Sample safety program:

Scaffolding
 Insert company name
Scaffolding safety program

Purpose

The scaffolding safety program is designed to provide our employees with appropriate protection
from injury when working at heights thereby preventing fall related injury.

Fall protection in the form of fixed railings and/or lanyards and harnesses will be provided for
affected employees with the expectation that the employee(s) will maintain the equipment in an
appropriate manner and report immediately to their supervisor as to any damage or excessive
wear.

The type and level of employee protection will be dependent on the specific hazards to be
controlled at each job site. The levels and type of protection may vary, but once assigned and
unless otherwise specifically instructed otherwise, all affected employees will wear the assigned
equipment and or adhere to related safety procedure. Failure to properly wear and/or maintain
company issued fall protective equipment is grounds for disciplinary actions up to and including
termination.

Assignment of responsibility

Management is responsible for ensuring that the scaffolding is in proper condition, erected as
designed and maintained in good condition.

(Insert name) is responsible for the implementation and continued application of this program.
He/she is responsible for the following:

 Performing routine safety checks of work operations

 Enforcing proper erection procedures
 Correcting any unsafe practices or conditions immediately
 Training employees and supervisors in recognizing hazards associated with working on
scaffolds
 Maintaining records of employee training, equipment issue, and fall protection systems
used at company jobsites
 Investigating and documenting all fall related incidents that result in employee injury

Employees

It is the responsibility of all employees to:

 Understand and adhere to the procedures outlined in this scaffold safety program
This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
  Bring to management’s attention any unsafe or hazardous conditions or practices that
may cause injury to either themselves or any other employees
 Report any incident that causes injury to an employee, regardless of the nature of the
injury

Determination of needs

Unless otherwise specified, (Insert name) will evaluate the worksite(s) and determine the
specific type(s) of fall protection to be used which includes the following.

 Determine the scaffolding needed to provide a safe workplace based on the formal,
written procedures for scaffold work.

 A competent person, will be designated by the company who can identify existing and
predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary,
hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt
corrective measures to eliminate them.

 A qualified person will also be designated by the company who by possession of a

recognized 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.

 Ensure this written program will be reviewed and evaluated on an annual basis or when
changes occur to the governing regulatory standards that prompt revision of this
document, or when operational changes occur that require a revision of this document.

 Will ensure safety and serviceability, by confirming all manufactures recommendations

for the proper setup, use and care of scaffolding components are observed. In addition,
the following general precautions concerning the care and use of scaffolding will be
observed:

o The footing and or anchorage for scaffolds will be sound, rigid, and capable of
carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable
objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks will not be used to
support scaffolds or planks.

o Scaffolds and their components will be capable of supporting without failure at

least four times the maximum intended load.

o Scaffolds will always be maintained in a safe condition in accordance with the

manufacturer’s recommendations. Fixed scaffolds will not be altered or moved
horizontally while they are in use or occupied.

o Any scaffold damaged or weakened from any cause will be immediately

repaired and will not be used until repairs have been completed.

This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
 o Scaffolds will not be loaded more than the working load for which they are
intended.

o All load-carrying timber members of scaffold framing will be a minimum of

1,500 f. (Stress grade) construction grade lumber.

o All planking will be scaffold grade as recognized by grading rules for the type of
wood used. The scaffold manufacturers recommendations will be followed.

o Nails or bolts used in the construction of scaffolds will be of adequate size and in
sufficient numbers at each connection to develop the designed strength of the
scaffold. Nails will not be subjected to a straight pull and will be driven full
length.

o All planking or platforms will be overlapped (minimum 12 inches) or secured

from movement.

o An access scaffold or equivalent safe access will be provided.

o Scaffold planks will extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor
more than 18 inches.

o The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds will be plumb, and securely and rigidly
braced to prevent swaying and displacement.

o Materials being hoisted onto a scaffold will have a tag line.

o Overhead protection will be provided for men on a scaffold exposed to

overhead hazards.

o Scaffolds will be provided with a screen between the toe board and the
guardrail, extending along the entire opening. It will consist of no. 18 gauge U.S.
standard wire one-half-inch mesh or the equivalent, where persons are required
to work or pass under the scaffolds.

o Employees will not work on scaffolds which are covered with ice or snow, unless
all ice or snow is removed, and planking sanded to prevent slipping.

o Tools, materials, and debris will not be allowed to accumulate in quantities to

cause a hazard.

o Only treated or protected fiber rope will be used for or near any work involving
the use of corrosive substances or chemicals.

