Scaffolding Safety

OSHA 1926 Subpart L covers scaffolding in construction. Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person and erected, dismantled, and modified under a competent person's supervision. Load capacity: scaffolds must support their own weight plus 4 times the maximum intended load. Fall protection required at 10 feet: guardrails (with toeboard) or PFAS. Suspension (swinging) scaffolds always require PFAS regardless of height. Access by ladder, stair, or ramp only — cross-bracing prohibited as a climbing method.

Scaffold planking: must be scaffold-grade lumber or equivalent, overhang 6-12 inches beyond end supports, no gaps greater than 1 inch between planks. Frame scaffold stability: maximum height-to-base ratio 3:1 unsupported — ties and guys required beyond 3:1. Ties must be at intervals per manufacturer specifications. The competent person must inspect before each shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity.

For OSHA 30 supervisors: establish and enforce a documented scaffold inspection program. Scaffold tags (green = approved, yellow = proceed with caution, red = do not use) help communicate scaffold status. Workers must be trained specifically for the types of scaffolds they use — training must cover hazards, proper access/egress, fall protection, and capacity limits. Never allow modifications to scaffold systems without competent person approval. Supervisors are responsible for enforcing proper scaffold use — no jumping between platforms, no overloading, no work on incomplete scaffolds.