HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
1 / 10

Revision history

Rev Date Description of Change

Approval Authority:

Owner Developer Reviewer Approver

Summary

This guideline establishes a frame work for the implementation of Project instructions
for the erection, inspection, and use of tube and coupler scaffolds. Scaffolds shall
comply with, as a minimum, the provisions of all government and/or applicable safety
standards

Page 1 of 10
 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
2 / 10

1.0 PURPOSE

This procedure establishes a frame work for the implementation of Project

instructions for the erection, inspection, and use of tube and coupler scaffolds.
Scaffolds shall comply with, as a minimum, the provisions of all government
and/or applicable safety standards.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

Competent Person - A crafts person, who, by possession of a recognized

degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge,
training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his or her ability or
competency.

3.0 SCOPE

These requirements cover all Project and subcontractor personnel who perform
work from an erected platform.

Scaffolds are intended to provide safe working positions at elevations. To

eliminate fall exposure, scaffolds must have complete handrails, midrails, and
decking. Fall arrest equipment (harnesses and lanyards) is to be used at all
times on all scaffolds.

Note: The use of lanyards with a shock-absorbing device is required.

All scaffolds will be built in accordance with the relevant UK/EU standard or
similar International Standard.

4.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Scaffolds may only be erected, moved, altered and dismantled by competent

and experienced personnel or under the supervision of a Competent Person.
Unauthorized workmen shall be subject to disciplinary action for modifying
scaffolding.

Fall arrest systems shall be used while erecting, modifying, or dismantling

scaffolds.

On scaffolds 6 feet (1.8 m) above the ground or floor, handrails, midrails and
toeboards are to be installed and scaffolds completely decked.

• Guardrails shall be 2 x 4 inches (5 cm X 10 cm), or the equivalent,

approximately 42 inches (1.0 m) high, with a midrail. Never use cross
braces as substitutes for handrails or midrails.

• Supports shall be at intervals not to exceed 8 feet (2.4 m).

• Toeboards shall be a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) in height.

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
3 / 10

• All planking shall be Scaffold Grade or equivalent. All scaffolds must be at

least two (2) planks wide. No employee may work from a single plank.
Scaffold planks must be secured from movement using #9 wires or the
equivalent.

Before erecting and during dismantling inspect all components. Scaffold

components shall be straight and free from bends, kinks, dents, and severe
rusting. Immediately discard defective components.

When scaffold heights exceed three times the smallest base dimension (or 8
meters), it must be secured to a building or structure at the second lift and
every other lift thereafter. Running scaffold is to be anchored every 30 feet (9
meters) horizontally at the heights established in the preceding sentence.
"Outriggers" or guys may be used where it is impractical to secure the scaffold
to a building or structure. The footing or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound,
rigid and capable of carrying four times the maximum intended load without
settling or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks
or concrete blocks will not be used to support scaffolds. 12" x 12" (30.4 X 30.4
cm) mud stills and base plates are recommended. When using levelling jacks,
3/4 of its length must remain inside the scaffold leg. Never use levelling jacks
together with casters.

Scaffolds are to be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum

intended load. Scaffolds WILL NOT be used to support piping from a jack stand
placed on the scaffold, nor is a scaffold designed for employees to work from to
be used as a support for any kind of material.

The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb and securely and rigidly
braced to prevent swaying and displacement.

Do not stack brick, tile, block, or similar material higher than 24" (61 cm) on
the scaffold deck.

An access ladder allowing safe access shall be provided. Climbing off the end
frames is prohibited unless their design incorporates an approved ladder. To
allow access to the working platform in this manner, the ladder built into the
end frames may be used if uniform rung spacing between frames can be
achieved. Tube frames that do not provide uniform rung spacing must be
equipped with offset ladders for platform access.

When portable straight or extension ladders are used for access to tube and
coupler scaffolds, the proper 4 to 1 slope shall be maintained to avoid a
horizontal tube interfering with the use of the ladder.

Manila rope and No. 9 wire is not acceptable handrail material for scaffolds or
elevated platforms.

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
4 / 10

Overhead protection shall be provided for men on a scaffold exposed to

overhead hazards.

Where practical, the area beneath shall be barricaded and "Men Working
Overhead" signs posted in all approach directions. Where persons are required
to work or pass under a scaffold, a screen of 18 gauge, ½ inch (1.27 cm) wire
mesh is required between the toeboards and guardrails.

