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Rolling Scaffolding Standard

Problem Areas

1. erecting and dismantling scaffolds 
2. climbing up and down scaffolds 
3. planks sliding off or breaking 
4. platforms not fully planked or "decked" 
5. platforms without guardrails 
6. failure to install all required components such as base plates, connections, and braces 
7. moving rolling scaffolds near overhead electrical wires 
8. moving rolling scaffolds with workers on the platform. 


Use of Rolling Scaffolds
 

1. Only a competent person may erect a scaffold.
2. Fall protection must be worn when erecting or dismantling a scaffold that exceeds 3 meters (10 feet) in height.
3. Rolling scaffolds must have brakes on all wheels. All brakes must be applied when the scaffold reaches the desired position. 
4. Working platforms on rolling scaffolds must have a toe-board 100 mm (4 ") in height.
5. Scaffolds over one frame in height must not be moved while a worker is on the platform.
6. The floor area where the scaffold is to be moved should be free of bumps or depressions and cleared of all debris. 
7. Rolling scaffolds must be securely pinned together and should always be fitted with horizontal bracing as recommended by the manufacturer. Scaffolds, which are not securely pinned together, can separate if they drop into a hole or depression or run into an obstacle at ground level. Horizontal bracing is necessary on a standard frame scaffold to keep it from folding up because the connections between frames and braces are essentially pinned joints.
8. Wheels must be positively secured to the frame. Wheels must be properly sized according to the manufacturer specifications. A wheel dropping off in a hole or depression in floors can cause serious accidents and injuries. 
9. Each wheel should have a brake, which is in good working order and can be easily applied and maintained. The wheel or wheels should be suitable for the surface on which the scaffold is to be used. Small wheels are suitable for pavement or concrete floors. Larger pneumatic wheels are necessary where soils are the working surface. Rolling scaffolds must always be used on a surface, which is smooth, free of depressions and reasonably level. 

Scaffold Stability

Three-to-One Rule, On a scaffold the ratio of height to least lateral dimension should not exceed 3 to 1 unless

1. the scaffold is tied into the structure

  • Tie-ins

    Tie-ins should be located at both ends of every second node (section) vertically.  connections should be made with right-angle clamps.  Tie-ins should be capable of withstanding both tension (pull) and compression (push).

2. the scaffold is properly stabilized by guy wires or manufactures hold-off

3. the scaffold is secured by outrigger stabilizers sufficient to maintain the ratio

  • Outriggers or stabilizers are used to provide base stability and maintain the 3-to-1 rule. Length b may not exceed 3 times length a. They must be properly deployed and "snuggled up" so that sufficient contact is made with the surface to prevent settlement or movement due to side thrusts.
  • On soil the outrigger feet should always be placed on a mud sill.
  • Most bracing systems for tubular frame scaffolds are manufactured from light materials and are easily damaged. Braces with kinks, bends or deformation should NOT be used; such damage can significantly weaken them. The ends of braces are frequently damaged by dropping them on concrete or other hard surfaces during dismantling. Ends of braces are also frequently bent by forcing them onto the locking pin during erection. Constant bending can cause the ends to crack. Bracing ends should therefore be inspected before use and braces with cracked ends should be discarded. The scaffold supplier and/or Professional Engineer must certify the repair or replacement of any damaged components.

Maximum Height for UW rolling Scaffold
 

Outrigger Scaffold 

Width X Length

Length with 

Stabilizers

Width with 

Stabilizers

Maximum platform height
No Outrigger 4.5’ X 8’ 8’ 4.5’ 13’ – 6"’
44" Outrigger 4.5’ X 8’ 11’ 11’ 32’ – 6"
62" Outrigger 4.5’ X 8’ 12’ - 10 " 12’ - 10 " 38’ – 6"

 

Assembly

  1. Install all scaffold parts. Never use damaged or defective components.     
  2. Use mud sills (2" X 10" planks, not scrap).     
  3. Use base plates and levelling screws.     
  4. Check for plumb.     
  5. Install horizontal and vertical braces.
  6. Use 2" X 10" planks for platforms -- number 1 or select structural grade.
  7. Tie scaffold to structure
    • every 2 frames horizontally and
    • every 3 frames vertically.
  8. Keep scaffolds clear of overhead wires.

 

Access

Access to rolling scaffolding is by internal stairs.

 

Fall Protection

  1. Install guardrails with toe boards on all open sides of platform.     
  2. Nail cleats to planks to prevent slipping.
  3. Don't carry anything in your hands while climbing up or down.
  4. Make sure that the working platform is fully planked.
  5. When guardrails are removed, wear a safety belt or safety harness with the lanyard properly tied off to lifeline, scaffold or structure.
     

Housekeeping

Scaffold decks are usually small, narrow and confined. Tools and materials to be used should be stored in an orderly fashion. Debris and waste materials should not be allowed to collect on the platform. It should be either put in a container or removed from the platform immediately. Waste pieces of lumber, pipe, wire and miscellaneous metal and small tools are tripping hazards, which have caused many serious falls from scaffolds. Working safely on scaffolds requires keeping an orderly work area.