LO SS

C O NT RO L

A LER T

Scaffold Safety
Scaffolds are useful tools to access elevated work areas. Appearing more stable and providing a larger work platform
than ladders, they seem to be even easier and safer to use. However, poor set-up and misuse can result in serious workplace injury or death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that:
17% of all construction related falls resulting in a fatality involved a scaffold
72% of these scaffold accidents were caused by unsafe setup, use or failure to protect the worker from falling material
25% of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no
scaffold safety training
77% of scaffolds were not equipped with guardrails when
required
These findings are neither unusual nor unique. Besides the impact
these claims have on the cost of insurance, there are also many
other costs which can significantly impact your business. When you
consider the cost of replacing damaged equipment, the loss of a
productive worker, lost production, possible damage to customer
property, it makes sense to prevent these losses instead of continually trying to overcome their costly results.
This Alert provides some suggested safe practices that may be useful in preventing scaffold related worker injuries. It does not address all regulatory requirements or best practices.
Selection:
There are many different types of scaffolds all designed for specific purposes. Scaffolds generally fall into three categories:
Supported: Platforms supported by rigid, load bearing members such as poles, legs, frames and outriggers
Suspended: Platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure
Aerial Lifts: Vehicle mounted devices used to get a worker to an elevated position (e.g. cherry pickers or boom
trucks)
Knowing the purpose of these scaffolds will help to select the right one for the job. Once the type of scaffold is determined, the next step is to determine the strength needed for the specific tasks.
In general, all scaffolds, manufactured or constructed, must be able to support their own weight plus four times their maximum intended loads. The supporting capability of a scaffold, or its duty rating, is stated in pounds per square foot. There
are 3 scaffold duty ratings:
Duty Rating

Capacity (lbs. /sq. ft.)

