Scaffold Safety Program | Support.Construction

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

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:

Competent Person Qualifications:

Scaffold Erection

General Requirements:

Scaffold Inspection

Before Each Work Shift:

After Any Event:

Remove from Service If:

Scaffold Types

Supported Scaffolds (Frame)

Mobile Scaffolds (Rolling)

Suspended Scaffolds

Fall Protection on Scaffolds

When Required:

Protection Methods:

PFAS on Scaffolds:

Scaffold Capacity

Load Requirements:

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:

Scaffold User Training

All Scaffold Users Must Be Trained On:

Additional Training For:

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: ___________

================================================================

Purpose​

Scope​

Key Requirements Summary​

Competent Person Requirements​

A Competent Person Must:​

Competent Person Qualifications:​

Scaffold Erection​

General Requirements:​

Scaffold Inspection​

Before Each Work Shift:​

After Any Event:​

Remove from Service If:​

Scaffold Types​

Supported Scaffolds (Frame)​

Mobile Scaffolds (Rolling)​

Suspended Scaffolds​

Fall Protection on Scaffolds​

When Required:​

Protection Methods:​

PFAS on Scaffolds:​

Scaffold Capacity​

Load Requirements:​

Scaffold Types by Capacity:​

Do NOT Overload:​

Scaffold User Training​

All Scaffold Users Must Be Trained On:​

Additional Training For:​

Scaffold Safety Rules​

DO:​

DO NOT:​

Scaffold Hazards​

Electrical Clearances​

Minimum Distances from Power Lines:​

Scaffold Inspection Checklist​

Related Documents​

OSHA References​