Environmental & Health Safety Manual EHS-GL-18

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ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

SAFETY MANUAL
Section : Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines
Subject : Guidelines on Scaffolding
EHS-GL-18
Effectivity : 08 May 2018 Page 1 of 16
PERSON RESPONSIBLE: Project Manager, Project In Charge, EHS Personnel
I. Objective:
This guideline aims to provide information about the type, purpose, use and maintenance of
scaffoldings.
II. Scope:
1. All MDC projects

2. All activities requiring the use of scaffolds
III. Guidelines:
A. Definition of Terms
1. Bearer – refers to a scaffold member spanning between two runners upon which the
platforms rest
2. Brace – refers to a scaffold member that holds posts in a fixed position to prevent any
lateral movement
3. Competent Person – refer to one who is capable of identifying existing and potential
hazards in the surrounding or working condition and who has the authority to take prompt
corrective action to eliminate them, person must be a holder of Scaffold Erector NC II and
COSH Training
4. Hoist – refers to a lifting machine with a carriage, platform or cage which move the guides
5. Plant or Equipment – refers to any plant equipment gear, machinery, apparatus or
appliances, or any part thereof.
6. Post – refers to the vertical member of scaffold transmitting the load to the ground or to a
base plate
7. Putlogs – refers to a scaffold member spanning between a runner and a building wall upon
which the platform rests.
8. Qualified Person – refers to the one who by profession of a recognized technical degree,
certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and
experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems
related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
9. Runner – refers to a scaffold bracing which extends horizontally from post to post forming
right angles with the bearer and forms a tie between the post.
10. Scaffold – refers to a temporary or movable platforms supported on the ground or
suspended, used for access and/or working at considerable heights above ground.
11. Supported Scaffold – means one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, post,
legs, post, frames or similar rigid support.
12. Suspended Scaffold – means one or more platforms supported by ropes or other non rigid
means from an overhead structures.
13. Trestle Scaffold – refers to a scaffolds in which the supports for the platform are step
ladder, tripods or similar movable contrivances
Prepared by: Reviewed by: Approved by:
Joel F. Soldevilla Rodelito Ocampo Dan Abando

EHS Director EHS Head President
Only Authorized Printed Version is deemed to be Controlled Controlled Copy No.:

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EHS-GL-18
B. General Requirements
1. Erection, alteration, dismantling and use of scaffolds as work platform must comply with
PATOS requirement (EHS-PR-03).
2. Every scaffold shall be of good construction of sound materials and strength for the purpose
for which it is intended.
3. All materials and parts of scaffold not in use or intended for re-use shall be kept under good
condition and separate from other materials unsuitable for scaffolds.
4. Design of scaffolds used as temporary access/ stair must comply with the requirements of
Design of Temporary Structures Book of Standards v1.0 ©2016 released and published by
MDC COSG.
C. Specific Requirements
1. Structural steel when used as load bearing members of scaffolding shall be distressed at
welded or bent joints and design construction approved by the appropriate authority.
2. All manufactured scaffolds and its accessories shall follow the manufacturers’ designs and
specification. Technical properties and data of such manufactured scaffolds shall be
certified true by a qualified testing laboratory. For manufactured scaffolds more than 6
meters in height shall be designed by structural engineer and approved by appropriate
authority
3. All site fabricated/conventional supported scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a
working load of 150 kg/m2 shall be designed and inspected by the structural engineer and
approved by the appropriate authority.
4. All suspended scaffolds shall be designed and inspected by a structural engineer if site
fabricated.
5. No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of
a competent person.
6. A fall protection equipment shall be used when working in a height of 2 meters and above.
For work height of 10 meters, workers are required to use fall arrest equipment.
7. All personnel involved in scaffolding activities shall have appropriate training and
certification. Manufacturers’ training certification shall be limited to the erection of
manufacturers’ equipment only.
8. Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between
the front uprights and the guardrail supports as follow.
9. Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated
platform) shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between
the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
10. Each scaffold platform and walkway shall be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide.
11. Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent
means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm).
12. Each end of a platform 10 feet or less in length shall not extend over its support more than
12 inches (30 cm) unless the platform is designed and installed so that the cantilevered
portion of the platform is able to support employees and/or materials without tipping, or has
guardrails which block employee access to the cantilevered end.
13. Each platform greater than 10 feet in length shall not extend over its support more than 18
inches (46 cm), unless it is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the
platform is able to support employees without tipping, or has guardrails which block
employee access to the cantilevered end.

