Scaffold Safety Program
Document Type: Program
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: All Field Personnel Using Scaffolds
Purpose
Establish requirements for the safe erection, use, and dismantling of scaffolds to prevent falls and other scaffold-related injuries.
Scope
This program applies to all scaffold types used on company projects:
- Supported scaffolds (frame, tube and coupler)
- Suspended scaffolds
- Mobile scaffolds (rolling towers)
- Specialty scaffolds (pump jacks, ladder jacks)
Key Requirements Summary
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Fall protection | Required at 10 feet |
| Capacity | 4x maximum intended load |
| Platforms | Fully planked, secured |
| Access | Ladder, stairs, or ramp |
| Inspection | Before each shift |
Competent Person Requirements
A Competent Person Must:
- Design scaffolds (or follow manufacturer)
- Direct erection and dismantling
- Inspect scaffolds before each shift
- Authorize use
- Train workers
Competent Person Qualifications:
- Training in scaffold hazards
- Ability to identify hazards
- Authority to take corrective action
- Knowledge of OSHA requirements
Scaffold Erection
General Requirements:
Foundation:
- Firm, level surface
- Base plates on all legs
- Mud sills if on soil
- Screw jacks for leveling
Assembly:
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Plumb and level
- Bracing installed
- Proper pin connections
- Cross braces as required
Platforms:
- Fully planked (no gaps > 1 inch)
- Secured to prevent movement
- At least 18 inches wide
- Extend 6-12 inches beyond supports
- Rated for intended load
Guardrails:
- Top rail 38-45 inches
- Mid rail at midpoint
- Toeboard (4 inches) if required
- All open sides and ends
Access:
- Ladder, stairs, or ramp
- No climbing cross braces
- Safe access at each level
Scaffold Inspection
Before Each Work Shift:
Competent Person Inspects:
- Foundation secure
- All connections tight
- Bracing in place
- Platforms complete and secured
- Guardrails installed
- Safe access available
- No visible damage
- Proper clearances
- Load capacity posted
After Any Event:
- High winds
- Snow or ice
- Earthquake
- Impact or damage
- Extended non-use
Remove from Service If:
- Any component damaged
- Foundation settling
- Missing guardrails
- Platform defects
- Any unsafe condition
Scaffold Types
Supported Scaffolds (Frame)
- Most common type
- Modular frame sections
- Cross bracing required
- Plank platforms
Special Requirements:
- Base plates on all legs
- Tie to structure at intervals
- Proper climbing access
Mobile Scaffolds (Rolling)
- Casters with locks
- Height limit: 4x minimum base
- Lock wheels before use
- No riders during movement
Special Requirements:
- Lock ALL casters before use
- Level surface required
- Clear of holes and obstructions
Suspended Scaffolds
- Hanging from structure above
- Two-point suspension common
- Special training required
Special Requirements:
- PFAS required
- Competent person rigging
- Daily inspection of ropes/cables
- Independent lifelines
Fall Protection on Scaffolds
When Required:
- Scaffolds 10 feet or more above lower level
Protection Methods:
- Guardrail systems (preferred)
- Personal fall arrest systems (PFAS)
PFAS on Scaffolds:
- Required on suspended scaffolds
- Required if guardrails not present
- Attached to scaffold only if designed for it
- Or to independent lifeline
Scaffold Capacity
Load Requirements:
- Support 4x maximum intended load
- Never exceed rated capacity
- Include workers + materials + equipment
Scaffold Types by Capacity:
| Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Light duty | 25 lbs/sq ft |
| Medium duty | 50 lbs/sq ft |
| Heavy duty | 75 lbs/sq ft |
Do NOT Overload:
- No excessive material storage
- Distribute loads evenly
- Remove debris regularly
Scaffold User Training
All Scaffold Users Must Be Trained On:
- Hazards of scaffold work
- Fall protection requirements
- Electrical hazards
- Maximum load capacity
- Proper use procedures
- Reporting hazards
Additional Training For:
- Erectors/dismantlers
- Competent persons
Scaffold Safety Rules
DO:
✅ Inspect before each use ✅ Use proper access (ladders, stairs) ✅ Keep platforms clear of debris ✅ Secure tools and materials ✅ Use fall protection when required ✅ Report defects immediately
DO NOT:
❌ Climb cross braces ❌ Work on incomplete scaffolds ❌ Exceed load capacity ❌ Work during high winds (40+ mph) ❌ Use damaged components ❌ Remove guardrails ❌ Use makeshift platforms
Scaffold Hazards
| Hazard | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Falls | Guardrails, PFAS |
| Collapse | Proper assembly, capacity |
| Struck by | Toeboards, tool lanyards |
| Electrical | 10 ft clearance from lines |
| Weather | No use in lightning, high wind |
| Falling objects | Toeboards, debris nets |
Electrical Clearances
Minimum Distances from Power Lines:
| Voltage | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Up to 300V | 3 feet |
| 300V - 50kV | 10 feet |
| Over 50kV | 10 ft + 0.4" per kV over 50 |
Scaffold Inspection Checklist
================================================================
SCAFFOLD INSPECTION CHECKLIST
================================================================
Date: ____________ Project: _______________________________
Location: ________________________________________________
Scaffold Type: ☐ Frame ☐ Mobile ☐ Suspended ☐ Other
Inspected By: ____________________________________________
================================================================
FOUNDATION:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Base plates on all legs
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Mud sills (if on soil)
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Level and stable
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Screw jacks properly adjusted
STRUCTURE:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Plumb and square
☐ Pass ☐ Fail All connections secure
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Bracing installed
☐ Pass ☐ Fail No damaged components
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Tied to structure (if required)
PLATFORMS:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Fully planked (gaps < 1")
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Platforms secured
☐ Pass ☐ Fail No damaged planks
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Minimum 18" wide
GUARDRAILS:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Top rail 38-45"
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Mid rail installed
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Toeboards (if required)
☐ Pass ☐ Fail All open sides protected
ACCESS:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Safe access at each level
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Ladders properly secured
☐ Pass ☐ Fail No climbing on cross braces
MOBILE SCAFFOLDS (if applicable):
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Casters locked
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Height within ratio
☐ Pass ☐ Fail No riders during movement
================================================================
RESULT: ☐ APPROVED FOR USE ☐ DO NOT USE (repair needed)
Deficiencies Found:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Corrective Action Required:
___________________________________________________________
Inspector Signature: _____________________ Date: ___________
================================================================
Related Documents
- Fall Protection Program
- Aerial Lift Procedure
- Ladder Safety
- JHA Procedure
OSHA References
- 29 CFR 1926.450 (Scope and Definitions)
- 29 CFR 1926.451 (General Requirements)
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (Additional Requirements)
- 29 CFR 1926.453 (Aerial Lifts)
- 29 CFR 1926.454 (Training)
Template provided by support.construction. Customize with your company information.