BASIC SCAFFOLD SAFETY

"Long Way - up, Long Way Down" that is the phrase used for the most common accident involving scaffolding. Falls from high places are usually serious. Studies show that half of all people hitting a hard surface with a velocity of 18 miles per hour- that's 27-feet per second- will be killed. This means you could die from a fall of only 11-feet. 90% of all falls involving scaffolds happen while workers are performing routine jobs and that the average height of those falls are 12 to 15 feet. A 200-pound man falling at a distance of 6-feet produces 1200 pounds of force.

A trained "Competent Person" should be used to supervise all scaffold erections. A "Competent Person" must be able to take prompt action to eliminate predictable hazards. Logically then, he/she should be within line of site of erection, dismantling, or alteration activity.

Basic safety for scaffolds includes the following:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions when erecting the scaffold.
• Do not work on scaffolds outside during stormy or windy weather.
• Do not climb on scaffolds that wobble or lean to one side.
• Initially inspect the scaffold prior to mounting it. Do not use a scaffold if any pulley, block, hook or fitting is visibly worn, cracked, rusted or otherwise damaged.
• Do not use a scaffold if any rope is frayed, torn or visibly damaged.
• Do not use any scaffold tagged "Out of Service".
• Do not use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick or concrete blocks to support scaffolds or planks.
• Do not work on platforms or scaffolds unless they are fully planked.
• Do not use a scaffold unless guardrails and all flooring are in place.
• Level the scaffold after each move. Do not extend adjusting leg screws more than 12 inches.
• Do not walk or work beneath a scaffold unless a wire mesh has been installed between the mid-rail and the toe-board or planking.
• Use your safety belts and lanyards when working on scaffolding at a height of 10 feet or more above ground level. Attach the lanyard to a secure member of the scaffold.
• Do not climb the cross braces for access to the scaffold. Use the ladder.
• Do not jump from, to, or between scaffolding.
• Do not slide down cables, ropes or guys used for bracing.
• Keep both feet on the decking. Do not sit or climb on the guardrails.
• Do not lean out from the scaffold. Do not rock the scaffold.
• Keep the scaffold free of scraps, loose tools, tangled lines and other obstructions.
• Do not throw anything "overboard" unless a spotter is available. Use the debris chutes or lower things by hoist or by hand.
• Do not move a mobile scaffold if anyone is on the scaffold.
• Chock the wheels of the rolling scaffold, using the wheel blocks, and also lock the wheels by using your foot to depress the wheel-lock, before using the scaffold.

Take the extra time to save you life - Remember GRAVITY ALWAYS WINS.