Quick Tips #133

The very presence of scaffolding at a job site creates a hazardous work environment. Falls, falling objects and structure instability are all dangerous possibilities and pose a threat to safety in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) construction scaffolding requirements and the 1996 revisions to 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1926 Subpart L make working on or around scaffolding safer.

Originally adopted in 1971, OSHA’s first construction scaffolding requirements remained relatively unchanged until 1996. The 1996 revisions are performance-based, which means the standards do not tell users specifically what to do. Performance-based standards provide guidelines and may specify some requirements, but in general, the “how to” part of the equation is left up to the user. The specifics of compliance depend on the types of scaffolding being used, the situations they are used in and the personnel using them.

The 1996 revisions also address types of scaffolding not previously mentioned, the greater variety of personal fall protection systems available and training.

In November 2016 revisions to OSHA’s general industry Walking and Working Surfaces Standard (29 CFR 1910 Subpart D) were finalized. Several revisions were made including the removal of all existing general industry scaffolding requirements. Employers are now required to comply with the construction industry standards in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L. This is codified under 29 CFR 1910.27(a).

This document focuses on three key topics covered in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L - training, fall protection and working safe distances from energized power lines.

For additional information, visit OSHA’s Scaffolding Safety and Health Topics page, eTool. and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L.

Training

When OSHA revised its Scaffolds standard in 1996, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) studies showed that 25% of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no scaffold safety training. To prevent this from continuing, OSHA strengthened the training requirements.

Training requirements are discussed in 29 CFR 1926.454. Employers must have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. Qualified means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project. Specific to scaffolding, the qualified person must be able to resolve problems related to the:

• Nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area;
• Correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protections systems being used;
• Proper use of the scaffold and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold; the maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffolds used; and any other pertinent requirements.

Fall Protection

Per 1926.451(g)(1), each employee on a scaffold more than 10-feet above a lower level must be protected from falling to that lower level (also note American National Safety Institute/American Society of Safety Professionals (ANSI/ASSP) – Scaffolding Safety Requirements  A10.8-2019 standard). This threshold differs from 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M (1926.500 – 1926.503), which requires the use of fall protection at six feet for most construction activities. Different thresholds are required because scaffolds are temporary structures erected to aid workers who are constructing or demolishing other structures, and scaffolds are less amenable to the use of fall protection at the time the first level is erected.

29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(i) through (vii) details the type of fall protection to be provided to the employees based on the type of scaffold. Employees:

• On a boatswains' chair, catenary scaffold, float scaffold, needle beam scaffold, or ladder jack scaffold must be protected by a personal fall arrest system (PFAS);
• On a single-point or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold must be protected by both a PFAS and guardrail system;
• On a crawling board (chicken ladder) must be protected by a PFAS, a guardrail system (with minimum 200-pound top rail capacity), or by a three-fourth inch diameter grabline or equivalent handhold securely fastened beside each crawling board;
• On a self-contained adjustable scaffold must be protected by a guardrail system (with minimum 200-pound top rail capacity) when the platform is supported by the frame structure, and by both a PFAS and a guardrail system (with minimum 200-pound top rail capacity) when the platform is supported by ropes;
• On a walkway located within a scaffold must be protected by a guardrail system (with minimum 200-pound top rail capacity) installed within nine and one-half-inches of and along at least one side of the walkway;
• Performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold must be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to the wall being laid) by a PFAS or guardrail system (with minimum 200-pound top rail capacity); and
• For all scaffolds not otherwise specified, each employee must be protected by PFAS or guardrail systems.

Employers are responsible for providing fall protection and ensuring its use. Since September 2, 1997, employers have been required to have a competent person determine whether fall protection is necessary and feasible for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Supported scaffolds consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load-bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc. Competent person means one who can identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Safe Distances from Energized Power Lines

Per 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(6), scaffolds cannot be erected, used, dismantled, altered or moved closer than the distances shown below when near energized power lines.

Insulated Lines

Uninsulated Lines

However, scaffolds can be moved closer if it is necessary for the performance of work, provided the power lines are de-energized or protective coverings are installed to help prevent accidental contact. For more information, refer to 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(6) Exception.

Frequently Asked Questions