Scaffolding

Scaffolding Part 1 Self Inspection Checklist

Guidelines: This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under subpart L of the construction standards 29 CFR 1926.451. It applies to temporary scaffolding at worksites associated with construction, alteration, demolition, or repair work including painting and decorating. It covers general requirements regarding capacity, scaffold platform construction, criteria for supported scaffolds, and access. The checklist does not address criteria for suspension scaffolds, suspension ropes, and stairtowers. Please consult the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.451 for these types of scaffold situations. The regulations cited apply only to private employers and their employees, unless adopted by a State agency and applied to other groups such as public employees. A yes answer to a question indicates that this portion of the inspection complies with the OSHA or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard, or with a nonregulatory recommendation. This checklist should be used with the Scaffolding-Part 2 checklist. Subpart L of the OSHA construction standards includes appendixes that provide useful information on scaffold specifications. Definitions of terms in bold type are provided at the end of the checklist.

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Construction
Does each scaffold and scaffold componentsupport (without failure) its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load?[29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)] Note: The stall load of any scaffold hoistmust not exceed 3 times its rated load [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5)]. Appendix A ofthe OSHA regulations gives directions for constructing scaffolds.	Y   N   N/A
Are all working levels on scaffolds fullyplanked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)]	Y   N   N/A
Are scaffold platform spaces 1inch or lessbetween adjacent units and the uprights? [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)(i)] Note: Spaces up to 9 1/2 inches wide arepermitted around uprights. If platforms are used only as walkways or during erecting ordismantling, the employer may establish the space between planking as necessary toprovide safe working conditions.	Y   N   N/A
Are all scaffold platforms at least18 inches wide?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(2)] Note: Scaffold platforms less than18 inches wide are permitted if wider platforms are not possible. However,employees who use theseplatforms must be protected byguardrails or personal fall arrestsystems.	Y   N   N/A
Is the distance between the front edge ofthe scaffold platform and the face of the work 14 inches or less, unless guardrailsystems are put along the front edge, or personal fall arrest systems are used?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(3)] Note: Exceptions are permitted underspecial situations. Consult the OSHA regulations for details. The maximumdistance from the face for plastering and lathing operations is 18 inches.	Y   N   N/A
Does the end of each scaffold platformextend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches unless cleated or otherwiserestrained by hooks or equivalent means? [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(4)]	Y   N   N/A
If the scaffold platform is 10 feet or less inlength, does the end of the scaffold platform extend 12 inches or less over its support?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(5)(i)] Note: The end of the scaffold platform mayextend more than 12 inches over its support if the platform is designed and installed sothat the cantilevered portion of the platform can support workers or materials withouttipping, or a guardrail blocks worker access to the cantilevered end.	Y   N   N/A
On scaffolds where planks are abutted to forma long platform, does each plank end rest ona separate support surface?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(6)] Note: Common support members, such as"T" sections, may be used to support abuttingplanks. Hook-on platforms designed to reston common supports may also be used.	Y   N   N/A
On scaffolds where platforms overlap toform a long platform, does the overlap occur over supports? Is the overlap atleast 12 inches unless the platform is nailed together or otherwise restrainedto prevent movement?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(7)]	Y   N   N/A
At points of a scaffold where the platformchanges direction, is this procedure followed? [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(8)] Step 1: Lay the platform that rests on abearer at an angle other than a right angle. Step 2: Lay the platform that rests atright angles over the same bearer, on top of the first platform.	Y   N   N/A
Is it prohibited to cover wood platformson scaffolds with opaque finishes? [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(9)] Note: Platform edges may be covered ormarked for identification. Wood platforms may be coated periodically with woodpreservatives, fire-retardant finishes,and slip-resistant finishes; however, thecoating may not obscure the top orbottom wood surfaces.	Y   N   N/A
Do scaffold components from differentmanufacturers fit together without force and maintain the scaffold's structural integrity?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(10)]	Y   N   N/A
Are scaffold components from differentmanufacturers modified ONLY if a competent person determines that thescaffold made of the 'mixed' parts is structurally sound?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(10)]	Y   N   N/A
Are scaffold components made of dissimilarmetals used together ONLY if a competent person has determined that galvanic actionwill not reduce the strength of anycomponent to an unacceptable level?[29 CFR 1926.451(b)(11)]	Y   N   N/A