This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
 o Wire or fiber rope used for scaffold suspension will be capable of supporting at
least six times the intended load.

o The use of shore scaffolds or lean-to scaffolds will not be used by this company.

o Lumber sizes, when used in this section, refer to nominal sizes except where
otherwise stated.

o Scaffolds will be secured to permanent structures, through use of anchor bolts,

reveal bolts, or other equivalent means. For window cleaners', anchor bolts will
not be used.

o Special precautions will be taken to protect scaffold members, including any

wire or fiber ropes, when using a heat-producing process.

Mobile (rolling) scaffolding

To ensure safety and serviceability, work platforms and scaffolds will be capable of carrying the
design load under varying circumstances depending upon the conditions of use.

The design load of all scaffolds will be calculated based on:

Light - Designed and constructed to carry a working load of 25 pounds per square foot.
Medium - Designed and constructed to carry a working load of 50 pounds per square foot.
Heavy - Designed and constructed to carry a working load of 75 pounds per square foot.

 Nails, bolts, or other fasteners used in the construction of ladders, scaffolds, and towers
will be of adequate size and in sufficient numbers at each connection to develop the
designed strength of the unit. Nails will be driven full length (All nails should be
immediately withdrawn from dismantled lumber).

 All exposed surfaces will be free from sharp edges, burrs or other safety hazards.

 The maximum work level height will not exceed four (4) times the minimum or least
base dimensions of any mobile scaffold. Where the basic mobile unit does not meet this
requirement, suitable outrigger frames will be employed to achieve this least base
dimension, or provisions will be made to guy or brace the unit against tipping.

 The minimum platform width for any work level will not be less than 20 inches for
mobile scaffolds (towers). Ladder stands will have a minimum step width of 16 inches.

 The supporting structure for the work level will be rigidly braced, using adequate cross
bracing or diagonal bracing with rigid platforms at each work level.

 The work level platform of scaffolds (towers) will be of wood, aluminum, or plywood
planking, steel or expanded metal, for the full width of the scaffold, except for necessary

This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
 openings. Work platforms will be secured in place. All planking will be 2-inch (nominal)
scaffold grade minimum 1,500 f. (stress grade) construction grade lumber or equivalent.

 All scaffold work levels 10 feet or higher above the ground or floor will have a standard
(4-inch nominal) toe board.

 All work levels 10 feet or higher above the ground or floor will have a guardrail of 2- by
4-inch nominal or the equivalent installed no less than 36 inches or more than 42 inches
high, with a mid-rail, when required, of 1- by 4- inch nominal lumber or equivalent.

 Wheels or casters will be inspected to ensure that they are provided with strength and
dimensions to support four (4) times the designed working load.

 All scaffold casters will be inspected to ensure that they are provided with a positive
wheel and/or swivel lock to prevent movement.

 Where leveling of the elevated work platform is required, screw jacks or other suitable
means for adjusting the height will be used.

 Employees are not permitted to ride rolling scaffolds during relocation.

 Adjusting screws may not be extended more than 12 inches.

 Before moving the platform, secure all equipment and material.

 Casters or wheels must have a serviceable locking device.

 Be aware of overhead obstructions when moving scaffolds.

 Never run over electrical cords.

 Never pull scaffolds from the top, always push at base level.

 Work only from the platform area never extend work beyond guard railing.

Erecting of scaffolding

Only designated competent employees of this company will supervise the erection of
scaffolding.

 Manufacturers erection instructions will be followed.

