Training and Retraining
OSHA has specific scaffold training requirements and guidelines in 29 CFR 1926.454 to ensure scaffold safety in the workplace.
Scaffolding Safety
The requirements for scaffold safety training include:
- Training and retraining: Employers must provide training to employees who perform work on scaffolds. This training should be provided before the employee starts working on the scaffold, and it should also be provided whenever there is a change in scaffold operations or equipment that could present a new hazard.
- Topics covered: The training program should specific for the type of scaffold being used and cover the nature of electrical hazards, fall hazards, falling object hazards, proper use of the scaffold, the correct procedures for handling materials on the scaffold, and the proper use of personal fall arrest systems and guardrail systems.
- Competent person: A competent person must supervise and conduct the training and ensure that employees understand the training. The competent person should have adequate knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and experience to identify hazards associated with scaffolds and the authority to take corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.
- Documentation: Employers are required to document that each employee has been trained and retrained as necessary. This documentation should include the employee's name, the date of the training, and the signature of the person who conducted the training. Students completing training should be properly certified in writing as qualified by a competent person.
Retraining: Retraining should be provided when there is a change in the types of scaffolds being used, the work conditions, or when the employer believes that an employee lacks the necessary skills or understanding of scaffold safety. Workers should be retrained if any of the following conditions occur:
- An accident occurs during scaffold or aerial lift use.
- Workplace hazards involving scaffolds or aerial lifts are discovered.
- A different type of scaffold or aerial lift is used.
Training Strategies
Some of the best strategies for conducting safety training include:
- Interactive and hands-on approach: Incorporate practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises to enhance learning and understanding. This can include scaffold assembly and disassembly simulations, using proper personal protective equipment (PPE), and practicing fall protection techniques.
- Engage experienced instructors: Competent Person Trainers with expertise in scaffold safety can effectively convey the information and share real-world experiences. They should be well-versed in OSHA regulations and best practices.
- Tailor training to specific job roles: Scaffold safety training should be customized based on the specific scaffold types and job tasks workers will be performing. This ensures relevance and applicability to their work environment.
- Periodic refresher courses: Conduct regular refresher courses to reinforce knowledge and address any updates in regulations or best practices. This helps workers stay up to date with scaffold safety procedures and maintain a high level of awareness.
For more information on scaffold training requirements download OSHA Publication 2254, Training Requirements in OSHA Standards.
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