Criteria for Supported Scaffolds
Are supported scaffolds with a height tobase width ratio of more than 4 to 1 restrained from tipping by guying, tying,bracing, or equivalents? [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)] Note: Install guys, ties, and braces atlocations where horizontal memberssupport both inner and outer legs. InstallGuys, ties, and braces according to thescaffold manufacturer's recommendationsor at the closest horizontal member tothe 4 to 1 height. Repeat vertically atlocations of horizontal members every20 feet or less thereafter for scaffolds3 feet wide or less, and every 26 feet orless thereafter for scaffolds greater than3 feet wide. Place the top guy, tie, orbrace of completed scaffolds no furtherthan the 4 to 1 height from the top. Installguys, ties, and braces at each end ofthe scaffold and at horizontal intervals30 feet or less (measured from one end[not both] towards the other). Use ties,guys, braces, or outriggers to preventtipping when there is an eccentric load,such as a cantilevered work platform.	Y   N   N/A
Are supported scaffold poles, legs, posts,frames, and uprights placed on base plates and mud sills or other firm foundation?[29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)]	Y   N   N/A
Are footings level, sound, and rigid? Can theysupport the loaded scaffold without settling ordisplacement?[29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(i)]	Y   N   N/A
Is it prohibited to use unstable objects forsupporting scaffolds and platform units? [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(ii)]	Y   N   N/A
Is it prohibited to use unstable objects asworking platforms? [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iii)]	Y   N   N/A
Is it prohibited to use front-end loaders andsimilar pieces of equipment to support scaffoldplatforms, unless they were designed by themanufacturer for such use? [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iv)]	Y   N   N/A
Are supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames,and uprights plum and braced to preventswaying and displacement?[29 CFR 1926.451(c)(3)]	Y   N   N/A
Access
Are ladders, stairs, ramps, or walkways providedto access scaffold platforms more than 2 feetabove or below a point of access?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)] Note: Cross-braces must not be used as ameans of access.	Y   N   N/A
Are portable, hook-on, and attachable ladderspositioned to prevent the scaffold from tipping?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(i)]	Y   N   N/A
Are hook-on and attachable ladders positionedso the bottom rung is not more than 24 inchesabove the scaffold supporting level?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(ii)]	Y   N   N/A
Are hook-on and attachable ladders designedfor the scaffold in use? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(iv)]	Y   N   N/A
Do hook-on and attachable ladders have runglength of at least 11 1/2 inches? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(v)]	Y   N   N/A
Do hook-on and attachable ladders haveuniformly spaced rungs with a maximum spacing between rungs of 16-3/4 inches?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(vi)]	Y   N   N/A
Is the bottom step of stairway-type ladders24 inches or less above the scaffold supportinglevel?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(i)]	Y   N   N/A
Do stairway-type ladders have rest platformsat 12-foot maximum vertical intervals? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(ii)]	Y   N   N/A
Do stairway-type ladders have a step width ofat least 16 inches? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(iii)] Note: Mobile scaffold stairway-type laddersmay have a minimum step width of 11 1/2 inches.	Y   N   N/A
Do stairway-type ladders have slip-resistanttreads on all steps and landings? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(iv)]	Y   N   N/A
Do ramps and walkways 6 feet or moreabove lower levels have guardrails? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(i)]	Y   N   N/A
Are ramps and walkways inclined with aslope less than 1 vertical to 3 horizontal 20 degrees above the horizontal?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(ii)]	Y   N   N/A
Do ramps and walkways that are steeper than1 vertical in 8 horizontal have cleats 14 inches(or less) apart that are securely fastened to theplanks to provide footing? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(iii)]	Y   N   N/A
Are integral prefabricated scaffold accessframes constructed for use as ladder rungs? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(i)]	Y   N   N/A
Do integral prefabricated scaffold accessframes have rung lengths of at least 8 inches? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(ii)]	Y   N   N/A
Do employees have fall protectionif integral prefabricated scaffold access frameswith rungs less than 11 1/2 inches are usedas work platforms?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(iii)]	Y   N   N/A
Are integral prefabricated scaffold access framesuniformly spaced within each frame section?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(iv)]	Y   N   N/A
Do integral prefabricated scaffold access frameshave a maximum spacing between rungs of16-3/4 inches?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(v)] Note: Non-uniform rung spacing caused byjoining end frames together is allowed, providethe resulting spacing is 16-3/4 inches or less.	Y   N   N/A
Do steps and rungs of ladder and stairway-typeaccess line up vertically with each other between rest platforms?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(7)]	Y   N   N/A
