Scaffold Access

Workers are at the greatest risk of falling when climbing on or off a scaffold. Therefore, every scaffold system must provide safe and proper access to the working platform. Climbing cross-braces to access another level or platform is prohibited unless specified by the manufacturer.

Whenever a scaffold platform is more than two feet above or below a point of access, one of the following must be provided:

• Ladders
• Stairs
• Ramps
• Direct passage

Rest platforms are required at 35-foot intervals whenever hook-on or attachable ladders are used on supported scaffolds that are more than 35 feet high. The hook-on or attachable ladder must be designed for the type of scaffold used.

All stairs and landings must have slip-resistant tread. Rest platforms on stairs must be placed at 12-foot maximum intervals, and the bottom step of the stair or ladder cannot be more than 24 inches above the supporting level. In addition, all stairs must have a top rail and midrail on both sides of the scaffold stairway.

Guardrails must be placed on the open sides of each landing. In addition, guardrails are required on all ramps and walkways that are six feet or more above the lower level.

To learn more about Slips, Trips, & Falls visit our Construction Slips, Trips & Falls Online Training web page.