When must scaffold be inspected?

OSHA requires the general contractor in section 1926.451(f)(3) to have scaffolds and scaffold components inspected for visible defects by a competent person prior to each work shift and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's structural integrity.

How often should you get a scaffold inspection?

Scaffold inspections must be completed every 30 days for scaffolds with a fall risk of more than 4 metres. The designer or supplier of the scaffold should be consulted on the intervals for inspection when the scaffold is first installed.

What are the OSHA requirements for scaffolding?

All suspension scaffolds must be tied or otherwise secured to prevent them from swaying, as determined by a competent person. [29 CFR 1926.451(d)(18)] Guardrails, a personal fall-arrest system, or both must protect each employee more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level from falling.

How often do scaffolds and scaffold components have to be inspected for visual defects?

Inspections—Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect the structural integrity, a competent person must inspect the scaffold and scaffold components for visible defects.

Does OSHA require scaffold inspection tags?

Presently, there is no requirement that warning tags be placed on all scaffolds while they are being erected. Although there are instances where such tags are appropriate and a citation under 29 CFR 1926.200(h)(1) could be issued, there are also many instances where such would not be appropriate.

PMSE Part 14 - Conduct of Scaffold Inspection

How often should a scaffold be tagged?

Although tag systems are not a legal requirement, the law does require inspection of scaffolding from which a person might fall 2 metres or more and the issue of a report by a competent person, on completion and at least weekly thereafter. A risk assessment may find the need for more frequent inspection of scaffolding.

How long does a scaffold inspection certificate last?

Successful learners will be awarded an Essential Site Skills Scaffold Inspection certificate valid for 3 years.

What are 5 requirements for scaffolding?

How often must scaffolds and their supporting structures be inspected by a competent person?

At least once every 30 days, to ensure the continued safety and integrity of the scaffold.

What is the law on scaffolding?

Scaffolds must be designed, erected, altered and dismantled only by competent people and the work should be carried out under the direction of a competent supervisor. All scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered in a safe manner.

What is the 3 to 1 rule in scaffolding?

The 3 to 1 rule. The total working height of a freestanding scaffolding tower should be three (3) times the distance of the narrowest side of the base (if this is a measurement of outriggers, they must be set symmetrically about the tower).

What needs to be checked when working on a scaffold?

Ensure there are no bends, holes, cracks, rust, pits, welding splatter, broken or, and non-compatible parts in the metal components or scaffold. 6. Check for safe access. The crossbraces should not be used as ladder for access or exit.

How often should equipment be inspected?

where the safety of work equipment depends on the installation conditions, it should be inspected after installation and before first use, and after reassembly at any new site / location. at suitable intervals, where work equipment is exposed to conditions causing deterioration liable to result in dangerous situations.

How often must a competent person inspect?

OSHA Requires Trenches to be Inspected Daily by a Competent Person.

At what height does OSHA require fall protection for scaffolds?

For example, Subpart M (horizontal) tells us that, in construction, you must have fall protection beginning at 6 feet [29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1)]. However, subpart L (vertical) rejects this and instead says that when you're using scaffolding, it's 10 feet [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)].

What are the three 3 types of scaffolding?

From single to double, and steel to trestle, the construction of scaffolding is dependent on the project being undertaken. Yet, despite the many types of scaffolding, there are only three main categories: suspended, support, and aerial.

Who has the authority to inspect scaffolds?

The employer may assign the task of inspecting the scaffold to a "user-trained worker" as long as that worker qualifies as a competent person under §1926.450(b).

What is the maximum height to base ratio?

In general, the 1: 3 ratio is applied as a starting point for consideration. The minimum base size of the structure is measured and multiplied by three to obtain the safe maximum height of the structure.

What is the 4 to 1 rule for scaffolds?

A supported scaffolding height-to-base ratio of over 4:1 must be kept secure with guying, tying, bracing, etc. Scaffolds should be able to hold up to four times their maximum load. Inspections must be performed before each work shift. Employers must train all employees working at height on proper safety rules.

At what height do you need to tie off scaffolding?

These standards state that these guys, ties, and braces must be used when there is a 4:1 height ratio (beginning at 20 feet) for supported scaffolds.

Does OSHA inspect lumber for scaffolding?

OSHA does not inspect lumber; therefore, any scaffold planking stamped "OSHA Approved" is, at best, misleading, and should not be assumed to meet the standard on the basis of that stamp alone. An inspection agency can claim that its product meets OSHA requirements.

How long can scaffolding be left up?

As such, if you are working on a long-term project, we've good news: your scaffolding can stay up indefinitely if needed. As such, a single scaffolding system can stay up for weeks or months if needed. Some of the largest jobs may even have the scaffolding in place for years before the work is finished.

What are the do's and don'ts of scaffolding?

1) Do carry out a health and safety check before using a scaffold. 2) Do not use a scaffold without a scaffold tag in place. 3) Do not climb up or down the scaffold or enter the scaffold from an unapproved entry point. 4) Do use the ladders or stairs.

Can you move a scaffold with workers on it?

If a device were installed to permit the casters to be locked while on the scaffold, this requirement could be met without dismounting. Section 1926.452(w)(6) specifies the requirements for riding a scaffold. Where these conditions are met, the scaffold may be moved while employees are on it.