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SECTION B17: SCAFFOLDS AND AERIAL
LIFTS REQUIREMENTS
Introduction
On occasion, Princeton University employees may be required to perform
work in areas that cannot be accessed from the ground or from solid construction.
When these needs arise, the use of a scaffold or an aerial platform may
be required. Following procedures and regulations helps to prevent injuries
to these workers.
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Scope and Application
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration's (OSHA)
29
CFR 1926.451 through 1926.454 rules
and regulations apply to erecting, dismantling, fall protection, furnishing,
and engaging in work on a scaffold
or ariel platform. Any temporary elevated or suspended work unit and
its supporting structures used for supporting workers, material(s),
or both are subject to the aforementioned rules and regulations.
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Program Description
Scaffolds
Scaffolds are erected and used when work needs to be
performed in areas that cannot be accessed from the ground and the
use of ladder material is impractical.
Competent Person
Each department using a scaffold must select a competent
person to oversee erecting, securing, and dismantling of scaffolds.
The competent person also inspects all scaffolds for visible defects
before each work shift and after any occurrence that may affect the
scaffold's structural integrity. The competent person must have a complete
grasp of functions, rules, and regulations as they pertain to the scaffold
he/she oversees. Competent persons will manage the daily activities
on and around scaffolds and ensure the following:
- Capacity - Scaffolds and scaffold components
must be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and
at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted
to it.
- Footing - The footing or
anchorage for scaffolds must be sound, rigid, and capable of supporting
the scaffold and its maximum intended load without surface settling
or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick,
or concrete blocks must not be used to support scaffolds or planks.
- Planking - All planking, if applicable,
must be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches or secured from movement
by nails or bolts, unless the scaffold is prefabricated and interlocking.
If nails or bolts are used in the construction of the scaffold they
must be of sufficient size and number to secure planks from movement.
- Fall Protection - Fall protection is
required for any scaffold greater than 10 feet in height. Guardrails,
midrails, and personal fall arrest system, when applicable, must
be in place to the scaffold being used by employees.
- Electrical Safety - 10 foot distance
rules must be taken into consideration when working near over head
power-lines or any high voltage electrical equipment. The electrical
safety related work practices guide has more detailed information.
- Weather Stoppages - Work on scaffolds
is not allowed during high winds or when ice or snow collects on
planking.
Training
All employees who may on occasion erect, work on, or dismantle scaffolds
must attend scaffold safety training offered by EHS, as well as job
specific training provided by the competent person. Training covers
the proper use, inspection of, and hazards related to erecting, working
on, and dismantling scaffolds.
Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts are considered any of the following: vehicle-mounted
aerial devices to elevate personell to work areas not accessible from
the ground; extendible boom platforms, aerial ladders, articulating
booms, vertical towers, and a combination of any such devices.
When working on an elevated platform, several factors must
be considered:
- Fall protection - Basket ccupants must wear a body harness attached to the basket.
- Moving the lift - The lift must not
be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position unless the
lift is specifically designed to do so.
- Lift controls - Lift controls must
be tested daily prior to operating the boom.
- Boom and basket loads - The manufacturer's
boom and basket maximum intended loads must not be exceeded.
- Outriggers and brakes - Outriggers
must be positioned on pads or solid ground when used. Brakes must
be set anytime outriggers are used. Wheel chocks must be installed
before the lift is used when working on an incline.
- Barricades & signs - The area beneath
an operating aerial lifts must be cordoned off and access to that
area must be restricted. Restricting access may be accomplished through
the use of barricades and signs.
Training
All employees who may on occasion work on aerial platform must attend
Aerial Boom and Platform Training offered by EHS and specific training
given
by
supervisors.
Training
covers
the
proper use, inspection of, and hazards associated with aerial lifts.
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Roles and Responsibility
Department
- Appoint an individual(s) as a competent person, ensure that
they have been properly trained and can effectively oversee scaffolding
requirements
- Provide appropriate type(s) of scaffolding
- Provide appropriate type(s) of aerial lifts
Competent Person
- Attend Scaffold Safety Training
- Manage daily activities involving work performed on scaffolds
- Perform required inspections of scaffolds
- Accomplish other responsibilities detailed during competent person
training
Supervisors
- Ensure aerial lift(s) are being inspected at predetermined intervals
- Ensure aerial lift safety requirements are followed
EHS
- Provide general training and competent person training
- Assist competent person in establishing scaffold inspection guidelines
- Provide periodic audits of the scaffold safety program
Individual
- Attend Scaffold Safety Training
- Attend Aerial Lift Training
- Adhere to scaffolds safety requirements
- Adhere to aerial lift safety requirements
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For More Information
Contact an EHS Safety Engineer at 258-5294.
A copy of OSHA's regulation, Scaffolds, 29CFR
1925.451 or Aerial lifts CFR 1926.453 is available online through EHS.
The Scaffold Safety Guide
provides more detailed information
about scaffolds.
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