CHAPTER 27 SCAFFOLD EQUIPMENT (SUPPORTED)

A. References:

1. SPPM S3.34 Elevated Work Safety

2. Scaffolds, Chapter WAC 269-874

B. Purpose and Scope:

This chapter establishes supported scaffolding erection and use requirements for Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA) employees referencing the WSU policy and State code/rule identified above. Suspended scaffolds are excluded from this chapter’s scope.

C. Responsibilities:

Supervisors are responsible for the following:

  • Designating a competent person;
  • Ensuring scaffolds are designed by a qualified person;
  • Ensuring the designated competent person and employees working on, erecting, dismantling and/or maintaining scaffolds receive training; and,
  • Disciplining employees not conforming to this chapter’s requirements.

The Competent Person is responsible for:

  • Ensuring scaffolds are erected and dismantled per the manufacturers or qualified person’s guidance;
  • Training employees using, erecting, dismantling and/or maintaining scaffolds;
  • Inspecting the scaffold at the beginning of each work shift;
  • Taking corrective action when unsafe conditions are identified; and,
  • Adhering to WAC 296-874 and SPPM S 3.34.

Note: No certification or degree is required to qualify as the scaffolding competent person. The designation is based upon knowledge and the authority to take prompt action to eliminate hazards

Employees are responsible for:

  • Erecting and dismantling scaffolds per the Competent Person’s instruction;
  • Attending scaffolding training; and,
  • Identifying scaffolding hazards to the Competent Person and/or Supervisor.

D. Training:

User/Erector

 The following training is required for scaffolding users/erectors/dismantlers:

  • Electrical hazards.
  • Fall hazards.
  • Falling object hazards.
  • How to erect, maintain, and disassemble the fall protection and falling object protection systems being used.
  • How to use the scaffold.
  • How to handle materials on the scaffold.
  • The load-carrying capacity and maximum intended load of the scaffold; and,
  • Any additional requirements that apply.

Retraining is required under the following conditions:

  • Based upon observation, employees lack the skill or understanding to safely erect, use, or dismantle a scaffold.
  • A change in the type of worksite, scaffolding, fall protection, falling object potential or other equipment used.

E. Assembly and Disassembly:

The scaffolding competent person must be on-site to supervise scaffolding assembly and dismantling. Scaffolds shall be assembled per manufacturers or qualified person’s guidelines and WAC 296-874.

F. Scaffold Inspections:

Inspections shall be performed by the Competent Person prior to assembly to inspect for missing or damaged parts, before each work shift and after any event affecting the scaffold’s integrity e.g. windstorm, struck by object etc.  A daily inspection log must be maintained by the competent person when work is performed.

     The following scaffolding components shall be inspected:

  1. Guardrails, toe boards, and planking are in place and secure;
    1. Locking pins are in place at each joint; and,
    1. All wheels on moveable scaffolds are locked.

G. General Requirements for Scaffolding:

  1. Scaffolds shall be assembled with the following:
    • All required bracing;
    • Standard guardrails and toe boards;
    • Full decking; and,
    • Safe access.

  1. Do not attempt to gain access to a scaffold by climbing on it (unless it is specifically designed for climbing – always use a ladder.
  2. Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting four times the maximum intended load.
  3. Any scaffold or scaffold accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, ladders, etc., damaged or weakened in any way, must be immediately repaired or replaced.
  4. Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 12 inches, unless otherwise specifically required.
  5. Scaffold platforms must be at least 18 inches wide unless otherwise specifically required or exempted.
  6. Where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold, scaffolds shall be provided with a screen between the toe board and guardrail, extending along the entire opening. The screen must be made of No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard wire, ½ inch mesh or equivalent protection.
  7. All scaffolds must be erected level and plumb, and on a solid footing.
  8. Do not change or remove scaffold members unless authorized.
  9. Do not allow workers to ride on a rolling scaffold when it is moved. Remove all materials and tools on deck before moving.
  10. Do not alter any scaffold member by welding, burning, and cutting, drilling, or bending.

Assistance

Contact the EHS OHS Assistant Director for assistance; telephone 335-5251.

The above are general requirements for erecting, dismantling and working from supported scaffolds. For all requirements of the type of scaffold to be used, refer to Scaffolds, Chapter 296-874 WAC.