Physical Resources Work at Heights Program Appendix 10

Transcription

1 Physical Resources Work at Heights Program Appendix 10 Attachment to: PR Effective Date: May, 2009 Subject: Use of Upright Span and Werner Scaffold Systems Approved: R. J. Carter, AVP, Physical Resources Distribution: PR Page 1 of 6 Purpose: To promote the safe erection, use and maintenance of scaffold systems used by Physical Resources personnel to complete their work duties. Scope: All Physical Resources personnel required to setup and use scaffolding. These procedures do not apply to suspended scaffolds. References: University of Guelph Safety Policies: Scaffolds and Power Elevating Work Platforms Working Alone Fall Protection Applicable Legislation: OHSA, O. Reg. 231/91, Construction Projects, Sections 27, OHSA, O. Reg. 851, Industrial Establishments, Section 85 Personal Protective Equipment: CSA-approved Full Body Harness (Group A): Fall protection shall be used by personnel erecting a scaffold 3 metres (10 feet) or more in height. Fall protection shall also be used by personnel working on or dismantling a scaffold 3 metres (10 feet) or more in height. A CSA-approved lanyard long enough to permit movement within the platform compartment only. The lanyard shall be secured at all times to a carabiner or strap serving as a lanyard attachment device. CSA-approved Protective Headwear: Class G protective headwear must be worn in work areas where there is a risk of head injury from impact and/or flying or falling objects. Additional Personal Protective Equipment: Consult with your supervisor regarding the additional personal protective equipment required for the work being performed. Procedure: Responsibilities of Supervisors: Identify work situations where scaffolds are required i.e. where other methods of accessing a work site with limited space for footing or which due to the nature and scope of the work would not be safe or practical to perform from a ladder. Supervisors shall also identify where the use of a scaffold is not safe. Ensure only a competent worker shall supervise the erection, alteration and dismantling of a scaffold.

2 Subject: Use of Upright Span and Werner Scaffold Systems Attachment to: PR Page 2 of 6 Provide the appropriate instructions regarding the specific equipment. Ensure a copy of the manufacturer-specific instructions for the brand of scaffold being erected is attached to it while it is at a work site. Ensure the proposed use of a scaffold more than 10 metres in height is reported to Environmental Health and Safety in advance of a construction projects or work assignment. Ensure no personnel work alone when erecting, moving, altering, dismantling, or performing work duties on a scaffold over 3 metres (10 feet). Provide fall protection equipment for all personnel erecting, working from or dismantling scaffolding which is higher that 3 metres (10 feet), and any other required personal protective equipment. Responsibilities of Workers: The competent worker shall sign off on both the red Do Not Use scaffolding tag which is attached to the scaffold system prior to it being safe for use and the green Safe For Use scaffolding tag which is attached to the scaffolding system when it is deemed safe for use. Erect, work on and dismantle scaffolds following methods consistent with instruction/training. Refer to the manufacturer-specific instructions on how to setup and use the scaffold being used. A competent worker shall inspect and verify in writing that the scaffold is erected in accordance with the manufacturer s specific instructions. Inspect scaffold parts prior to each use and maintain scaffolds in good condition. Wear fall arrest equipment and ensure they are tied off at all times to a secure anchor point, and wear any other required personal protective equipment. Inspecting Equipment All scaffolding equipment shall be carefully inspected before use to ensure that it is serviceable and in good condition. Damaged or deteriorated equipment must be removed from service. The inspection of the equipment shall include the following: Check for bent components, in particular where the tube is kinked, flattened, or crushed. Check for cracks around welds, joints, or around the circumference. Check moving parts, such as snap locks, for freedom of movement. Check for brackets with deformed attached hooks. Check the holes in the telescoping outrigger legs for splitting out. Check manufactured planking for missing locks, or rivets; bent side rails; or a damaged walking surface. If the surface is plywood, check for rotten areas.

