HSE - 650 Scaffold End User Program

Scaffold End User Program
DOCUMENT NUMBER: ORIGINAL DATE: REV: REVISION DATE:

HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 1 OF 10
1.0 PURPOSE
This program establishes health and safety requirements for the proper pre-use inspection and
utilization of scaffolds by Total Safety (TS) employees. It also provides guidance for the proper use
of scaffolds either at a company facility or on any job site for which an employee might utilize a
scaffold.
2.0 SCOPE
This program shall apply to every TS employee that works on a scaffold.
NOTE: Total Safety personnel do NOT install, erect, modify or disassemble scaffolding.
This program covers TS employees who need to access and work from an existing
scaffold.
Contract employees must have their own Fall Prevention and Protection program and Scaffold User
Safety Program which cannot be less stringent than the TS program. If they do not have a policy ,
they shall comply with the provisions of this program.
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Author:
3.1.1 Advise management on implementing and complying with the Scaffold User
program.
3.1.2 Ensure the document demonstrates compliance with HSE standards, regulatory and
legal requirements.
3.1.3 Periodically review industry best practices, client-specific requirements, Total Safety
policy changes and regulatory changes for impacts to this HSE program.
3.1.4 Develop and maintain this written program in accordance with Total Safety’s
Document Control Procedure (TS-HSE-103).
3.2 TS Specialized Safety Personnel (HSE Field Services) that are contracted by a client
to provide fall prevention and scaffold competent person activities are responsible to:
3.2.1 Complete fall and scaffold competent person training that is provided by a qualified
instructor (third party or TS HSE) prior to assignment.
3.2.2 Enforce and adhere to the client’s Scaffold Policy/Procedures.
3.2.3 Provide current scaffold competent person training records to management prior to
assignment.
© Total Saf ety US, Inc. and Subsidiaries. This document is f or internal use only . This document may be accessed electronical ly on the SAFETY NET.
Employ ees must ensure they are using the latest rev ision. Printed copies of this document are considered uncontrolled.
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
3.3 Managers/Supervisors are responsible to:
3.3.1 Train employees that will work on scaffolds at the work site with this Scaffold End
User Program including how to recognize the hazards associated with scaffold use
and any other client site specific requirement before utilizing a scaffold.
3.3.2 Ensure employees comply with the TS Scaffold End User Safety Program and client’s
scaffold program(s) (if applicable).
3.3.3 Forward scaffold user training records and fall/scaffold competent person training
records to the Total Safety Training Department.
3.3.4 Ensure scaffold hazards have been eliminated or controlled.
3.4 Employees are responsible to:
3.4.1 Attend mandatory training with this Scaffold End User Safety Program prior to
performing any duties that require the utilization of the scaffold (may be completed
at reciprocal safety council locations).
3.4.2 Inspect the scaffold tag and take the required precautions prior to ascending onto
the scaffold.
3.4.3 Report any defects, unsafe configurations, or unsafe conditions of a scaffold to

supervision immediately prior to utilizing a scaffold.
3.4.4 Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level shall be
protected from falling to that lower level. Each employee shall be protected by the
use of personal fall arrest systems or guardrail systems. Employees must use any
required fall protection according to training.
3.4.5 Never modify or repair any scaffold.
DANGER
Only qualified and competent personnel are allowed to modify scaffolding systems.
Any unauthorized modification of scaffolding systems shall result in disciplinary
action up to and including termination.
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
4.0 DEFINITIONS
4.1 SCAFFOLD - Any temporary elevated platform and its supporting structure used for
supporting workers, materials and/or equipment.
4.2 TOEBOARD - A barrier secured along the sides and ends of a platform, to guard against
the falling of material.
4.3 GUARDRAIL - A barrier secured to uprights and erected along the exposed sides and ends
of platforms to prevent workers from falling.
4.4 FLAGGING TAPE - Plastic flagging tape (sometimes referred to as barricade tape) with
specific hazards printed on the tape for different hazards encountered in an area which is
used to keep unauthorized personnel out of a potentially hazardous area.
4.5 BODY BELTS (SAFETY BELT) - A strap with means both for securing it about the waist
and for attaching to a lanyard, lifeline, or deceleration device.
4.6 BODY HARNESS - means a design of straps which may be secured about the employ ee in
a manner to distribute the fall arrest forces over at least the thighs, pelvis, waist, chest and
shoulders, with means for attaching it to other components of a personal fall arrest system.
4.7 COMPETENT PERSON - means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable
hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or
dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to
eliminate them.
4.8 QUALIFIED PERSON - One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or

professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has
successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject
matter, the work, or the project.
4.9 DECELELERATION DEVICE - means any mechanism, such as a rope grab, rip-stitch
lanyard, specially-woven lanyard, tearing or deforming lanyard, or automatic self-retracting
lifeline lanyard, which dissipates a substantial amount of energy imposed on an employee
during fall arrest.
4.10 100% TIE-OFF - means that employees utilizing a personal fall arrest system will maintain
their lanyard connection to a suitable anchorage point at all times. This may require the
use of “double lanyards” or “Y” type lanyards.
4.11 LANYARD - means a manufacturer’s connection device (i.e. rope, web) that is used to
connect a fall protection body harness to an anchor point utilizing locking snap hooks at
both ends.
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
4.12 LIFELINE - A component consisting of a flexible line that connects to an anchorage at one
end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), which serve as a means of connecting other
components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.
4.13 PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM - means a system used to arrest an employ ee’s fall.
It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness and may include a
lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or combinations of these.
4.14 THREE POINTS OF CONTACT – is a term used for a method of safe ladder climbing
where between a climber’s two hands and two feet, at least three of them are in contact
with the ladder rung/rails at all times while ascending or descending the ladder.
4.15 WALKWAY – means a portion of a scaffold platform used only for traversing between
platforms/structures and not as a work level.
5.0 PROCEDURES
5.1 General Information
5.1.1 Employees that perform work on scaffold platforms shall be trained in recognition
and control measures for the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being
used.
5.1.2 Scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without failure; its own weight and at least
4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. Scaffolds and
scaffold components shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads
or rated capacities, whichever is less.
5.1.3 Scaffolds with work platforms of 4 feet or more above the ground or next lower lev el
should have complete guardrails and toe-boards installed.
5.1.4 All scaffold work platforms must be completely decked between the uprights and/or
guardrail supports.
5.1.5 Scaffold platforms must be a minimum of 18 inches wide.
5.1.6 All scaffold decking shall be Scaffold Grade or equivalent.
5.1.7 The footing or anchorage for all scaffolds shall be sound, rigid, and capable of
supporting the loaded scaffold without settling or displacement. Unstable objects
such as barrels, boxes, loose bricks, or concrete blocks, will not be used to support
scaffolds.
5.1.8 12” x 12” base plates are recommended.
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
5.1.9 Mudsills must be sized to distribute scaffolding loads to the ground or support
structure. When used on grating, the mudsills must extend across the grading
supports. All mudsills must have a minimum of two scaffold nails to support the jack
leg.
5.1.10 The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds shall be plumb, secured and rigidly braced
to prevent swaying and displacement. Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts,
frames, and uprights will always bear on base plates and mud sills or other
adequate firm foundations.
5.1.11 Manufactured scaffold components shall not be modified.
5.1.12 Supported scaffolds with a height to base ratio of more than four to one (4:1) shall
be restrained from tipping by guying, tying, bracing or the equivalent means.
5.1.13 Scaffold Decking (boards) Scaffold Grade 2” x 10” or 2” x 12” board material only
will be used. No paint or material, which would affect proper visual board
inspection or work surface safety, may be applied to scaffold boards. Scaffold
boards may be painted 10 to 12 inches on each end to denote use for the scaffold
decking only. Wood platforms shall not be covered with opaque finishes, except
that platform edges may be covered or marked for identification. Platforms may be
coated periodically with wood preservatives, fire retardant finishes, and slip
resistant finishes; however, the coating may not obscure the top or bottom wood
surfaces.
5.1.14 Scaffold boards are not to extend over their end supports more than 12” inches or
less than 6”.
5.1.15 All decking on platforms shall be overlapped (minimum 12”) or secured from
movement.
5.1.16 When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access,
portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers (scaffold
stairways/towers), stairway-type ladders (such as ladder stands), ramps,
walkways, integral prefabricated scaffold access, or direct access from another
scaffold, structure, personnel hoist, or similar surface shall be used. Crossbraces
shall not be used as a means of access.
5.1.17 Scaffolds shall not be erected, used, dismantled, altered, or moved such that they
or any conductive material handled on them might come closer to exposed and
energized power lines than as follows: Less than 50 kv- 10 feet More than 50 kv-
10 feet plus 0.4 inches for each 1 kv over 50 kv.
5.1.18 Employees shall be prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or
other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials. Work on
or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and
those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens.
5.1.19 Guardrail systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms.
Guardrail systems shall be installed before the scaffold is released for use by
employees other than erection/dismantling crews.
5.1.20 In addition to wearing hardhats, each employee on a scaffold shall be provided

