Inspecting Catenary Scaffolds
A catenary scaffold is a suspension scaffold consisting of a platform fastened to two essentially horizontal and parallel ropes, which are secured to structural members. Horizontal ropes are usually supported by intermediate vertical pickup ropes to reduce sag and anchorage load.
- Make sure catenary scaffolds do not have:
- more than one platform between consecutive vertical pickups
- more than two platforms altogether
- Ensure platforms supported by wire rope have hook-shaped stops on each of the platforms to prevent them from slipping off the wire ropes. Make sure these hooks are positioned so they prevent the platform from falling if one of the horizontal wire ropes breaks.
- Look to determine if wire ropes are not over-tightened to the point that a scaffold load will overstress them.
- Make sure wire ropes are continuous without splices between anchors.
- Ensure each employee uses a personal fall-arrest system (PFAS). Note: The use of body belts is prohibited.
- Check to see if the scaffolds maximum intended load of 500 pounds is not exceeded.
- Make sure that no more than two employees at a time are permitted on the scaffold.
- Ensure the maximum capacity of each come-along is 2,000 pounds.
- Make sure vertical pickups are spaced no more than 50 feet apart.
- Make sure ropes are equivalent in strength to at least ½ inch-diameter improved plow steel wire rope.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-3. What must employees use as fall protection when working on catenary scaffolds?
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