Scaffolding Safety

The following information is being provided to serve as a guideline for the use of job-made scaffolding. (This information is not intended to serve as a full description of related O.S.H.A. Standards.)

HEIGHTS:
1. All platforms over 10 feet must be railed with a standard guardrail system on all exposed sides.
2. Standard guardrail dimensions = 42" toprail, 22" midrail, vertical support each 8' horizontal. (Must be able to support 200lbs. of force in any direction.

SUPPORTS:
1. All supports must be fully self-supported or secured to the structure. (Lean-to or leaning types are not acceptable.)
2. Supports must be secured to the planks that they are supporting. Vertical sheer blocks should be installed under all supports for additional strength.
3. Only ladders designed for scaffolding support shall be used for this purpose ie: ladder jacks. (Stepladders are not suitable for this use.)
4. All supports require adequate vertical and horizontal bracing to prevent twisting or other failure.
5. Mud sills should be used under supports. (Recommended size = 2"x12"x12" )

PLANKING:
1. Wood planks must be 2x material minimum and supported each 8' horizontally minimum. Planks must be free of knots or splits.
2. All planking must be 12" minimum width. Use double wide planking when possible.
3. Ends of all planking must be secured to the supports or overlap 6-12".
4. All planking must be secured from movement in any direction.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency.
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