Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

College of Engineering and Technology

Department of Chemical Engineering

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

An Executive Summary on

SCAFFOLDS AND
BARRICADES

Manzano, Mikaella Gail D.

BS CHE 3-1

January 23, 2017

 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

SCAFFOLDS

Scaffolding provides for safe and efficient work platforms when constructed and
used correctly. However, if not properly erected and maintained, scaffolding can
lead to accidents, serious injuries and death. It is up to you to make sure that
all your workers are trained in the proper selection, erection, maintenance and
use of this equipment.

Scaffolding is defined as any structure, framework, swinging stage, suspended

scaffolding, or boatswain’s chair, of a temporary nature, used or intended to be
used for the support or protection of workers engaged in or in connection with
construction work, for the purpose of carrying out that work or for the support
of materials used in connection with any such work; and includes any scaffolding
constructed as such and not dismantled, whether or not it is being used as
scaffolding; and also includes any plank, coupling, fastening, fitting or device
used in connection with the construction, erection, or use of scaffolding

Scaffolds are useful tools to access elevated work areas. Appearing more stable
and providing a larger work platform than ladders, they seem to be even easier
and safer to use. However, poor set-up and misuse can result in serious
workplace injury or death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) reports that:

 17% of all construction related falls resulting in a fatality involved a

scaffold
 72% of these scaffold accidents were caused by unsafe setup, use or failure
to protect the worker from falling material
 25% of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no scaffold
safety training
 77% of scaffolds were not equipped with guardrails when required

These findings are neither unusual nor unique. Besides the impact these
claims have on the cost of insurance, there are also many other costs which
can significantly impact your business. This Alert provides some suggested
safe practices that may be useful in preventing scaffold related worker
injuries. It does not address all regulatory requirements or best practices.

Scaffolding, also called scaffold or staging, is a temporary structure used to

support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance
and repair of buildings, bridges and all other man made structures. Scaffolding
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

is also used in adapted forms for formwork and shoring, grandstand seating,
concert stages, access/viewing towers, exhibition stands, ski ramps, half pipes
and art projects. A scaffold is defined as an elevated, temporary work platform.
There are three basic types of scaffolds:

 Supported scaffolds are platforms supported by legs, outrigger beams,

brackets, poles, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support. The
structural members, poles, legs, posts, frames, and uprights, must be
plumb and braced to prevent swaying and displacement. Supported
scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load-
bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc. These are
some requirements that are common to all supported scaffolds

Frame Scaffold or Fabricated Frame

Platform(s) supported on fabricated end frames

with integral posts, horizontal bearers, and
intermediate members.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Ladder Jack

Platform resting on brackets attached to ladders.

Manually Propelled/Mobile

Unpowered, portable, caster- or wheel-mounted

supported scaffold.

Pole

Posts with fixed connection points that accept

runners, bearers, and diagonals, also made of
wood, that can be interconnected at predetermined
levels.

Pump Jack

Platform supported by vertical poles and movable

support brackets.

Specialty

Scaffold types designed for a narrow and very

specific range of applications. Includes plasterers',
decorators', and other large-area scaffolds;
bricklayers' square scaffolds; horse scaffolds;
outrigger scaffolds; step, platform, and trestle
ladder scaffolds; form and carpenter's bracket
scaffolds; window jack scaffolds; crawling boards
and chicken ladders; and roof bracket scaffolds.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Tube and Coupler

Platform(s) supported by tubing, erected with

coupling devices connecting uprights, braces,
bearers, and runner

 Suspended scaffolds are one or more platforms suspended by ropes or

other non-rigid, overhead support. A suspension scaffold contains one or
more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an
overhead structure such as the following scaffolds: single-point,
multipoint, multi-level, two-point, adjustable, boatswains’ chair, catenary,
chimney hoist, continuous run, elevator false car, go-devils, interior hung,
masons’, and stone setters’.

Catenary

Platform supported by two essentially horizontal

and parallel ropes attached to structural members
of a building. Additional vertical pickups may also
provide support.

Float (ship)

Braced platform resting on two parallel bearers

and hung from overhead supports by ropes of fixed
length.

Interior Hung

Platform suspended from the ceiling or roof

structure by fixed-length supports.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Multi-level

Two-point or multi-point adjustable suspension

scaffold with a series of platforms at various levels
resting on common stirrups.

