
“Although guardrails are probably the most common form of fall protection, on certain scaffolds, for example single- and two-point suspended scaffolds, you need both a guardrail and a personal fall arrest system,” he says. On any work site that requires scaffolding, Lindemer stresses the need for safety professionals and others to keep fall protection in mind. In industrial settings with piping and obstructions, modular scaffolding generally works better because it can be configured around obstacles and unusual shapes more easily than tubular welded frame scaffolding. In terms of the type of work being performed, tubular welded frame scaffolding is well-suited for most construction projects due to its easier assembly and disassembly. For even larger equipment or an increased number of workers, heavy-duty scaffolding (a maximum load of 75 lbs./sq. On the other hand, if the project involves masonry work and heavy materials such as bricks or blocks, medium-duty scaffolding (a maximum load of 50 lbs./sq. ft.) may suffice for work such as inspection and maintenance. The best solution for a particular job will depend on factors such as the loads that will be present on work platforms, providing workers with safe access and fall protection, and the number of work levels.įor example, light-duty scaffolding (a maximum load of 25 lbs./sq.

“From there, you have to determine the type of scaffolding that is best-suited to that type of work.” “You have to look at the building or structure that the scaffolding is going to be erected around and think about what the scaffolding is going to be used for,” says Lindemer.
ANSI STANDARD FOR BEAM IN SWING STAGE SCAFFOLD PROFESSIONAL
Lindemer is also chief engineer at BrandSafway.Ī10.8 defines a qualified person as “one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training or experience has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work or the project.”īeyond having a qualified person overseeing the design, it’s important to closely exam the work site to ensure that workers will be able to do their jobs safely during all phases of scaffolding assembly, use and disassembly. “Every scaffold should be designed by a qualified person who can perform the analysis needed to ensure that it’s designed properly,” says Dale Lindemer, chair of the A10.8 committee. Whichever type of scaffolding is used, ensuring that it will serve its intended purpose and keep workers safe begins in the planning phase. That variety is why the standard includes requirements for several different types of scaffolding materials and designs, including platforms, hoisted suspended scaffolds, system scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds, and form and carpenter bracket scaffolds. Since the original approval of the A10.8 standard in 1969, scaffolding work has evolved considerably as materials, components and technology have changed, allowing for a wider variety of scaffolding options for use on work sites. ANSI/ASSP A10.8-2019, Scaffolding Safety Requirements, establishes safety requirements for the construction, operation and use of scaffolds used in the construction, alteration, demolition and maintenance of buildings and structures. These statistics emphasize the need to construct, assemble and disassemble scaffolding materials safely. In addition, scaffolding is consistently among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards violations.

Incidents involving scaffolding account for 4,500 workplace injuries and 50 deaths per year. According to OSHA, 65 percent of the construction industry, an estimated 2.3 million construction workers, work on scaffolding frequently. From small, three-story buildings to massive high-rises, scaffolding is used for a wide variety of construction, inspection, maintenance and repair projects.