Is the horizontal distance 14 inches (or less)and the vertical distance 24 inches (or less) between two surfaces used to provide directaccess between them? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(8)]	Y   N   N/A
During erecting and dismantling of supportedscaffolds, does a competent person provideand evaluate safe means of access?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(i)]	Y   N   N/A
During erecting and dismantling of supportedscaffolds, are hook-on or attachable laddersinstalled as soon as they can be used safely?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(ii)]	Y   N   N/A
During erecting and dismantling of supportedscaffolds, are the ends of tubular welded framescaffolds used as climbing devices for accessonly if the horizontal members are parallel, level,and 22 inches apart (or less) vertically?[29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iii)]	Y   N   N/A
During erecting and dismantling of supportedscaffolds, is it prohibited to use the cross braceson tubular welded frame scaffolds for accessor exit? [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iv)]	Y   N   N/A
Use
Are scaffolds and scaffold components loadedbelow their maximum intended loads or ratedcapacities (whichever is less)?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(1)]	Y   N   N/A
Is the use of shore or lean-to scaffolds prohibited?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(2)]	Y   N   N/A
Does a competent person inspect scaffoldsand scaffold components for visible defects before each work shift, and after any occurrencethat could affect a scaffold's structural integrity?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3)]	Y   N   N/A
Are parts of a scaffold that are damaged orweakened immediately repaired, replaced, braced, or removed from service until repaired?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(4)]	Y   N   N/A
Is the horizontal movement of a scaffoldprohibited while workers are on the scaffold (unless the scaffold is designed for movementby a registered professional engineer, or is amobile scaffold meeting OSHA standards)?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(5)]	Y   N   N/A
Are proper clearances (as shown in Tables 1and 2) between scaffolds and power lines always maintained?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(6)] Note: Scaffolds and materials may be closerto power lines if such clearance is necessary,and only after the utility company or electricalsystem operator has been notified, and theutility company or electrical system operatorhas deenergized the lines, relocated the lines,or installed protective coverings to preventcontact with the lines.	Y   N   N/A
Table 1: Insulated Power Lines Insulated Lines Voltage Minimum Distance Alternative Less than 300 volts 300 volts to 50 kv More than 50 kv 3 feet (0.9 m) 10 feet (3.1 m) 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 4.0 inches (10 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv 2 times the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.1m)
Table 2: Uninsulated Power Lines Uninsulated Line Voltage Minimum Distance Alternatives Less than 50 kv More than 50 kv 10 feet (3.1 m) 10 feet (3.1 m) plus 4.0 inches (10 cm) for each 1 kv over 50 kv 2 times the length of the line insulator, but never less than 10 feet (3.1 m)
Are scaffolds erected, moved, dismantled,or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified inscaffold erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)]	Y   N   N/A
Are scaffolds erected, moved, dismantled,or altered only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by thecompetent person? [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)]	Y   N   N/A
Is it prohibited to work on scaffolds coveredwith snow, ice, or other slippery material, except as necessary to remove such materials?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(8)]	Y   N   N/A
If swinging loads are hoisted onto or nearscaffolds, are tag lines or equivalent measures used to control the loads?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(9)]	Y   N   N/A
Is working on scaffolds during storms orhigh winds prohibited unless a competent person has determined that it is safe forworkers to be on the scaffold and workers are protected by a personal fall arrestsystem or wind screens? [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(12)]	Y   N   N/A
Is debris removed from platforms?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(13)]	Y   N   N/A
Are makeshift devices, such as boxes and barrels, prohibited on scaffold platforms for increasing the working level height?[29 CFR 1926.451(f)(14)]	Y   N   N/A
Is it prohibited to use ladders on scaffoldsto increase the working level height? [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(15)] Note: Ladders may be used on large areascaffolds if certain conditions are met. Consult the OSHA regulations for therequired conditions.	Y   N   N/A
Are scaffold platforms used only if they deflect1/60 of the span (or less) when loaded? [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(16)]	Y   N   N/A

Definitions:

Competent person: one who can identify hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to workers, and who has authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Lean-to scaffold: a supported scaffold that is kept erect by tilting it toward and resting it against a building or structure.

Personal fall arrest system: a system used to stop an employee's fall. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or combinations of these.

Shore scaffold: a supported scaffold that is placed against a building or structure and held in place with props.

Supported scaffold: one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.

Comments/Corrective action: