18 scaffolds and ladders

Chapter 18 SCAFFOLDS AND LADDERS

CONTENTS1. Scope2. Purpose3. Definitions4. Responsibilities5. Instructions6. References7. Attachments

1. SCOPETo be used as a guideline for all scaffold erection.

2. PURPOSEPurpose of this procedure is to set/define standards for scaffolds that shall be erected using sound materials and to set/define further standards for their respective safe use and procedural inspection at specific periods. Scaffolding is a complicated activity requiring professional attention since it is often prone to collapse. Correct standards, methods of design & installation should be well understood prior to making use of system.Scaffolding system for permanent works such as formwork support systemsScaffolding system for preparatory works support such as working platformsAn attempt has been envisaged to talk of preparatory work supports.

3. DEFINITIONSDefinitions regarding certain terms

1. Safety means safety, health & environment disciplines to support project activities2. Company means an organization carrying out or prosecuting project3. Contractor means organization that has won project from client4. Subcontractor means an organization that has won part of a project work from Contractor

organization5. Client means an organization entitle Company in contractual terms that has entrusted

project to organization of Contractor6. Personnel means all personnel involved on project site activities7. Responsibility means job & contract responsibility8. Training means training imparted for specific safety topic on job on project site9. Management means organization top, middle & lower management10. Safety Manager means a person with job title Safety Manager deployed by certain

organization11. Project Manager means a person as such with PM title deployed by Contractor12. Engineer means a person appointed by client or client company for an overall project

responsibility

EMPLOYER Project OwnerCONTRACTOR EPC CONTRACTOR

System definition-

of 13

Scaffolding is defined as a temporary structure, which provides access, working places and can be used to support materials, plant or equipment. It can be divided into two types:a) Unit formwork, Kwick-stageAll Round or other types of purpose made frames or units.b) Tube & Fittings Individual tubes of varying lengths held together by individual couplers.

Note: Only system tube and coupler shall be used to erect scaffolds. Frame unit scaffolding and tube/coupler type shall not be mixed into a single structure. Use of formwork type timber shall not be employed as load bearing scaffolding material.

Component definitionBase Plate:

A metal base (with a central spigot) for distributing load from a standard raker or load bearing tube

Bay Length:Distance between two adjacent standards along face of a scaffold

Board:A softwood or metal board used with similar boards to provide access platforms, working platforms or to boards etc.

Board Bearer (Intermediate Transom):A tube spanning across ledgers at mid span to support a working platform

Brace:A tube incorporated diagonally across two or more members in a scaffold and secured to them in order to ensure stability.

Buttress:An adequately braced tubular structure erected against existing scaffolding for purpose of strengthening it.

Castor:A swiveling wheel with a lock device secured to base for purpose of making a scaffold mobile.

Toe board (putlog) Clip:Used to fix a toe board to a scaffold tube.

Coupler:A joiner fitting used to fix scaffold tubes together. Couplers are divided into load bearing or non load bearing.

Guardrail:A tube secured onto scaffold to prevent fall of a person.

Hoop Iron:Metal bond fitted to ends of a softwood board to prevent splitting.

Ledger:A horizontal tube secured to standards with load bearing fittings. It prevents standards from bowing and acts as a support for transoms, board bearers and ledger to ledger diagonal bracing.

Access Platform:A fully boarded out bay that provides step off points for ladder access

Lift:Assembly of ledgers, transoms and board bearers forming each horizontal level of a scaffold

Needle Transom:A transom extended from a scaffold.

Node Point:

of 13

Common point where ledgers, standards and transoms are fixedPuncheon:

A vertical tube secured at its lower end with a load bearing coupler to a horizontal tube. Load is not transmitted directly into ground or into a base plate.

Raker:An inclined load bearing tube

Scafftag:A tag strategically displayed normally at access point to every scaffold, which indicates that scaffold has been inspected within previous seven (7) days and is Safe to use.

Sleeve Coupler:A fitting connected over a scaffold tube and is used to join one tube to another end to end.

Sole Plate:A timber (normally a short scaffold board) used to spread load from base plate over an extended area.

Spigot (Joint Pin):A fitting connected inside a scaffold tube and is used to join one tube to another end to end.

Standard:A vertical tube used to transmit load to ground or ground level.

Stop End:A guardrail placed across end of a scaffold or used to isolate un boarded parts.

Tie:A tube used to tie a scaffold into a secure anchorage.

Toe board:A board positioned along edge of a platform to prevent persons, tools and materials falling from platform.

Transom:A tube connecting outer standards to inner standards. It spans across ledgers and forms working platform.

Unit Beam:A purpose made lattice beam incorporated into a scaffold structure to form a bridge, where an extended opening between standards is necessary.

Working Platform:Boarded out deck from which, work is carried out

RESPONSIBILITIES IN GENERAL RESPECTING CERTAIN CONTRACT POSITIONS

1. Project Manager responsible for overall obligations, to provide schedule, all resources, direction, engineering resolutions.

2. Site Manager responsible for overall site prosecution management over works & subcontrcators.

3. Site Safety Officer responsible for overall safety management on site & report to Project Manager / Site Manager / Corporate Safety Manager

4. Construction Manager responsible to arrange all safety related resources & provide site team all requirements

5. Project Site Engineer responsible to carry out safety issues within section6. Site Safety Inspector/Engineer responsible to supervise safety measures on site & control

safety issues, should bring to site line management to adopt correct measures.7. Site Foremen responsible for compliance of safety measures as standards or as directed

of 13

8. An individual working on site responsible to maintain safety measures. In case, missing, should bring to site team attention

4. RESPONSIBILITIES4.1 EPC CONTRACTOR Site Manager

Ensure that this procedure is being applied by CONTRACTOR and SUBCONTRACTORS

4.2 EPC CONTRACTOR HSE Manager Responsible for development of this procedure and monitoring

compliance

4.3 SUBCONTRACTOR Site Manager Shall ensure that this procedure is being implemented correctly Shall allocate sufficient resources to enable compliance to this

procedure

4.4 CONTRACTOR and SUBCONTRACTOR Site Supervision Shall ensure that employees know and understand requirements for

working from/while using scaffolds Shall ensure that only scaffolds, which are certified as safe for use are

utilized

4.6 CONTRACTOR and SUBCONTRACTOR Site HSE Managers Shall assist in implementation of this procedure Shall provide required training Shall regularly check erected scaffolds

4.7 SUBCONTRACTORS All other SUBCONTRACTORS shall be required to comply with this

procedure

4.8 SUBCONTRACTOR Scaffold coordinator Ensure that all scaffolders are aware of and work in compliance to best

industry practices for erection of scaffolds Establish a system for tagging scaffolds to identify whether or not, they

are safe and fit for intended purpose Establish a system for recording history of scaffolds from installation

application being, erection, certification and dismantling Arrange for and provide adequate training to concerned personnel as

required Liaison with engineering group for designing specialist suitable and

purpose built scaffolds Ensure that scaffold erected in potentially hazardous areas e.g. working

over water, are designed and erected to recognized standards Ensure that materials are checked before use and remain in sound

condition Advise Site Management of all expected/foreseen/unforeseen concerns

5. INSTRUCTIONSSCAFFOLDS

of 13

5.1 MaterialsAll scaffolding material procured shall be sound in construction and have adequate designed strength. Shall be manufactured, constructed and maintained to international standards, suitable or applicable on project. Materials used to erect scaffold structures shall conform to this procedure Tubes, units, frames, timbers etc. shall be straight/plumb when seen by

eye, be free of cracks, splits, excessive corrosion or other defects. Ends shall be cut square with axis of tube.

Tube unit or frame requiring a high degree of maintenance, such as wire brushing or scraping shall be replaced.

No tube unit or frame shall be painted. Only acceptable is galvanizing/zinc primed surface.

No black steel tube shall be used.5.1.2 Scaffolding Boards/planks

Boards of similar/equal thickness shall be used to deck out individual scaffolds.

Scaffolding boards having knots more than 50 mm diameter shall not be acceptable.

Edge knots shall not exceed 50% of thickness of board. Warped boards shall not be used. Scaffold boards with splits are not acceptable. There shall be no cut outs (checks), burns, oil stains or projecting

nails. Boards shall not be painted or treated in any other way, which may

conceal defects. Boards may be made fireproof using an approved flame retardant material.

Broken or excessively worn out boards shall not be acceptable. Boards shall be square cut and bound with a hoop iron.

5.1.3 Couplers Coupler found to be broken or damaged or having damaged threads

shall be discarded. Couplers shall be sorted by type. They shall be kept clean and

lightly oiled to prevent rust. All scaffolding material shall be sound in manufacturing and have

adequate strength. Shall be manufactured, constructed and maintained to suitable international standards.

5.1.4 Storage of Materials All scaffolding material shall be properly and neatly stored on

suitably constructed scaffold racks.a) Tubes shall be sorted and stored by length.b) Couplers shall be sorted and stored by type.c) Boards shall be stored not more than 20 # pile or equal to such stack high.

Where materials are being stored at site of erection for immediate use, shall be stored in a tidy manner, which does not present a tripping hazard or block access routes.

.5.2 General rules for scaffold5.2.1 Foundations

Foundations shall as far as possible, be level and adequate to carry imposed load.

of 13

Base plates shall be placed under every standard irrespective of whatever type existing foundation surface.

Timber sole plates shall be placed under every base plate, where foundation is other than concrete or metal plate decking. This rule shall apply to open deck grating.

Timber sole plates, where required, shall be placed underneath base plates on two adjacent standards, normally at right angles to face of scaffold. Sole plate should extend 600mm either side of two adjacent standards, which it supports.

Under no circumstances shall scaffolds be undermined by excavation.

5.2.2 Standards (Tube & Coupler Scaffolds) Standards shall be plumbed vertical Spacing between standards is determined by intended use of

scaffold. Under no circumstances shall bay length exceed those distances appended in Attachment 7.1

Joints in standards can be made with sleeve couplers or spigots (joint pins). Joints must be staggered i.e. they must not occur at same level in adjacent standards.

5.2.3 Ledgers (Tube & Coupler Scaffolds) Ledgers must be plumbed, level and fixed to inside of standards

using right angle, load bearing couplers. Ledger must not extend more than 50mm past load bearing coupler.

Vertical distance (lift height) between ledgers must not exceed 2 meter.

Joints in ledgers shall be made with sleeve couplers as spigots (joint pins) are not acceptable. All joints must be staggered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Right angle couplers (doubles or 90’s) are only fitting suitable as load bearing. Swivel couplers are not acceptable in a load bearing capacity.

5.2.4 Transoms Transoms should, whenever possible, be secured to standards using

right angle couplers. They may however, be laid across ledgers and secured with putlog clips, provided they are not more than 300mm from each pair of standards. A transom must not extend more than 50mm past right angle coupler/putlog clip.

5.2.5 Tie-in’s (Independent Scaffolds) Tie-in must be fixed at every second lift and every second standard. Where a scaffold has been sheeted out with tarpaulins,

consideration shall be given to additional wind loading and insertion of additional ties.

All ties shall be positive two way ties i.e. they shall prevent movement of scaffold either into or away from building.

All tie-ins must be secured as near to node point, as is possible (where standards and ledgers intersect). Only load bearing couplers shall be acceptable.

Anchorage point to which a tie is secured, must be of sufficient strength to withstand load imposed upon it. Under no circumstances shall guardrails be used as an anchorage point for ties.

of 13

As a general rule, ties must always be inserted. Where this is not possible, following alternative actions may be taken.

