Masonry Magazine March 2001 Page. 26
Last August a scaffold collapsed in Massachusetts killing two workers. The accident investigation showed that the scaffold was overloaded with brick, debris and excess scaffold planking. None of the workers had received training nor was the scaffold inspected by a competent person. In addition, a cross bracing was missing from the base of the scaffold. Each scaffold and scaffold component must be able to support its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. On suspended scaffolds, the suspension rope, including connecting hardware, must be capable of supporting at least 6 times the maximum intended load.
"A competent person must be present when the scaffold is erected to ensure it can take the intended load and that is is erected properly."
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The requirement for worker training and a daily inspection by a competent person could have prevented the missing brace and accumulation of debris.
The most common hazard on scaffolding is the potential for falling. The following case demonstrates a violation frequently seen when workers use a scaffold. A crew was working on a scaffold applying stucco to a six-story college dormitory. An employee on the fifth floor stepped on a guardrail to access the next level of the scaffold. The guardrail gave way allowing the employee to fall 48 feet to his death.
To prevent this type of fall OSHA requires employees to use an appropriate access for any scaffold higher then 2 feet. Climbing on any part of the frame is prohibited. Appropriate access can include a ladder built into the scaffold, which meets OSHA ladder specifications, or an attached ladder.
In reviewing this case, another comment should be made about fall protection. OSHA requires proper fall protection on all scaffolds over 10 feet. A personal fall arrest system or guardrail system must be in place. The guardrail here was loosely attached. It did not meet the specifications. Points to consider for the guardrail system are: ensure guardrails are capable of withstanding a 200 lb. force, midrails can withstand a 150 lb. force, and netting, screens or some other form of falling object protection are in place.
Paying attention to these basic hazards can prevent the same occurrence on your jobsites. Review the scaffold standards in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 29 Subpart L and observe all precautions. Special attention should be given to any requirement that will help you avoid overloading a scaffold, protecting workers from falls and falling objects, and staying clear of electricity.
26 MASONRY MARCH, 2001