Direct Connections
Direct connections and counterweights used to balance adjustable suspension scaffolds should resist at least four times the tipping force of the scaffold.
A competent person who directs the rigging of the scaffold should calculate the potential loads and confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed.
- Make sure direct connections to roofs and floors are capable of resisting whichever of the following is greater:
- at least 4 times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold when it is operating at the rated load of the hoist; or
- a minimum of 1½ times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold when it is operating at the stall load of the hoist.
Foreman Dies When Overloaded Scaffold Falls
Six other boilermakers had just left a suspension scaffold when it fell about 392 feet along with the foreman, who was killed. The superintendent had ordered the scaffold's main support be disassembled before the scaffold was lowered to ground level. Rigging, welding machines, materials and supplies, etc., were placed on the scaffold, and two 1-inch wire rope hoist lines were cut free. This put the load on a single 3/4-inch wire rope hoist line, which was overloaded by 255 percent, and on the diesel hoist located outside the chimney, which was overloaded by 167 percent. The superintendent was in a rush to get the system disassembled because a helicopter had been contracted to remove the structural members of the scaffold support system on Monday.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-5. Who should calculate the potential loads for suspension scaffolds?
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