Scaffolds Training Guide
(Taken from the "Tailgate Meetings that Work : A Guide
to Effective Construction Safety Training" series) |
|
Robin Baker, Robert
Downey, Mary Ruth Gross, Charles Reiter
Labor Occupational Health Program
(LOHP) School of Public Health,
University of California, Berkeley Ca.
The height specified here applies to California but does not meet the standard set by federal OSHA. |
These tailgate/toolbox
talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The
complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program
at UC Berkeley. For ordering information, visit the website (www.lohp.org)
The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
has adapted these talks to apply to federal OSHA regulations. To contact
ACGIH, visit its web site (www.acgih.org). |
Before you begin the meeting...
- Does this topic
relate to the work the crew is doing? If not, choose another topic.
- Did you read
this Training Guide and fill in the blanks where the
appears? (To find the information you need, look over the Safety Walkaround
Checklist for this topic.)
- Did you locate
a place to hold this meeting with a scaffold nearby?
Begin: Most scaffold
injuries happen because the scaffold itself is unsafe. Scaffolds are often
set up by another contractor, so we don't have as much control over them
as we would like. But no matter who sets up the scaffold, don't work on
it if you think there's a problem. Report it to a foreman or supervisor.
Scaffolds are strictly
regulated, and today we'll look at some of the rules for building a safe
scaffold and working on it safely. Keep in mind that you should never
use unstable objects like stilts, bricks, blocks, or loose tile as a substitute
for a scaffold. And some kinds of scaffolds are outlawed—like shore scaffolds,
lean-to scaffolds, and jack scaffolds. Don't take a chance on a scaffold
that won't do the job!
You or a crew member
may want to add a personal story about scaffolds.
Next, discuss with
the crew where scaffolds will be used at this particular job site:
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_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
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ASK
THE CREW THESE QUESTIONS:
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After each question,
give the crew time to suggest possible answers. Use the information following
each question to add points that no one mentions.
1. When and where
do you need to use a scaffold?
- When there is
no solid construction (at least 20 inches wide) to stand on, and
- When the work
can't be done safely while standing on a ladder.
2. When a scaffold
is built or dismantled, Cal/OSHA says that a qualified person must supervise.
What does that person do?
- Advises on safety
requirements.
- Inspects materials
and construction methods used.
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Name of
qualified person:_______________________________
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3. According to
Cal/OSHA, certain types of scaffolds must be designed by a registered
civil engineer. Do you know which types?
- Wooden pole scaffolds
(over 60 feet).
- Tube and coupler
scaffolds (over 125 feet).
- Tubular welded
scaffolds (over 125 feet).
4. Cal/OSHA
says that scaffolds must be built to meet certain standards. Do you know
any of the "specs" for scaffolds?
Using a nearby
scaffold, demonstrate the requirements below.
- A Cal/OSHA permit
is required to erect a scaffold more than 36 feet high (3 stories).
- If a scaffold
is 71/2 feet or higher, it must have standard guardrails
on its open sides and ends. (Guardrails are covered in more detail
in a separate Training Guide.)
- If people work
or pass below, the scaffold must have toeboards at least 4 inches high
to keep tools and debris from falling on them.
- The scaffold must
be tied off, using a double wrap of No. 12 wire. Begin tying off as
the scaffold is built. Improper tying off is one of the main reasons
for scaffold accidents.
5. Do you know
any of the requirements for platforms on a scaffold?
Using a nearby
scaffold, demonstrate the requirements below.
- They must be planked
solid, without openings or gaps. (Standard planking is 2"x10".)
- They must be able
to support the intended load.
- They must not
slope of be slippery
- If work is done
above the platform, the platform must be protected from falling objects.
6. Any special
rules for rolling scaffolds?
- Always lock or
block the wheels before anyone gets on.
- After you move
a rolling scaffold, adjust it to make sure it's still plump. Never extend
adjusting screws all the way.
- Always get off
before the scaffold is moved, even if only a few feet.
- Use horizontal
cross bracing to prevent skew.
7. Is it OK for
heavy and light trades to work from the same scaffold?
- Light trades may
work from heavy trade scaffolds.
- Heavy trades
may not work from light trade scaffolds.
Explain: Most
of the safety measures we've talked about are required by Cal/OSHA. We
have to take these precautions -- it's's the law. I have a Checklist of
the Cal/OSHA regulations on scaffolds. If you'd like to know more, see
me after the meeting.
(Only if applicable.)
Besides the Cal/OSHA regulations, we have some additional company
rules about scaffolds.
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Discuss
company rules:______________________________
_________________________________________________
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Ask:
Do you have any other concerns about scaffolds? Do you see any problems
on our job? (Let the steward answer first, if there is one.)
What about other
jobs you've worked on? Have you had any experience with scaffolds that
might help us work safer on this job?
Date Prepared:_________________________ |
By:____________________ |
Project
Name/No.______________________ |
Location:_______________ |
NAMES
OF THOSE WHO ATTENDED THIS SAFETY MEETING
|
Tailgate
Meetings That Work : Collection
Published in June, 1994 by: Labor Occupational Health Program, School
of Public Health, 2515 Channing Way, University of California, Berkeley,
CA 94720. Phone: (510) 642-5507.
Permission is granted to duplicate these materials for non-profit educational
purposes, provided that copies are not offered for sale.
This paper appears in the eLCOSH website with the permission of the author
and/or copyright holder and may not be reproduced without their consent.
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