

than 3 feet

.

Where scaffold platforms are more than 24 inches above or below a point of access a means of access shall be provided?

In regards to the first part of your question, when a work platform is more than 24 inches below its point of access, you must provide a means of access to it such as

a portable ladder, hook on ladder, or attachable ladder

.

What is the minimum approach distance to power lines?

FPL Power Line Voltages OSHA Minimum Approach Distance* (OSHA 1926.1408 Table A)
Over 200kV to 350kV


20 feet

Over 350kV to 500kV


25 feet

How wide should a working platform be?

It is recommended that the width of a working platform shall be a

minimum of 600 millimetres wide

and a scaffold which is used for the deposit of materials shall be a minimum of 800 millimetres wide. A scaffold used for the support of a higher platform should be at least 1.05 metres wide.

What is the minimum required width of a working platform?

Platforms should be

at least 1000 mm wide

.

What is the minimum width of working platform?


Not be less than 100 mm, subject

to a minimum of 50 mm at the top. d is average of the diameters at the top and the bottom.

How much more weight than the workers tools and materials should a scaffold be able to hold?

Paragraph (a)(1) requires that each scaffold and scaffold component be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and

at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied

or transmitted to it….

What are 5 requirements for scaffolding?

  • Robb Tinney, Safety Advisor. Safety Management Group.
  • Start with training.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Consider the hazards.
  • Use a tagging system.
  • Inspect and re-inspect.
  • One more: respect their complexity.

What is a supported scaffold?

Supported scaffolds consist

of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support

. … Requirements specific to the other scaffold types are described only in their respective modules.

Does scaffolding need to be attached to the building?

In general,

most scaffolds need to be tied to an existing permanent structure

. There are exceptions where there is a necessity for a scaffold to be designed without any ties. … Most scaffolds, however, require some form of tying arrangement, whether that's a wall, a column or exposed steelwork.

Do scaffolds have to be tagged?


There are currently no specific requirements that warning tags must be placed on all scaffolds

while they are being erected. … GREEN Green “OK” tags should be hung on scaffolds that have been inspected and are safe to use. A green “OK” tag is to be attached to scaffold at each access point after the initial inspection.

How often does scaffolding need to be inspected?

A scaffold used for construction should be inspected

before it is used for the first time and then every 7 days

, until it is removed. It should also be inspected each time it is exposed to conditions likely to cause deterioration eg following adverse weather conditions or following substantial alteration.

What is the maximum permitted gap between the guard rails on a working platform?

guardrails fitted all the way around every platform at a minimum height of 950mm and with a maximum

470mm

vertical gap between the guardrails and the platform.

Are the work platform that enable worker to work on higher elevation?

Mobile Elevated Working Platforms (

MEWPs

)

Boom MEWPs – also known as cherry pickers. These have extendable booms which can extend out to access difficult areas, where a vertical machine would not be suitable. Workers work in the basket of the machine and are elevated or lowered to/from the work area.

What must be taken into account before working platforms and access equipment are used?

Before working platforms are used they

must be inspected carefully to ensure they are fit for purpose

and have been properly assembled or installed. If a platform is exposed to conditions that are liable to result in danger or damage, then it must continue to be inspected at regular intervals.

What does a yellow tag on a scaffold mean?

Yellow – “

CAUTION

” tag(s), will replace all green “Safe Scaffold” tag(s) whenever the scaffold has been modified to meet work requirements, and as a result could present a hazard to the user. This tag indicates special requirements for safe use.

How far above the working platform must a toe board extend?

A toe board shall be not less than 225mm high and extend to a height equal to or greater than the height of the tools or materials being stored. NOTE: The National Standard states the minimum height is

150mm

.

How much weight can an OSHA plank hold?

Rated load capacity Intended load Heavy-duty

75 pounds per square foot

applied uniformly over the entire span area.
One-person 250 pounds placed at the center of the span (total 250 pounds). Two-person 250 pounds placed 18 inches to the left and right of the center of the span (total 500 pounds).

Can you erect your own scaffolding?

Because working at heights poses significant risks, both to those working on the scaffold and those below, we do not recommend that you attempt to erect a scaffold on your own,

unless you are trained and competent in scaffold erection

. … The safety of lives is too important to make scaffolding a DIY project.

Should Scaffolders work in the rain?

It is also

not a good idea to use the scaffold in bad weather

such as when it is raining, snowing or in strong winds. These weather conditions make the scaffold potentially dangerous for all who will work on it and can lead to accidents that could be avoided.

Can scaffold be used as an anchor point?


A scaffold should never be used as

an anchorage point for a fall arrest system unless it has been properly evaluated by a competent person.

How close is too close to power lines?

The recommended distance from high voltage lines is 200 meters. Houses that are 200 meters or more from a high voltage power line usually have typical radiation levels that have insignificant effects on human beings. You can live within the

50 meters limit

for low voltage lines and still be safe from harmful radiation.

When working from a scaffold workers should you keep a minimum distance of away from uninsulated power lines less than 50 kV?

Voltage – minimum distance for uninsulated lines:

Less than 50 kV:

10 feet

.

How close can I work to overhead power lines?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that equipment be kept

at least 10 feet away from power lines

with voltages up to 50kV. For lines with voltages higher than 50kV, the required distance is even greater (see below).

How far should scaffolds be from power lines?

These proposed regulations require that the following minimum clearances be maintained between scaffolds and exposed, energized power lines:

2 feet for insulated power lines of less than 300 volts

.

10 feet for insulated power lines of 300 volts

or more and for all uninsulated power lines.

What scaffolds consist of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams?


Supported scaffolds

are comprised of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid supports. Suspension scaffolds are comprised of one or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure.

How far should a ladder be from power lines?

Keep yourself and ladders far away—

at least 10 feet in all directions

, at all times—from power lines, including service lines.

What is the maximum gap between scaffold and structure?

Originally Answered: What is the maximum gap between scaffold and structure? For normal maintenance work, it is

150 mm to 300mm

. If you are doing the major installation of adding structural members, in such case it is 150 mm to 600 mm to facilitate enabling tools to e operated or gap to inserts member etc.

Can you use a ladder on top of a scaffold?


Do not use ladders or makeshift devices on top

of scaffolds to increase height. Do not overload scaffold frames or platforms. Do not load in a way that affects its stability. Do not rest materials or equipment on guardrails.

Do scaffold erectors need fall protection?


Employers are required to provide fall protection

for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. In this scenario fall protection is already being used.

What is the minimum width of a scaffold platform?

The standards do specify a minimum platform width of not less than 20′′ for two-point suspension scaffolds in Parts 1910.28(g) and 1926.451(i). It is recommended that we promulgate a new standard in Parts 1910.28(a) and 1926.451(a) which will establish a minimum width of

18′′

for all scaffold platforms.

How wide is scaffolding platform?

Scaffold platforms which are required for access by personnel and not required to store materials require a minimum clear width of 500mm, this is can be achieved by providing a scaffold platform that is a least 3

boards wide (625mm)

. The width of such a platform may also be used for the passage of materials.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.