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14. On scaffolds where scaffold planks are abutted to create a long platform, each abutted end
shall rest on a separate support surface. This provision does not preclude the use of
common support members, such as "T sections, to support.
D. Design and Stability
1. A design instruction, including all data relevant to the design of the scaffold, shall be
prepared by the end user to serve as the starting point for subsequent work decisions,
design work, calculations, and drawings
2. The design shall be in accordance with recognized engineering principles taking into
consideration the variability of materials, workmanship, methods of construction, site
conditions, construction tolerances and the space for scaffolds;
3. Scaffolds shall be designed with regard to ease and safety of erection and dismantling:
4. Supported scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting without failure at
least four (4) times the maximum intended load, while suspended scaffolds shall have six
(6) times factor of safety; and
5. All scaffolds designed by a structural engineer shall be approved by appropriate authority.
E. Strength and Stability of Scaffolds
1. All scaffolds shall have vertical members (posts) diagonally and horizontally braced to
prevent lateral movement;
2. All scaffolds shall have no splices between the points of support of load carrying horizontal
members and secured to prevent lateral movement;
3. The footing, sills or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying
twice the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable objects such
as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks shall not be used to support scaffolds;
4. Scaffold posts shall bear on a foundation of sufficient size and strength to spread the load
from the posts over a sufficient area to prevent settlement. All posts shall be set plumb;
5. Any damaged or weakened scaffold members from any cause shall be immediately
repaired, replaced or discarded;
6. Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended;
7. Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent or rigid structures. In the absence of
permanent structures, guys and sway bracing and/or outrigger shall be used;
8. Scaffold components produced by different manufacturers shall not be intermixed unless
the components fit together without force and the scaffold's structural integrity is maintained
by the user. It shall likewise not be modified in order to intermix them unless designed by
the structural engineer: and
9. Front-end loaders and similar types of equipment shall not be used to support scaffold
platforms unless they have been specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use.
Forklifts shall not be used to support scaffold platforms
F. Inspection of Scaffold Components Before Erection
All scaffold material delivered on site shall be visually inspected either upon delivery or before it is
erected/installed. Any defective material shall be repaired, replaced or discarded.
G. Site Inspection and Preparation
1. Site inspection shall be carried out before actual erection to check ground conditions,
overhead wires, obstructions, changes in surface elevation, and structural support.

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2. Site preparation shall be performed to ensure that the soil are level and firm, mud and soft
soil are replaced with compacted gravel or crushed stone, and on sloping grounds, the area
where mudsills rest shall be leveled by excavating rather than backfilling.
H. Scaffold Erection
1. No scaffold work shall be undertaken without the direct supervision of a competent/qualified

person as the case may be.
2. All posts shall be maintained plumb regardless of connection.
3. All posts spacing and materials shall conform to the designer’s specification.
4. All runners shall be perpendicular to the posts in all situations. Spacing of the runners shall
conform to the designed scaffold.
5. Diagonal brace shall extend from one connection to another. It shall be connected to the
post within 150 millimeters from the point of connection.
6. Diagonal braces shall not exceed an angle of 60 degrees from horizontal
7. Diagonal braces shall be installed immediately as the scaffold rises to maintain plumbness
of the system.
8. All posts shall be joined or connected by means of joint pin, spigot or any appropriate
means of connections. No lap connection shall be allowed.
9. Always maintain the base width to height ratio of 1:4 during erection for stability.
10. No scaffold activity shall be undertaken if the wind velocity exceeds 48 kph. For erected
scaffold, additional precaution shall be considered during typhoon.
11. No other work shall be allowed to commence below the scaffold during erection phase.
12. Working platform shall be provided per level during erection. This working platform shall not
be removed unless the succeeding level is installed.
13. Scaffolds of more than 6 meters in height shall be designed by a structural engineer and
shall be erected, installed and dismantled by TESDA certified erectors.
14. Scaffold shall be erected, added, altered or dismantled only under the supervision of the
competent/qualified person in the construction.
Figure H.1. Scaffold


