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INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAM - SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDING

Structure and Organization

The Suspended Scaffolding information in this program is presented in a definite order, so that employees will see the relationships between the various groups of information and can retain them more easily. The sections included in the Suspended Scaffolding program are:

• Definitions of Suspended Scaffolds.

• Responsibilities of a "Scaffold Expert."

• Hazards of Working With Suspended Scaffolds.

• Suspension Devices.

• "Maximum Intended Load."

• Outrigger Beams,

• Tie-Backs and Counterweights.

• Ropes and Hoists.

• Platforms.

• Boatswain's Chairs.

• Safe Work Practices.

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAs).

• Guarding Against Falling Objects.

Each section of the Suspended Scaffolding program covers important information in one topic area, providing employees with general knowledge about working in and around Suspended Scaffolding.

Background

For many people, getting to their jobs means driving a car or hopping on a bus or train. But for some workers, it involves climbing onto a scaffold to work on a building or other structure.

Whenever someone leaves the ground, the risk of an accident increases dramatically. With more than 1 0,000 scaffold-related injuries reported each year, OSHA has mandated that workers be trained on how to safely erect and use these valuable work platforms.

From ensuring that the hanging devices are attached to structurally sound objects... to clearing a platform of unnecessary materials and debris... workers can reduce the odds that they or their coworkers might be involved in an accident when using a scaffold.

But too many workers approach scaffolds with a lack of knowledge about the hazards and limitations of these temporary work surfaces. No matter what type of Suspended Scaffolding a worker uses, they need to understand that the dangers associated with this type of equipment can be minimized with proper training, preparation and maintenance.

This program highlights the primary causes of safety problems associated with Suspended Scaffolds, and shows workers how to use proper procedures to work with them safely.

Objectives

This training program is designed to present information about the nature of OSHA's Scaffolding Regulation and help employees reduce or eliminate potential hazards in their work environments. Upon completion of the program, employees should:

• Know what the responsibilities of a "Scaffold Expert" are, and understand why OSHA mandates that an expert be present at every scaffold worksite.

• Recognize the dangers of power lines, and other electrocution hazards.

• Be able to determine how to effectively use Outrigger Beams, including Counterweights and Tie-Backs,

• Understand how the components of Personal Fall Arrest Systems work together to help keep workers safe.

• Understand the concept of "Maximum Intended Load" and why it is an integral part of Suspended Scaffolding safety.

• Recognize the importance of limiting the build-up of tools and debris on a Suspended Scaffold.

Reviewing the Program

With the Suspended Scaffolding program, as with any educational program, the "presenter" should go through it at least once to become familiar with the content and make sure the program is consistent with facility policy and directives. An "outline" of the points in the Suspended Scaffolding program is included in this Presenter's Guide to help with this task and for general reference.

As part of this review process, you should determine how you, as the presenter, will conduct your session. The use of materials such as handouts, charts, etc., that may be available to you needs to be well thought out and integrated into the overall Suspended Scaffolding program presentation.

Click here for Suspended Scaffolding Safety training videos.