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Scaffold Tips - Hand Signals
Working on a noisy site. Use these hand signals that are universal in the scaffold industry.
Scaffold safe work practices
Good Catch, Good Save!! Read about good scaffold practices and some scaffold failures. Stories, pictures and bloopers.
Small Scaffold safety
Many construction workers use small scaffolds everyday. Follow these safety tips to use the small scaffolds correctly and safely.
Safety on the scaffold
Are you using the scaffold correctly? Check out some of the miss information about scaffold usage.
Ladder guidelines
Do you know the correct use of a clamp-on scaffold ladder?
Correct use of Bases
What type of bases are required? Check it out before you start to build.
Codes of Safe Work Practices
Codes of Safe Work Practices depend on the jurisdiction that you are building the scaffold. Review the following COSP for building a scaffold in Canada. Remember that some jobsites may supersede these.
Counterweight formula
The counter weight formula is used to calculate what is required. Always be sure to use the formula correctly.
scaffold component inspection
Are you unsure of what to look for when inspecting a scaffold component. Don't know why component inspection is necessary?
Rescue plan
Who needs a rescue plan?? What about a Rescue Checklist. Every jurisdiction has different requirements but all Scaffold workers working at heights require some type of Rescue plan. While every site is different and 911 seems like a great idea, we suggest a more calculated and thought out plan. Review some sample checklists to get you started on your rescue plan!
Supported Scaffold Inspection
There is lots of different supported scaffold inspections to be found . . . . some good and some not so good. Review the sample inspection forms and find one that works for your site.
Other regulations for scaffolds
Attached are the links to scaffold information
o Regulations
o OHS
o CSA
o Member companies
o Advertisements
o Other jurisdictions NIOSH OSHA ANSI SAIA
o Europe
Site Content
Manufacturer specifications
Manufacturers' specifications play an important part of scaffold building. Every manufacturer has their own set of specifications. It is never recommended to mix scaffold types, and using the wrong manufacture specifications for a product could result in a faulty scaffold. Without manufacturers specifications, you may be building the scaffold incorrectly and scaffold failure, injuries and fatalities could result.
Where to find manufacture specifications
Aluma Scaffold
Top Scaffold
Safway Scaffold
Layher Scaffold
Metaltech
Scaffold safety tips
SAFETY TIPS in the yard
- If you are not sure, ASK. Check with your Supervisor.
- Follow instructions and do not take chances.
- Use hand tools and power tools for the correct purpose
- Do not use modified/altered or damaged tools
- Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Never operate equipment you have not been trained to use
- Always keep your work area clean.
- Stay clear of Cranes/forklifts/power vehicles while they are being operated. (unless you have been trained)
- Avoid injury by lifting correctly. If it’s heavy, ask for help. Max weight to be lifted is 55 lbs.
- Make sure the job can be done safely.
- DO NOT work alone unless “Work Alone” protocols have been met.
Safety on sites
- Follow manufacturer specifications and instructions when erecting/dismantling or modifying scaffolds
- Never take chances.
- Never jump from heights
- If unsure, check with the Competent Person.
- Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Never operate equipment you have not been trained to use.
- Keep your work area clean.
- Stay clear of cranes and forklifts while they are being operated.
- Avoid injury by lifting correctly. If it is heavy, ask for help. Max weight to be lifted is 55 lbs.
- Ensure the job can be done safely.
- Always have a rescue plan
- Do not operate equipment that you are not trained to use.
- Never access a confined space with out proper training
work alone protocals
Do you have to work alone? A worker is considered to be working alone if they work alone at a work site where assistance is not readily available. Occupational health and safety has published guidelines for employees and employers. See the OHS Work Alone Requirements. Click here for link.
Provincial Health and safety legislation links
Worksafe links
added jusisdictions
counterweight formula
Counterweight formula
This handy counterweight formula is a good source to have handy.
Make sure you have the proper training on how to use the formula.
A counterweight is a weight that, by exerting an opposite force, provides balance and stability of a mechanical system. Its purpose is to make lifting the load more efficient, which saves energy and is less taxing on the lifting structure.
Counterweights are often used in scaffold operations. They are also used in
elevators, cranes and funfair rides. In each of these applications, the expected load multiplied by the distance that load will be spaced from the central support (called the "tipping point") must be equal to the counterweight's mass times its distance from the tipping point in order to prevent over-balancing either side. This distance times mass is called the load moment.
A counterbalance is a weight or force that balances or offsets another as when two objects of equal weight, power, or influence are acting in opposition to each other. The objects are then said to be in counterbalance.
IMPORTANT HINT - Always double check that you calculated the formula properly
COSP - Codes of safe practices
Codes of Safe Work Practices are an important part of communicating the proper and safe use of Scaffolds. Refer to the Safe work practices.
Promote safety on all jobsites
Thinking about the holidays, an upcoming vacation or event. Safety never takes a break and neither should you. Always watch for hazards and work safely. Use these tips to keep you safe when working on scaffolds.
good news is better than bad news
There is many near misses, injuries, and even fatalities that come with installing scaffolds, dismantling scaffolds and the use of scaffolds. Lets learn from these incidents and have a safer attitude about scaffolds
Have an scaffold incident or near miss
Lets all learn!!! Help the scaffold industry become a safer place for all scaffold workers and scaffold users. Please share information with us. Email
scaffold inspection
Genera Scaffold Inspection form
See Attached