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I. Tools, Equipment and Materials

Tools, equipment and materials for erection, installation and dismantling shall be appropriate for
its usage on the type of scaffold, properly inspected and safe for use
J. Material and Personal Access
1. Scaffold with one section height shall be provided with safe access.
2. Supporting members used in the construction of runways, ramps, stairs and ladders shall
be securely fastened and braced.
3. When hooked-on ladder is used, a rest platform with a minimum width of 60cm (2 ft) shall
be provided every 4m in height.
4. Ladders used for access shall protrude at least 1m above the landing place.
5. When major components are removed for the purposes of access it shall be designed.
K. Supported Scaffold
1. Mobile Scaffold
In the use of mobile scaffolds, which are manually propelled, the following must be
observed:
a. It should be of stable construction and weighed at the base to prevent overturning:
b. It should be of stable construction and weighted at the base to prevent overturning:
c. It shall be only be used on firm and even surface;
d. It shall be securely braced;
e. It shall not be moved when any worker is on the scaffold and all tools and materials
are secured;
f. When manual force is used to move the scaffold, it must be applied as close to the
base as practicable, but not more than 1.2 m (4 feet) above the supporting surface;
g. When free standing, the height of the mobile scaffold should not exceed four (4) times
the base width dimension:
h. When outrigger frames are used to increase base width dimension, it shall be
installed on both sides of the scaffold;
i. All casters must be secured to frame legs or screw jacks with pins, bolt & nut, and
other secured means. Weight of tower should not exceed the capacity of the casters
and should be designed to support four (4) times the maximum intended load;
j. To prevent movement of the scaffold while it is being used in a stationary position,
scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked either with positive wheel locks, wheel
and swivel locks or equivalent means; and
k. Platforms must not extend beyond the base supports of the scaffold, unless stability
is ensured by outrigger frames or equivalent devices.
Figure K.1. Mobile Scaffold


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2. Ladder Scaffold or Ladder Jack Scaffold

A ladder scaffold shall be used only when:
a. Work is of such light nature and the material required for the work is light and can be
hung on the ladder; and
b. The distance between the ladders of the scaffold is less than 3 m (10 ft).
Figure K. 2. Ladder Scaffold or Ladder Jack Scaffold

3. Tube and Coupler
a. When platforms are being moved to the next level, the existing platform must be left
undisturbed until the new bearers have been set in place and braced before receiving
the new platform.
b. Couplers must be made of a structural metal, such as drop-forged steel, malleable
iron, or structural-grade aluminum. Gray cast iron is prohibited.
c. Transverse bracing forming an "X" across the width of the scaffold must be installed
at the scaffold ends, and at least at every third set of posts horizontally (measured
from one end only), and every fourth runner vertically.
d. Bracing must extend upward diagonally to opposite sides of the scaffold, such as
from the inner posts or runners to the next outer posts or runners, or vice versa.
e. Building ties should be installed at the bearer levels between the transverse bracing
or as per recommendation of designer/structural engineer.
f. inner and outer rows of posts must be installed diagonally in both directions, and
extend upward from the base of the end posts to the top of the scaffold at
approximately a 45-degree angle but not more than 60 degree.
g. On scaffolds whose length is greater than their height, longitudinal bracing must be
repeated beginning at least at every fifth post.
h. On scaffolds whose length is less than their height, longitudinal bracing must be
installed from the base of the end posts upward to the opposite end posts, and then
in alternating directions until reaching the top of the scaffold.
i. Bracing must be installed as close as possible to the intersection of the bearer and
post or runner and post.
j. Bearers must be installed transversely between posts.
k. When bearers are coupled to posts, the inboard coupler shall be bear directly on the
runner coupler, and be as close to the posts as possible.
l. Bearers must extend beyond the posts and runners, and provide full contact with the
coupler.

