804 Safe Scaffold Erection and Inspection

Inspecting Other Supported Scaffolds

Tube and Coupler Scaffolds

Tube and coupler scaffolds more than 125 feet high must be designed by a registered professional engineer and constructed and loaded consistent with the design.

Bracing

• Check that transverse bracing forming an "X" across the width of the scaffold is installed at the scaffold ends and at least at every third set of posts horizontally (measured from only one end) and every fourth runner vertically.
• Ensure bracing extends diagonally from the inner or outer posts or runners upward to the next outer or inner posts or runners.
• Check that building ties are installed at the bearer levels between the transverse bracing and conform to the requirements of 1926.451(c)(1).
• Make sure bracing is placed for each section of six levels between the fourth and sixth levels.
• Ensure bracing extends diagonally from the inner or outer posts or runners at the bottom of the fourth level, upward to the inner or outer posts or runners at the bottom of the fifth level, and likewise to the sixth level.
• If this technique is used, check that the scaffold is tied at the "k" function level.
• Check that on straight run scaffolds, longitudinal/diagonal bracing across the inner and outer rows of posts is installed diagonally in both directions and extends from the base of the end posts upward to the top of the scaffold at approximately a 45-degree angle.
• When the length of the scaffold is greater than the height, bracing should be repeated starting at least with every fifth post.
• When the length is shorter than the height, bracing should be installed from the base of end posts upward to the opposite end posts and then in alternating directions until the top of the scaffold is reached.
• In situations where the attachment of bracing to posts is precluded, the bracing should be attached to the runners.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.