A scaffold
course includes assembly, moving, dismantling scaffolds in addition to the
reason for having a scaffold in the first place: working on the elevated platform.
The list of other items that should be covered includes:
Fall Protection: If a scaffold is
assembled correctly and includes required barriers, a separate PFAS (Personal
Fall Arrest System) is not mandated. If a scaffold is too far from the structure
being worked on, a PFAS must be provided. A PFAS is always required for workers
on a suspended scaffold.
Working Surface/Housekeeping: The
working surface should be keep free of debris to prevent slips and trips. Spills
should be cleaned up and any accumulation of material should be minimized.
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
should be used at all times. Depending on the work being done, PPE may include
safety glasses, hard hats, gloves and hi-viz vests. Respirators, face masks and
hearing protection may be used.
Weather/Wind: Since a scaffold is an
elevated platform, workers can be exposed to the elements more than on the
ground. If lighting is heard, we recommend getting off of the scaffold until
the last thunder has passed by at least 15 minutes. Workers should get down
from a scaffold when winds exceed 25 miles per hour (about 40 KPH). In a
suspended scaffold, we use 20 MPH (32 KPH) at higher levels or where
dismounting time may be extended.
OSHA requires
that the installation of a supported or suspended scaffold be inspected daily
by a competent person to make sure all equipment is in order. Failure to
complete and note a daily inspection can result in dangerous conditions. If a
worker is hurt, fines can be higher from enhanced levels of severity.
Installation
foundations, rolling scaffolds and dozens of variables can complicate the design,
installation and use of a scaffold system. Have a well qualified person in
charge of the assembly and use of a supported or suspended scaffold.
See our Web
site: SafetyRich
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