Masonry Magazine June 1979 Page. 12
Dangerous "don't! Proper scaffold orientation would have prevented a hazardous plank condition, and backfill would have removed the footing hazard.
When wire ties are used, they must be adequately reinforced with a compression block. Keep in mind that scaffolding is designed to support vertical, not horizontal, loads. If a weather protector is used, and is tied directly to the scaffold, the scaffold must then be tied to the supporting structure at more frequent intervals so the horizontal forces are absorbed by the structure, not the scaffolding. When in doubt, it is best to consult an engineer who has scaffolding experience.
Loading
Before the frame spacing or the style of the frame is selected, determine how the working level is to be serviced and the manner in which the supplies are to be placed on the scaffold. If it is intended that block or brick pallets be placed on the scaffold, the pallets should not be placed at mid-span, but over scaffold frames. Full block or brick pallets weigh between 2.500 and 2,800 pounds. It is important to choose a frame that has been designed to support this weight. In general, scaffold frames that have only a single header bar will not safely support more than 2,000 pounds and should not be used in this manner.
Side Brackets
Side brackets are designed to carry only personnel. They should not be used to extend platforms on the outside of the scaffold run to form runways or to store materials. They were primarily designed to provide a convenient work height for the workman. When using side brackets, cleat the plank ends to minimize movement and to prevent plank disengagement.
12 MASONRY/JUNE, 1979
Platforms
A recent Department of Labor survey concerning scaffolding accidents between May and November, 1978, indicates that approximately 96% of all scaffold accidents occurred on scaffolds that were erected and inspected by the injured employee or a co-worker. Half of the accidents reported were caused by planking problems, and three-quarters involved platforms less than 4 feet wide. Although this survey is admittedly very broad in nature and only defined general areas of scaffolding problems, it indicates that unless scaffold platforms are fully planked, employee accident exposures are magnified. When planking a work level, be sure the correct length planks are on the job.
Scaffold planks should not extend over the supports more than 12 inches, nor less than 6 inches, unless they are cleated or otherwise restrained. Do not use planks that are split, cracked, have loose knots, have any surface sawed through, or are not otherwise suitable.
The Labor Department survey further indicates that the accident problem is not a scaffold problem, but a "people" problem. Workmen must be taught how to erect and use scaffolding safely. They must be taught to recognize that they are the ones who get hurt, lose wages, and suffer when accidents happen. The employer must also recognize that the extra costs in erecting a safe scaffold are paid for many times over by increased productivity and lower insurance costs.
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