On small scaffolds not extending above three lifts, stability of scaffold can be achieved by rakers. Raker shall be secured with right angle couplers to ledger at second lift. Load in raker shall be distributed through a base plate or if required, a sole board. Foot of raker shall be tied back to main scaffold. Rakers shall be inserted at same standard spacing as tie

No Raker shall extend more than 3 meter without being tied back at its mid point.

5.2.6 Braces All scaffolds shall be braced in both directions. Braces, whether

facade or ledger to ledger, shall extend to full height of structure. Facade braces shall be repeated at a maximum distance of every 10

metes. Ledger to ledger bracing shall be repeated at every alternate set of

standards. Joints in facade braces shall be made with sleeve couplers as

spigots are not acceptable Where braces are fixed to transoms, transom itself must be fixed

with right angle couplers.5.2.7 Working Platform

Working platforms shall normally be five boards wide but, may be reduced to two boards, where scaffold has been erected for inspection or access purposes only.

All working platforms shall be closely boarded by butting together end to end. Boards shall either be cut to fit around standards, pipe penetrations etc. or have gaps filled with use of suitable fixed wooden boarding i.e. plywood.

Each individual board shall be securely lashed. Guardrails shall be fixed to inside of standards on all working

platforms to a height of between 1.1 meter (minimum) and 1.5 meter (maximum). Space between top of toe-board and underside of guardrail shall not exceed 690mm.

An intermediate guardrail shall be fixed to inside of standards in every instance.

Toe-boards including stop end boards shall be fitted to all working platforms. Minimum height shall be 150mm.

If materials are to be stacked above height of toe-board, a suitable barrier (brick guards) shall be erected.

Ladder access openings shall not be more than 500mm wide (2 boards) and shall be as short as possible in other direction.

Maximum span of board forming working platform shall be 1.2 meter.

Minimum overhang of board shall not be less than 50mm and maximum overhang shall not exceed 150mm.

No more than 2 board’s width shall be supported on needle transoms, unless transoms are fixed with right angle coupler and ‘picked up’.

5.2.8 Ladder Access Platforms Vertical height between ladder access platforms shall not exceed 9

meter.

of 13

Ladder access platforms shall be close boarded and shall have guardrails and toe-boards secured per section 5.2.7

5.2.9 Ladders Ladders shall project beyond working platforms or ladder access

platforms by a minimum distance of 1.05 meter (five rungs). Ladders shall be based on a sound footing. Shall be lashed or

secured by a proprietary clamp at both foot and near top. Angle at which ladder is set shall (with exception of scaffold

towers) be 75 or 300mm out for every 1.2 meter of vertical length. Long ladders shall be supported and lashed at their mid point to

remove some bounce/sagging. Ladders shall be constructed of aluminum or wood. Only properly

constructed and manufactured ladders shall be used. ‘Home made’ ladders are strictly forbidden. Wooden ladders shall not be used in plant facilities areas.

All ladders shall be of good repaired and sound construction. Shall be checked for damage, faults and wear & tear by Approved Scaffolding Supervisor before use.

Metal tie rods shall be in place. Ladders may be on outside of a scaffold for first two lifts above

ground level. In every other instance, ladder run shall be internal to scaffold.

5.2.10 Protective Fans Where it is likely that material may fall from either a building or a

scaffold down to, where people are working below or passing in close proximity to structure, a protective fan may be considered.

Protective fans shall not be used to store scaffolding or other materials.

Protective fan shall not be more than 5 meters above ground level, shall be at least 2 meter wide and fixed at an angle not exceeding 20.

5.2.11 Check Fittings Without exception, check fittings shall be used, whenever a

scaffold tube is punched up, picked up, rakered or hanging. 5.2.12 Scaffold Loadings

It is responsibility of Approved Scaffold Coordinator to ensure that system construction and strength is suitable for purpose for which it shall be used.

Design calculations shall be submitted to Engineering Department for scaffolding system arrangements but not for common scaffold, which is independent or free standing. Calculation shall show both dead and live loadings & its final stability under all loads.

