812 OSHA Focus Four Hazards

Fall Hazards Protective Measures

Scaffold Safety

If you are doing work on scaffolds, know how to work on them safely - it could save your life!

Training: Each employee who performs work while on a scaffold must be trained by a competent person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable

• The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area;
• The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems being used;
• The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold;
• The maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffolds used; and
• Any other pertinent requirements of 1926.454, Training Requirements.

Supported Scaffolds: Every supported scaffold and its components must support, without failure, its weight and at least four times the intended load. The intended load is the sum of the weights of all personnel, tools and materials that will be placed on the scaffold. Don't load the scaffold with more weight than it can safely handle. The working platforms/decks must be planked close to the guardrails. Planks are to be overlapped on a support at least six inches, but not more than 12 inches. Inspections must include:

• Checking metal components for bends, cracks, holes, rust, welding splatter, pits, broken welds and non-compatible parts.
• Covering and securing floor openings and labeling floor opening covers.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.