Scaffold Access Requirements and Safety

1. Scaffold use provides workers with the ability to work at heights safely, but improper forms of access can put workers at a high risk of injury and in potentially life threatening situations. It is important to assess each project closely to determine the best form of scaffold access that is appropriate for the job, but also protects employees.

2. When scaffold platforms are more than two-feet above or below a point of access, appropriate means of access need to be used.

3. When accessing a platform it is prohibited to ascend and descend the scaffold by climbing the structural cross braces.

4. To access a scaffold platform employers may want to install ladders, stairs, ramps or use a direct passage from another scaffold or from a secured structure. The type of access that is used depends on what is most appropriate for the job at hand.

5. Portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders can be built into or attached to the scaffold frame. It is important that these are positioned appropriately to avoid tipping the scaffold. For instance, a hook-on or attachable ladder must be positioned so that the bottom rung is not more than 24 inches above the scaffold supporting level.

6. Stairway-type ladders must be positioned so that the bottom step is not more than 24 inches above the scaffold supporting level and a rest platform must be provided at 12 foot maximum intervals.

7. Stairtowers must be positioned so that the bottom step is not more than 24 inches above the scaffold supporting level. A landing platform that is at least 18 inches wide by 18 inches long needs to be provided at each level. This form of access provides a secure structure that allows workers to move quickly and safely through the scaffold system, however is not always an appropriate fit for certain projects.

8. Stairtowers must consist of a top rail and a midrail on each side of the stairway, but when they are being used as handrails they must be at least 3 inches away from other objects.

9. Ramps and Walkways may also be used as means of access, but when they are 6 feet or more above lower levels a guardrail system, that meets Federal Standards, must be installed.

10. Integral prefabricated scaffold access frames must be designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs, and cannot be used as work platforms when rungs are less than 11.5 inches in length, unless fall protection is being used.

11. It is important when installing forms of access that they are compatible with the type of scaffold system that is being used.

12. Steps and rungs of ladders and stairway forms of access must line up vertically with each other between each rest platform.

13. Ladders, stairs and landings must all have slip-resistant surfaces.

14. How can you avoid unnecessary injuries when working on scaffolding?

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