5.2.13 Scafftag Scafftag is a system of inspection, whereby weather proofed

plasticized tag is fixed at all access points of a scaffold. Information on tag shall include date erected, safe working load, initial inspectors name, signature and company. Tag (generally green) indicates that scaffold is “Safe to Use”.

Within a period not exceeding 7 days, scaffold shall be re-inspected by a competent person (scaffolding supervisor), a signature and date replaced upon tag. Where a scaffold does not

of 13

meet safety standards, tag shall be removed and a ‘use prohibition’ notice placed at access to inform personnel ‘not to use’ it.

A record of all scaffold inspections shall be filed in on approved scaffold register.

5.2.14 Traffic Movements Where a scaffold is erected in an area likely to be struck by a

vehicle, base of scaffold shall be properly protected using hard (JB) barriers. Barrier shall be illumined with flashing warning lights during hours of darkness.

5.3 Scaffold Types Common access scaffolds shall be taken to mean:

a) Independently tiedb) Birdcagec) Free standing tower (fixed or mobile)d) Hanging scaffold (single lift only)

5.3.1 System Scaffold Where a system scaffold is being erected, it shall be constructed in

strict compliance with manufacturers’ instructions. Different manufacturers’ systems shall not be intermixed and it is

not advisable to use standard tube and coupler with any one system.

A copy of manufacturers’ instructions shall be given to EPC Contractor Safety Department before certain system scaffold is erected.

Personnel who erect system scaffolds shall be trained to be competent to do so.

5.3.2 Independent Tied Scaffolds This consists of two rows of standards running parallel to a

building, joined together with ledgers and transoms, adequately braced in two directions.

Independent tied scaffolds shall not be erected to a height of more than 45 meter without design calculations being submitted to Engineering Department by a competent scaffold engineer.

5.3.3 System Scaffold Birdcage scaffolds are constructed in a grid pattern using standards

arranged at regular intervals in parallel lines. Standards shall be laced together with a grid of ledgers and

transoms fixed by right angle couplers at every lift. Transoms in top working lift may be secured with putlog clips.

Standards shall be spaced at a maximum distance of 2.5 meter in each direction.

First lift shall be secured at a maximum height of 2.5 meter. Subsequent lifts shall not exceed 2 meter vertical height.

Braces shall be provided for every six standards in each line in both directions.

5.3.4 Free Standing Towers/Mobile scaffolds Free standing towers may be fitted with castors or wheels for

mobility or erected as free standing towers. They support a single working platform only, which shall not project beyond base area. Access to platform shall be by vertical ladder lashed internal to tower at one of shortest sides.

of 13

Maximum loading shall not exceed that for Light Duty Scaffolding as specified in Attachment 7.1, unless structure has been designed by a competent engineer and design calculation submitted to Engineering Department

Smallest base dimension shall not be less than 1.2 meter. Height to base dimension ratio shall be provided as follows:

Mobile Towers: No more than three times minimum base dimension.

Stationary Towers: No more than three times minimum base dimension.

Mobile towers shall only be used and moved on firm and level surfaces or steel channels

Castors or wheels shall be used, which suit size and loading of tower. Must be fixed to each extreme corner in base of mobile towers and secured. so that they cannot fall out, when tower is moved.

Castors and wheels shall be fitted with an effective brake, which must be applied, when mobile tower is in use.

Lift heights shall not exceed 2.7 meters, with lowest lift being fixed as near to base as possible. Transoms and ledgers shall be secured using right angle couplers.

Ledger to ledger (dog leg braces) shall be fixed to full height of tower on every side.

Plan braces shall be fixed at every alternate lift using right angle couplers. Bottom lift and top lift shall always be plan braced.

Under no circumstances shall horizontal forces be applied at level of working platform by pulling heavy cables or ropes.

Under no circumstances shall mobile towers be moved with men or material on working platform.

In all other respects, free standing towers shall comply with general requirements as specified in this Section.

5.3.5 Slung Scaffolds (Single lift only) Slung scaffold is a grid platform of tubes and couplers suspended

below load bearing beams, structural members or other overhead structures.

