SAFETY RULES & REGULATIONS
SCAFFOLDING SHORING AND FORMING INSTITUTE

Following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the use of steel scaffolding. These rules are illustrative and suggestive only, and are intended to deal only with some of the many practices and conditions encountered in the use of scaffolding. The rules do not claim to be all-inclusive or to supplement or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures to cover usual or unusual conditions. They are not intended to conflict with, or supercede, and state, local, federal statue or regulation; reference to such specific provisions should be made by the user.
(See rule II)

I. POST THESE SCAFFOLDING RULES in a conspicuous place and be sure that all persons who erect, dismantle or use scaffolding are aware of them.

II. FOLLOW ALL STATE, LOCAL, AND FEDERAL CODES, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS pertaining to scaffolding.

III. INSPECT ALL EQUIPMENT BEFORE USING. Never use any equipment that is damaged or deteriorated in any way.

IV. KEEP ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR. Avoid using rusted equipment, the strength of rusted equipment is not known.

V. INSPECT ERECTED SCAFFOLDS REGULARLY to be sure that they are maintained in safe condition.

VI. CONSULT YOUR SCAFFOLDING SUPPLIER WHEN IN DOUBT, scaffolding is his business, NEVER TAKE CHANCES!

A. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SILLS for scaffold posts and use base plates.

B. USE ADJUSTING SCREWS instead of blocking to adjust to uneven grade conditions.

C. PLUMB AND LEVEL ALL SCAFFOLDS as the erection proceeds. Do not force braces to fit, level the scaffold until proper fit can be made easily.

D. FASTEN ALL BRACES SECURELY.

E. DO NOT CLIMB CROSS BRACES. An access (climbing) ladder, access steps, frame designed to be climbed or equivalent safe access to the scaffold shall be used.

F. ON WALL SCAFFOLDS PLACE AND MAINTAIN ANCHORS securely between structure and scaffold at least every 30' of length and 25' of height.

G. WHEN SCAFFOLDS ARE TO BE PARTIALLY OR FULLY ENCLOSED, special precautions must be taken to assure frequency and adequacy of ties attaching the scaffolding to the building due to increased load conditions resulting from effects of wind and weather. The scaffolding components to which the ties area attached must also be checked for additional loads.

H. FREE STANDING SCAFFOLD TOWERS MUST BE RESTRAINED FROM TIPPING by guying or other means.

I. POWER LINES NEAR SCAFFOLDS are dangerous. Use caution and consult the power service company for advise.

J. DO NOT USE ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to increase the height.

K. DO NOT OVERLOAD SCAFFOLDS.

L. PLANKING
1. Use only lumber that is properly inspected and graded as scaffold plank, laminated or DI-65 grade or better.
2. Planking shall have at least 12" of overlap and extend 6" beyond center of support, or be cleated at both ends to prevent sliding off supports.
3. Fabricated scaffold planks and platforms unless cleated at both ends to prevent sliding off supports.
4. Secure plank to scaffold when necessary.

M. FOR ROLLING SCAFFOLD THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL RULES APPLY:
1. 1. DO NOT RIDE ROLLING SCAFFOLDS.
2. SECURE OR REMOVE ALL MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT from platform before moving scaffold.
3. CASTER BRAKES MUST BE APPLIED at all times when scaffolds are not being moved.
4. CASTERS WITH PLAIN STEMS shall be attached to the panel or adjustment screw by pins or other suitable means.
5. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE A ROLLING SCAFFOLD WITHOUT SUFFICIENT HELP- watch out for holes in floor and overhead obstructions.
6. DO NOT EXTEND ADJUSTING SCREWS ON ROLLING SCAFFOLDS MORE THAT 12".
7. USE HORIZONTAL DIAGONAL BRACING near the bottom and at 20' intervals measured from the rolling surface.
8. DO NOT USE BRACKETS ON ROLLING SCAFFOLDS without consideration of overturning effect.
9. THE WORKING PLATFORM HEIGHT OF A ROLLING SCAFFOLD must not exceed four times the smallest base dimension unless guyed or otherwise stabilized.

N. For "PUTLOGS AND TRUSSES" the following rules apply.
1. DO NOT CANTILEVER OR EXTEND PUTLOGS/ TRUSSES as side brackets without thorough consideration for loads to be applied.
2. PUTLOGS/ TRUSSES SHOULD EXTEND AT LEAST 6" beyond point of support.
3. PLACE PROPER BRACING BETWEEN PUTLOGS/ TRUSSES when the span of putlogs/ trusses is more than 12".

O. ALL BRACKETS shall be seated correctly with side brackets parallel to the frames and end brackets at 90 degrees to the frames. Brackets shall not be bent or twisted from normal position. Brackets (except mobile brackets designed to carry materials) are to be used as work platforms only and shall not be used for storage of material or equipment.

P. ALL SCAFFOLDING ACCESSORIES shall be used and installed in accordance with the manufacturers recommended procedure. Accessories shall not be altered in the field. Scaffold, frames and their components, manufactured by different companies shall not be intermixed.