Light

25

Medium

50

Heavy

75

Additionally, key scaffold components such as suspension rope and connecting hardware must be able to support six
times the maximum intended load.
OSHA has published scaffold design specifications as part of their 1926.450 scaffold safety regulations. The intent of
these specifications is to aid in their fabrication. They can also be used to assure that purchased or rented scaffolds meet
OSHA requirements. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has also published design specifications for aerial
lifts and other mobile elevating scaffolds.
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Inspection:
A competent person, an individual that has the skills to identify scaffold safety hazards and has the authority to promptly
correct or eliminate them, must inspect all scaffolds before each work shift and periodically during their use and after
each adverse weather event. This individual must supervise all scaffold assemblies, changes, movement, or dismantling.
Inspections must address all supporting members, anchors, platforms, clearance requirements, and proximity hazards
such as power lines and fall protection specific to each scaffold type. The inspections also must verify that is the scaffold
is level and plumb, the base plates are in firm contact with sills, bracing is in place and connected, platforms are fully
planked, guardrails in place, safe access is provided, it is properly tied or guyed and that there are no overhead obstructions within 12 feet.
Wood planks should be inspected to verify that they are the correct grade and in good condition, straight grained, and free
from saw cuts, splits and holes.
When platform height exceeds 4 ft., guard rails are recommended but not required by OSHA. OSHA requires guard rails for
all platforms 10 ft. or higher. (California requires guardrails for all platforms 7 feet or higher) Guardrails should be installed on all open sides and ends. Toe boards, screens or barricades need to be in place to prevent material falling off
the scaffold and canopies installed to protect scaffold workers from debris falling from above. Safety nets, designed to
contain materials, tools and equipment should be installed when scaffolds are erected over high worker, pedestrian or
equipment/material transport traffic areas.
Scaffolds need to be erected plumb, level, squared and braced to prevent collapse. Mobile scaffolds need to have lockable and functioning wheels and casters. Non-mobile scaffolds should be anchored in place to prevent movement. Do not
place footings on soft or frozen ground or resting on blocks. Base plates or screw jacks with base plates must be in firm
contact with both the sills and the legs of the scaffolding. Compensate for uneven ground with screw jacks with base
plates. DO NOT USE unstable objects such as blocks, loose bricks, etc.
Scaffolds must be secured when the height exceeds 4 times the minimum base width. (California requires stability bracing
when the scaffold height exceeds 3 times the minimum base width).
Job sites should be inspected to assure ground conditions are able to support the scaffold and for proximity of electric
power lines, overhead obstructions, wind conditions as well as the need for overhead protection or weather protection
coverings.
For suspended scaffolds, the supporting outrigger beams must be able to support at least 4 times the intended load and
be attached to the roof, tied to a secure anchorage, or secured with counterweights. The suspension ropes and rigging
must support at least 6 times the intended load.
Counterweights made of non-viscous material must be attached to secure and
strong places on a building so they wont move. Sand or gravel, masonry blocks,
or roofing materials cannot be used as a counterweight as these can flow or
move.
Exhibit C1-3 provides model scaffold inspection checklists.
Proper Use and Storage:
There are many accepted general and specific scaffold safe work practices. This
Alert is not intended to address all of them but offers a few best practices.
Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded in
accordance with that design. A qualified person is one who has sufficient
knowledge, education, training or experience to solve or resolve scaffold related
problems. Under certain circumstances, a professional engineer is required to
design a scaffold.
If the scaffold is equipped with guardrails by the manufacturer, they should be in
place at all times regardless of height. Always follow manufacturer instructions
and warnings!
Scaffolds should not be positioned or erected within 10 feet of energized power lines. Work should not be performed
when platforms are covered by ice or snow. Equipment material or ladders or should not be used on scaffold platforms to
gain additional height.
Safe access to the working level, via a ladder or other accepted means, needs to be provided and workers must be required to use for access.
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Scaffolds equipment and components should be stored in areas which do not expose them to potential damage from material handling traffic or weather conditions that may weaken or deteriorate them.
Harnesses and lanyards must be used by aerial lift workers and fall protection must be in place prior to using the lift. Additionally, workers should be prohibited from moving the lift vehicle while standing in the basket unless the equipment is
designed for this purpose.
Mobile scaffolds should be moved from the bottom. Workers should not be permitted to move or ride on them unless they
are specifically designed for that purpose or the use has been approved by a competent person.
The safe working height of mobile scaffolds must not exceed four times the base dimensions unless increased stability is
provided, such as additional bracing, out rigging, or guy wires. This will help to prevent tip-over.
Teaching and Enforcing Safe Work Practices:
Many accidents are caused by the unsafe use of scaffolds. Workers must be trained by a qualified person on the following:
Hazard identification & mitigation including falls from scaffolds, struck by falling materials, scaffolding collapse etc.
Scaffold design and selection
Proper scaffold use and handling
Maximum intended loads and how to determine if the task specific loads will exceed this capacity
Safe erection, dismantling and re-locating or moving scaffolds
A competent person must train any worker who assembles, takes apart, moves, operates, repairs, maintains, or inspects
scaffolds. Exhibits A & B are provided to assist worker training efforts.
Workers should be retrained when:
Observations indicate unsafe work practices or
New or additional hazards are identified or
A change in the type of scaffold or fall protection occurs
Management must immediately reinforce the proper and safe use of scaffolds and work practices whenever hazards are
observed. Teaching tips are included with this Alert to help you address the more critical areas.
A qualified person, trained in the proper setup and safe use of scaffolds, must be onsite to assure that scaffolds are
properly erected and remain safe for employee use.
Legal Compliance:
State and Federal OSHA have specific and detailed regulations scaffolds. You should know these regulations and abide by
them. The OSHA regulations concerning scaffolds can be obtained by accessing Federal OSHAs web site at http://
www.osha.gov or your individual states OSHA website if applicable.
Summary:
Scaffolding provides for safe and efficient work platforms when constructed and used correctly. However, if not properly
erected and maintained, scaffolding can lead to accidents, serious injuries and death. It is up to you to make sure that all
your workers are trained in the proper selection, erection, maintenance and use of this equipment.
Remember, Everest Loss Control offers services to help you in your loss prevention efforts. If you would like more
information about these services, visit our web site at www.everestregroup.com.
Loss Control is a daily responsibility of your individual management. This publication is not a substitute for your own loss control program. The information that is provided in this Alert should not be considered as all encompassing, or suitable for all situations, conditions, or environments. Each organization is responsible for implementing their safety/injury/illness prevention program and should consult with legal, medical, technical, or other advisors
as to the suitability of using the information contained in this Alert. The information contained in this publication is intended for general informational
purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or opinions. You should contact an attorney if you need legal advice and/or you have any
questions concerning your obligations under any law, statute and/or code identified in this publication.