Multi-point Adjustable

Platform(s) suspended by more than two ropes

from overhead supports and equipped with a
means to permit the platform to be raised and
lowered. Includes chimney hoists.

Needle Beam

A platform suspended from needle beams.

Single-point Adjustable

Platform suspended by one rope from an overhead

support and equipped with a means to permit the
platform to be moved to desired working levels.

Two-point (swing stage)

Platform supported by hangers (stirrups)

suspended by two ropes from overhead supports
and equipped with a means to permit the platform
to be raised and lowered.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

 Aerial Lifts are vehicle mounted devices used to get a worker to an

elevated position; such as “cherry pickers” or “boom trucks. Vehicle-
mounted aerial devices used to elevate employees—such as extensible
boom platforms, aerial lifts, articulating boom platforms, and vertical
towers—are considered “aerial lifts.”
Articulating Boom Lift - An aerial device with
two or more hinged boom sections.

Elevating Work Platform - A device designed to

elevate a platform in a substantially vertical axis.
This device is stationary once setup and cannot
be moved.

Extensible Boom Platform - An aerial device

(except ladders) with an extensible boom.
Telescopic booms with personnel platform
attachments are extensible boom platforms.

Scissor Lift - A device designed to elevate a

platform in a substantially vertical axis. This
device can also be driven by an operator inside the
work platform and is generally designed to carry
more than one person.

Trailer Mounted Lift - A device that can be towed

by a vehicle to a work site, then un-hitched. These
units have extendable or folding outriggers to give
stability while being operated.

Vehicle Mounted Lift – These devices typically

have a Bucket in place of a basket, which is
designed for one person. Vehicle must have the
brakes set, wheels chocked, and outriggers in
place while operating this device.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Workers on scaffolds can be divided into two groups:

 Erectors/Dismantlers

Erectors and dismantlers are workers whose principal activity

involves assembling and disassembling scaffolding before other
work can commence, and after that work, or a portion of it, has been
completed.

 Users

Scaffold users are those whose work requires them, at least some of
the time, to be supported by scaffolding to access the area of a
structure where that work is performed.

Essential Elements of Safe Scaffold

 Use appropriate scaffold construction methods

 The height of the scaffold should not exceed four times its base
 Ensure gaps between decking and work areas
 Must be able to support its own weight plus four times the maximum
load
 Proper overlap, fittings and restraints
 Platforms supported by legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles,
uprights, posts and frames
 Suspension scaffolds supported by connecting hardware, and
suspension rope that can withstand six times its maximum load
 Proper scaffold access

 Employers must provide access when the scaffold platforms are more
than 2 feet (0.6 meters) above or below a point of access.
 Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches
(36 centimeters) horizontally and not more than 24 inches
(61centimeters) vertically from the other surfaces.
 The standard prohibits the use of crossbraces as a means of access.

Several types of access are permitted:

• Ladders, such as portable, hook-on, attachable, and stairway

 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

• Stair towers

• Ramps and walkways and

• Integral prefabricated frames

Employees erecting and dismantling supported scaffolding must

have a safe means of access provided when a competent person has
determined the feasibility and analyzed the site conditions.

Use Requirements

Don’t use Shore or Lean-to Scaffolds

 Shore scaffold supported scaffold which is placed against a

building or structure and held in place with props

 Lean-to scaffold supported scaffold which is kept erect by tilting

it toward and resting it against a building or structure

Using Scaffolds

 Don’t work on snow or ice covered platforms or during storms or

high winds

 Use tag lines on swinging loads

 Protect suspension ropes from heat & acid

 Properly use a competent person

COMPETENT PERSON
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

 Person capable of identifying

and promptly correcting hazards
 Determines if it’s safe to work
on a scaffold during storms or high
winds
 Trains workers to recognize
hazards
 Selects qualified workers to
conduct work

Training Requirements

Train employees on scaffold hazards and procedures to control the hazards

The training must include:

• Nature of electrical, fall, and falling object hazards

• How to deal with electrical hazards and fall protection systems

• Proper use of the scaffold

• Scaffold load capacities

 Train employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving,

operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold to
recognize its hazards and the correct procedures to use

Retrain as necessary

HAZARDS

Common Hazards Associated with All Scaffolds:

Employees working on scaffolds are exposed to these hazards

• Falls from elevation – caused by slipping, unsafe access, and the lack of fall
protection. Falls are attributed to the lack of guardrails, improper installation
ofguardrails and failure to use personal fall arrest systems when required.

