Safe Work Practices > Scaffolding

Date Reviewed: February 15, 2023

Whenever possible and practical, use scaffolding if the job is involved and will likely last a long time, or the job cannot be safely done using a ladder (3 point contact maintained).

Scaffolding shall only be erected and used by qualified and trained personnel. Ensure your load does not exceed the scaffold load limit. It it does, you cannot use the scaffold and must erect a larger one. The scaffold must be inspected prior to every use. If any defects are found the scaffold must be tagged with a colour-coded red tag bearing the words “Unsafe for Use” and the scaffold must not used. The inspection must pass following criteria:

•The scaffold you intend to use is the correct one for the job.

•Ensure your load does not exceed the scaffold load limit.

•Scaffolds shall be constructed out of materials designed and identified for this purpose. All materials shall be stamped to identify them as scaffold components.

•Frame structure shall be set on a stable and flat surface. Where this is not possible, leveling jacks should be used.

•Platforms must be supported every 3 metres (10 ft.)

•Platforms shall be:

▪Made of 2" x 10" or equivalent lumber,

▪Shall be at least 24" wide,

▪Should not extend out from a support point,

▪Shall be secured in place,

▪Shall be equipped with kick plates and guardrails.

•Rolling scaffolds shall not be moved with a worker on it, and shall have its wheels locked in place when used.

•If the height of the scaffold exceeds three times the smallest base dimension, it shall be braced into a supporting structure at spacing of 4.6 vertical metres or provided with outriggers to prevent tipping.

•All scaffolding shall be tagged at each point of entry to indicate its status and condition as follows:

•With a tag colour-coded green bearing the words “Safe for Use”, or similar wording, to indicate it is safe to use.

•With a tag colour-coded yellow bearing the words “Caution: Potential or Unusual Hazard”, or similar wording, to indicate the presence of a potential or unusual hazard. Any scaffolding tagged yellow shall not be use until the operator is made aware of the potential of unusual hazard and the hazard is controlled.

•With a tag colour-coded red bearing the words “Unsafe for Use”, or similar wording, to indicate it is not safe to use. Any scaffolding tagged red shall not be used.

•Tags must include the duty rating of the scaffold, the date on which the scaffold was last inspected, the signature of the competent worker who inspected the scaffold and any precautions to be taken while working on the scaffold.

•No one shall work on a scaffold that is not green tagged.

•Scaffold work platforms have perimeter guardrail

•Horizontal rail – not less than 902 mm nor more than 1070 mm above the working surface

•Intermediate rail – Horizontal rail midway between scaffold platform and top rail

•Toe board – Horizontal member at platform level no less than 125mm in height above the platform level.

•Vertical scaffold ladders shall not be more than 6.5 m in height without a rest and break platform, shall be equipped with ladder hoops from the 3 m level, shall be properly secured to the scaffold and must extend at least 1 m above the platform.