Scaffolding

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1926.451 – 1926.454 – Scaffolding

1926.451 – General Requirements

(b)(11) – Scaffold components made of dissimilar metals shall not be used together unless a competent person has determined that galvanic action will not reduce the strength of any component to a level below that required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(d)(3)(i) – Before the scaffold is used, direct connections shall be evaluated by a competent person who shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed. In addition, masons’ multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold connections shall be designed by an engineer experienced in such scaffold design.

(d)(10) – Ropes shall be inspected for defects by a competent person prior to each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope’s integrity. Ropes shall be replaced if any of the following conditions exist . . .

(e)(9)(i) – The employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. The employer shall have a competent person determine whether it is feasible or would pose a greater hazard to provide, and have employees use a safe means of access. This determination shall be based on site conditions and the type of scaffold being erected or dismantled.

(f)(3) – Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity.

(f)(7) – Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.

(f)(12) – Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed.

(g)(2) – Effective September 2, 1997, the employer shall have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Employers are required to provide fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.

1926.454 – Training Requirements

This section supplements and clarifies the requirements of 1926.21(b)(2) as these relate to the hazards of work on scaffolds.

(a) – The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable:

(1) – The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area;

(2) – The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems being used;

(3) – The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold;

(4) – The maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffolds used; and

(5) – Any other pertinent requirements of this subpart.

(b) – The employer shall have each employee who is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize any hazards associated with the work in question. The training shall include the following topics, as applicable:

(1) – The nature of scaffold hazards;

(2) – The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of scaffold in question;

(3) – The design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity and intended use of the scaffold;

(4) – Any other pertinent requirements of this subpart.

(c) – When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain each such employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. Retraining is required in at least the following situations:

(1) – Where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or

(2) – Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other equipment present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained; or

(3) – Where inadequacies in an affected employee’s work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite proficiency.