Inspecting Capacity
- Ensure suspension scaffolds and scaffold components are capable of supporting, without failure, their own weight and at least 4 times their maximum intended load. The following requirements also apply:
No more than two workers can occupy the scaffold.
- No more than two employees can occupy suspension scaffolds designed for a working load of 500 pounds (non-mandatory);
- No more than three employees occupy suspension scaffolds designed for a working load of 750 pounds (non-mandatory); and
- Suspension scaffolds are altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person.
- Direct connections to roofs and floors, and counterweights used to balance adjustable suspension scaffolds, must be capable of resisting at least 4 times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the rated load of the hoist, or 1.5 (minimum) times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the stall load of the hoist, whichever is greater.
- Each suspension rope, including connecting hardware, used on non-adjustable suspension scaffolds must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 6 times the maximum intended load applied to that rope with the scaffold operating at either the rated load of the hoist, or 2 (minimum) times the stall load of the hoist, whichever is greater. The stall load of any scaffold hoist must not exceed 3 times its rated load.
- Inspect to ensure all suspension scaffold support devices, such as outrigger beams, cornice hooks, and parapet clamps rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least 4 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold operating at the greater of either rated load of the hoist or 1/2 times the stall capacity of the hoist
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5-7. How much weight should scaffolds and scaffold components be able to support?
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