CONTACT US
Westgate Corporate Center
477 Martinsville Road
P.O. Box 830
Liberty Corner, NJ 07938-0830
Everest focuses on specialty property and casualty insurance business and is licensed to conduct
business in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia. Everest is rated A+ XV (Superior) by
A.M. Best. To learn more about Everest, visit our website at: www.everestregoup.com

Scaffold Safety

Loss Control Department

Phone: 908-604-3000
Fax: 908-604-3526
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Exhibit A
Scaffold Best Practice Tips
Report defective or missing railings, toe boards, safety nets, or other fall restraint systems immediately.
Do not climb on bracing and support members to reach the platform.
Never use a scaffold which appears to be defective, unstable, or missing guardrails. Call your
supervisor immediately.
Keep the amount of tools, equipment and materials to a minimum on scaffolds to reduce slip,
trip and fall accidents.
Make sure the scaffold rests on stable level supports and surfaces. When using a mobile
scaffold, make sure the wheels are locked before using it.
Never move mobile scaffolds while they are in use or by pulling yourself along while standing
on the top plank. You can easily tip the scaffold causing serious injuries.
Slippery scaffold platforms should be immediately repaired or replaced.
If the supporting members, footing, braces, and platforms appear to be damaged or defective,
do not use the scaffold. Contact your supervisor immediately.
Do not use a scaffold unless you have received training and have been authorized by your supervisor.
Do not work near energized electrical lines unless you are trained and authorized by your supervisor. Maintain at least ten feet distance from all energized lines.
Always access and leave scaffolds in a safe manner, using ladders, stairs or ramps. Never
climb the bracing or supports to access or descend from scaffolds.
Secure materials to the scaffold before moving it.
Do not ride on a moving scaffold.
Hoist up heavy tools, equipment, and supplies. Do not carry them.
Do not work on a scaffold in high winds or a storm unless a competent person says it is safe
and you use personal fall-arrest or a windscreen.
Do not paint wood planks.
Hard hats must be worn by all persons erecting, moving, dismantling or using scaffolding.
Wear proper equipment including sturdy shoes with non-skid soles, and hard hats, whenever
a hazard of falling materials exists.
Do not plank guardrails or use ladders or boxes on the platform to gain additional working
height.
Do not remove any component of a completed scaffold assembly except under the supervision
of a qualified person.

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Exhibit B
Scaffold Safety Quiz
1.

Inspections of scaffolds must be conducted:

A. By a competent person
B. Before each work shift
C. After scaffold is erected or modified
D. All of the above

2.

Fall protection (i.e. guardrails or personal fall arrest system) is required on scaffolds when the working
height reaches:
A. 10 ft.
B. 6 ft.
C. 4 ft.
D. 12 ft.

3.

Which of the following cannot be used under the base of a scaffold to provide stable footing?
A. Masonry blocks or bricks
B. Screw-jacks (Leveler legs)
C. Mud Sills
D. None of the above

4.

All scaffolds must be able to hold its own weight plus ____ times the intended load.
A. 2
B. 10
C. 7
D. 4

5.

Who is required to supervise the erection or dismantling of a scaffold?

A. Supervisor
B. Competent Person
C. Qualified Person
D. Any worker will do

6.

What is the maximum distance the front edge of most scaffolding can be from face of work?
A. 14 in.
B. 18 in.
C. 22 in.
D. 12 in.

7.

Workers on or below scaffolds must be protected from falling objects by:

A. Toe boards
B. Mesh
C. Screens
D. All of the above

8.

Scaffolds with a height to base ratio of more than ____ must be restrained from tipping.
A. 3 to 1
B. 6 to 1
C. 5 to 1
D. 4 to 1

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9.