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m. Runners must be installed along the length of the scaffold, located at level heights on
both the inside and outside posts. Runners shall be spaced vertically at 1.8m (6 ft.) to
2m {7 ft.) on centers.
n. On outside posts of tube and coupler scaffold, guardrails and midrails may be used in
lieu of outside runner.
o. Runners on straight runs must be interlocked to form continuous lengths, and coupled
to each post.
Figure K.3. Tube and Coupler

4. Frame Scaffolds
a. When moving platforms to the next level, the existing platform shall be left
undisturbed until the new end frames have been set in place and braced prior to
receiving the new platforms.
b. Frames shall be braced by a cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination
thereof, which secure vertical members together laterally. The cross braces shall be
of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the
erected scaffold is always plumb, level, and square. All brace connections shall be
secured.
c. Frames shall be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins.
d. Where uplift can occur which would displace scaffold end frames, the frames shall be
locked together vertically by pins or equivalent means.
e. Brackets used to support cantilevered loads shall:
 Be seated with side-brackets parallel to the frames and end-brackets at 90
degrees to the frames;
 Not be bent or twisted from these positions; and
 Be used only to support personnel, unless the scaffold has been designed for
other loads by a qualified engineer and built to withstand the tipping forces
caused by those other loads being placed on the bracket-supported section of
the scaffold.
Figure K.4. Frame Scaffold


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5. Trestle Scaffold
a. Scaffold platforms must be placed no higher than the second-highest rung or step of
the ladder supporting the platform.
b. All step ladder used as a trestle scaffold shall conform to the manufacturer’s
requirements and shall be prevented from slipping by fastening or tying to a
permanent structure.
c. All trestle scaffolds must not be bridged one to another.
d. Trestle scaffolds shall not be used if the working platform is more than 5 m. from the
ground or floor or other surface upon which the scaffold is erected.
e. A trestle scaffold shall not be erected on a scaffold platform unless;
 The platform is sufficiently wide for the transport of materials;
 The posts are firmly attached to the platform and braced to prevent
displacement: and
 Designed by structural engineer and approved by the proper authority if erected
on a scaffold 10 meters or over in height.
 No trestle scaffold shall be erected on suspended scaffold.
Figure K.5. Trestle Scaffold
6. Suspended Scaffolds
a. Use of suspended platform shall be in accordance with Suspended Platform
Operations Safety Guidelines (MEQ-EHS-03-37) developed by MDC Equipment
Solutions Inc. (MEQ)
b. All suspended scaffold support devices, such as outrigger beams, cornice hooks,
parapet clamps, and similar devices, shall rest on surfaces capable of supporting at
least 4 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold operating at the rated load of
the hoist (or at least 1.5 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold at the stall
capacity of the hoist, whichever is greater).
c. Suspended scaffold outrigger beams, when used, shall be made of structural metal or
equivalent strength material, and shall be restrained to prevent movement.
d. The inboard ends of suspended scaffold outrigger beams shall be stabilized by bolts
or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or they shall have their inboard
ends stabilized by counterweights, except masons' multi-point adjustable suspended
scaffold outrigger beams shall not be stabilized by counterweights.
e. Before the suspended scaffold is used, direct connections shall be evaluated by a
competent person who shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting
surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed. In addition, masons'

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multi-point adjustable suspended scaffold connections shall be designed by a

structural engineer experienced in such scaffold design.
f. Counterweights shall be made of non-flowable material. Sand, gravel and similar
materials that can be easily dislocated shall not be used as counterweights.
g. Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used to
counterweight scaffold systems. Construction materials such as, but not limited to,
masonry units and rolls of roofing felt, shall not be used as counterweights.
h. Counterweights shall be secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beams to
prevent accidental displacement.
i. Counterweights shall not be removed from an outrigger beam until the scaffold is
disassembled.
j. Outrigger beams which are not stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the
floor or roof deck shall be secured by tiebacks.
k. Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the suspended ropes.
l. Outrigger beams shall be placed perpendicular to its bearing support (usually the face
of the building or structure). However, where the employer can demonstrate that it is
not possible to place an outrigger beam perpendicular to the face of the building or
structure because of obstructions that cannot be moved, the outrigger beam may be
placed at some other angle, provided opposing angle tiebacks are used.
m. Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or
structure. Sound anchorages include structural members, but do not include
standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit.
n. Tiebacks shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or
opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed. Single tiebacks installed at an angle are
prohibited.
o. Suspended scaffold outrigger beams shall be:
 Provided with stop bolts or shackles at both ends;
 Securely fastened together with the flanges turned out when channel iron
beams are used in place of I-beams;
 Installed with all bearing supports perpendicular to the beam center line;
 Set and maintained with the web in a vertical position; and

