Erecting and Use of Metal Scaffolding
| Purpose |
To protect Workers from injuries associated with erecting and working with metal frame scaffolding. |
| Definition |
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings. Scaffolds are used to access heights and areas that would be otherwise difficult to access. |
| Potential Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
|
- Falls
- Struck by falling objects
- Slips and trips
- Pinch points
- Electrical shock (overhead power lines)
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| Protective Mechanisms |
- Safe Job Procedure
- Hazard assessment
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as per hazard assessment
- Fall protection devices
- Manufacturers’ specifications
- Appropriate Worker training and credentials
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP) (Fall protection rescue procedures are developed and reviewed)
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Coordinate and / or provide instruction and necessary training to Workers erecting scaffolding.
- Ensure manufacturers’ specifications and applicable legislation is reviewed, understood and adhered to.
- Plan and coordinate work activities and assess the hazards at the scaffolding location before allowing work to begin.
- Be aware of the Safe Limits of Approach if power lines are present.
Do not
- Allow any activities that may encroach on the Safe Limits of Approach to high voltage power lines.
- Assign unqualified Workers to erect scaffolding.
|
| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Conduct a hazard assessment before work begins.
- Inform a Supervisor / Superintendent of any hazards that are beyond the Worker’s training or abilities.
- Inspect equipment and material before use, in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and applicable legislation.
- Tag and mark defective or damaged equipment and report to the appropriate Supervisor / Superintendent, as per Lock-Out / Tag-Out Safe Work Practice.
- Wear all required PPE and other equipment at all times.
- Ensure ground is firm and level at the base.
- Install proper mud sills and adjustable screw jacks with base plates.
- Maintain a minimum of 3 metres / 10 feet of clearance to nearby power lines at all times.
- Ensure scaffolding has guardrails installed on all open sides at a distance of 3 metres / 10 feet or more (Note: For operations in the United States, this height is 2 metres / 6 feet)
- Ensure scaffolding is effectively guyed or secured to a building or structure to prevent overturning.
- Use a tag line when hoisting material and tool bag.
Do not
- Use alternative parts that are not provided by the manufacturer.
- Exceed a height greater than three times the smallest base dimension (3 to 1 rule) when using rolling and freestanding scaffolding.
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| The information in this Safe Work Practice is intended for general use and may not apply to every circumstance. It is not a definitive guide to government regulations and does not relieve any person using this Safe Work Practice from their responsibilities under any Applicable Legislation with which they must be familiar. |
