Scaffolding Safety Rules

As recommended by the Scaffolding, Shoring, and Forming Institute reprinted with permission
Following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the use of steel scaffolding. These rules are illustrative and suggestive only,
and are intended to deal only with some of the many practices and conditions encountered in the use of scaffolding. The rules do not purport to be
all-inclusive or to supplant or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures to cover usual and unusual conditions. They are not
intended to conflict with, or supercede, any state, local, or federal statute or regulation: reference to such specific provisions should be made by
user. see rule II.)
I. POST THESE SCAFFOLDING SAFETY RULES in a conspicuous place and be sure that all persons who erect,
dismantle, or use scaffolding are aware of them.
II. FOLLOW ALL STATE, LOCAL, AND FEDERAL CODES, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS pertaining to
scaffolding
III. INSPECT ALL EQUIPMENT BEFORE USING - Never use any equipment that is damaged or deteriorated in any way.
IV. KEEP ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR. Avoid using rusted equipment - the strength of rusted equipment is not
known.
V. INSPECT ERECTED SCAFFOLDS REGULARLY to be sure that they are maintained in safe condition.
VI. CONSULT YOUR SCAFFOLDING SUPPLIER WHEN IN DOUBT - scaffolding is his business, NEVER TAKE
CHANCES

A. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SILLS for scaffold posts and use base N. FOR ROLLING SCAFFOLD THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL
plates. RULES APPLY:
B. USE ADJUSTING SCREWS instead of blocking to adjust to uneven 1. DO NOT RIDE ROLLING SCAFFOLDS
grade conditions. 2. SECURE OR REMOVE ALL MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT from
C. PLUMB AND LEVEL ALL SCAFFOLDS as the erection platform before moving scaffold.
proceeds. Do not force braces to fit ’ level the scaffold until 3. CASTER BRAKES MUST BE APPLIED at all times when
proper fit can be made easily. scaffolds are not being moved.
D. FASTEN ALL BRACES SECURELY. 4. CASTERS WITH PLAIN STEMS shall be attached to the panel or
E. DO NOT CLIMB CROSS BRACES. An access (climbing) ladder, adjustment screw by pins or other suitable means.
access steps, frame designed to be climbed or equivalent safe access 5. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE A ROLLING SCAFFOLD
to the scaffold shall be used. WITHOUT SUFFICIENT HELP ’ watch out for holes in floor and
F. ON WALL SCAFFOLDS PLACE AND MAINTAIN ANCHORS overhead obstructions.
securely between structure and scaffold at least every 30” of 6. DO NOT EXTEND ADJUSTING SCREWS ON ROLLING
length and 26” of height. SCAFFOLDS MORE THAN 12".
G. WHEN SCAFFOLDS ARE TO BE PARTIALL OR FULLY 7. USE HORIZONTAL DIAGONAL BRACING near the bottom and
ENCLOSED, specific precautions must be taken to assure at least at 20” intervals measured from the rolling surfaces.
frequency and adequacy of ties attaching the scaffolding to the 8. DO NOT USE BRACKETS ON ROLLING SCAFFOLDS without
building due to increased load conditions resulting from wind and consideration of overturning effect.
weather. The scaffolding components to which the ties are 9. THE WORKING PLATFORM HEIGHT OF A ROLLING
attached must also be checked for additional loads. SCAFFOLD must not exceed four times the smallest base
H. FREE STANDING SCAFFOLD TOWERS MUST BE dimension unless guyed or otherwise stabilized.
RESTRAINED FROM TIPPING by guying or other means. O. For “PUTLOGS” and “TRUSSES” the following
I. EQUIP ALL PLANKED OR STAGED AREAS with proper additional rules apply.
guardrails, midrails, and toeboards along all open sides and ends 1. DO NOT CANTILEVER OR EXTEND PUTLOGS/TRUSSES as
of scaffold platforms. side brackets without thorough consideration for loads applied.
J. POWER LINES NEAR SCAFFOLDS are dangerous. use 2. PUTLOGS/TRUSSES SHOULD EXTEND AT LEAST 6" beyond
caution and consult the power service company for advice. point of support.
K. DO NOT USE ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to 3. PLACE PROPER BRACING BETWEEN PUTLOGS/TRUSSES
increase the height. when the span of putlog/truss is more than 12”.
L. DO NOT OVERLOAD SCAFFOLDS P. ALL BRACKETS shall be seated correctly with side brackets
M. PLANKING: parallel to the frames and end brackets at 90 degrees to the
1. Use only lumber that is properly inspected and graded as frames. Brackets shall not be bent or twisted from normal position.
scaffold plank. Brackets (except mobile brackets designed to carry materials) are
2. Planking shall have at least 12" of overlap and extend 6" beyond to be used as work platforms only and shall not be used for
the center of support, or be cleated at both ends to prevent storage of material or equipment.
sliding off supports. Q. ALL SCAFFOLDING ACCESSORIES shall be used and installed
3. Fabricated scaffold planks and platforms unless cleated or in accordance with the manufacturers recommended procedure.
restrained by hooks shall extend over their end supports not Accessories shall not be altered in the field. Scaffolds, frames,
less than 6" nor more than 12". and their components, manufactured by different companies shall
4. Secure plank to scaffold when necessary. not be intermixed

Please Feel Free to call with any questions not covered in this document. (952) 944-8040
This document is available for download at www.a-zrental.com -  Scaffolding and Shoring Institute – Cleveland, OH
 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS AND GUIDELINES – REPRINTED
FROM BIL-JAX Literature.

