Scaffolds and ladders

• Pages: 14-18

14

4. Scaffolds and ladders

4.1. General provisions

4.1.1. Where work cannot safely be done on or from the ground or from part of a

building or other permanent structure, a safe and suitable scaffold should be provided

and maintained or other equally safe and suitable provision should be made.

4.1.2. Scaffolds should be provided with safe means of access, such as stairs,

ladders or ramps. Ladders should be secured against inadvertent movement.

4.1.3. All scaffolds and ladders should be constructed, erected and used in

accordance with national laws and regulations.

4.1.4. Every scaffold should be properly designed, constructed, erected and

maintained so as to prevent collapse or accidental displacement when properly used.

4.1.5. Every scaffold and part thereof should be:

(a) designed so as to prevent hazards for workers during erection and dismantling;

(b) designed so that guard rails and other protective devices, platforms, putlogs, rakers,

transoms, ladders, stairs or ramps can be easily put together;

(c) of suitable and sound material and of adequate size and strength for the purpose for

which it is to be used and maintained in a proper condition.

4.1.6. The competent authority should establish and enforce laws, regulations or

standards covering detailed technical provisions for the design, construction, erection,

use, maintenance, dismantling and inspection of the different kinds of scaffolds and

ladders used in construction work.

4.2. Materials

4.2.1. Sufficient suitable and sound material should be provided and used in the

construction of scaffolds.

4.2.2. Timber used in the construction of scaffolds should be straight-grained,

sound, and free from large knots, dry rot, worm holes and other defects likely to affect

its strength.

4.2.3. No rope which is defective whether through contact with acids or other

corrosive substances or otherwise should be used on scaffolds.

4.2.4. Where necessary, boards and planks used for scaffolds should be protected

against splitting.