35.3 Scaffold Tagging and Inspection
35.5 Falling Object Protection
35.2 Training #
All employees whose duties require them to use or erect scaffolds must have the appropriate training. Below are the following categories of training:
- Scaffold User/Competent Person Basic Fabricated Frame
- Employees must complete the Scaffold Competent Person Basic course before using or inspecting scaffold. These employees may erect supported scaffold two sections high, not to exceed 10 feet in height.
- Scaffold Competent Person Advanced Fabricated Frame, Tube and Clamp, and System
- Only individuals who have completed Scaffold Competent Person Advanced Fabricated Frame, Tube and Clamp, and System training or a qualified contractor may erect: fabricated frame scaffold greater than two sections high or tube and clamp/system scaffolds.
Scaffold training completed outside of EHS must be approved by EHS beforehand. All scaffold erecting and dismantling activities will be done under the direct supervision of a competent person that has completed the training outlined in this program and has the responsibility and knowledge to take prompt corrective action to eliminate hazards.
35.3 Scaffold Tagging and Inspection #
The following Scaffold Tagging System will be applied and adhered to during all phases of scaffold erecting, dismantling and use:
Green Tag – This scaffold was built to MIOSHA scaffold regulations and U-M policy.
Yellow Tag – This scaffold cannot be equipped with a standard top rail, mid rail and toe board built greater than 6 feet. It shall display a yellow tag. A safety harness with shock absorbing lanyard shall be worn.
Red Tag – This scaffold is not complete; Do Not Use. Scaffolds being constructed, torn down or which are found to be defective shall be marked with a red tag.
If there is not a tag on the scaffold, the scaffold shall be considered red tagged and shall Not Be Used. All scaffolds must be properly tagged while erection is in process, when erection is completed and prior to use.
Scaffolds must be inspected before each work shift by a competent person. The following checklist can be used to aid in the inspection.
35.4 Scaffold Fall Protection #
All workers must be protected from falling hazards anytime they work on a scaffold higher than 6 feet. Standard fall protection on any scaffold will consist of a guardrail system with a top rail capable of supporting and protecting a weight of at least 200 lbs, a midrail, and toeboards.
If a scaffold cannot be fully planked or guarded using a guardrail system, a personal fall arrest system (body harness and lanyard) must be used to protect employees from falling hazards. The use of personal fall arrest systems will be restricted to the specific areas of the scaffold where guardrails cannot be used. Guardrails will be used in all other areas.
A competent person will determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds. Fall protection is required where the installation and use of such protection is feasible and does not create a greater hazard.
Consult with EHS to determine a solution when the fall protection methods identified are not feasible or will create a greater hazard.
35.5 Falling Object Protection #
A hard hat is required during all erecting and dismantling of scaffolds. When there is a falling object hazard from any elevated walking/working surface (including scaffolds), employees will wear a hard hat and one of the following techniques will be used to reduce the falling object hazard:
- Toeboards at least 3.5 inches high will be installed on all elevated walking/working surfaces;
- A canopy of sufficient strength to catch all falling objects will be erected below all elevated walking/working surfaces; or
- A barricade will be built to keep people out of the falling object hazard area.