5.0 ROLLING SCAFFOLDS

All wheels are to be locked while employees are on the scaffold or when the
scaffold is not in motion.

No one is to ride on a scaffold that is being moved. Remove all loose materials
and equipment from the deck before moving the scaffold.

Rolling scaffolds shall be used only on level, smooth surfaces, or the wheels
must be contained in wood or channel iron runners.

All casters used with scaffolding shall be rubber tired and provided with a
positive locking device to hold the scaffold in position. The 8" (20.3 cm) caster
has a rated load capacity of 500 lb. When casters are used, however, this
capacity should not be the load limiting factor of the scaffold.

Adjusting screws shall be installed only between base plate and vertical frame
section. They shall never be used together with casters. Adjusting screws shall
not be extended more than 12" (30.4 cm), with 3/4 of its length remaining in
the scaffold at all times.

6.0 SCAFFOLD PLANKING

Scaffold planks are to be used for scaffold decking only. (2" x 10" or 2" x 12" (5
cm X 25.4 cm or 5 cm X 30.4 cm) scaffold grade material only will be used.)
Scaffold planks shall be secured with #9 wires or the equivalent.

Nails are not to be driven into scaffold planks.

Scaffold planks are not to extend over their end supports more than 18" (45.7
cm) or less than 6" (15.2 cm) (except cleated). An overhang of 12" (30.4 cm) is
preferable.

All planking on platforms shall be overlapped (minimum 12") (30.4 cm) or

secured from movement.

Do not use cleated boards with the cleats turned up.

All scaffolding boards shall be in good condition. Splits or cracks are not
permitted.

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
5 / 10

7.0 SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS (SWINGING STAGES, FLOATS, ETC.)

Safety harnesses are required and are to be tied to a structure, (other than the
scaffold), or to a life line (minimum 3/4" manila, 1/2" (1.27 cm) nylon life line
having a minimum breaking strength of 5400 lb.) independent of the scaffold
system.

Each individual will have access to an independent life line and shall wear a
body harness and lanyard secured to the lifeline. On multi-tiered platforms, the
persons on the lower sections will tie off to the platform itself.

Wire rope used for scaffold suspension shall be capable of supporting at least
six times the intended load. It, and all attachment hardware, must be inspected
before each use.

8.0 OVERHEAD PROTECTION

Overhead protection is required if employees working on scaffolds are exposed

to overhead hazards. Such protection must be a two inch (5 cm) plank or the
equivalent.

9.0 BOATSWAIN'S CHAIRS

Boatswain’s Chairs will only be used under special circumstances with prior
client approval and, then, only after a specific method statement and risk
assessment has been completed.

The chair seat shall not be less than 12 x 24 inches (30.4 X 61 cm), and 1-inch
(2.54 cm) thickness. The seat shall be reinforced on the underside by cleats
securely fastened to prevent the board from splitting.

The fibre rope seat slings shall be of 5/8 inch diameter, reeved through the four
seat holes so as to cross each other on the underside of the seat. Seat slings
shall be at least 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) wire rope when an employee is cutting,
welding or burning.

Employees are to be protected by safety harnesses as outlined in part 4 a. and

b. above.

The object to which the tackle is anchored shall be securely installed, and all
hardware inspected before each use.

10.0 SCAFFOLD INSPECTION

Scaffolding shall be inspected after erection or modification by a Competent

Person and tagged per the guidelines below. They also must be inspected
weekly by the Scaffolding Inspector.

Inspect, as a minimum, these components:

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
6 / 10

• Foundation or mud sill for stability

• Check for missing and/or damaged handrails, midrails, cross bracing and
steel tubing.
• Check the ends of tubing for splits or cracks
• Before erecting and during dismantling, inspect all scaffold components.
Those found with defects must be discarded immediately.
• Handrails, midrails, cross bracing, and steel tubing shall be inspected for
nicks, especially near centre span, and indications where a welding arc has
struck.
• Scaffold components shall be straight and free from bends, kinks, dents
and severe rusting.
• Scaffold frame weld zones shall be inspected for cracks and ends of tubing
for splitting or cracking.
• Manufactured decking shall be inspected for loose bolt or rivet connections
and bent, kinked or dented frame. Plywood surfaces should be checked for
softening due to rot or wear and pealing or laminated layers at edges.
Safety plank should be checked for rot, cracks and other damage. Also,
inspect the rod or bolt and cleat.
• Each quick-connecting device, whether spring, threaded connections or
toggle pin arrangement, are to be inspected to see that it operates
properly.
• Cams, springs, threaded connections, toggle pins, or other quick-
connecting devices are to be inspected.
• Casters, if used, should be inspected for smooth rolling surfaces, free
turning, free acting swivel, and to be sure that the locking mechanism is in
good working order.
11.0 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Any scaffold over 25' (7.6 m) high should have the access ladder turned
inside the framing, and alternate sides of landing. (At no time will a person
be required to climb the outside of a scaffold over 25', (7.6 m, high.)
• If welding is performed from any suspended platform, precautions must be
taken to insulate wire rope attachment points.
• Design drawing must be made prior to erection and kept on site for any
scaffold over 125' (38.1 m) high. (They must be made by a professional
engineer competent in this field.)
12.0 TAGS

