Scaffold and Ladder
Safety Training
1
Introduction
• Falls from scaffolds and ladders are a
leading cause of serious and fatal injuries
in residential construction.
• The goals of this course are to help you:
– understand how to correct or eliminate fall
hazards on your job sites related to scaffold
and ladder use
– understand the OSHA scaffold and ladder
safety requirements
2
Course Agenda
• Section 1: Overview
• Section 2: Ladder Safety
• Section 3: Scaffold Safety
• Section 4: Group Workshop
• Section 5: Post Test and Review
3
Section 1: Overview
4
Why is Preventing Falls from
Ladders and Scaffolds Important?
• Falls continue to be the leading cause of
fatalities in residential construction.
• Falls (602) were responsible for 45% of
residential construction fatalities from 2003
to 2006.
• 135 (22%) were falls from ladders.
• 89 (15%) were falls from scaffolding.
5 Source: NAHB Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006
(www.nahb.org/fatalitystudy )
Fatalities by Event or Exposure:
Residential Construction
Assaults and Fires and
Violent Acts Explosions
N = 48 (3%) N = 34 (2%)
Transportation
Accidents
N = 199 (14%) Falls
N = 602
(45%)
Exposure to
Harmful
Substances or
Environments
N = 248 (18%)
Contact with
Objects and
Equipment
N = 251 (18%)
6 Source: NAHB Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006
(www.nahb.org/fatalitystudy )
Fall Fatalities:
Residential Construction
1%
1% 1% 1%
1% 1% 1%
1% Fall
Fall from
from roof
roof (232)
(232)
2%
2%
8%
8% Fall
Fall from
from ladder
ladder (135)
(135)
Fall
Fall from
from scaffold,
scaffold, staging
staging (89)
(89)
9%
9% Fall
Fall to
to lower
lower level,
level, unspecified
unspecified or
or
40% not elsewhere classified (57)
not elsewhere classified (57)
40% Fall
Fall from
from floor,
floor, dock,
dock, or
or ground
ground
level (47)
level (47)
Fall
Fall from
from nonmoving
nonmoving vehicle
vehicle (12)
(12)
Fall
Fall from
from building
building girders
girders or
or
other structural steel (9)
other structural steel (9)
Fall,
Fall, other
other or
or unspecified
unspecified (7)
(7)
15%
15%
Fall
Fall on
on the
the same
same level
level (7)
(7)
Fall
Fall down
down stairs
stairs or
or steps
steps (6)
(6)
22%
22%
7 Source: NAHB Residential Construction Industry Fatalities 2003-2006
(www.nahb.org/fatalitystudy )
OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
• Subpart L - 1926.451(g)
Each employee on a scaffold more than 10’ (3.1M) above a lower level shall be
protected from falling to a lower level.
• Subpart X – Ladders
Fall protection is not required for workers climbing or working on portable ladders.
• Subpart X – Stairways
Stairways having four (4) or more risers or rising more than 30 inches must be
equipped with at least on handrail; and one stairrail system along each
unprotected side or edge.
8
OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
cont.
• Subpart M - 1926.501(b)(13)
Residential construction. Each employee
engaged in residential construction activities 6’
or more above lower levels must be protected by
conventional or alternative fall protection:
Exemption: When the employer can
demonstrate the protection is infeasible or
creates a greater hazard the employer must
develop an alternative fall protection plan.
9
How do you prevent falls from
ladders and scaffolds?
• Implement a comprehensive safety
program.
• Understand OSHA ladder and scaffold
regulations.
• Train workers to identify hazards
associated with ladder and scaffold use.
• Use safe work practices.
10
Section 2:
Ladder and Stairway Safety
11
Learning Objectives: Section 2
• Determine the proper ladder to use based on
weight capacity and height.
• Calculate the proper pitch of extension ladders
for proper set-up, and identify how to secure and
stabilize ladders.
• Identify how to maintain a safe position when
using a ladder.
• Identify safety requirements for protecting
stairways.
12
Common Ladder Hazards
• Improper set-up
• Portable ladders not 3 feet above landing
surface
• Not securing ladder correctly
• Standing on the top two steps of a
stepladder
• Overreaching when working from a ladder
13
Choosing the Right Ladder
Before stepping onto a ladder, think about
these things:
• Duty rating of the ladder—what capacity
can it hold?
• Height of the ladder—too short or too tall?
• Condition of the ladder and instructions
unique to the ladder selected.
14
Proper Duty Rating/Capacity
OSHA Requirement
Ladders shall not be loaded beyond the
maximum intended load for which they
were built nor beyond their manufacturer's
rated capacity.
15
Proper Duty Rating/Capacity,
cont.