3 Subject: Use of Upright Span and Werner Scaffold Systems Attachment to: PR Page 3 of 6 Check for proper safety nut engagement on adjustable legs. Check castors for damaged brakes, axles or stems. When in doubt about the condition of scaffold equipment, either discard the component or consult with the scaffolding supplier. Do not use scaffold equipment or accessories that are obviously damaged. Securing a Scaffold All scaffold horizontal braces shall be secured to the vertical post of the end frame to prevent lateral movement and shall not have splices between the points of support and not at the same level of the intersection of the diagonal bracing; All scaffolds shall be secured at vertical intervals not exceeding more than three times the smallest base dimension, to prevent lateral movement. As a minimum requirement, a scaffold that is more than three times the height of the smallest base dimension requires a form of additional support such as outriggers or guy wires to prevent overturning Wide Scaffold System If workers require a wide scaffold system platform to be at a height of at least 13' 6" or higher than the second end frame in order to perform their work duties, then outriggers or another method of securing the scaffold such as guy wires or lines shall be used. Narrow Scaffold System If workers require a narrow scaffold system platform to be at a height of at least 7' 3" or higher than the first end frame in order to perform their work duties, then outriggers or another method of securing the scaffold such as guy wires or lines shall be used. Scaffolding Tagging System Red Scaffold Tags A red Danger - Unsafe for Use scaffold tag shall be attached to the scaffold at each access point while a scaffold is being erected, dismantled or left unattended. Red tags shall include the following information: The date the scaffold was erected/tagged, the work order number, the name of the competent worker who has erected the scaffold (print and signature) and the name of the competent worker s immediate supervisor or designate (print and signature) filled in on the front side of the card; The department responsible for erecting, maintaining and dismantling the scaffold, and the designation Under Erection, Being Dismantled, Repairs Required or Overhead Protection Only marked on the back side of the card. Note: A red tag replaces a green Safe for Use tag(s) in the event a scaffold has been deemed unfit for use. Scaffold re-inspections shall be completed any time conditions may have changed causing the integrity of the scaffold to be suspect.

4 Subject: Use of Upright Span and Werner Scaffold Systems Attachment to: PR Page 4 of 6 Green Scaffold Tags A green Safe for Use scaffold tag shall be attached to the scaffold at each access point after the competent worker has fully completed the erection and inspection of the scaffold and the scaffold has been deemed safe to use. Green tags shall include the following information: The date the scaffold was erected/tagged, the work order number, the name of the competent worker who has erected the scaffold (print and signature), the name of the competent worker s immediate supervisor or designate (print and signature) filled in on the front side of the card; The department responsible for erecting, maintaining and dismantling the scaffold, and the designation Safe for Use marked on the back side of the card. Erection of Scaffolds: Before scaffolding is erected, inspections shall be performed for job site hazards such as unpacked earth, ditches, debris overhead electrical wires and obstructions, unguarded openings and to assess the potential for wind loading. Fall arrest equipment must be used during erection at heights above 3 metres; Erection must be conducted according to the manufacturer s instruction and training. An erected scaffold should be continually inspected to be sure that it remains in safe condition. Report any concerns to your supervisor. If in doubt consult with the scaffold supplier. Use adjusting legs or other engineered features instead of blocks to adjust to uneven grade conditions. Ensure safety nuts and collars are engaged against adjustable legs Never erect or use the scaffold near live electrical lines or near machinery in operation. Ensure no interlock clips are damaged or missing when interlocking sections of the scaffold. The ratio of unsupported height to least lateral dimension (i.e. the shortest dimension at the base) should not exceed three-to-one unless the scaffold has additional stabilizing supports (e.g. tie-ins to a permanent structure, outrigger stabilizers, or anchored guy wires). Scaffolds that exceed the three-to-one rule must be tied into a building or structure at intervals not exceeding three times the least lateral dimension of the scaffold. This means tie-ins are applied at every third frame vertically and every second frame horizontally. Tie-ins must be capable of sustaining tension (pull) and compression (push) lateral loads. Scaffolds must be erected plumb to ensure maximum structural capacity. The CSA standard on access scaffolding allows a maximum variation from plumb of 12 mm per 3 metres in height, to a maximum of 38 mm over the maximum height of the scaffold. When scaffold heights exceed 15 metres, the site specific scaffolding system must be professionally engineered. The scaffold must be inspected by a professional engineer and a competent worker before it is used. Scaffolds must be equipped with a guardrail consisting of a top rail, mid-rail, and toe board.