In all instances, CONTRACTOR’s Project Field Engineer shall be consulted to ensure integrity and adequate strength of suspension points.

Guardrails shall not be used as supports for slung scaffolds. Hangers shall not be spaced more than 2.5 meters in either

direction. Imposed load shall not exceed that specified for inspection and

Very light Duty Scaffolds in Attachment 7.1. Horizontal tubes used to support hangers shall be secured to

steelwork with compatible fittings. These shall be used in pairs. Vertical hanging tubes shall be secured with right angle couplers.

A check fitting shall be fixed to hanging tube immediately above securing right angle coupler at suspension point and immediately underneath right angle coupler securing ledger at working platform.

Adequate braces shall be inserted to remove sway in either direction.

of 13

In all other respects, a hanging scaffold shall comply with general requirements as specified in this section

5.3.6 Tanks & Other Vessels Where a scaffold is erected around tanks or other spherical vessels,

it shall be permissible to cape and corner (overlap) boards forming working platform.

Fixed ladders with backing hoops, which normally provide access to tank or vessel shall not be used as scaffold access ladders

5.4 Erection of Scaffolding Scaffolds shall be erected by workmen deemed competent to carryout such

activities All such competent workmen shall operate under control of a competent

supervisor. Whenever possible, competent workmen erecting scaffold shall work from

minimum of a three board run. It is not acceptable for scaffolders to be perched on tubes, unless a fall arrest device is provided and secured to a suitable anchorage point at all times.

Ladders shall be properly provided throughout vertical height of a scaffold as it progresses. Workmen, erecting scaffold shall use ladders to gain access to working level.

Tubes or boards being used in construction of scaffold shall be stored flat in a neat and tidy manner. Shall not be stacked vertically against scaffold.

Loose tubes or boards shall not be left on a scaffolding after its completion Where men are erecting a slung or cantilevered section or crawling around

on a pipe bridge or other structural steelwork, they shall in all instances, where exists a possibility of falling more than 2 meter, wear a safety harness and lifeline, which must be hooked/anchored at all times.

Where a scaffold is left in an incomplete state, bottom ladder shall be removed and a notice fixed or hung to lower lift stating ‘Danger Incomplete Scaffold Keep Off’.

Where one section of a working platform is incomplete, access may be gained to completed section, provided that a stop end preventing entry isplaced over working platform at guardrail height. A notice stating ‘Danger Incomplete Scaffold Keep Off’ shall be fixed or erected to stop

end. This notice shall be in appropriate languages. Handballing shall be normal method of erecting a scaffold. Where,

however, a scaffold consists of a considerable number of lifts, a gin wheel may be used, provided following requirements are met:

Cantilevered tube to which gin wheel is secured, does not project more than 760mm beyond scaffold, unless it is adequately supported.

Cantilevered tube is secured to inside and outside standard using right angle couplers. Both standards to be diagonally braced.

Fiber rope having a minimum diameter of 18mm shall be checked/inspected daily by an approved Scaffolding Supervisor and discarded, if noticed unfit for use

Maximum load to be lifted by a Gin Wheel shall not exceed 50kg.5.5 Inspection

All scaffolds shall be inspected prior to use and at seven day periods frequency or interval regularly thereafter.

5.6 Scaffold Users Scaffolds shall be used for intended purpose only. Under no

circumstances shall they be overloaded.

of 13

Scaffold users shall under no circumstances interfere with, modify or remove any part of a scaffold (this includes scaffold boards). Interference’s with a scaffold shall result in disciplinary action.

If a scaffold requires modification, it shall be carried out by an approved Scaffolder on instruction of an approved Scaffold Supervisor

If for some reason, a user considers a scaffold to be unsafe, shall immediately contact respective supervisor. Supervisor shall immediately remove Scaffold tag and place warning barrier tape through lower rungs of first access ladder. Supervisor shall then notify Scaffolding Supervisor.

