COMPANY NAME HERE

Scaffolding

The Guidance Documents offered and provided by AVETTA

are intended as guidance to assist our contractors in
complying with the minimum requirements of the facilities
they are registered for, as well providing other helpful
information to assist in the development of successful safety
programs that address exposure hazards for employees.
AVETTA does not make any warranties or representations
with respect to the content, quality, accuracy or completeness
of any information or material contained in these templates.
AVETTA assumes no legal liability for the content, quality,
accuracy or completeness of these templates. In no event will
AVETTA be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect,
general, consequential, incidental, exemplary or special,
arising from the use of these templates. This document has
been made available for general use only and is provided
without any express or implied warranty as to its accuracy or
currency. All access to, and use of, the information is at the
user's risk. All the information contained in this document is
the responsibility of the user to ensure it is suitable for the
purpose and applicable to the company requesting this
document. This includes, but is not limited to ensuring that the
program addresses applicable legislation. The writer takes no
responsibility for this information.

PLEASE DELETE THIS SECTION AND ANY TEMPLATE

MARKS/HIGHLIGHTS/WATERMARKS PRIOR TO
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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Purpose

It is the purpose in issuing these procedures to further ensure a safe workplace based on the
following formal, written procedures for scaffold work. These procedures should be reviewed
and updated as needed to comply with new regulations, new best practices in scaffolding, and as
business practices demands.

Application

This general scaffold plan applies to:

 All employees who perform work while on a scaffold.

 All employees who are involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing,
maintaining, or inspecting scaffolds.

CSA Standard References

 Code of practice for access scaffold – CSA Z797-09 (R2014)

General Procedures

Capacity

 Each scaffold and scaffold component we use will support, without failure, its own
weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.
 When we use non-adjustable suspension scaffolds, each suspension rope, including
connecting hardware, will support, without failure, at least six times the maximum
intended load applied or transmitted to that rope.
 Direct connections to roofs and floors, and counterweights used to balance adjustable
suspension scaffolds, shall be capable of resisting at least 4 times the tipping moment
imposed by the scaffold operating at the rated load of the hoist, or 1.5 (minimum) times
the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the stall load of the hoist,
whichever is greater.
 Each suspension rope, including connecting hardware, used on non-adjustable suspension
scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without failure, at least 6 times the maximum
intended load applied or transmitted to that rope.
 The stall load of any scaffold hoist shall not exceed 3 times its rated load.

Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and shall be constructed and loaded in
accordance with that design.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Platform Construction
Platform – Decks
 Use wooden and metal decks according to job requirements, standards, regulations and
manufacturer's instructions.
 Only cleat planks at the ends to prevent lengthwise movement. Wiring down planks can also
prevent movement, provided wire does not create a tripping hazard. Where planks overlap,
rest the cleated end on the support. Do not use cleats elsewhere on the plank to prevent
splitting.
 Ensure that adjoining planks are of uniform thickness for an even platform.
 Lay planks side by side across the full width of the scaffold.
 Check scaffold planks for large knots, worm holes, steeply sloping grain at the edges, spike
knots, and splits. Splits wider than 10 mm (3/8 in), lengthwise closer than 75 mm (3 in.) to
the edge of the plank, or lengthwise longer than ½ the length of the plank are not acceptable.
Discard immediately any planks showing these or other defects.
 Check hooks and hardware of prefabricated platform units regularly for looseness, distortion
and cracks. Damage can occur if the platforms are dropped or thrown.
 Clean ice, snow, oil and grease off planks. Platform decks should be slip-resistant and should
not accumulate water.
 Inspect planks on a regular basis while on the scaffold. Weather, rot, and general use can
deteriorate the planks.
 Do not jump on the planks to test their strength. Jumping can cause undetectable damage.
 Ensure that all working platforms are about 500 mm (20 in.) minimum in width.
 Use a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) x 250 mm (10 in.) Number 1 Grade spruce-pine-fir (SPF)
planking or better.
 Overlap or extend planking 150 mm (6 in.) to 300 mm (12 in.) and cleat at each end to
prevent planking from slipping and blowing off.
 Support planks at intervals not exceeding 3m (10 ft) for light work and 2.1 m (7 ft.) for heavy
work (bricklaying, masonry).
 Check with officials in your local jurisdiction as recommendations may vary.
 Stack planks on a firm level surface to prevent warping.
 Band the ends of the boards. Do not paint as the paint can conceal defects.
 Do not use scaffold planks as a base to stack materials, or as ramps or temporary roadways.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Supported Scaffolds
 Refer to safety regulations and standards for design and assembly requirements.
 Choose the right scaffold system for the job.
 Erect all scaffold parts according to the manufacturer's instructions.
 Select scaffold according to:
 height required
 type and duration of work
 range of weather conditions
 weight of workers, materials and equipment
 location
 requirements for pedestrian traffic
 Erect scaffold on a base that will support all the loads that will be applied including materials
and equipment.
 Make sure the backfill is compact and level. Replace mud and soft soil with gravel or
crushed stone.
 Provide adequate sills for scaffold posts and use base plates.
 Set scaffold feet centrally on mudsills consisting of 50x250 mm (2x10 in.) planks. Sills
should extend at least 610 mm (2 ft.) beyond the scaffold base and be long enough to extend
under at least two scaffold feet.
 Install scaffold with jackscrews (adjusting screws). They allow for minor adjustments to help
keep scaffold plumb and level.
 Take extra precautions when erecting scaffold on frozen ground. Thawing soil can become
water-soaked and lose its ability to bear weight.
 Brace both sides of every frame for the vertical plane. Install horizontal bracing at the joint of
every third tier of frames. This bracing is often attached to the point where the scaffold is tied
to the structure.
 Do not force braces to fit. Level the scaffold until a proper fit can be made easily.
 Use coupling devices to join frames to prevent the joints from pulling apart.
 Do not use nails or other devices in the place of proper retention parts as recommended by
the manufacturer.
 Tie or brace the scaffold to a solid structure as appropriate.
 Use a debris net, catch platform or similar structure where appropriate to catch falling
objects.
 Do not allow the ratio of scaffold height to base width to exceed 3 to 1 unless the scaffold is:
 tied into a structure
 stabilized by guy wires
 secured by outriggers or stabilizers to maintain the ratio

