Scaffolds may only be erected under the supervision of an individual who has been trained as a scaffold competent person.  All employees that use scaffolding must attend scaffold awareness training. 

The following rules apply to scaffold erection and use:

•Scaffolds must be erected on sound, rigid footing, capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement.

•Scaffolds and their components must be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 4 times the maximum intended load.

•Where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold, there must be a screen with maximum 1/2-inch openings between the toe board and the guardrail.

•All planking must be Scaffold Grade or equivalent as recognized by approved grading rules for the species of wood used.

•Scaffold planking must be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches or secured from movement.

•Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches or more than 12 inches.

•All scaffolding and accessories must have any defective part immediately replaced or repaired

•An access ladder or equivalent safe access must be provided.

•Guardrails, midrails, and toe boards must be installed on all open sides and ends of platforms more than 10 feet above the ground or floor, except needle beam scaffolds and floats, unless other suitable fall protection is provided.  Scaffolds 4 feet to 10 feet in height, having a minimum dimension in either direction of less than 45 inches, must have standard guardrails installed on all open sides and ends of the platform.

•Guardrails must be installed approximately 42 inches above the working platform.  The guardrail must be able to resist a minimum force of 200 pounds applied in any direction.

•Toe boards must be a minimum of 3.5 inches in height.

•Midrails are to be installed midway between the guardrail and toe board.  The midrails must be able to resist a minimum force of 150 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction.

•Where persons are required to work or pass under the scaffold, wire mesh must be installed between the toe board and the guardrail, extending along the entire opening, consisting of No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard wire 1/2 - inch mesh, or the equivalent.

Scaffolds (Mobile)

Platforms must be tightly planked for the full width of the scaffold except for necessary entrance opening.  Platforms must be secured in place.

Mobile scaffolds may not be moved when occupied unless the scaffold has been designed for this use, and this use is pre-approved by a competent scaffold person.

Scaffolds (Swinging)

On suspension scaffolds designed for a working load of 500 pounds, no more than two persons may be permitted to work at one time.  On suspension scaffolds with a working load of 750 pounds, no more than three persons may be permitted to work at one time.  Each employee must be protected by an approved safety harness attached to a lifeline.  The lifeline must be securely attached to substantial members of the structure (not scaffold), or to securely rigged lines, which will safely suspend the employee in case of a fall.  In order to keep the lifeline continuously attached, with a minimum of slack, to a fixed structure, the attachment point of the lifeline must be appropriately changed as the work progresses.

Scaffolds (Tubular Welded Frame)

Scaffolds must be properly braced by cross bracing or diagonal braces, or both, for securing vertical members together laterally, and the cross braces must be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffolds are always plumb, square, and rigid.  All brace connections must be made secure.