LADDERSCare and use of portable ladders

1. All ladders are to be kept in good condition at all times.2. Ladders are to be inspected at six month interval by a competent person. 3. Each ladder shall be marked with an identification number and date of last inspection. 4. EPC CONTRACTOR shall maintain records of ladders inspection.5. Ladder shall be of adequate length to enable it to extend to at least one meter or above

platform or working point.6. When using extension ladders, an overlap of tow rungs is recommended for a length of

five meters, four rungs for seven meters long ladder. 7. Use of ladders in a horizontal position as scaffolding is forbidden.8. Correct placing and securing of ladder is very important for its safe use and following

guide lines should be followed:9. Ladder must be set on a firm level and non slippery base. 10. Placing ladders in pools of unknown liquids is dangerous as they may be corrosive or

slippery. 11. On soft ground, solid footing has to be provided to prevent ladder from sinking. 12. On firm earth or soil, ladder should be set in prepared, scraped out grooves. 13. On hard smooth surfaces, sand bags or cement can be used to secure it in position. 14. There are devices available to prevent slipping.15. Feet and shoes fitted to bottom of stiles to increase grip and prevent slipping on hard

smooth surfaces.16. It is advisable to connect base of ladder to an anchorage, if available (scaffold member,

ground stake, anchors or nails).17. Ladder must be secured effectively by lashing it to its upper resting place to prevent

sideways movement.18. Leaning a ladder against or lashing it to a pipeline or less than (3 in) diameter is not

permitted. 19. Retaining hooks designed to fit over a secure rail or non slip pads can help prevent

sideways slip, if lashing is not possible.20. When top securing is impractical, ladder can be safety secured by using guys in

conjunction with foot lashing.21. Only with short ladders and then only, when used for short time, should a person be used

to ‘foot’ ladder to provide protection. 22. Correct positioning of ladder is 305mm (1ft) out of base for every 1220mm (4 ft ) height. 23. Ladders should not be placed against a windowpane or sash.24. Doors or openings under ladder must be locked and gangways blocked off or place

guarded by a second person.

Safety Rules for Using Ladders1. Ensure that footwear in not greasy, muddy or slippery and has a good grip on rungs.2. Face ladder on and hold on with hands.

of 13

3. Carry light tools or light materials on pockets, on a shoulder bag or attached to a suitable belt.

4. Hoist heavy tools and materials using rope and a gin block separate from ladder.5. Do not climb higher than third rung from top of straight or extension ladders or

second tread from top on step ladder.6. Stepladders must be fully open and divider locked.7. Portable ladders must not be used in high winds.

Fixed Ladders 1. Fixed ladders are installed where frequent, but irregular access is necessary. They are

usually of steel with rungs, welded to stringers (vertical members)2. Ladders with a vertical rise of more than 3m (10 ft) must have safety cage provided

every 1.5 m (5 ft) throughout length of ladder.3. Rest platform should be provided at least every 10m (33 ft), stringers angled

outwards, where ladder gives access to platform.4. While using fixed ladders, same previous safety rules apply and are to be followed.

6. REFERENCESB.S.

7. ATTACHMENTS7.1 Scaffold Specification Attachment 7.1

Scaffold SpecificationMaximum span of scaffold boards

Normal ThicknessOf board

Maximum SpanBetween Transoms

MinimumOverhang

MaximumOverhang

mm M mm Mm38 1.5 50 15050 2.6 50 20063 3.25 50 250

Width of access and working platforms Purpose Minimum Width Practical width using

225mm boardsWork on spherical or cylindrical Metal structures; work from ladders,Folding trestle, suspended scaffolds

600 mm 3 boards

Working platform for personsAnd for deposit of material

800mm(must be 400mmpassage for persons,clear of materials)

4 boards

For support of a trestle or otherHigher platforms

1.05m 5 boards

Use by masons for dressing orShaping stone

1.3m 6 boards

Use by mesons to support Trestles or other higher platform

1.5m 7 boards

of 13