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Suspension Scaffolds
 Ensure that platform is installed and maintained according to job requirements, safety
regulations, standards and the manufacturer's specifications.
 Inspect all equipment before erecting and before each shift.
 Use a separate safety harness attached to an independent life line for each worker.
Maintain lanyard attachment at highest point possible.
 Ensure that suspended platform roof beams and attachments are secure.
 Ensure that the roof or parapet wall is structurally sound to support either outriggers or
cornice hooks.
 Check for kinked or damaged ropes.
 Secure all ropes at anchor ends.
 Ensure that all safety equipment, stops, override switches and brakes function properly.
 Prevent contact between welding or grinding equipment and wire safety or suspension
ropes.
 Secure hand tools to the platform.
 Ensure that power source is secured and properly grounded.
 Secure platform when not in use.
 Ensure that guardrails and toe boards are in place.
 Extend suspension ropes completely to the ground or terminate with wire rope clips to
prevent the stage from running off the end of the ropes.
 Test by raising the fully loaded platform a few feet off the ground before going aloft.
 Do not exceed platform load capacity.
 Do not enter or leave the platform other than at ground level or at other safe access
points.
 Do not allow electric cables or connections to lie in gutters or other areas where water
can collect.
 Do not work near exposed electrical circuits or equipment.
 Do not join platforms unless they are designed for this purpose.
 Do not use damaged or defective equipment.
 Do not alter, substitute or remove components of platform.
 Do not use life line for raising or lowering tools or materials.
 Do not move work platform unless all workers on it are protected by individual safety
belts and lines.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Rolling Scaffold
 Assemble the rolling scaffold according to manufacturer's instructions.
 Ensure that the surface on which the scaffold is moved is level and without holes or
obstructions.
 Brace all rolling scaffolds horizontally and diagonally.
 Cleat or secure all planks.
 Prevent joints from separating.
 Secure access ladders.
 Make sure the platform has appropriate guardrails (hand, mid, toe).
 Ensure that each wheel or castor is equipped with brakes to prevent rolling and swiveling.
 Lock the caster brakes before climbing onto scaffold.
 Secure or remove all material, equipment and personnel from platform before moving it.
 Push towards the base when moving.
 Use the built-in access ladders to reach the platform.
 Refer to safety regulations for height stability requirements.
 Do not stay on the scaffold when it is being moved. If a worker must remain on the
scaffold, make sure the worker is secured to the building (not the scaffold) with
appropriate safety harness and lanyard.
 Do not try to move a rolling scaffold without enough help. Watch out for slopes, holes,
debris, and overhead obstructions.
 Do not extend adjusting screws more than the manufacturer recommends.
 Do not allow the working platform height to exceed three times the base width, unless it
is guyed and equipped with outriggers or otherwise stabilized.
 Do not use powered devices to move scaffolds.
 Do not lean access ladders against rolling scaffolds.
 Do not over-reach from the scaffold.
 Do not climb using the frame.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Fall Protection Plan

Fall protection planning is critical to the safety and well-being of our employees. Our fall
protection plan follows certain requirements that are different depending on the type of scaffold
being used. In this plan we address fall protection for our scaffold erectors and dismantlers
separately. One fact never changes. We know we must provide fall protection for any employee
on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level.