5 Subject: Use of Upright Span and Werner Scaffold Systems Attachment to: PR Page 5 of 6 Scaffold Platforms Shall be at least 460 millimetres wide; If it is 2.4 metres or more above a floor, roof or other surface, consist of planks laid tightly side by side for the full width of the scaffold; Shall be provided with a guardrail; Shall be provided with a means of access; Shall not have any unguarded openings; and Shall have each component secured against slipping from its supports. Scaffold Use: General Points A scaffold shall not be used if it has been tagged with a red Danger - Unsafe for Use scaffold tag. A scaffold shall only be used when a green Safe for Use tag filled out as outlined above has been attached to the scaffold system. The proposed use of scaffolds exceeding 10 metres in height and the proposed use shall be reported to Environmental Health and Safety in advance of the work assignment. Scaffolds shall be inspected for safety before use. University of Guelph scaffold platforms are rated individually to support 500 pounds. Loads of working materials should be distributed evenly across the working platforms, and never be placed outside the frame on overhangs unless there is an outrigger specifically designed for such purpose. Use the scaffold access way to get to the platform and use both hands. Access ways must be kept clean and clear of materials that may cause a person to loose their footing. Scaffolds must not be used outdoors in adverse weather conditions such as high winds, lightning storms etc. Do not work on a scaffold if you feel dizzy or unsteady in any way. Never over-reach on a scaffold. Over-reaching creates a fall hazard situation. Rolling Scaffolds Care must be taken while moving a rolling scaffold to avoid contact with power lines, ground depressions or other hazards. Rolling scaffolds must not be moved while persons are on them. Scaffolds equipped with solid wheels shall have the braking device on each wheel locked during erection, use or dismantling. Test the caster brakes by applying the brakes on all of the casters. With no one on the scaffold, push the unit. If the unit moves, reapply the brakes and retest. If the brakes don t work do not use casters on the scaffold until they have been replaced.

6 Subject: Use of Upright Span and Werner Scaffold Systems Attachment to: PR Page 6 of 6 General Safe Work Practices Be sure the scaffold is level at all times. Never make leg adjustments when someone is on scaffold and don t try to stretch the platform height with the adjustable legs. When additional height is required, add more scaffold sections. Leg adjustments are for levelling the scaffold. Never lean a ladder against a scaffold and never use a ladder on the top of the platform of a scaffold. Use only scaffold system ladders to access scaffold platforms. Never push or pull or lean against the wall or ceiling while on a scaffold. Make sure all locking hooks are firmly in position and that the spring-loaded locking pins have functioned properly. Before using a scaffold with folding braces, be sure that the latches of all locking hinges are locked. Always install a safety railing and toeboards when a platform is to be used at heights of 4 feet (1.2 metres) or higher. When the height of a scaffold platform is going to exceed three times the minimum base dimension, the base must be enlarged by using outriggers or the scaffold must be tied to the building using guy wires or lines. Do not climb on or stand on diagonal braces. Use internal ladders and platform hatches to access platforms. Guidelines for Dismantling Scaffolding Consideration must be given as to the effect removal of a component will have on the rest of the scaffold prior to that component s removal. Therefore, check to assure scaffolding has not been structurally altered in a way which would make it unsafe and, if it has, reconstruct where necessary before commencing with dismantling procedures. This includes all scaffold ties. Visually inspect planks prior to dismantling to be sure they are not cracked. Do not accumulate excess components or equipment on the level being dismantled. Do not remove ties until scaffold above has been removed (dismantled). Lower dismantled components in an orderly manner. Do not throw components off of scaffold. Dismantled equipment should be stockpiled in an orderly manner.