COSP General Ontario

CODE OF SAFE PRACTICE GENERAL - ONTARIO

General - Ontario

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.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

A) Do not erect, dismantle or adapt a scaffold unless under the direct supervision  of  a competent person.
B) In certain provinces a scaffold must be engineered when the height exceeds a stipulated dimension. Check your local codes for compliance and height restriction.
C) Never work under the influence of alcohol, illegal or medically required drugs.
D) Never climb cross braces or diagonal bracing.  Always use proper means of access to reach working platform – if using a ladder, maintain 3-point contact at all times while climbing.
E) Prior to use, always inspect the scaffold to ensure that it has not been altered and is in safe working condition. Always report any unsafe condition to your supervisor.
F)  Always exercise caution when entering or leaving a working platform.
G) Never overload a scaffold.   Be aware of the designed working load or consult  the sup-plier/manufacturer.
H) Never use a ladder or makeshift devices to increase the height of the scaffold.
I)   Do not jump onto planks or platform at any time.
J)  Never use scaffold material for purposes or in ways for which it was not intended.
K) Follow all Occupational Health & Safety and provincial codes and ordinances pertaining to scaffolding.
L) Always wear fall protection equipment, (safety harness, lanyard, scaffold choker) and ensure that workers are trained in the use of this equipment. If a full guardrail system is not in place, fall arrest/protection system must be used.  Check local codes for specific requirements.
M) Never extend adjustable bases beyond the manufactured limits.
N) Never use substitute materials such as wire instead of proper locking devices in frames.
O) Never take chances – if in doubt as to your safety or the use of the scaffold consult your supervisor on contact the scaffold supplier.
P)  Do not use wood planks that have been painted or have knots or cracks.
Q) If guardrails have to be temporarily removed for material hoisting, ensure that they are immediately replaced.
R) Never place or rest material on the guardrails.
S)  Never undermine the base of a scaffold or the foundations near the base.
T) Scaffold  erectors  shall  be  physically  capable  of  performing  required  tasks  when erecting/dismantling scaffolding without risk to the health or safety of others.
U) 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.

AS FIELD CONDITIONS VARY FROM PROJECT TO PROJECT AND ARE BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE SIAC, SAFE AND PROPER USE OF SCAFFOLDING IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.