TYPE DUTY RATING USE LOAD
1AA Special Heavy Duty Rugged 375 Lbs.
1A Extra Heavy Duty Industrial 300 Lbs.
1 Heavy Duty Industrial 250 Lbs.
II Medium Duty Commercial 225 Lbs.
III Light Duty Household 200 Lbs.
Select a ladder with the proper duty rating for
your weight and the materials you are handling.
16
Extension Ladders
17
Proper Ladder Set-up
• Consider placement and pitch of the
ladder.
• Secure and stabilize the ladder.
18
Pitch Extension Ladders
• Extension ladders
should be used at a 4
to 1 pitch (1.2 to .3 m).
• For every 4 ft. (1.2 m)
in height, the bottom
of the ladder should
be 1 ft. (.3 m) away
from the structure.
•Example:
•20 ft. (height) ÷ 4 ft. = 5 ft. pitch
19
Pitch Extension Ladders, cont.
20
Proper Height Extension Ladders
When accessing
another level, the
ladder must extend at
least 3ft. (0.9m) 3 ft.
above the landing to
provide a hand hold
for getting on and off
the ladder.
21
Proper Height for Extension
Ladders, cont.
Choose the right ladder for the height you need to reach.
Ladder Maximum Height to Gutter or
Height (ft.) Reach (ft.)* Top Support Point+
16 15 9 ft. max.
20 19 9-13 ft.
24 23 13-17 ft.
28 27 17-21 ft.
32 31 21-25 ft.
36 34 25-28 ft.
40 37 28-31 ft.
*Assume a 5 ft.-6 in. person with a vertical reach of 12 in.
+Support points for extension ladders reflect section overlap, ladder angle, or 3-
ft. extension above roof line
22
Secure and Stabilize Ladders
• Extension ladders should be secured
at the top or bottom to prevent
movement.
• The base of an extension ladder must
be secured in place by using the
safety feet on the ladder or other
effective means.
23
Secure and Stabilize Ladders,
cont.
24
Secure and Stabilize Ladders,
cont.
25
Secure and Stabilize Ladders,
cont.
26
Loose Soil
27
Step Ladders
28
Step Ladders
• Only use in the fully open position on firm
level ground.
• Do not use a stepladder that is folded or in
a leaning position.
• Never sit/stand on the top two rungs.
• Consider work height when selecting a
stepladder.
29
Step Ladders, cont.
• Stepladders are
designed for use in
an opened-and-
locked position.
30
Step Ladders, cont.
• Do NOT use a
stepladder that is
folded or in a
leaning position.
31
Proper Height Stepladders
Maximum Height Stepladder Height
Choose a You Need to Reach
stepladder 7 3
that is no 8 4
more than 9 5
4ft. shorter 10 6
than the 12 8
height you 14 10
want to 15 11
Reach. 16 12
18 14
20 16
32
Maintain a Safe Position on
Ladders
• Face the ladder when ascending or
descending.
• Maintain three points of contact at all
times.
• Keep your body centered on the ladder.
• Never let your belt buckle pass either
siderail.
33
Maintaining a Safe Position on a
Ladder, cont.
34
Ladder Inspections
• Ladders must be
inspected before each
use.
• Broken or weak ladders
or ladders that are not
stable must be marked or
tagged as defective and
taken out of service.
• Look for cracks and weak
points.
• Competent person must
periodically inspect
ladders.
35
Ladder Inspection, cont.
36
Review the Safety Labels on the
Ladder
37
Additional Safe Work Practices:
Ladders
• Extension ladders should not be separated to
create two ladders.
• Keep the areas around the tops and bottoms
of all ladders clear to prevent trip-and-fall
hazards.
• Avoid setting ladders up in high traffic areas
or barricade the area around ladder.
38
Additional Safe Work Practices:
Ladders, cont.
• Ladders must be kept free of oil, grease,
and other slipping hazards.
• Consider using a rope to raise/lower
materials instead of carrying items while
climbing a ladder.
• Do NOT use metal or aluminum ladders
near exposed energized electrical
equipment.
39
Section 3:
Scaffold Safety
40
Learning Objectives: Section 3
• Identify general requirements for safely
building and using scaffolds.
• Identify competent person responsibilities.
• How to access scaffolds safely.
• Determine proper fall protection including
guardrails and personal fall arrest systems.
• Identify safety requirements applicable to
specific types of scaffolds.
41
Common Scaffold Hazards
• No guardrails on scaffolds.
• Defective wood planks and inadequate
planking overhang.
• Unsafe access to scaffold.
• Cross bracing not adequate.
• Inadequate footings.
• Bridging of scaffolds.