Which of the following need to be used to prevent falls off scaffolds?

A. Toe boards and screens
B. Hard hats
C. Guardrails or PPE
D. Guardrails or fall arrest

10. Which of the following can be used to prevent scaffold collapse?

A. Proper construction under the direction of a competent person
B. Maintaining loads to within the scaffold supporting limits
C. Inspecting scaffolds before each work shift
D. All of the above
11. What is the minimum distance to maintain when working near energized electrical lines?
A. 8 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 4 feet
12. Injuries from falling objects can be prevented when which of the following are used:
A. Eliminating all falling object hazards
B. Installing canopies
C. Erecting barricades
D. Using fall hazard warnings and hard hats as appropriate
E. All of the above
13. It is permitted to move a mobile scaffold by pushing it from the top platform.
A. True
B. False
14. It is permitted to use masonry blocks on the platform to reach higher work areas.
A. True
B. False
15. A competent person is one who has:
A. Hazard identification skills and the authority to promptly correct or eliminate them
B. Has experience in erecting scaffolds but not the authority to correct hazards
C. Can be anyone appointed by management

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Scaffold Safety Quiz Answers
1.

Inspections of scaffolds must be conducted:

D. All of the above

2.

Fall protection (i.e. guardrails or personal fall arrest system) is required on scaffolds when the working height
reaches:
A. 10 ft.

3.

Which of the following cannot be used under the base of a scaffold to provide stable footing?
A. Masonry blocks or bricks

4.

All scaffolds must be able to hold its own weight plus ____ times the intended load.
D. 4

5.

Who is required to supervise the erection or dismantling of a scaffold?

B. Competent Person

6.

What is the maximum distance the front edge of most scaffolding can be from face of work?
A. 14 in.

7.

Workers on or below scaffolds must be protected from falling objects by:

D. All of the above

8.

Scaffolds with a height to base ratio of more than ____ must be restrained from tipping.
D. 4 to 1

9.

Which of the following needs to be used to prevent falls off scaffolds?

D. Guardrails or fall arrest

10.

Which of the following can be used to prevent scaffold collapse?

D. All of the above

11.

What is the minimum distance to maintain when working near energized electrical lines?
C. 10 feet

12.

Injuries from falling objects can be prevented when which of the following are used:
E. All of the above

13.

It is permitted to move a mobile scaffold by pushing it from the top platform.

B. False

14.

It is permitted to use masonry blocks on the platform to reach higher work areas.
B. False

15.

A competent person is one who has:

A. Hazard identification skills and the authority to promptly correct or eliminate them

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Exhibit C1: Model Scaffold Safety Inspection Checklist
GENERAL SCAFFOLD REQUIREMENTS
Yes

No

NA

Checklist Item:
The scaffold been constructed and loaded with a safety factor of 4 : 1 by a qualified person
The gap between the platform planks and the uprights is less than inch
The platform is completely planked
All platforms at least 18 inches wide or protected by guardrail systems or personal fall arrest system
Open sides are less than 14 inches from the work face or if greater, are protected by guardrails
Open sides are less than 18 inched if lathing and plastering
All platform planks are cleated, restrained by hooks extended over their supports by at least 6
Guardrails have been installed to protect contact with platform ends extending > 12 when platforms are < 10 feet
Platforms > 10 ft do not extend more than 18 over their end support
Planks are overlapped when they lapped over their supports
Planks are overlapped at least 12 inches, nailed together or otherwise secured
Abutted planks rest on separate supports
The top and bottom plank surfaces are visible and void of paint
A competent person approved the use of scaffold components from different manufacturers
Any scaffold damage?
Are scaffolds overloaded?
Have slippery conditions been removed?
Are there proper clearances from power lines?
Has a competent person inspected the scaffold before each shift?
Are ladders, boxes or other equipment being used to increase the working height?
Are any shore or lean to scaffolds used?
Are tag lines in use when hoisting on or near scaffold?
Is there a tripping hazard from tools, material, and debris accumulation on the platform
A guardrail or fall arrest system exists at heights > 10 feet
Guardrails and mid-rails installed on all open sides
Guardrail height is between 36 45 inches
Four inch toe boards are installed
When mesh or screens are installed they extend from the top of the guardrail to the platform
Guardrail system is capable of supporting 200 pounds force in any direction.
Falling object hazards have been eliminated to the extent possible and residual hazards are controlled via canopies, barricades, fall hazard warnings and hard hats required as needed
Four inch toe boards been installed
Safe access exists and climbing on cross-bracing is prohibited
Rest platforms are installed every 35 vertical feet
Access and scaffold ladders are designed for use with the type of scaffold