When an outrigger beam is used, the shackle or clevis with which the rope is
attached to the outrigger beam shall be placed directly over the center line of
the stirrup
p. Suspended scaffold support devices such as cornice hooks, roof hooks, roof irons,
parapet clamps, or similar devices shall be;
 Made of steel, wrought iron, or materials of equivalent strength:
 Supported by bearing blocks; and

Secured against movement by tiebacks installed at right angles to the face of
the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed and
secured to a structurally sound point of anchorage on the building or structure.
Sound points of anchorage include structural members, but do not include
standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit.
q. Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope.
r. When winding drum hoists are used on a suspended scaffold, they shall contain not
less than four wraps of the suspended rope at the lowest point of scaffold travel.
When other types of hoists are used, the suspended ropes shall be long enough to
allow the scaffold to be lowered to the level below without the rope end passing
through the hoist, or the rope end shall be configured or provided with means to
prevent the end from passing through the hoist.

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s. The use of repaired wire rope as suspended rope is prohibited.

t. Wire suspended ropes shall not be joined together except through the use of eye
splice thimbles connected with shackles or cover-plates and bolts.
u. The load end of wire suspended ropes shall be equipped with proper size thimbles
and secured by eye splicing or equivalent means.
v. Ropes shall be inspected for defects by a competent person prior to each work shift
and after every occurrence which could affect a rope's integrity. Ropes shall be
replaced if any of the following conditions exist;
1. Any physical damage which impairs the function and strength of the rope, such
as:
 Kinks that might impair the tracking or wrapping of rope, around the
drum(s) or sheave(s).
 Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires
in one strand in one rope lay.
 Abrasion, corrosion, scrubbing, flattening or peening causing loss of more
than one-third of the original diameter of the outside wires.
 Heat damage caused by a torch or any damage caused by contact with
electrical wires.
 Evidence that the secondary brake has been activated during an over
speed condition and has engaged the suspended rope.
2. Swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire suspended ropes shall not be
used unless they are made by the wire rope manufacturer or a qualified person
w. When wire rope clips are used on suspended scaffolds:
1. There shall be a minimum of 3 wire rope clips installed, with a minimum
distance of 6 rope diameters apart;
2. Clips shall be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations:
3. Clips shall be retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations after the
initial loading:
4. Clips shall be inspected and retightened to the manufacturer’s
recommendations at the start of each work shift thereafter;
5. U-bolt clips shall not be used at the point of suspended for any scaffold hoist;
and
6. When U-bolt clips are used, the U-bolt shall be placed over the dead end of the
rope, and the saddle shall be placed over the live end of the rope.
x. Suspended scaffold power-operated hoists and manual hoists shall be tested by a
qualified testing laboratory.
y. Gasoline-powered equipment and hoists shall not be used on suspended scaffolds.
z. Gears and brakes of power-operated hoists used on suspended scaffolds shall be
enclosed.
aa. In addition to the normal operating brake, suspended scaffold power-operated hoists
and manually operated hoists shall have a braking device or locking pawl which
engages automatically when a hoist makes either of the following uncontrolled
movements in an instantaneous change in momentum or an accelerated over speed.
1. Manually operated hoists shall require a positive crank force to descend.
2. Two-point and multi-point suspended scaffolds shall be tied or otherwise
secured to prevent them from swaying, as determined to be necessary based
on an evaluation by a competent person. Window cleaners' anchors shall not
be used for this purpose.