42
General Requirements
• Erect/dismantle all Scaffolds According to
the Manufacturer's Instructions and
Competent Persons (CP) Direction
• Capacity
– Must support 4x Intended Load
• Stable Footings
– Base Plate, Screw Jacks & Mudsills
43
Scaffold Capacity
• Scaffolds must be capable of supporting
its own weight and at least 4x the
expected load.
• Expected load includes:
• Workers
• Equipment
• Tools
• Materials
44
Scaffold Capacity, cont.
Scaffold Capacity = Expected Load x 4
400 lbs of Workers
100 lbs of Tools
+ 100 lbs of Materials
600 lbs x 4 = 2,400 lbs
45
Base Plate & Mudsill Required
46
Proper Scaffold Base
47
Masonry Blocks & Bricks NOT
Acceptable as Scaffold Base
48
Scaffold Platform
• Each platform on all working levels must be
fully planked and secured to prevent
movement.
• No more than a 1” space between
decking/platform units and upright supports.
• Wood scaffold planks must be nominal 2” x
10”.
• Must be Scaffold Grade Planks or equivalent.
49
Scaffold Grade Plank Stamp
50
Planks with Visible Defects
MUST NOT be Used
51
Scaffold Use
• Do NOT use objects (ladders, boxes, barrels, etc.)
on top of scaffold platforms to increase height
• Planks Extend 6” Past Supports or Secured
• Do NOT Paint Platforms
– Exception: Platform edges may be covered or
marked for identification
• Brace Fully
52
Front Edge within 14” of Face
53
Scaffold Plank 6” Past Support
54
Scaffold Plank Cleat
55
Fully Braced Scaffold
56
Competent Person Responsibilities
Designated competent person:
• Designated by the employer.
• Has the knowledge and experience required
to identify existing and predictable hazards.
• Has authority to eliminate unsafe working
conditions.
• Has authority to stop work if unsafe
conditions exists.
57
Competent Person Responsibilities,
cont.
• Train employees who erect, dismantle, move,
or alter scaffolds.
• Determine if it is safe for employees to work
on or from a scaffold during storms or high
winds.
• Inspect scaffolds and scaffold components
for visible defects before each work shift.
58
Scaffold Access
• Ladders Needed if Access
More Than 2’
• Don’t Climb Cross Braces
• Place Ladders Securely
– Ladders must be positioned so they
will not tip the scaffold
59
Scaffold Access, cont.
• Access to or from another surface (such
as a window) can only be used when the
scaffold is:
– No more than 14” horizontally, and
– No more than 24” vertically from the
other surface
60
Portable Access Ladder
• Must be secured to
prevent
displacement.
• Extend at least 3’
above landing to
provide a
handhold.
61
Attachable Access Ladder
62
Scaffold Stairway
63
Scaffold Fall Protection
• Scaffolding 10’ or higher must have some means of fall
protection:
– guardrails or
– personal fall arrest system (PFAS)
• Toprails installed between 38” and 45” High.
• Midrails installed halfway between toprail and platform.
• Cross bracing OK as guardrails if the center point is
between 20” to 30” for Midrail and 38” to 45” for
Toprail.
• Toprails to 200 lbs. of force/Midrails to 150 lbs. of force in
any direction.
64
Scaffold Fall Protection, cont.
• Erecting and Dismantling:
– Fall protection should be used when feasible and
when it does not create a greater hazard
– Competent person determines the feasibility and
safety of providing fall protection
65
Falling Object Protection
• Anyone working on or around a scaffold
must wear a hard hat.
• Workers on or below scaffolds must be
protected from falling objects by:
• Toeboards
• Mesh
• Screens; or
• Equivalent measures
66
Falling Object Protection, cont.
67
Falling Object Protection, cont.
68
Scaffold Safety Training
• All employees must be trained prior to
working on scaffolds.
• Qualified person must conduct the training
and include the following:
– Electrical Hazards
– Fall Protection
– Falling Object Protection
– Proper Use
– Material Handling
– Load-carrying Capacities
69
What type of scaffold do you use?
70
Types of Scaffolds Covered
• Fabricated Frame • Roof Bracket Scaffold
Scaffold • Top Plate Scaffold
• Pump Jack Scaffold • Aerial Lifts
• Ladder Jack Scaffold • Work Platforms
• Trestle & Horse attached to forklifts
Scaffold
• Mobile Scaffold
71
Fabricated Frame
72
Fabricated Frame
• Have guardrails
installed.
73
Fabricated Frame, cont.
• Use Cross bracing.
74
Fabricated Frame, cont.
• Use of uplift pins.
75
Fabricated Frame, cont.