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Exhibit C1 (Contd):
GENERAL SCAFFOLD REQUIREMENTS (CONTD)
Yes

No

NA

Checklist Item:
Ladders have a minimum rung length of 11-1/2 inches
Ladder rung spacing is uniform and no greater than 16-3/4 inches between rungs
Frame designed permits it to be used as a ladder for platform access.
Ladder rungs and steps line up vertically between the rest decks.
Access to/from other structures is prohibited when distance is > 24 vertical or 14 horizontal.

FABRICATED FRAME SCAFFOLD

Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
Vertical members of the frames are secured by lateral bracing
Bracing squares and aligns the frames
All brace connections are secured
Coupling pins or other acceptable mechanism connects the frames
Frames are locked together to prevent uplift
A qualified person has evaluated the use of side brackets and their impact on the overall scaffold
A registered professional engineer has designed all scaffolds over 125 feet in height

MOBILE SCAFFOLDS
Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
Vertical members of the frames are secured by lateral bracing
Bracing squares and aligns the frames
All brace connections are secured
The scaffold has the correct tube and clamp or frame for its specific type
Casters are locked during use
Force is applied as close to the bottom as possible when manually moving the scaffold
Casters are pinned into the frames and provided with adjustment screws
Scaffold is stabilized to prevent tipping during movement
Employees are prohibited from riding on rolling towers when they are being moved or moving
them from the top of the platform

TUBE AND COUPLER SCAFFOLDS

Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
X bracing is installed on the ends; every third set of posts horizontally; and every fourth runner
vertically
All ties are installed at the bearer level
Longitudinal bracing is installed at a 45 degree angle on both faces and extends from the first
post to the scaffold top
When longer than 5 posts a new line of bracing begins at every fifth post
Bearers are attached to both posts and the inboard coupler rests on the runner coupler
When bearers are attached to the runners they are placed as close as possible to the post
The bearer tube ends are in full contact within the clamps
Runners are installed on the inside and outside at level heights
There are mid-rails and when outside runners are not used

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Exhibit C1 (Contd):
TUBE AND COUPLER SCAFFOLDS (CONTD)
Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
Runners are interlocked and coupled to each post
Bottom runners are as close to the base as possible
Light and medium-duty scaffolds have 2 O.D. steel tubing for posts, runners, bearers and braces
Posts on light-duty scaffolds are spaced no greater than 4 apart by 10
along the length of the scaffold
Posts on medium-duty scaffolds are spaced no more than 4 apart by 7 along the length of the
scaffold

SUPPORTED SCAFFOLD
Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
Scaffold meets the 4 to 1 base to height ratio or secured to the structure by ties
Scaffolds are erected on firm footings capable of supporting 4 times the maximum intended load
without settling
Footings are stable and not subject to movement or being dislodged
Scaffold is plumb and braced to prevent swaying or displacement

SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD
Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
The structure can support the combined weight of the scaffold, personnel and materials
Roof and parapet are protected as needed
Suspension points are spaced the same as the hoists
Clamps and hooks are seated and tightened correctly
Outriggers are rated for the application
Frames, outriggers and beam supports are assembled per manufacturers instructions
Outriggers- Calculations have been done by the rigging foreman and the proper amount of counterweight is being used
Counterweights have been secured
The outrigger beams are in good condition
Suspension rigging points can support 4 times the hoist capacity
Tiebacks are properly configured, attached and tied to adequate anchor points
The wire rope can reach the bottom of the drop (plus 4 feet or 4 turns on the drum)
Suspension wire rope is in good condition and suspended correctly
Power cord has strain relief at all connections, all edges padded
Lifelines are independently tied back to an adequate anchor point
Lifelines are padded on all edges they pass over
Lifeline is terminated with a bowline or a rolling hitch knot
Lifeline reaches the lower level.
Wire hoisting rope is in good condition.
Shackles are in good condition; secured by wire.
Loose materials are secured against windy conditions

