Scaffolds

• Pages: 26-55

3. Scaffolds

3.1. General provisions

3.1.1. Suitable and sufficient scaffolds should be provided for

workers for all work that cannot safely be done at a height from

a ladder or by other means.

3.1.2. A scaffold should only be constructed, taken down and

substantially altered:

under the direction of a competent and responsible person; and

as far as practicable by competent persons.

Materials

3.1.3. Sufficient material should be provided for and used in

the construction of scaffolds.

3.1.4. Timber used in the construction of scaffolds should be

straight-grained, sound, and free from large knots, dry rot, worm

holes and other dangerous defects.

3.1.5. No rope that has been in contact with acids or other

corrosive substances or is defective should be used on scaffolds.

3.1.6. No fibre rope should be used on a scaffold erected at any

place where such rope would be liable to be damaged.

3.1.7. Where necessary, boards and planks used for scaffolds

should be protected against splitting.

3.1.8. Nails on scaffolds should be of adequate length and

thickness.

3.1.9. Cast-iron nails should not be used on scaffolds.

3.1.10. Materials used in the construction of scaffolds should

be stored under good conditions and apart from any material

unsuitable for scaffolds.

3.1.11. Fastenings on wooden scaffolds should be steel bolts

of adequate dimensions with washers and nuts, fibre rope lashings,

26

Scaffolds

nails, adequate clamps, or other means approved by the competent

authority.

Construction

3.1.12. Scaffolds should be designed with a safety factor of

four times their maximum load.

3.1.13. Pole, ladder and similar scaffolds should be provided

with safe means of access such as stairs, ladders, or ramps.

3.1.14. Pole, ladder and similar scaffolds should be adequately

braced.

3.1.15. Pole, ladder and similar scaffolds which are not inde-

pendent should be rigidly connected to the building at suitable

vertical and horizontal distances.

3.1.16. A scaffold should never extend above the highest

anchorage to an extent which might endanger its stability and

strength.

3.1.17. On independent scaffolds, sufficient putlogs and tran-

soms should remain in position and securely fastened to the ledgers,

uprights or standards, as the case may be, to ensure the stability

of the scaffold until it is finally dismantled.

3.1.18. All structures and appliances used as supports for

working platforms should be of sound construction, have a firm

footing, and be adequately strutted and braced to make them stable.

3.1.19. Loose bricks, drain pipes, chimney pots or other un-

suitable material should not be used for the construction or support

of scaffolds.

3.1.20. When necessary to prevent danger from falling objects,

scaffolds should be provided with adequate screens.

3.1.21. Nails should be driven full length, and not driven part

way and then bent over.

3.1.22. No nail should be subjected to direct pull.

27