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3. Devices whose sole function is to provide emergency escape and rescue shall
not be used as working platforms. This provision does not preclude the use of
systems that are designed to function both as suspended scaffolds and
emergency systems.
4. The climbers, winches or hoisting device shall be opened for inspection and
servicing at least once in every 6 months to ensure that the drive
mechanisms are in safe working order; and
5. Where a suspended scaffold has been re-positioned or shifted from one
location to another within the same workplace, the suspended scaffold and its
attachments shall be erected or installed in accordance with the design and
drawings certified by the structural engineer.
bb. Gondola Inspection Checklist (EHS-GL-18-F01) shall be accomplished prior to each
use.
Figure K.6. Suspended Scaffolds
7. Aerial Lift
a. A combination of any such devices. Aerial equipment may be made of metal, wood,
fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or other material; may be powered or manually
operated; and are deemed to be aerial lifts whether or not they are capable of rotating
about a substantially vertical axis.
b. Aerial lifts may be "field modified" for uses other than those intended by the
manufacturer provided the modification has been certified in writing by the
manufacturer or by any other equivalent entity.
c. Specific requirements for aerial lifts:
1. Ladder trucks and tower trucks.
Aerial ladders shall be secured in the lower traveling position by the locking
device on top of the truck cab, and the manually operated device at the base of
the ladder before the truck is moved for highway travel.
2. Extensible and articulating boom platforms.
 Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that such
controls are in safe working condition.
 Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift.

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 Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from

an aerial lift shall not be permitted.
 Personnel shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and shall not
sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other
devices for a work position.
 A safety belt shall be worn and attached to the boom or basket when
working from an aerial lift.
 Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be
exceeded.
 The brakes shall be set and when outriggers are used, they shall be
positioned on pads or a solid surface. Wheel chocks shall be installed
before using an aerial lift on an incline, provided they can be safely
installed.
 An aerial lift truck shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a
working position with men in the basket, except for equipment which is
specifically designed for this type of operation.
 Articulating boom and extensible boom platforms, primarily designed as
personnel carriers, shall have both platform with upper and lower controls.
Upper controls shall be in or beside the platform within easy reach of the
operator. Lower controls shall provide for overriding the upper controls.
Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower level controls
shall not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the
personnel in the lift, except in case of emergency.
 Climbers shall not be worn while performing work from an aerial lift.
 The insulated portion of an aerial lift shall not be altered in any manner that
might reduce its insulating value.
 Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the boom(s) shall be inspected to see
that it is properly cradled and outriggers are in stowed position.
3. Modification
 All modifications to existing scaffolds should be carried out in such a way
that the stability of the scaffold is not impaired. As a general rule,
supplementary components should be added before those, which have to
be removed, are uncoupled and taken away.
 Adding sheeting or debris netting to an existing unsheeted scaffold should
only be carried out with approval. The increased wind loads will change the
design and may require additional ties and/or bracing.
Figure K.7. Aerial Lift


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8. Scaffold Inspection and Tagging

All scaffoldings shall be inspected prior to use. Inspection and tagging shall be performed
by a qualified or competent person as the case may be. Inspection shall be recorded using
Scaffolding Inspection checklist (EHS-GL-18-F02). All manufactured scaffolds shall follow
the manufacturers’ recommendations.
a. Direct connections shall be evaluated by a qualified or competent person who shall
confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of
resisting the loads to be imposed.
b. Inspections should be carried out daily and every shift. All site fabricated/conventional
supported scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a working load of 150 kg/m2
shall be evaluated, tested and approved by a qualified person.
c. All scaffold identification tags shall be of a solid green and red color with black
lettering. All scaffold tags shall be hanged in every scaffold access points.
1. Green tags shall be hanged at each scaffolds access that have been inspected
and are safe for use.
2. Red “DANGER - UNSAFE FOR USE” tags shall be used during erection and
dismantling when the scaffold is left unattended. Red tag shall be used when all
green or yellow tags has been removed.
d. All the records of the inspections shall be available on site and made available to
proper authority upon request.
Figure K.8. Scaffolding Tag
L. Maintenance During Use

1. All scaffolds shall be properly maintained and every part shall be kept, fixed and secured in
position to prevent displacement.
2. No partly dismantled scaffold shall be used unless it is rendered stable, strong and safe for
the purpose.
M. Scaffolding Dismantling
1. During dismantling, no component, which endangers the stability of the remaining structure,
should be removed.
2. If dismantling has reached the stage at which a critical member has to be removed, (e.g. a
tie or a brace) the stability of the structure should be assured by fixing a similar or otherwise
adequate member in place before the member to be taken out is removed.

