Supported Scaffold Bracing

Supported scaffolds with a height to base width ratio of more than 4 to 1 (including outrigger supports, if used) must be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing, or equivalent means. The guys, ties, and braces must meet the following requirements:

• They must be installed at locations where horizontal members support both inner and outer legs.
• They must be installed according to the scaffold manufacturer's recommendations. Alternatively, they should be installed at the closest horizontal member to the 4:1 height and be repeated vertically at locations of horizontal members every 20 feet or less thereafter for scaffolds 3 feet wide or less and every 26 feet or less thereafter for scaffolds greater than 3 feet wide.
• The top tie, guy, or brace of a completed scaffold must be placed no farther than the 4:1 height from the top.
• Such guys, ties, and braces must be installed at each end of the scaffold and at horizontal intervals not to exceed 30 feet, measured from one end (not both) toward the other.

In addition, scaffolds with unusual loads (such as cantilevered work platforms) must be restrained from tipping using ties, guys, braces, or outriggers.

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.