Lack of proper access to the scaffold work platform is an additional reason for
falls from scaffolds. Access in the form of a secured ladder, stair tower, ramp,
etc. is required whenever there is 24” vertical change to an upper or lower level.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

The means of access must be determined before erection of the scaffold and
employees are never allowed to climb on cross braces for either vertical or
horizontal movement.

Fall Protection

If a worker on a scaffold can fall more than 10

feet, protect them by:

• Guardrails

Guardrail system must be installed on on all

scaffolds with a working height greater than four
feet. The guardrail system shall be installed along
all open sides and ends of the platform before
being used as a work platform by employees. One
exception is when the scaffold platform is within
14 inches of the face of the work.

 Along the Front edge – of platforms not

more than 14 inches from the work. For
lathing and plastering, a gap of 18 inches
is permitted.
 Top rails – should be no less than 38 and no more than 45 inches
tall.
 Midrails – should be placed halfway between top rail and platform.
For construction work, midrails may not be spaced more 19 inches
apart.
 Toeboards - must be at least 3-1/2 inches high. Open spacing
between the toe board and platform can not exceed ¼ inches

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)

A personal fall arrest system is one option of protection that OSHA requires
for workers on construction sites who are exposed to vertical drops of 6
feet or more. You must be trained how to properly use PFAS. Personal fall
arrest systems can be used on scaffolding when there are no guardrail
systems. Use fall arrest systems when working from the following types of
scaffolding: boatswains’ chair, catenary, float, needle beam, ladder, and
pump jack. Use fall arrest systems also when working from the
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

boom/basket of an aerial lift. In addition to meeting the requirements of

1926.502(d), personal fall-arrest systems used on scaffolds are to be
attached by lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or scaffold
structural member.

1. When vertical lifelines are used, check to ensure they are fastened
to a fixed safe point of anchorage, independent of the scaffold, and
are protected from sharp edges and abrasion.

2. Check to ensure safe points of anchorage, such as structural

members of buildings, are being used.

3. Make sure standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., which may give
way under the force of a fall, are not being used as anchorage points.

4. Make sure two or more vertical lifelines are not attached to each
other, or to the same point of anchorage.

5. When horizontal lifelines are used, make sure they are being secured
to two or more structural members of the scaffold.

Fall Protection Requirements:

 PFAS instead of guardrails - can be used on scaffolding when there are

no guardrail systems. When working from the following systems:
boatswains’ chair, catenary, float, needle beam, ladder, and pump jack.
Also use PFAS when working from the boom/basket of an aerial lift.
 Fall arrest and guardrail systems - must be used when working on single
– and two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds and self-contained
adjustable scaffolds that are supported by ropes.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

 PFAS on erectors and dismantlers – A competent person must determine

the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting
or dismantling supported scaffolds.

• Struck by- falling tools / debris and other work materials. Injuries and deaths
due to scaffolds are not only limited to the workers on the scaffold. Many
individuals have been injured or killed due to being struck by materials or tools
that have fallen from scaffold platforms. Toe boards or netting should be
installed on work platforms to prevent these items from falling to the ground or
lower level work areas.

It is also crucial that other individuals on the work site are aware of overhead
work being performed. Barricades that physically prevent individuals from
walking under work platforms must be erected and signs warning of the hazards
need to be posted. Caution or Danger tape is often used to keep people away
from overhead hazards. But too often the tape is disregarded or taken down
creating possible struck by hazards. A more robust system such as plastic mesh
or wooden barricades is generally more effective and much easier to maintain.
The requirement to warn individuals of the hazard does not relieve others of
being aware of their surroundings. It is also vital that employees heed the
warning signs and know that there will be consequences for ignoring them.
These consequences can come in the form of disciplinary action if their lucky or
a serious injury or worse if they are not.

Falling Object Protection

 Wear hardhats
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

 Barricade area below scaffold to forbid entry into that area

 Use panels or screens if material is stacked higher than the toeboard
 Build a canopy or erect a net below the scaffold that will contain or
deflect falling objects

• Electrocution – principally due to proximity of the scaffold to overhead power

lines. A minimum of 10’ must be maintained between the scaffold and electrical
hazard. If this distance cannot be maintained then the hazard must be de-
energized or properly insulated by the power company. Coordination between
the power company and the company erecting / using the scaffold cannot be
over stated.