All scaffolds shall be tagged to properly identify their usage and in accordance
with the following:

• Green Tag - Signifies the scaffold was built to meet scaffolding regulations
and is complete and safe to use.

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
7 / 10

• Red Tag - signifies the scaffolding is incomplete and/or unsafe. It shall not
be used.
13.0 TRAINING

Each employee who works on a scaffold will be trained by Project Training

Department and the Scaffolding Competent Person to recognize the hazards
associated with the type of scaffolding being used and to understand the
procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training will include, but
is not limited to, the following:

• The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards, and falling object hazards
in the work area and the correct procedures for dealing with these hazards.
• The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating,
repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of scaffold in question.
• The employee will be re-trained if the Competent Person has reason to
believe that an employee lacks the skills or understanding needed for safe
work.

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
8 / 10

APPENDIX I - STATIONARY SCAFFOLD SAFETY CHECKLIST

LOCATION OF SCAFFOLD:__________________________________
INSPECTOR:___________________DATE: __________________
YES NO COMMENTS
1. Are scaffold components and planking in safe
condition for use and is plank graded for scaffold
use?
2. Is the frame spacing and sill size capable of
carrying intended loading?
3. Have competent persons been in charge of
erection?
4. Are sills properly placed and adequate size?

5. Have screw jacks been used to level and plumb

scaffold instead of unstable objects?
6. Are base plates and/or screw jacks in firm contact
with sills and plumb?
7. Is scaffold level and plumb?
8. Are all scaffold legs braced with braces properly
attached?
9. Is guard railing in place on all open sides and
ends above 10' (3 m) (4' or 1.2 m. in height if less
than 45")?
10. Has proper access been provided?
11. Has overhead protection or wire screening been
provided where necessary?
12. Has scaffold been tied to structure at least every
30' (9.1 m) in length and 26' in height?
13. Have freestanding towers been guyed or tied
every 26' (7.9 m) in height?
14. Have brackets and accessories been properly
placed:
Putlogs?
Tube and Clamp?
All nuts and bolts tightened?
15. Is scaffold free of makeshift devices or ladders to
increase height?
16. Are working level platforms fully planked between
guard rails?
17. Do planks have minimum 12" (30.4 cm) overlap
and extend 6" (15.2 cm) beyond supports?
18. Are toe boards installed properly?

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 HSE Department Réf:

SCAFFOLDING PROCEDURE Date: 11/12

Rev: 01
9 / 10

Has area been inspected for hazardous

conditions: Power Lines?
Wind Loading?
Possible washout of footings?
19. Uplift and overturning movements due to
placement of brackets, putlogs or other causes?
20. Have personnel been instructed in the safe use of
the equipment?
APPENDIX II - ROLLING TOWER SAFETY CHECKLIST

LOCATION OF SCAFFOLD:
INSPECTOR________________________DATE OF INSPECTION:
YES NO COMMENTS
1. Are scaffold components and planking in safe
condition for use?
2. Have competent persons been in charge of
erection?
3. Is tower level and plumb?
4. Is tower height less than 4 times the minimum
base width?
5. Are casters of proper size with effective locking
devices?
6. Are screw jacks extended less than 12"?

7. Are casters and all frames locked together?

8. Is tower fully braced on both sides?

9. Has horizontal diagonal bracing been positioned
properly at base and intermediate levels of 20"?

10. Has proper guard railing been provided?

11. Has safe access been provided?

12. Is platform fully planked and is toe boards
provided where necessary?
13. Are planks secured to prevent displacement or
uplift?
14. Have personnel been instructed in the safe use
of the equipment?

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