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Exhibit C1 (Contd):
SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD (CONTD)
Yes

No

N/A

Checklist Item
Loose materials are secured against windy conditions
Lifelines and fall protection equipment inspected and in good condition
All equipment is at least 10 feet clear of electrical lines
A Safety Zone has been set up directly below the scaffold
Hoists are in proper operating condition per manufacturer's instructions. The wire rope is reeled
properly
Platforms are free of debris
Handrails (42 ) mid-rails and toe boards installed
Uprights are in good condition and have been spaced at the proper intervals
Motors are in good condition. Emergency stop is operational
Stirrups are in good condition.
Workers are utilizing personal fall arrest systems before getting on the scaffold
Rope grabs are being used properly (not knots) and are in good condition
On drum hoists, check that the rope is terminated at the drum properly, and the wraps are in
good order
Mesh has been installed between the top rail and toe board
Operators manual attached
Operators trained on:
Proper hoist operations
Fall protection requirements
Wire rope inspection
Electrical hazards
Inspections
Load restrictions
Code of safe practices
Any site specific requirements
Employees working on the suspended scaffold trained by a recognized scaffold training course
and all have completion cards on them
Rigging foreman has been designated and has received a "Certificate of Fitness" from his/her
employer

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Exhibit C2: Rolling Scaffold Review Checklist
Account / Contact::

Project Name / Location:

Completed by:

Date:
CHECKLIST

YES

NO

ACTION / COMMENTS

Competent person in charge of erection and inspection?

Appears capable of supporting 4 times the maximum intended load?
Scaffold appears plumb, square and level?
Floor is solid, level and clear of holes / hazards?
Outriggers used when height is 3x the least base
dimension?
Scaffold is properly braced with braces properly
attached?
Open sides protected by guardrails, mid-rails and
toe boards?
Platform fully planked with no more than a 1
gap?
Using scaffold grade planks / platform in good
condition no cracks, knots, splits or damage?
Front edge of platform not more than 14 inches
from work?
Wheel locks / brakes in good condition?
At least 2 wheels lock?
Jacks / leveling screws adjusted properly?
All scaffolding components match and are of the
same type?
Safe access available to working platforms?
Access does not require climbing over rails?
Electrical clearances meet OSHA standards?
Surfing prohibited?
Are all braces, sections and clamps secured and
pinned?
Platforms free of debris, mud good housekeeping?
Scaffold free of makeshift devices or ladders to
increase height?
Are employees working around the scaffold wearing hardhats?
Other

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Exhibit C3: Stationary Scaffold Review Checklist
Account / Contact::

Project Name / Location:

Completed by:

Date:
CHECKLIST

YES

NO

ACTION / COMMENTS

Competent person in charge of erection and inspection?

Appears capable of supporting 4 times the maximum
intended load?
Footings appear sound and capable of carrying the maximum load?
Unstable objects prohibited as footing concrete block,
bricks, boxes?
Sills appear properly placed and sized?
Base plates secured to sills and frame?
Scaffold appears plumb, square and level?
Open sides protected by guardrails, mid-rails and toe
boards?
Front edge of platform not more than 14 inches from
work?
Electrical clearances meet OSHA standards?
Platform fully planked with no more than a 1 gap?
Planks overlap at least 12 over supports?
Using scaffold grade planks in good condition no
cracks, knots, splits or damage?
All scaffolding components match and are of the same
type?
Scaffold is properly braced with braces properly attached?
Are all braces, sections and clamps secured and pinned?
Tied into building every 26 in height and 30 in length?
Safe access available to working platforms?
Access does not require climbing over rails?
Platforms free of debris, mud good housekeeping?
Scaffold free of makeshift devices or ladders to increase
height?
Is X bracing installed where required?
Are employees working around the scaffold wearing
hardhats?
Other

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September 2012