Working Employees

This fall protection plan for our working employees is for the following type(s) of scaffold(s):

 Single- or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold-We will protect each employee on our
single- or two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds by a personal fall arrest system. Our
personal fall arrest systems:

 Meet the requirements of your local jurisdiction

 Are attached by lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or scaffold structural

member.

NOTE: Vertical lifelines shall not be used when overhead components, such as overhead
protection or additional platform levels, are part of a single-point or two-point adjustable
suspension scaffold.

When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage, shall
be independent of the scaffold, and shall be protected from sharp edges and abrasion. Safe points
of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but do not include standpipes, vents, other
piping systems, electrical conduit, outrigger beams, or counterweights.

When horizontal lifelines are used, they shall be secured to two or more structural members of
the scaffold, or they may be looped around both suspension and independent suspension lines
(on scaffolds so equipped) above the hoist and brake attached to the end of the scaffold.
Horizontal lifelines shall not be attached only to the suspension ropes.

When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members on a single-point or

two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, the scaffold shall be equipped with additional
independent support lines and automatic locking devices capable of stopping the fall of the
scaffold in the event one or both of the suspension ropes fail. The independent support lines shall
be equal in number and strength to the suspension ropes.

Vertical lifelines, independent support lines, and suspension ropes shall not be attached to each
other, nor shall they be attached to or use the same point of anchorage, nor shall they be attached
to the same point on the scaffold or personal fall arrest system.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Using Scaffolds

Site preparation, scaffold erection, fall protection, and gaining access to the working platform are
only some of the requirements for scaffold work. While this all takes concentration and safe
work practices, the most dangerous time can be when employees are concentrating on their work
and not particularly aware of the hazards of working from scaffolds. It is critical that employees
who use scaffolds be trained, among other things, in the recognition of the hazards associated
with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize
those hazards. Our competent person will inspect all scaffolds and scaffold components for
visible defects before each work shift, and after any occurrence that could affect a scaffold's
structural integrity. However, in addition to that, all users of scaffolds in this company will know
and understand the following safety rules:

 Scaffolds and scaffold components will never be loaded in excess of their maximum
intended loads or rated capacities.
 Debris must not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.
 Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent
person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could affect a scaffold's
structural integrity.
 Any part of a scaffold damaged or weakened such that its strength is less than that required
by paragraph (a) of this section shall be immediately tagged out, repaired or replaced,
braced to meet those provisions, or removed from service until repaired. An example of tag
used in tagging out scaffolding equipment is provided at the back of this program.
 Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally while employees are on them, unless they have
been designed by a registered professional engineer specifically for such movement or, for
mobile scaffolds.
 The clearance between scaffolds and power lines shall be as follows: Scaffolds shall not be
erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such that they or any conductive material
handled on them might come closer to exposed and energized power lines.
 Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and
direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or
alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees
selected for such work by the competent person.
 Employees shall be prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other
slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials.
 Where swinging loads are being hoisted onto or near scaffolds such that the loads might
contact the scaffold, tag lines or equivalent measures to control the loads shall be used.
 Suspension ropes supporting adjustable suspension scaffolds shall be of a diameter large
enough to provide sufficient surface area for the functioning of brake and hoist mechanisms.
 Suspension ropes shall be shielded from heat-producing processes. When acids or other
corrosive substances are used on a scaffold, the ropes shall be shielded, treated to protect
against the corrosive substances, or shall be of a material that will not be damaged by the
substance being used.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
 Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent
person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those
employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens. Wind screens shall
not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed.
 Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.
 Makeshift devices, such as but not limited to boxes and barrels, shall not be used on top of
scaffold platforms to increase the working level height of employees.
 Ladders shall not be used on scaffolds to increase the working level height of employees,
except on large area scaffolds where employers have satisfied the following criteria:
 When the ladder is placed against a structure which is not a part of the scaffold, the
scaffold shall be secured against the sideways thrust exerted by the ladder;

 The platform units shall be secured to the scaffold to prevent their movement;

 The ladder legs shall be on the same platform or other means shall be provided to
stabilize the ladder against unequal platform deflection, and

 The ladder legs shall be secured to prevent them from slipping or being pushed off the
platform.

