COSP Frame Scaffold

The following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the construction of scaffolding. These guidelines do not purport to be all-inclusive or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures. They are not intended to supersede the requirements of any provincial regulations, codes and ordinances. The user shall be responsible to comply with all recognized provisions. Where possible, post the Code of Safe Practice in a conspicuous place and ensure that all persons who erect, dismantle or use scaffolding are aware of these. It is recommended that these instructions are the subject of tool box meetings.

TRAINING

Workers  must  be  properly  trained  or  instructed  before  they  use  equipment.    Only competent workers may construct scaffolds.

INSPECTION

Inspect all equipment before using. Never use any equipment that is damaged or defective in any way.

SITE EVALUATION

When possible, always survey the job site to identify any potential hazard condition. Complete jobsite hazard evaluation and amend your standard fall protection plan with site-specific requirements.

FOUNDATIONS

Never construct a scaffold on unprepared foundations. Where necessary, provide adequate continuous wood sills and ensure that they are not less than 50mm x 250mm (2” x 10”) and cover two frame legs in length. Footings, sills or supports must be capable of supporting at least 2 times the maximum load to which they are subjected without settlement. Any part of a building or structure that is used to support the scaffold shall be capable of supporting the maximum intended load to be applied, and must be verified by a professional engineer.

BASES

Always use adjustable bases and ensure that these are centered and spiked to the wood sill.

COMPONENTS

Never  mix  scaffold  frames  and  accessories  that  have  been  manufactured  by  different companies, unless all parts fit perfectly together and have been designed to the same capacity,   so that the integrity of the scaffold is never compromised.

FRAMES

The spacing of frames is dependent upon the loading to be imposed on the scaffold.  Always check loading requirements and, if necessary, seek approved engineered drawings.  Ensure that each frame is located securely on the adjustable base and that it is level and plumb. Joints in frames must be made with internal coupling pins, which must be secured with locking pins or lock arms.

CROSS BRACES

Frames are connected by cross braces that have predetermined lengths to coincide with the frame spacing. Each cross brace should be connected to the frame and must be secured to the frame by a positive connection.

BRACING – Plan

Plan bracing (horizontal diagonal) is recommended and is often required. As a minimum, it should be installed at the base and on the same level as the scaffold ties.

SCAFFOLD TIES

Where the scaffold height exceeds three times the smallest base dimension (3:1 ratio), scaffolds must be tied at least every 4.57m (15’-0”) intervals vertically and 6.0m (20’-0”) horizontally.  Where possible, push/pull ties should be used, ensuring that the tie tube is connected to both frame legs with right angle clamps. If it is not possible to tie the scaffold to a structure, a professional engineer must provide special design considerations.

WORK PLATFORMS

The work platform provides the worker with a safe environment from which to work.  The work platform must consist of a fully planked/decked surface and shall have guardrails consisting of top rails, midrails and toeboards installed on all open sides. Toeboards shall be installed at the edge of all work platforms and should be a minimum 100mm (4”) high.

GUARDRAILS, MIDRAILS

Guardrails must be installed on all open sides of the scaffold where a person can fall a distance of 2.4m (8’-0”) or more, and shall be not less than 0.92m (3’-0”) nor more than 1.07m (3’-6”) above the platform, and should be positively connected to the frames or guardrail posts. Midrails shall be installed equal distant between the guardrail and the platform.

PLANKS -WOOD

Always use select structural wood plank, LVL (laminated veneer lumber) or equivalent approved 50mm x 250mm (2”x10”) lumber, of uniform thickness.  Ensure that wood plank extends a minimum 150mm (6”) and no more than 300mm (12”) beyond the centre of supports and should be cleated at one end to prevent lateral movement. Wood planks should not span a length greater than 2.13m (7’-0”) unless engineered otherwise.

PLANKS –STEEL

Most steel planks have a supporting hook and wind lock to prevent uplift. Ensure that the steel plank has a nonskid surface and that the load capacity rated by the anufacturer is not exceeded.    Always ensure that the wind lock is in the closed position

MANUFACTURED DECKING

These are normally constructed from aluminum side frames with a plywood or metal decking and are secured to the scaffold by supporting hooks with wind locks that prevent uplift.  The load capacity of these decks is rated by the manufacturer and should be clearly identified on the deck and must not be exceeded. Always ensure that the wind lock is in the closed position.

LADDERS

Ladders are used to gain access to the working platforms. Ladders, ladder cages and rest platforms, when installed on scaffolds, must conform to all applicable codes, and must extend approximately 1m (3’-0”) above the landing area and be secured. Always maintain 3- point contact at all times when climbing.

STAIRWAYS

Manufactured modular stairways are used to gain access to working platforms and must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

SIDEBRACKETS

Sidebrackets must be installed at right angles to the scaffold and should be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.  These are an extension of the working platform and must accommodate at least 2 planks and must not be used for storage of materials. Always check the maximum loading of sidebrackets.

CANTILEVERS

Cantilever platforms, except fabricated sidebrackets, must be designed by a professional engineer and shall be installed in accordance with sup-plier’s/manufacturer’s instructions.

LOADING

The load on any scaffold must never exceed the safe working load that it was designed for. Most scaffolds are required to support at least four times the intended load, however this varies in different jurisdictions and must be checked. When any unusual loading conditions apply, or when the load exceeds 3.6 KN/m (75psf) the scaffold must be designed by a professional engineer.

ENCLOSURES

If the scaffold has tarpaulins or any enclosure system attached, this imposes additional wind loading and the scaffold must be designed by a professional engineer.

POWER LINES

It is dangerous to construct a scaffold close to power lines. Always consult the power company for specific guidelines and conform to all applicable codes.

FALL ARREST

In certain jurisdictions, unless a safety net or travel restraint system is being used, workers shall wear fall arrest systems if the workers may fall a distance of more than 3 m (10’-0”)

PUTLOGS

Do not extend or cantilever putlogs beyond their last support to form a working platform without thorough consideration for loads to be applied.  Check with engineering. Putlogs should extend at least 150 mm (6”) beyond the point of support and should be braced when the span exceeds 3.7m (12’0”) or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. NOTE: You must refer to the General Guidelines for additional information relating to this product group.