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3. If changes are made in the scaffold structure during its working life, it is not safe to assume
that dismantling can be carried out in the reverse order to the erection, hence, ties and
braces shall be inspected prior to dismantling.
4. Materials should be lowered to the ground and not stored on the scaffold. Components
should not be thrown on the ground; they should be lowered hand-to-hand in an orderly
manner or brought down by crane, pulley or other suitable means.
5. Progressive Dismantling
a. Scaffolds, which are to be progressively dismantled during the demolition of a
building, should not be left projecting above the residual height of the walls more than
is necessary. Stabilizing ties should be maintained, especially with sheeted scaffolds.
b. Scaffolds, which are to remain in use while partly dismantled, should be fitted with
end guardrails and toe boards at the end of the portion in use.
c. If access is possible on to a partly dismantled scaffold, warning notices should be
fixed.
N. Maintenance and Storage
All scaffolds shall be properly maintained and shall be kept, clean, and free of damage. Scaffolds
accessories requiring lubrication shall be oiled prior to storage in a covered or closed container, or
as per manufacturer’s recommendation.
O. Loading and Unloading Transport
All loading and unloading operations, including transport of scaffolds, shall be properly planned by a
competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.
1. Planning
During loading/unloading and transport of scaffolds, the following shall be considered:
a. Information on scaffolds to be handled as provided by manufacturers, e.g. weight,
shape and centre of gravity of material components/bundles of material;
b. Selection of most appropriate vehicle and certified driver as applicable;
Loading/unloading operation
 Location
 Methodology
 Provision of spacer during loading of scaffolds
 Safe loading and unloading sequence
c. Provision of safe access to the vehicle
d. Any manual handling, including required PPE
e. Hazards for the stock yard workers, slingers/riggers and driver
f. All loose parts shall be strapped or secured prior to transport.\
g. Small parts shall be placed on a box or bag indicating the total weight before loading.
2. During Transport the following shall be considered
a. Site restrictions, e.g. speed limits, reversing constraints, danger areas.
b. Duties of driver in respect of the process, e.g. de-sheeting, strapping, checking, etc.
c. Inspection of loads to check stability after transport from stockyard to work site and
vice versa.

SAFETY MANUAL
EHS-GL-18
P. Fall Protection
1. For Supported Scaffold
Fall protection equipment shall be provided on any scaffold 2m (6 feet) or more above
ground. Personnel performing work from a supported scaffold shall be protected by
guardrail from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold. Open sides and ends
shall be allowed when the scaffold distance is 25 cm (10 in) or less from the structure being
worked on.
a. Fall Arrest System
1. Personal fall-arrest systems used on scaffolds are to be attached by lanyard to
a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or any rigid structural member.
2. When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to a fixed safe point of
anchorage, independent of the scaffold, and be protected from sharp edges
and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage include structural members of
buildings, but not standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., which may give way
under the force of a fall. Two or more vertical lifelines shall not be attached to
each other, or to the same point of anchorage.
3. When horizontal lifelines are used, they shall be secured to two or more
structural members. Life lines shall be made of good quality manila rope of at
least 1.9 cm (3/4 in.) diameter or equivalent material such as nylon rope of at
least 1.27 cm (1/2 in) diameter and shall be of sufficient strength to support a
weight of 1140 kgs (2500 lbs) without breaking.
b. Guardrail System
1. Guardrail systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms,
and must be in place before the scaffold is released for use by personnel other
than erection/dismantling crews.
2. Walkways located within a scaffold shall have guardrail systems installed within
24cm (91/4 in.) of and along at least one side of the walkway.
3. Each toprail or equivalent member of a guardrail system shall be able to
withstand a force of at least 100 kg (220 pounds) applied in any downward or
horizontal direction, at any point along its top edge. The height of top rails on
supported scaffolds shall be 91 cm (36 in.).
4. Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, etc., shall
be able to withstand a force of at least 68 kg (150 pounds) applied in any
downward or horizontal direction, at any point along the midrail or other
member.
 When midrails are used, they shall be installed at a height approximately
midway between the top rail of the guardrail system and the platform
surface.
 When screens and mesh are used, they shall extend from the top rail of the
guardrail system to the scaffold platform, and along the entire opening
between the supports.
 When intermediate members (such as balusters or additional rails) are
used, they shall be no more than 48 cm (19 inches) apart.
5. Guardrails shall not be rough to prevent punctures or lacerations to personnel
and to prevent snagging of clothing, which may cause personnel to lose their
balance.
6. Ends of rails shall not extend beyond their terminal posts, unless they do not
constitute a projection hazard to personnel.
7. Cross bracing may serve as a mid rail when its crossing point is between 50
and 75 cm (20 and 30 in) above the work platform and install top rail

