Here’s a simple guide you can follow to control the hazards when working on a scaffold:
DO’s:
- Inspect the scaffold using a checklist or before the work shift and ensure it is safe and in proper working order.
- Provide proper training.
- Have a toolbox talk before beginning work.
- Wear appropriate PPE.
- Always check inspection tags.
- Know the weight capacity of the scaffold.
- Have a handhold above the scaffold platform.
- Level the scaffold after each move. Do not extend adjusting leg screws more than 12 inches.
- Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more above ground level. Attach the lanyard to a secure member of the scaffold.
- Safely use the ladder when climbing the cross braces for access to the scaffold.
- Keep both feet on the decking.
- Stay off scaffold during loading or unloading.
- Ensure planking is overlapping or secured from movement.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when erecting the scaffold, under the direct supervision of a competent person.
- Be mindful of coworkers working above and below you at all times, as well as others working on the scaffold.
- Use the debris chutes or lower things by hoist or by hand.
- Chock the wheels of the rolling scaffold, using the wheel blocks, and also lock the wheels by using your foot to depress the wheel-lock, before using the scaffold.
- Always use netting to catch anything that falls.
DON’Ts:
- Leave anything on the scaffold at the end of your shift.
- Overload the scaffold.
- Use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick or concrete blocks to support scaffolds, increase your work height or planks.
- Work on platforms or scaffolds unless they are fully planked.
- Use a scaffold unless guardrails and all flooring are in place.
- Stand on ties, guardrails, or extensions.
- Use the scaffold if it appears damaged in any way, has been tampered with, or if there are components missing such as planking, guardrails, toeboards, debris nets or protective canopies.
- Walk on scaffold planking covered in ice, snow or mud.
- Avoid using a scaffold during adverse weather such as heavy rain, sleet, ice snow or strong winds.
- Climb on any portion of the scaffold frame not intended for climbing.
- Never climb with any materials or tools in your hand, they should be hoisted up to the scaffold separately.
- Jump from, to, or between scaffolding.
- Lean out or overreach outside the guardrails.
- Rock the scaffold.
- Throw anything “overboard” unless a spotter is available.
- Move a mobile scaffold if anyone is on it.
- Scaffold tags are used to protect the lives of your workers. It identifies if a scaffold is safe or unsafe for use. Follow the guidelines below when tagging scaffolds.
- Inspection and tagging of the scaffold are to be performed by a competent person experienced in the erection of the scaffold.
- A unique scaffold identification tag number must be clearly identified on all tags for tracking purposes.
- All scaffolds shall be inspected after the erection per regulatory requirements.
- All scaffold identification tags will be of solid green, yellow, or red colour with black lettering.
- Front information displayed and completed for each tag.
- It is common practice to use the following colour schemes: Green, Yellow, Red
- Green– tags will be hung on scaffolds that have been inspected and are safe for use. A green “SAFE FOR USE” tag(s), and should be attached to the scaffold at each access point after the initial inspection is complete.