with additional protection from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects
through the installation of toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems, or through the
erection of debris nets, catch platforms, or canopy structures that contain or
deflect the falling objects. When the falling objects are too large, heavy or massive
to be contained or deflected by any of the above-listed measures, the employer
shall place such potential falling objects away from the edge of the surface from
which they could fall and shall secure those materials as necessary to prevent their
falling.
5.2 Before Scaffold Use
5.2.1 Scaffold users shall read scaffold tags prior to using any scaffold.
5.2.2 The instructions or warnings outlined on the tag must be followed and color-coded
tags assist in easy identification of a scaffold tag from a distance. One of the two
following systems could be used.
5.2.3 A simple two-tag system is used to identify complete and incomplete scaffolds.
 Green tag scaffolds that have completed handrails, mid-rails, toe-boards and
decking.
 Yellow tag scaffolds warn that scaffolds cannot be erected with all
components complete. This also informs the user of any Fall Protection devices
that may be needed.
5.2.4 A three-tag system can be used which includes RED or “Danger” tag in conjunction
with the green and yellow tag. Red indicates that, for the denoted reason, this
scaffold is not safe and should not be used. An example of the three tag system is
available in Attachment A – Examples of Scaffold Tags.
5.2.5 Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a
competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence which could
affect a scaffold's structural integrity. Users shall inspect the scaffold prior to and
during use, and report any defects or concerns to Supervision.
5.2.6 Scaffold components shall be straight and free from bends, kick dents, and severe
rusting.
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
5.2.7 Working surfaces shall be checked for defects, excessive wear, and damage.
5.2.8 An untagged scaffold must not be used, and considered the same as a red tagged
scaffold.
5.2.9 Access ladders must extend 36 inches above the platform being accessed.
5.2.10 Scaffold bracing shall not be used for access or climbing.
5.2.11 Direct access to or from another surface shall be used only when the scaffold is
not more than 14 inches horizontally and not more than 24 inches vertically from
the other surface.
5.2.12 Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.
5.2.13 Do not stack material higher than 24” on the scaffold deck.
5.2.14 Never stack material by the edge of the scaffold and higher than the toe boards.
5.2.15 Makeshift devices, such as boxes and barrels shall not be used on platforms to
increase the working level height of employees.
5.2.16 Ladders on scaffolding shall not be used to increase the working level height of
employees.
6.0 SCAFFOLD USER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
6.1 Employer shall ensure initial Scaffold End User safety training is provided to all
employees that will be required to work on a scaffold prior to work commencing.
Training may be provided at any reciprocal safety council or by a person qualified in the
subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used
and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards.
6.2 Training shall consist of the provisions in accordance with TS and/or client requirements.
6.3 Scaffold User safety training shall at a minimum includes the following topics as applicable:
 The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold.
 The maximum intended load and load-carrying capacities of the scaffold in use.
 The scaffold tagging system in use at the location.
 The requirements of 100% tie off (if applicable).
 The nature of any overhead work/falling object, personal fall, and electrical hazards in
the work area, and the correct way to mitigate the hazards.
 The proper use of personal fall protection equipment and fall protection systems.
 The overhead work/falling object protection system being used.
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
 Recognizing hazards in regards to scaffold safety (i.e. barricading areas, operation and
use of deceleration devices, ladder safety, three point contact, etc.)
6.4 REFRESHER TRAINING: There is no formal refresher training requirement for this
program. However, refresher training may be required if any of the following conditions
occur:
 Changes in the worksite present a hazard for which the employee has not been
previously trained; or
 Changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection or other
equipment present a hazard about which the employee has previously not been
trained; or
 Changes in federal or state regulations that pertain to this program render previous
training obsolete; or
 Changes in this program by TS render previous training obsolete; or
 Inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of the scaffold indicate that the
employee has not retained the requisite proficiency or skill.
7.0 DOCUMENTATION
7.1 Training must be documented in writing. Written certification shall include:
 Who was trained;