• Supported scaffolds with
a height to base width
(including outrigger
supports, if used) ratio of
more than four to one
(4:1) must be restrained
from tipping by:
– Guying,
– Tying,
– Bracing, or
– Equivalent means
76
Pump Jack Scaffold
77
Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.
• Brackets, braces
must be made of
metal and installed as
per manufacturer
specifications.
78
Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.
• Must have guardrails
(including end rails),
or personal fall arrest
system (PFAS), when
working at heights
above 10‘.
79
Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.
• Keep working surface
free from debris.
80
Pump Jack Scaffold, cont.
• When using wood poles the lumber
must be:
– Straight-grained
– Free of shakes
– Free of large loose or dead knots, and
other defects that might impair strength
• Wood poles built of two continuous
lengths must have seams parallel.
• Mending plates must be used when
2x4’s are splice together.
81
Ladder Jack Scaffold
82
Ladder Jack Scaffold, cont.
• Platform cannot
exceed a height of 20’
or be bridged
together.
83
Ladder Jack Scaffold, cont.
• Personal Fall Arrest
System (PFAS) must
be used for work at
heights greater than
10’.
84
Ladder Jack Scaffold, cont.
• Ladders must be
placed, fastened or
equipped with devices
to prevent slipping.
85
Trestle & Horse Scaffolds
86
Trestle Scaffold
• Scaffold platforms
shall not be used
above the second to
top rung.
• Job built ladders
cannot be used in a
trestle scaffold
system.
• Ladders must be
secured to prevent
displacement.
87
Horse Scaffold
• Not erected more than
10’ in height or
arranged more than
two tiers.
• When stacked one
horse must be directly
over the other horse
and each cross braced.
• Legs must be nailed
down or secured.
88
Mobile Scaffold
• Do Not move while
occupied unless
specifically designed
for such movement.
• Before moving
inspect for pits, holes,
or obstructions on the
floor.
• Push the base On or
Near the bottom when
moving.
89
Mobile Scaffold, cont.
Unlocked
• Caster wheels must
be locked to prevent
movement of the
scaffold when
stationary. Locked
90
Roof Bracket Scaffold
• Scaffold bracket must be
constructed to form to pitch
of roof and create a level
work surface.
• Brackets must be nailed into
place.
• When brackets cannot be
nailed into place, ¾” manila
rope should be used to
secure in place.
• Must use personal fall arrest
system.
91
Top Plate Scaffold
92
Top Plate Scaffold, cont.
• Must hook over and
be supported on top
plate of wall structure.
93
Top Plate Scaffold, cont.
• Wall structure must
be braced to hold at
least 4 times the
intended load.
94
Top Plate Scaffold, cont.
• Must follow
manufactures
specification on
particulars of using
the different styles.
95
Aerial Lifts
96
Aerial Lifts, cont.
• ONLY trained and
authorized personnel
should operate aerial
lifts.
97
Aerial Lifts, cont.
• Wear a full body harness
and attach the lanyard to
the boom or an approved
anchor point inside the
basket and NEVER tie to
the adjacent structure.
98
Aerial Lifts, cont.
• Aerial lifts CANNOT
be moved while the
bucket is occupied.
99
Aerial Lifts, cont.
• Stand on the floor of
the basket, NEVER
step on rails or
outside the basket.
100
Aerial Lifts, cont.
• Do NOT Exceed Load
Limits.
101
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts
102
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts
• Work platforms can
ONLY be used if the
machine supporting
the personnel
platform was
designed for such
use.
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.
• ONLY trained and
authorized personnel
are allowed to
operate forklifts.
104
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.
• Use ONLY commercially
built personnel baskets
designed for lifting
workers that meet ANSI
requirements.
• Homemade boxes lifted
by forklifts are NOT
acceptable.
105
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.
• Entire platform must
be attached to the
lifting carriage and/or
forks.
106
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.
• Forklifts CANNOT be
moved horizontally
while the platform is
occupied.
107
Work Platforms Attached to
Forklifts, cont.
• Wear a full body harness
and attach the lanyard to
the boom or an approved
anchor point inside the
basket and NEVER tie to
the adjacent structure.
108
Section 4: Group
Workshop
109
Hazard Violation Workshop
Students will review a series of
photographs of ladders and scaffolds in
use on a jobsite. The assignment is to
identify the hazards in each photo and
discuss the corrective action required to
correct the hazard. (Note: Some of the
photos are of correct safe work practices.)
You Play OSHA!
110
Picture #1
111
Picture #2
112
Picture #3
113
Picture #4
114
Picture #5
115
Picture #6
116
Picture #7
117
Picture #8
118
Picture #9
119
Picture #10
120
Picture #11
121
Picture #12
122
Picture #13
123