Lastly, all employees who work on scaffolds must have documented training.
The training topics must include identification of fall hazards and prevention,
falling tools and materials hazards, and knowledge of electrical hazards.

 Honor clearance distances required between power lines and scaffolding

 De-energize the lines
 Install protective covering

• Scaffold collapse - caused by instability or overloading. The proper erection of

scaffold is key in preventing this particular hazard. The amount of weight the
scaffold will be required to hold including the weight of the scaffold itself,
materials, and workers must be considered. Foundation stability, placement of
scaffold planks, distance from the scaffold to the work surface, and tie-in
requirements are just a few of the other items that must be considered prior to
building a scaffold.

A knowledgeable individual who can perform preplanning will reduce the

chances of injury and save money for any task. However, when building, moving,
or dismantling a scaffold, a knowledgeable person, also known as the scaffold
competent person, must be present. A competent person must also inspect the
scaffold daily to ensure the structure remains in a safe condition. Scaffold
collapse often occurs due to improper construction. However, scaffold collapse
does not necessarily mean the entire structure crashes to the ground. Collapse
can be as simple as a falling plank that did not overlap at a support. The end
result can be just as devastating. Therefore, it is important to remember that
each scaffold component is an intricate part of an entire system and is only as
strong as its weakest link.

Scaffold Erection
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

• Scaffolds can only be erected, moved, dismantled or altered under

the supervision of a competent person

• Competent person selects & directs these workers and determines

the feasibility of fall protection

Scaffold Inspection

• Competent person inspects scaffolds for visible defects before each

shift and after any alterations

• Defective parts must be immediately repaired

• Bad planking giving way

Another cause of scaffold-related incidents is unsecured planking.

Scaffold Platform Construction

 Platforms must:
• be fully planked or decked with no more than 1 inch gaps

• be able to support its weight & 4 times maximum load

• be at least 18 inches wide

• No large gaps in front edge of platforms

• Each abutted end of plank must rest on a separate support surface

• Overlap platforms at least 12 inches over supports, unless restrained to

prevent movement

• No paint on wood platforms

 Use scaffold grade wood

 Fully planked between front upright and guardrail support

• Component pieces used must match and be of the same type

• Erect on stable and level ground Lock wheels and braces

 Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by

hooks, must extend over its support by at least 6 inches
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

BARRICADES

Barricading controls shall be implemented and authorized as part of the safe

work system to protect persons from hazards such as:

• being struck by falling objects;

• being struck by moving plant;

• fall from height, including falling into open excavations, penetrations,

and falls from unprotected

edges such as removed flooring, walkways, stairs and / or hand railings.

• exposure to hazardous chemicals;

• unauthorised entry into a confined space or work area; and

• any potentially hazardous work processes, for example, hot works,

scaffolding, radiation work and work involving asbestos.

Barricading controls shall also be implemented and authorized as part of the

incident management and emergency response procedures.

Barricade, from the French barrique (barrel), is any object or structure that
creates a barrier or obstacle to control, block passage or force the flow of traffic
in the desired direction. Adopted as a military term, a barricade denotes any
improvised field fortification, such as on city streets during urban warfare.
Barricades also include temporary traffic barricades designed with the goal of
dissuading passage into a protected or hazardous area or large slabs of cement
whose goal is to actively prevent forcible passage by a vehicle. Stripes on
barricades and panel devices slope downward in the direction traffic must travel.
Barricades and other warning devices can help minimize the likelihood of such
accidents. A barricade is a portable or fixed device having from one to three rails
with appropriate markings. It is used to control traffic by closing, restricting, or
delineating all or a portion of the right-of-way.

Types of Barricade

 Soft Barricades

They are to be used to identify and protect personnel from general

hazards and also those which are high risk and may pose a risk to life
and health. Soft barricades are those that use an approved tape to
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

prevent or restrict access to an area. They are suitable in situations

where physical protection by use of a safety barrier system is not
warranted.

Type Example
Caution
The caution tape is used to highlight hazards to other
personnel that may need to access the area. This tape is
not appropriate for medium, high or extreme risk hazards
e.g. unprotected edges, falling objects, electrical hazards.