 Planning considerations will be followed during the erection process.
 Only competent employees will supervise the erection of scaffolding.
 Each component will be visually inspected before use.
 Defective or unserviceable materials will not be used.
 Only approved lumber will be used.
This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
Pre-inspection of erected scaffolding.

The three main areas of inspection are for rust, straightness of members, and welds. Only
competent and qualified employees of this company will conduct the pre-inspection. The
following as a minimum apply:

 Heavily rusted scaffolding equipment is a possible sign of abuse or neglect. Severely

rusted components should be thoroughly inspected and cleaned before approved for
use.
 Mishandling, trucking and improper storage may cause damage to scaffolding
equipment. All members or parts of all steel scaffolding components should be straight
and free from bends, kinks or dents.
 Scaffolding equipment should be checked before use for damaged welds and any piece
of equipment showing damaged welds or unauthorized repair beyond the original
factory weld should not be used.
 Check serviceability of locking devices.
 Check alignment of coupling pins and braces.
 Check serviceability of caster brakes (rolling scaffolds).

Final inspection of erected scaffolding.

Only competent employees of this company will conduct the final inspection of erected
scaffolding. The following as a minimum apply:

 Check for proper support under every leg of every frame.

 Check for soil wash out due to rain.
 Check to ensure all base plates or adjustment screws are in firm contact with supports.
 Check frames for plumbness and squareness in both directions.
 Check integrity and installation of all cross braces.
 Check to ensure that all planking and accessories are properly installed.
 Check to ensure that all guardrails are in place.
 Recheck periodically to ensure conditions remain safe.

Dismantling of scaffolding.

Only competent employees of this Company will supervise the dismantling of scaffolding.
Pertinent information and guidance provided by the manufacturer of the scaffolding will be
used. The following apply:

 Manufacturers dismantling instructions will be followed.

 Relocation planning considerations will be considered during the dismantling process.
This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
  Dismantling will be supervised by a competent employee.
 Each component will be visually inspected after use.
 Defective or unserviceable materials will not be stored with serviceable materials.
 Avoid dropping or throwing the components as this could result in damage to the
equipment.
 Consult with the project manager where any instructions are unclear.

Training

All employees who will be using scaffolding in the course of their duties will be trained prior to
job assignment on the general aspects listed above as well as the following:

 Description of fall hazards in the work area or job site.

 Procedures for using fall prevention and protection system.
 Scaffolding access and egress procedures.
 Scaffolding equipment limitations.
 Inspection and storage procedures for the equipment.
 Types of scaffolding used by this company, including aerial lifts.
 Recognition of applicable fall hazards associated with the work to be completed and the
locations of such.
 Load determination and balancing requirements.
 Safety precautions in the use of scaffolds. All other employees whose work operations
are or may be in an area where scaffolding may be utilized, will be instructed to an
awareness level concerning the associated hazards.
 Equipment maintenance and inspection requirements.
 Equipment strengths and limitations.

Refresher training will be conducted on an as needed basis or when the following conditions are
met, whichever event occurs sooner.

 Whenever (and prior to) a change in their job assignments, a change in the type of
scaffolding equipment used, or when a known hazard is added to the work environment
which affects this program.
 Additional retraining will also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection reveals, or
whenever there is reason to believe, that there are deviations from or inadequacies in
the employee's knowledge or use of scaffolding equipment or procedures.
 Whenever a scaffolding safety procedure fails.

Management will certify that employee training has been accomplished and that this
certification is maintained as appropriate.

This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.
 Insert company name
Scaffolding program acknowledgement

I, _________________________________ have received training on the proper assessment,

selection, and use of scaffolding. I have asked and received clarification on all questions
regarding this program. I understand that my failure to follow the requirements outlined in this
program may result in disciplinary actions, up to, and including, termination.

 _______________________________________________________ _____________
Employee signature Date

_______________________________________________________ _____________
Supervisor’s signature Date

This document is furnished by CompSource Mutual for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a condition of coverage,
nor should it be construed as legal advice or a recommendation by CompSource Mutual.