Safety Training for Scaffolding

According to the Center to Protect Workers Rights, about 65 percent of construction workers frequently work on scaffolds. Other types of workers using scaffolds include: Contractors involved in outside building maintenance and window care, installers of various business-specific items and rescue personnel. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates that initial training, as well as frequent refresher courses, must be provided to all workers who will work on or around scaffolds.

Training Requirements

• A qualified person (labeled "competent person" in OSHA regulations) must provide the required safety training. Before performing any scaffolding duties, safety training is required for workers using or assembling and dissembling a scaffold, as well as for maintenance and inspection workers.

  The OSHA 10-hour course provided to each worker in construction or general industry must include a comprehensive section of scaffold training for those performing any scaffolding work. OSHA 30-hour courses are also available. These longer courses are given to workers if the employee wishes, but are generally given to employers, supervisors, department managers, maintenance personnel and those named as "competent person" on a wide variety of jobs.

  Refresher courses on scaffolding should be presented frequently, and are mandated when a work site or type of scaffolding changes.

Types of Scaffolds

• One of the three types of scaffolding is the suspended scaffold.

  Two general terms are used for the types of scaffolds used in most work situations.

  Support scaffolds are tiered levels of scaffolding, constructed on the ground or other permitted stable surface. These scaffolds are made from wood or tubular metal.

  Suspended scaffolds are attached to a roof and securely anchored or stabilized with counter weights. The scaffold is then suspended above the ground and held securely by proper procedures.

  Adjustable scaffolding can be raised and lowered with pulleys or mechanical systems.

Learning to Check Before Climbing

• Scaffolding must be checked by the competent person after it was constructed. Weight limits, height, secure footings, ties to the building, proper guard rails, safe distance from power lines and safe walking foundation are some of the main points that are checked on support scaffolds.

  Suspended scaffolds are checked for the same safety issues as support scaffolds, and also for the anchoring or counterbalance systems.

  These inspections must also be done before each day or shift begins. Scaffolding also must be inspected if it is moved, if a new crew comes aboard or if weather/environmental issues might jeopardize worker safety occurs.

Protect Yourself with Fall Protection

• A fall protection harness helps protect persons who work on scaffolds.

  Training issues should always include the Personal Protective Equipment clause in OSHA Standards. Fall protection is the most important personal equipment for those who work on scaffolding.

  Railing is required for most scaffolds. However, a full-body harness protects a worker in case other safety measures fail. During initial training and refresher courses, workers should become acquainted with wearing a harness.

Protect Those on the Ground

• A scaffold is required to have a 'toe-board' to prevent things from falling, and nets can be used to catch falling items.

  Workers and onlookers should not walk under or near scaffolding. Hard hats should always be worn by those on and around scaffolds.