Working Safely with scaffolds – Sectional/ Frame Scaffold
Scaffolds can be some of the most complex, time-consuming, and ultimately dangerous tools to use on the job. Proper setup and use of scaffolds can be some of the most technical challenges for the worker since there are multitude of regulations, manufacturer’s and/or engineer’s requirements, and common sense that have to be utilized when erecting, altering, using, and dismantling scaffolds. This article will address some sectional/ frame scaffold issues.
Sectional, or frame scaffold is the most common scaffold system. The system is comprised of frames that come in various widths and heights, but the most common is 5′ wide. These frames are then held together with cross braces that again come in a variety of lengths, but the 7′ is the most common. This is the easiest scaffold to erect, but is not able to be modified to suit tight situations. The first thing to remember about this type of scaffold is that all the crossbraces need to be installed. Now you may remove crossbraces to accomplish your work, but only one at a time.
The second item to consider is pinning the sections together. OSHA doesn’t have a strict rule to pin sections together, only that it should be done when there’s a possibility of “uplift”. I consider it a best practice to pin sections together every time, partly because you can’t predict every situation where uplift can occur, but also because a manufacturer may require it, and if you’re using that particular brand, you would be in violation if you didn’t pin the sections together.
The last item concerns rolling sectional/ frame scaffolds. First, since you’re on casters, you need to check the working load rating of the casters to ensure that they are strong enough to support four times the total intended weight of the scaffold assembly. Next, the rolling scaffold assembly needs a horizontal diagonal brace at the top and bottom of the assembly to prevent racking as the scaffold is moved around. And, of course, since the scaffold moves around, the working platform has to be secured to the bearers of the frame assembly to prevent them from falling when the scaffold is moved. Finally, with sectional/ frame scaffolds, you need to be careful with how tall you build it in comparison to its width. OSHA talks about a 4:1 height: width ratio, but a best practice would be to limit the height to 3:1 ratio.
Remember, proper use of sectional/ frame scaffold will save you a lot of time and effort, and will usually provide the safest working environment for you and your workers.
Tags: scaffolding