Scaffolding Regulations

OSHA regulations for scaffolding are covered in 29 CFR 1910.27, which now mandates that employers must comply with construction scaffold standards, outlined in 29 CFR 1926.451. Scaffolds should be erected in accordance with this standard when employees are engaged in work that cannot be done safely from the ground or from solid construction.

The footing or anchorage for scaffolds should be sound, rigid, and capable of of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. Unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks, should not be used to support scaffolds or planks.

Direct connections to roofs and floors, and counterweights used to balance adjustable suspension scaffolds, must be capable of resisting at least 4 times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the rated load of the hoist, or 1.5 times the tipping moment imposed by the scaffold operating at the stall load of the hoist, whichever is greater.

Any scaffolds that are higher than 10 feet must be equipped with guardrails, midrails, and toeboards. They must also be equipped with an access ladder or an equivalent means of access. Workers should never climb the cross-braces to gain access to another level of the scaffold.

Any scaffold that has been damaged or weakened from any cause should be immediately repaired and should not be used until repairs have been completed.

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