SAFETY MANUAL
EHS-GL-18
8. Cross bracing may serve as a top rail when its crossing point is between 96
and 122 cm (38 and 48in.) above the work platform and install midrail
2. For Suspended Scaffold
Fall protection equipment shall be provided on any suspended scaffold 2m (6 feet) or more
above ground
a. Fall Arrest System
1. Personal fall-arrest systems used on suspended scaffolds shall be attached by
lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or any rigid structural member.
 Vertical lifelines may not be used on two-point adjustable suspended
scaffolds that have overhead components such as overhead protection or
additional platform levels.
 When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to a fixed safe point
of anchorage, independent of the scaffold, and be protected from sharp
edges and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage include structural members
of buildings, but not standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., which may
give way under the force of a fall.
 Two or more vertical lifelines shall not be attached to each other, or to the
same point of anchorage.
 When horizontal lifelines are used, they shall be secured to two or more
structural members.
 When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members,
the scaffold shall have additional independent support lines and automatic
locking devices capable of stopping the fall of the scaffold in case one or
both of the suspended ropes fail. These independent support lines shall be
equal in number and strength to the suspended ropes.
b. On suspended scaffolds with horizontal lifelines that may become vertical lifelines,
the devices used to connect to the horizontal lifeline shall be capable of locking in
both directions.
3. Erectors and Dismantlers
Employers shall provide fall protection for personnel erecting, installing or dismantling
scaffolds, where it is feasible and when using it does not create a greater hazard.
4. Competent Person
The employer shall designate a competent person, who shall be responsible for determining
the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for personnel erecting, installing or
dismantling scaffolds.
Q. Protection from Falling Objects
All materials, equipment, and tools, which are not in use while on the scaffold shall be secured
against accidental displacement.
R. Training and Competency Requirements
1. Competent Person
a. All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold training and
assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA.
b. The competent person shall have the following certification;
1. COSH Training Certificate from DOLE or its accredited safety training
organizations.
2. Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection Certificate.
2. Scaffold Erector
All scaffolds erectors must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment
prescribed by DOLE and must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection NC II.

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ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

PERSON RESPONSIBLE: Project Manager, Project In Charge, EHS Personnel

1. All MDC projects

Prepared by: Reviewed by: Approved by:

Joel F. Soldevilla Rodelito Ocampo Dan Abando

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

F. Inspection of Scaffold Components Before Erection

G. Site Inspection and Preparation

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

1. No scaffold work shall be undertaken without the direct supervision of a competent/qualified

Figure H.1. Scaffold

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

I. Tools, Equipment and Materials

Figure K.1. Mobile Scaffold

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

2. Ladder Scaffold or Ladder Jack Scaffold

Figure K. 2. Ladder Scaffold or Ladder Jack Scaffold

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

Figure K.3. Tube and Coupler

Figure K.4. Frame Scaffold

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

Figure K.5. Trestle Scaffold

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

multi-point adjustable suspended scaffold connections shall be designed by a

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

s. The use of repaired wire rope as suspended rope is prohibited.

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

Figure K.6. Suspended Scaffolds

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

 Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from

Figure K.7. Aerial Lift

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

8. Scaffold Inspection and Tagging

Figure K.8. Scaffolding Tag

L. Maintenance During Use

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL & HEALTH

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