Scaffold Hazards

Words: Zach Everett

Objective

Employees should be able to list the three most serious hazards which may be present during scaffold use.

Scaffolds are common on a masonry construction site which is why little thought may be given to the hazards they present. But, by allowing you to access and work at heights, a scaffold introduces additional danger. The three most serious hazards are falls, falling objects, and electricity.

Falls

The height of a scaffold alone increases danger. Serious injury or death can occur if you fall from a scaffold. OSHA requires fall protection whenever the scaffold height exceeds 10 feet. In addition, OSHA has mandated precautions which include ensuring the stability of the structure, prohibiting work activity when weather conditions affect the scaffold and providing a fully planked working surface.

Even when a working surface is fully planked and the scaffold stable, it cannot compare with activity at ground level. The work area is limited. While attending to work you become less aware of this limitation. Fall protection must be provided. Depending on the scaffold used a guardrail system, personal fall arrest system or a combination are required.

A personal fall arrest system and a guardrail system are required on suspended scaffolds.* A guardrail system is required on a supported scaffold.* When performing overhand bricklaying from a supported scaffold you may use a guardrail or personal fall arrest system.

Guardrail systems must consist of a toprail and midrail which extend around all open sides. The side facing the working surface need not be protected if it is less than 14 inches away.

Falling Objects

Protection from falling objects must be provided on all jobsites. Whenever the potential for falling or flying objects exists hard hats are required. The scaffold standard takes this protection a step further. A second form of protection must be in place when work is performed on scaffold. One way to protect workers below is to erect toeboards on all platforms. If materials are higher than the toeboard, place screens, paneling or mesh from the toeboard to the guardrail. If toeboards cannot be erected, protect others by barricading the work area or installing safety nets or canopies.

Electrical

Scaffolds will bring you closer to overhead electrical lines and locations where the electrical service enters a building. A minimum clearance distance must be maintained between you or your tools and the lines. Electricity will arc. The electrical shock may cause death. The arc and electricity traveling through your body can cause severe burns. If you cannot maintain a safe distance, contact the utility company to deenergize or barricade the lines.

The following are the safe distances required by OSHA: If the lines are insulated and the voltage is less than 300 volts the distance is 3 feet. Stay 10 feet away from voltages of 300 volts to 50 kilovolts. For voltages greater than 50 kilovolts maintain a clearance of 10 feet plus 0.4 inches for every kilovolt over 50. If the lines are not insulated, keep 10 feet away from any line with less than 50 kilovolts of electricity. If the power in the lines is more than 50 kilovolts, the distance is 10 feet plus 0.4 inches for every kilovolt over 50.

Scaffolds present additional hazards. Be aware of the danger and limitations. Make sure appropriate fall protection and falling object protection are in place. Stay clear of electrical lines or contact the utility company and have the lines deenergized. Ask your supervisor about any hazards which concern you.

* Consult regulations for exceptions to this provision.

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