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