Restricted Access /
Danger
Only personnel authorised by the Safe Work Coordinator
are permitted to enter.
This barricade is suitable to use to restrict
access from hazards such as:
· hot work;
· persons working above / falling objects;
· spills / leaks;
· unprotected edges creating a fall risk of less than 2m;
and
· over 2m may be used to delineate a hard barrier.
Restricted Access /
Electrical Work
Used to barricade off and restrict access to
electrical hazards.
Only the work party and personnel authorized
by the Safe Work Coordinator in charge of the
barricaded area (as indicated on the signage)
are permitted to access through the barricade.

Radiation
This tape prevents people from entering radioactive areas.
Only personnel authorized by the Safe Work Coordinator
/ Radiation Safety Officer are permitted to enter.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

First Response Team

Incident Scene
This can only be erected by site first response personnel
and/or investigation team. This tape is erected to secure
an incident scene.

 Solid Barricades

The purpose of a solid barricade is to provide a physical barrier capable

of performing the same function as a permanent guardrail. A hard
barricade is a self-supporting fence, or a self-supporting series of
continuous plastic, concrete or other solid barriers, erected or placed
to restrict the entry of persons to an area. Examples include scaffold
tubes, concertina/expandable barriers, and water filled plastic or
concrete modular devices

Erection and Use of Barricade

The barricade shall encompass the entire potentially affected area of the
hazard and take into account factors such as:

• possible deflection of an object if it falls;

• slag or sparks created from hot work activities;

• distance from the hazard; and

• creating an additional hazard, for example, access and egress.

Sites shall make sure that barricades are erected so that all sides of
the hazard are protected from unauthorised access.

All barricades shall be accompanied by an appropriate sign, which is to be

placed on all access points.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

Signs or tags shall clearly display the following information:

• the name of the person in charge of the barricaded area;

• the hazards that are within the barricaded area;

• the date; and

• the contact details of the person in charge of the area.

It shall be ensured that where soft barricading is used to provide a means

of restricted access around a penetration or an unprotected edge, it is to
be located at least two (2) metres from the outside of the edge.

Responsibilities

Manager

The Manager Operations shall ensure that this procedure is

implemented and maintained throughout the operations.

Coordinators & Supervisors

Shall ensure the:

o mainteneance of the barricade in accordance with the

procedure.
o sufficiency of the supplies

Employees and Contractors

Shall ensure that:

o They do not access a barricaded area unless the conditions

detailed on the barricade sign are complied
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

o They monitor and maintain the condition of barricades in their

work areas.
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering

REFERENCES

Introduction 21 SCAFFOLDS - IHSA. (n.d.). Retrieved January 2, 2017,

from http://www.ihsa.ca/pdfs/safety_manual/Scaffolds.pdf

A Guide to Safe Scaffolding - nclabor.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 9,

2017, from http://www.nclabor.com/osha/etta/indguide/ig38.pdf

A Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry ... (n.d.). Retrieved

January 9, 2017, from https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3150.pdf

BP WIND ENERGY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Temporary ... (n.d.).

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/Attach_M_Barricade_Req.pdf

Proper Scaffold Erection. (n.d.). Retrieved January 2, 2017, from

http://www.ehss.vt.edu/programs/SCA_proper_erection.php

Scaffolding. (n.d.). Retrieved January 7, 2017, from

http://www.oshasafetymanagement.com/focus-of-the-
month/scaffolding/

Scaffolding - University of South Carolina Upstate. (n.d.). Retrieved

January 7, 2017,
from.uscupstate.edu%2fuploadedFiles%2fAbout_upstate%2fPlanning_an
d_Organizational_Development%2fTraining%2fScaffolding.pdf

Shipyard Employment eTool > Other Types of Scaffolds: Aerial Lifts. (n.d.).
Retrieved January 9, 2017, from
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/shipyard/standard/scaffold/aerial_l
ifts.html

Shipyard Employment eTool > Scaffolds (Stagging). (n.d.). Retrieved

January 18, 2017, from
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/shipyard/standard/scaffold/index_
sf.html

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. (n.d.). Retrieved January 2,

2017, from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/scaffolding/index.html
 Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
College of Engineering and Technology
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. (n.d.). Retrieved January 7,

2017, from
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mproper_scaffolds

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. (n.d.). Retrieved January 7,

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s.html