 Platforms shall not deflect more than 1/60 of the span when loaded.
 To reduce the possibility of welding current arcing through the suspension wire rope when
performing welding from suspended scaffolds, the following precautions shall be taken, as
applicable:
 An insulated thimble shall be used to attach each suspension wire rope to its hanging
support (such as cornice hook or outrigger). Excess suspension wire rope and any additional
independent lines from grounding shall be insulated;
 The suspension wire rope shall be covered with insulating material extending at least 4 feet
(1.2 m) above the hoist. If there is a tail line below the hoist, it shall be insulated to prevent
contact with the platform. The portion of the tail line that hangs free below the scaffold shall
be guided or retained, or both, so that it does not become grounded;
 Each hoist shall be covered with insulated protective covers;
 In addition to a work lead attachment required by the welding process, a grounding
conductor shall be connected from the scaffold to the structure. The size of this conductor
shall be at least the size of the welding process work lead, and this conductor shall not be in
series with the welding process or the work piece;
 If the scaffold grounding lead is disconnected at any time, the welding machine shall be shut
off; and
 An active welding rod or uninsulated welding lead shall not be allowed to contact the
scaffold or its suspension system.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Tagging
Tags must be placed at each point of entry to the scaffold. This includes access points from
ground level and any access points from the structure with which the scaffold is being used.
Doing so ensures that workers are aware of the status and condition of the scaffold, regardless of
where they access it. Whatever their color, tags must include:

(a) the duty rating of the scaffold, 

(b) the date on which the scaffold was last inspected, 
(c) the name of the competent worker who inspected the scaffold, 
(d) any precautions to be taken while working on the scaffold, and 
(e) the expiry date of the tag.

Scaffolds must be inspected prior to initial use and at least every 21 calendar days thereafter
while workers work from the scaffold or materials are stored on it. A scaffold that is erected but
not immediately put into service, or not used for more than 21 consecutive calendar days, must
be tagged with a red tag until inspected by a competent worker. A scaffold sitting idle may be
exposed to weather or other circumstances that could make it unsafe for use. Inspection, just
prior to the scaffold being put into service, confirms that it is safe for workers to use.

The tags let workers know that a particular scaffold is safe for use, that a potential or unusual
hazard is present, or the scaffold is unsafe for use. The yellow tag is required to describe any
precautions to be taken while working on the scaffold. A scaffold being modified on a particular
level requires a yellow tag. The tag alerts workers climbing onto the scaffold of the modification
work and any special precautions that might affect them.

Colour of Inspection Tag Wording to Appear on Tag

Green “Safe for Use” or similar wording
Yellow “Caution: Potential or Unusual Hazard” or similar
wording
Red “Unsafe for Use” or similar wording

Prohibited Practices
The following practices will never be tolerated in this company:

 Scaffold components manufactured by different manufacturers will never be intermixed

unless the components fit together without force and the scaffold's structural integrity is
maintained.
 Unstable objects will never be used to support scaffolds or platform units. Footings must be
level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or
displacement.
 Cross braces will never be used as a means of access.

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COMPANY NAME HERE
Scaffolding
Training
Recognizing the need for training for employees who: (1) perform work while on scaffolds, (2)
are involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting
scaffolds, and (3) have lost the requisite proficiency, training is one of the highest priority of this
program.

Employees Who Use Scaffolds

Our employees who perform work on scaffolds will be trained by a qualified person to recognize
the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to
control or minimize those hazards. The training will include the following areas as applicable:

 The nature of and the correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards.
 The nature of and the correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the
fall protection and falling object protection systems used.
 The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold.
 The maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffolds used.
 Tagging of scaffolds.
 Any other pertinent requirements of the local standards and regulations.

Duties of Competent and Qualified Persons

Only qualified and competent personnel are allowed to modify scaffolding systems. Non-
qualified personnel may create more hazards. If modifications are attempted by non-qualified
personnel they will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of
employment.

Employees Who Need Retraining

 When we have reason to believe that one of our employees lacks the skill or understanding
needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, we will retrain
the employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. Retraining will be done in at least
the following situations:

 Where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which the employee has not been
previously trained.
 Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other
equipment present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained.
 Where inadequacies in an affected employee's work involving scaffolds indicate that the
employee has not retained the requisite proficiency.

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