Masonry Magazine August 2002 Page. 44
SCAFFOLDING
SAFETY
Getting It Right
By Steve Storrer
Safety Inspector, Bil-Jax, Inc.
Industry statistics indicate that at least 30 percent of all scaffold-related accidents involve the misuse of mobile scaffolds, commonly referred to as rolling towers. Although circumstances differ in each accident, one recurring error seems evident: in the majority of accidents, a complete mobile scaffold is not utilized.
ON OCTOBER 24, 2001, A FOURTEEN-STORY scaffold, which was being used to replace a brick facade on a building in New York City, collapsed. The result: five workers were killed and 11 others seriously injured. Although the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragedy have yet to be determined, one observation seems particularly relevant: scaffold being used in a masonry application presents unique challenges for the "competent person" and those under his authority.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict regulations concerning the proper assembly and usage of masonry scaffolds. Unfortunately, the erector and/or laborer often perceive certain components as unnecessary or too expensive to rent or buy. The result is a scaffold that does not comply with the OSHA standards.
Whether you are renting extra sections for a big job, buying new or used equipment, or just inventorying your existing equipment, there are numerous areas of compliance that should be checked to be certain you have all the necessary components to satisfy OSHA.
The most commonly "forgotten" scaffold components are:
Base Plates and Mud Sills: Base plates and mud sills are required on all scaffolds. Also, the surface on which the mud sills are placed must be capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling. In some cases it may be necessary to compact the soil before setting up the scaffold.
Scaffold Ties: The first tie must be installed at the horizontal member of the frame closest to the 4:1 base to height ratio. In other words, if you are utilizing 5-feet wide frames, the first tie should be installed at the horizontal member of the frame as close to the 20-feet height as possible. After the initial tie is installed, subsequent ties must be installed at height intervals not to exceed 26 feet. Also, ties must be installed at each end of the scaffold and at horizontal intervals not to exceed 30 feet. All ties should be capable of withstanding a "push" or "pull" force of 2,500 pounds. Additional ties may be necessary when enclosing a scaffold or when the scaffold is subject to high winds. If in doubt, always review your scaffold set-up plans with a professional engineer prior to beginning the set-up.
Side Brackets: When using side brackets, it is important to remember that brackets are for personnel only. NEVER use side brackets for material loading or storage. Also, check the load capacity of the side brackets and do not overload them. Most brackets are rated for a load capacity of 500 pounds. When determining the load on a particular bracket, you must remember to include the load in the area of .5 of the bay on each side