 When and dates of training;
 Signature of person providing training;
 Date training was deemed adequate by Total Safety.
7.2 Employee’s training records shall be maintained by the Quality/Training department

in the employee’s personal training file for their length of employment plus a
minimum of six (6) years thereafter.
7.3 Training records shall be provided upon request, all materials relating to the
employee information and training program to regulatory agencies.
8.0 REQUIREMENTS
N/A
9.0 REFERENCES
 OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Subpart L; Scaffolds (1926.450- .454)

 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27: Scaffolds and Rope Descent Systems
 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.28: Duty to Have Fall Protection and Falling Object Protection
 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22: General Requirements for Work Surfaces.
 Total Safety’s Fall Protection Program (HSE-620)
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
10.0 VERSION CONTROL TABLE
Date
Author Approved by Revision Reason for Revision
Published
10/15/2004 Charlie White Ellis Pellerin 00
08/15/2011 Charlie White Ellis Pellerin 01

Incorporated new logo and format
05/01/2017 David Teixeira Steve Long 02
Significant changes to incorporate
ISN and PEC requirements including:
10/3/2019 David Teixeira Steve Long 03 3.4.4; 5.1.2; 5.1.17; 5.1.18; 5.1.19;
5.1.20; 5.2.5; 6.1 and 6.4
HSE-650 10/15/2004 03 10/3/2019
ATTACHMENT (A): EXAMPLE OF SCAFFOLD TAGS
YELLOW TAG – Scaffold is safe to use,

GREEN TAG – Scaffold is safe to
but must wear fall protection equipment
use, follow precautions if any.
and follow other precautions, if any.
RED TAG – DANGER, Do not use scaffold!

HSE - 650 Scaffold End User Program

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Scaffold End User Program

DOCUMENT NUMBER: ORIGINAL DATE: REV: REVISION DATE:

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 1 OF 10

This program shall apply to every TS employee that works on a scaffold.

3.2.2 Enforce and adhere to the client’s Scaffold Policy/Procedures.

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 2 OF 10

3.3 Managers/Supervisors are responsible to:

3.3.4 Ensure scaffold hazards have been eliminated or controlled.

3.4 Employees are responsible to:

3.4.3 Report any defects, unsafe configurations, or unsafe conditions of a scaffold to

3.4.5 Never modify or repair any scaffold.

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 3 OF 10

4.8 QUALIFIED PERSON - One who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 4 OF 10

5.1 General Information

5.1.5 Scaffold platforms must be a minimum of 18 inches wide.

5.1.6 All scaffold decking shall be Scaffold Grade or equivalent.

5.1.8 12” x 12” base plates are recommended.

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 5 OF 10

5.1.11 Manufactured scaffold components shall not be modified.

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 6 OF 10

5.1.20 In addition to wearing hardhats, each employee on a scaffold shall be provided

5.2 Before Scaffold Use

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 7 OF 10

5.2.10 Scaffold bracing shall not be used for access or climbing.

5.2.12 Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.

6.0 SCAFFOLD USER QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 8 OF 10

7.1 Training must be documented in writing. Written certification shall include:

 Who was trained;

7.2 Employee’s training records shall be maintained by the Quality/Training department

 OSHA 29 CFR 1926: Subpart L; Scaffolds (1926.450- .454)

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 9 OF 10

10.0 VERSION CONTROL TABLE

10/15/2004 Charlie White Ellis Pellerin 00

08/15/2011 Charlie White Ellis Pellerin 01

A UT HOR : DAVID TEIXEIRA APPROVED BY: ST EVE LONG PA G E 10 OF 10

ATTACHMENT (A): EXAMPLE OF SCAFFOLD TAGS

YELLOW TAG – Scaffold is safe to use,

RED TAG – DANGER, Do not use scaffold!

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