Inspecting the Support
Adjustable suspension scaffolds are designed to be raised and lowered while occupied by workers and materials, and should be capable of bearing their load whether stationary or in motion. We will look at inspecting each of the following topics related to supports:
- capacity
- components
- outrigger beams
- suspension ropes
- hoists
Note: Except where indicated, these requirements also apply to multi-level, single-point adjustable, multi-point adjustable, interior hung, needle beam, catenary, and float (ship) scaffolds.
Inadequate Counterweights Cause Two Deaths
A 53-year-old painting foreman and a 28-year-old painter were killed when their scaffold collapsed. They were working on a 48-foot-high tank from a two-point suspension scaffold supported by two steel outriggers. The scaffold manufacturer specified 600 pounds of counterweight for this scaffold and load, but the painters had rigged the scaffold using only 200 pounds of counterweight (100 pounds per outrigger). The outriggers were not tied off or otherwise secured. No personal fall protection equipment was being used by either worker. While the two men were working on the scaffold, their weight caused the outriggers to slip, and the scaffold, rigging, and victims fell to the ground.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-6. Adjustable suspension scaffolds should be capable of bearing their load _____.
You forgot to answer the question!