Scaffold Safety Washington DC

If you take your scaffold setup for granted, better think again. OSHA has put unsafe scaffolding on its "Most Wanted" list of safety violations in an effort to reduce the deaths caused by bad setups. Fall protection, access, platform construction, guardrails, and proper bracing and support are all cited as key focus areas. Here are some reminders.

Start With a Solid Base

• Do not build scaffolds without using metal base plates or plywood to support the legs.
• Scaffolds have to be able to support four times more weight than you're going to put on them.
• Do not use wood cribbing to make up for uneven ground.

Install Guardrails and Toe Boards

• Guardrails (wood or metal) and toe boards have to be put up on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground.
• Guardrails installed on all open ends need to be about 42 inches high with a mid-rail at about 21 inches, just like the guardrails inside the house.
• Toe boards have to be at least 4 inches tall.
• Enclose the opening between the toe board and guardrail with screening to protect workers below you.

Use Proper Planking

• Planking should be rated "scaffold grade," or if you use framing lumber, pick pieces that are free of splits and knots.
• Make sure planking extends 6 to 12 inches beyond the end of the scaffold.
• Overlap planks at least 12 inches.
• If you are using premade platforms as your planking, make sure they are secured and stay put.

Pump Jack Scaffold

• Pump jack staging is very popular on jobsi

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