1.

SCAFFOLDING

1.1 PURPOSE

The Contractor and all Subcontractors who use scaffolding, staging and work platforms will
provide safe working conditions for those employees engaged in the erection, use and
dismantling to encourage and direct safe work practices in accordance with all applicable
laws, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.450 and the manufacturer’s requirements.

1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES

Prior to starting any project of repair, renovation or construction that require the use of
scaffolding, the Contractor shall:

Review and comply with NSU’s Contractor Environmental Health and Safety Plan.
Ensure all employees have received training and competent in compliance with
federal and local regulations.
Contact NSU Facilities Management with questions regarding scaffolding safety and
any required precautions.

The use of site built staging or scaffolding is not allowed unless prior approval is obtained
from NSU’s Project Coordinator at Facilities Management.

The Contractor shall ensure the proper use of scaffolding requirements is followed:

1) No scaffold shall be erected, inspected, moved, dismantled or altered unless under the
supervision of a trained, competent person. The competent person as defined by
OSHA Scaffolding Standard is “one who is capable of identifying existing and
predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary,
hazardous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them.”
2) Contractors shall train scaffold erectors and users in safe work practices and
procedures; training must include fall hazards, falling object hazards, electrical
hazards, proper use of the scaffold, and handling of materials.
3) The scaffold shall be inspected before each work shift and labeled with an inspection
tag with notations by the supervising competent person that the scaffold has been
inspected and approved for use.
4) The scaffold shall be inspected after any occurrence that could affect the structural
integrity; a competent person must inspect the scaffold components for visible defects.
5) Any conditions that do not conform to the requirements will be corrected immediately
by the scaffolding Contractor.
6) A record of all inspections and any corrections made will be kept on site.
7) The competent person will determine if it is safe for employees to work on or from a
scaffold during storms or high winds and to ensure that a personal fall arrest system or
wind screens protect these employees.
8) Each scaffold must be able to support without failure a load four times the maximum
intended load.
 9) All load-carrying timber members of a scaffold framing must be a minimum of 1,500
fiber construction grade lumber that is free of holes, saw cuts and other defects.
10) Each platform must be planked and decked as fully as possible with the space between
the platform and uprights not more one inch wide. The space must not exceed nine
inches when side brackets or odd-shaped structures result in a wider opening between
the platform and uprights.
11) Each scaffold platform and walkway must be at least 18 inches wide. When the work
area is less than 18 inches wide, guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems must be
used.
12) Platforms must be free of debris and clutter.
13) Safe access onto and off scaffolding must be maintained at all times.
14) Scaffold poles, legs or uprights must be plumbed and braced securely to prevent
swaying or displacement.
15) Scaffold platforms more than 6 feet above ground must be equipped with a top/hand
rail at a height of 38 to 45 inches from the work platform.
16) A mid rail should be installed approximately halfway between the top rail and the
platform surface. When a cross point of cross bracing is used, it must be between 20
and 30 inches above the work platform.
17) A toe board of 4 inches in height is required on all open sides and ends.
18) If the manufacturer’s requirements are more stringent, they shall supersede these
minimum requirements.
19) Adequate access to work platforms must be provided and Contractor’s personnel are
forbidden from accessing other platform levels by anything other than manufacturer-
approved stairways or ladders.
20) Replace or repair immediately any scaffolding and accessories which have any
defective parts.
21) Scaffold erectors or dismantlers shall tag any incomplete scaffold assembly as
“Scaffold Incomplete – DO NOT USE” or other similar form of posted warning.
22) The standard requires fall protection at a 10 foot height above a lower level for
employees; the Contractor must supply workers with fall protection equipment and
ensure that it is used in a proper manner.
23) 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.

1.3 REGULATIONS

OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L Scaffolding

1.4 ACCOUNTABILITY

All contactors will be responsible for complying with the guidelines as described above.
Contractors are to communicate to their employees and Subcontractors all the guidelines and
relevant information. All work shall be performed in accordance with University policies
and procedures as well as all applicable laws and regulations.