Lecture # 9 21/11/2019

5. Powder-Actuated Tools: Are types of nail gun used

in construction and manufacturing to join materials
to hard substrates such as steel and concrete.
回 They operate like a loaded gun and must be treated
with extreme caution.
回 The use of powder- actuated tools is prohibited
until approved by Environmental Health and Safety.
回 They are so dangerous that they must be
operated only by specially trained employees.
回 When using , employees must wear suitable ear,
eye, and face protection, and the user must select
an appropriate powder level (high or low velocity) to
avoid excessive force.
Scaffolds: Temporary (or movable) platforms used to
elevate and support workers (such as bricklayers)
and materials to aid in construction, maintenance
and repair of building structures.
 Main Scaffold Hazards
1. Falls from elevation (more than 50% of scaffold
accidents in construction are FALLS).
2. Bad (or unsecured) planking. When not secured,
they might slip off and cause the worker to fall.
(Defective wood planks inadequately).
3. Electrocution: Electricity is a major risk as scaffolds
are likely to contact with such lines. Maintaining
a secure clearance from power lines is required .
 Ideal clearance is 10 feet for up to 50 kilovolts.
Thereafter, an extra 4 inches are to be added for
every extra 1 kilovolts.
1. Inadequate footings and Cross Bracing.
2. Getting struck by falling tools or debris. Hence,
guardrails are required to protect workers and to
prevent materials from falling.
6. Unsafe access to scaffolds.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
o Scaffolds are to be ERECTED (built) according to
the manufacturer's instructions and /or competent
persons direction.
o Scaffolds MUST be capable of supporting its own
weight and at least 4 times of expected (intended)
load, which , includes: Workers, Equipment, Tools,
and Materials.
o All platforms MUST be at least 18” Wide and the
front edge MUST be within 14” of working face.
o Scaffold platforms must be FULLY and PROPERLY
planked.
o Workers MUST have a safe access to scaffolds using
specific designed ladders which, has to be secured
firmly to scaffold’s body.
o Stable Footings:
□ Scaffold base must
rest on the Base plate
and the Mud sill.
□ The base plate is
designed to level and
support the scaffold.

DANGER
□ Do not work
if scaffolds are
not properly
constructed
and supported.
NOT- PROPERLY Supported Scaffold

Scaffold
Leveling
o Platforms
MUST be
at least
18” Wide.

o Front edge
of all platforms
MUST be within
14” of face of
work.
 Front Edge within 14” of face of work.

Within 14”

9
o When working on
scaffolds 6’ above lower
level, guardrail systems
must be installed.
DANGER: NEVER use
scaffolds that DO NOT
HAVE a proper guardrail
system installed.

o Scaffold
platforms MUST
be FULLY and
PROPERLY
planked
o Workers MUST have
a safe access to the
scaffold.

o NEVER use blocks,

bricks, walk boards,
and other unsafe
methods to access
scaffolds.
o NEVER stack blocks,
bricks, or use ladders
on top (or under)
scaffolds for extra
height.
• Use ONLY ladders
designed for use
with scaffolds.

• The ladder MUST be

firmly secured to
scaffold body.
Powered Work Platforms
Mobile
Scaffolds

Suspended
Platforms