Erecting/ Dismantling Scaffolding

 

Erecting and dismantling scaffolding is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. There are two areas that OSHA is concerned about when employees are erecting and dismantling scaffolding: access to scaffolds and the use of fall protection.

Access to scaffolds during erection and dismantling

Your employer must provide a safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. A competent person from your company must determine whether it is feasible or would pose a greater hazard to provide (and have employees use) a safe means of access. This determination is based on:

• Site conditions; and
• The type of scaffold being erected or dismantled. (Remember, cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds can not be used as a means of access or egress.)

Fall protection on scaffolds during erection and dismantling

Your employer must have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. If the installation and use of such fall protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard, then your employer is required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds

What training do you need?

Before you do any work such as erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold you must be trained by a competent person. This is necessary so that you can recognize any hazards related to such work duties. The training must include the following topics, as applicable:

• The nature of scaffold hazards.
• The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of scaffold in question.
• The design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity, and intended use of the scaffold.
• Any other pertinent requirements of the scaffold rule.

If your employer has reason to believe that you or any other employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use, or dismantling of scaffolds, you or the other employee must be retrained so that the required proficiency is regained.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com

 

Fall Protection

 

Fall hazards account for a high percentage of the injuries and deaths for scaffold users. When you are on a scaffold platform more than 10 feet above a lower level you must be pro­tected from falling by some type of fall protection. The type of fall protection required depends on the type of scaffold you are using. The choices you may have on your construction site include:

·         Personal fall arrest system — boatswains’ chair, catenary scaffold, float scaffold, needle beam scaffold, or ladder jack scaffold.

·         Personal fall arrest and guardrail system — single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, and self-contained adjustable scaffold when the platform is supported by ropes.

·         Personal fall arrest, guardrail, or grabline — chicken ladder.

·         Guardrail system — Self-contained adjustable scaffold when the platform is supported by the frame, and walkways within scaffolds. ·         Personal fall arrest or guardrail system — overhand bricklaying from a supported scaf­fold, and all other scaffolds not specified above. Each personal fall arrest and guardrail system must meet certain requirements. You need to be familiar with and understand the requirements of each. Only then can you detect prob­lems in the equipment or system as they arise. Personal fall arrest systems

All personal fall arrest systems used on scaffolds must meet the requirements of Section 1926.502(d). This is the fall protection rule. Paragraph (d) specifies the requirements of the fall protection equipment such as connectors, dee-rings, snaphooks, and webbing and lan­yards. It also discusses horizontal and vertical lifelines.

Another important aspect is what happens to the equipment when it is used to arrest a fall. The maximum arresting force on an employee cannot be more than 900 pounds when used with a body belt, and 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness. These forces are impor­tant and are set to minimize the impact on a falling employee.

Guardrails

Guardrails have certain requirements. Only if those requirements are met can the system be considered safe. I’m sure all of us have been in positions where the guardrails looked less than safe and would not want to even accidently lean on them.

The requirements for guardrails are found in 1926.451(g)(4). Appendix A of the scaffold rule gives you direction in how to build guardrails including ideas for materials. For instance, Appen­dix A says toprails shall be equivalent in strength to 2 inch by 4 inch lumber; or 1 1/4 inch x 1/8 inch structural angle iron; or 1 inch x 0.70 inch wall steel tubing; or 1.990 inch wall aluminum tub­ing. If you are required to build, use and/or inspect guardrails, Appendix A can be a valuable resource.

This information is provided by Assurance Agency https:www.assuranceagency.com