Bil-Jax recommends that all users of this equipment be supplied with safety information and OSHA regulations. This
information must be thoroughly read and understood before using the equipment. If you have not been provided with
OSHA regulations or safety literature, please call (952) 944-8040 before use.

Bil-Jax Rolling Towers offer a

large work platform area,
adjustable platform levels, and
quick and easy assembly which
allows a worker to perform their
job safely.

A Rolling Tower should only be

used on solid, level, and clear
floor areas. Do not use on soil or
unlevel surfaces. Check for
overhead obstructions which may
interfere with the tower.

1. Before starting erection, check all parts for damage,

making sure that they are in proper working order. Any
part that does not look to be in good working condition or
is damaged in any way should not be used.

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2. BRACING Attach diagonal bracing to frame sections, securing in place with the frame brace
locks. (Fig. 1)

3. CASTERS, JACKS. BASE PLATES

Insert casters and secure with
attaching pin or bolt. Set brakes on all
casters (Fig. 2) before proceeding with
tower erection. If leveling casters are
used, secure with stem retainer clamp,
wire, or other suitable means. (Fig. 3)
Do not extend leveling screws more
than 12”. If application does not call for
a Rolling Tower, follow above procedure
and replace casters with leveling jacks
(fig. 4) or base plates (fig. 5) on mud
sills.

4. CAT-A-CORNER SQUARING BRACE

Install cat-a-corner squaring brace
(this should be installed at the base and
every additional 20’ of height).

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5. OUTRIGGERS
Determine tower height required to complete
the job. If height exceeds 3 times the
minimum base dimension, (see Free
Standing Tower Height section below) install
outriggers to increase minimum base
dimension or tie in to permanent structure as
codes require. Pin caster to outrigger and
attach outrigger to scaffold leg. Adjust to
desired angle and tighten clamp firmly to
prevent movement. Set caster brakes.

6. ADDING FRAME SECTIONS Hoist end frames and braces to next level by means of rope and tag
line. Install diagonal bracing. Secure frames together using inserts and insert locking pins. Be sure
to erect step frames so that the steps continue above one another on the same side of the frame.
Full decking should be installed on completed tier before attempting to assemble next tier, and should
be moved up as each additional tier is completed. NOTE: When required, access ladder of stair
sections must be installed at the same time as each scaffold section is added.

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7. GUARD RAILING – FINAL DECKING Upon completion of tower to desired height,
install and lock double guard railing and toeboards on all 4 sides as required by OSHA.
Make sure all guard rail posts are secured with lock pins. Install walkboards to fully deck
platform work area. Secure walkboards in place by using an 8 penny nail (Fig. 6), engaging
slide lock (Fig. 7), engaging rotation lock (Fig. 8), as equipped. See OSHA regulations for
additional information concerning securing decking.

IMPORTANT: CAUTION
Inspect scaffold daily or before each use.
Do not exert horizontal force from on top of a free-standing scaffold.
Do not climb or stand on cross braces of horizontal braces.
Do not swing around corner of scaffold to enter platform from the cross brace side.
Do not use boxes, ladders, or other means to increase working height.
Do not stand or sit on guard rails.
Do not use bricks, boxes, concrete blocks, or any other unstable objects under scaffold leg.
NEVER ride a moving scaffold.
Do not move scaffold by applying a pulling or pushing force at or near the top.
Do not use braces as a platform support.
Do not use personnel brackets (side brackets) on a Rolling Tower.
Use approver access ladder or stairs to climb scaffold. Properly erected step type end frames will provide “equivalent,
safe access” as required by OSHA.
When hoisting material or using side brackets, scaffold must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying to a permanent
structure, or other acceptable means.
Restrict loading to safe working loads. If unsure of safe load limit, consult your scaffold dealer.
If you have not been provided with OSHA regulations or safety literature, or for any questions concerning the safe use of
this equipment, call (952) 944-8040 before use.

NOTE: All OSHA, state and local codes and regulations pertaining to this equipment should be obtained, read, and thoroughly understood before
attempting to erect or use this equipment. Persons under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication should not be on or near this
equipment. Common sense should be implemented at all times during the erection and use of this equipment. DO NOT USE THIS EQUIPMENT IN
AREAS WHERE EQUIPMENT OR USER MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH A LIVE POWER SOURCE.

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Please Feel Free to call with any questions not covered in this document. (952) 944-8040
This document is available for download at www.a-zrental.com