Scaffold Safety Information

Scaffold

On August 30, 1996, OSHA issued revised standards for scaffolds. The revised standard, known as "Safety Standards for Scaffolds Used in the Construction Industry," is found in Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1926, Subpart L. The final rule updates the existing construction scaffold standards in Subpart L. The new standards set performance-based criteria to protect employees from scaffold-related hazards such as falls, failing objects, structural instability, electrocution, or overloading.

The rule also addresses training and various types of scaffolds, as well as falling object protection, ladders, weather conditions, aerial lifts, stilts, and other matters that were not previously covered by the OSHA scaffold standards. In addition, it allows employers more flexibility when using protective systems for workers on scaffolding. This rule took effect on November 29, 1996.

There are seven key provisions of the regulation:

  • The standard requires fall protection at a 10 foot height above a lower level for employees. [1926.451(g)(1)]
  • Guardrail height — The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service before January 1, 2000 can be between 36 inches (0.9 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m). The height of the toprail for scaffolds manufactured and placed in service after January 1, 2000 must be between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 45 inches (1.2 m). [1926.451(g)(4)(ii)] When the crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a toprail, it must be between 38 inches (0.97 m) and 48 inches (1.3 m) above the work platform. [1926.451(g)(4)(xv)] Midrails must be installed approximately halfway between the toprail and the platform surface. [1926.451(g)(4)(iv)] When a crosspoint of crossbracing is used as a midrail, it must be between 20 inches (0.5 m) and 30 inches (0.8 m) above the work platform. [1926.451(g)(4)(xv)]
  • Erecting and Dismantling — When erecting and dismantling supported scaffolds, a competent person must determine the feasibility of providing a safe means of access and fall protection for these operations. [1926.451(e)(9) & 1926.451(g)(2)
  • Training — Employers must train each employee who works on a scaffold on the procedures to control or minimize the hazards. [1926.454]
  • Inspections — Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect the structural integrity, a competent person must inspect the scaffold and scaffold components for visible defects. [1926.451(f)(3)]
  • Overhand bricklaying — A guardrail or personal fall arrest system on all sides except the side where the work is being done must protect employees doing overhand bricklaying from supported scaffolds. [1926.451(g)(1)(vi)] The standards for aerial lifts have been relocated from 1926.556 to 1926.453.
PPS employees erecting mobile scaffold

Employees must be trained in (partial list):

  • Access
  • Electrical hazards
  • Fall protection and prevention of being struck by falling objects
  • Maximum safe load of the scaffold
  • Proper handling of materials on the scaffold
  • Proper scaffold construction
  • Proper use of the scaffold
  • Site safety

Scaffold building training classes were conducted at the Kenilworth Building for selected UWM Physical Plant employees. Following classroom instruction on scaffold safety, employees were given an opportunity to erect and dismantle several mobile scaffold units of the type used on campus.

Other Resources:

Updated April 1, 2007 by SAK