Mobile Scaffold

Training
Safe Work Practices

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management

University of Alaska Fairbanks
V 2011.1
Learning Objectives
Understand the Following:

• OSHA and the mobile scaffold safety regulations

• Hazards associated with operating mobile scaffolds
• How to control mobile scaffold hazards
• Proper use of mobile scaffolds
• Proper materials handling on mobile scaffolding
• Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Mobile scaffold inspection procedures
• Training requirements
• Equipment operation practical (by supervisor)
The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 …assures so far
as possible that every working man and woman in the nation,
has safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our
human resources

• OSHA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor

• The act resulted in the development of health and safety-specific

standards which are now federal and state laws

• Several OSHA laws mandate the safe use and operation of mobile
scaffolds
 OSHA Scaffold Regulations
 29 CFR 1926 Supart L Scaffolds (mobile scaffolds)
 29 CFR 1910.28 Safety Requirements for Scaffolding
 29 CFR 1910.29 Manually propelled mobile ladder
stands and scaffolds (towers)
 29 CFR 1915 Shipyard Employment
 29 CFR 1917 Marine Terminals
 29 CFR 1918 Long Shoring Requirements
Specific Mobile Scaffold Training Requirements
 There are no OSHA provisions that specifically address scissor-type
lifts; however, since scissor lifts do meet the definition of a scaffold
(29 CFR 1926.451), so employers must comply with the other
applicable provisions of Subpart L when using scissors lifts. Since
scissors lifts are mobile, the specific requirements for mobile
scaffolds in the scaffold standard (29 CFR 1926.452(w) must be met.

 Each employee who performs work while on a scaffold must receive

training on the OSHA-required subject matter. This will better enable
them to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold
being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize
those hazards.

 This presentation provides the above information which is

beneficial to the safe operation and use of mobile scaffolds at UAF.
In your department, a hands-on orientation and assessment is
also required prior to using any mobile scaffold equipment.
OSHA standards cover over 25 types of scaffolds!

- Pole scaffolds: Single-pole wood pole - Crawling boards (chicken ladders).

scaffolds. Independent wood pole
scaffolds.
- Tube and coupler scaffolds.
- Fabricated frame scaffolds.
- Plasterers', decorators' and large area
scaffolds.
- Bricklayers' square scaffolds.
- Horse scaffolds.
- Form scaffolds and carpenters' bracket
scaffolds.
- Roof bracket scaffolds.
- Outrigger scaffolds (one level).
- Pump jack scaffolds.
- Ladder jack scaffolds.
- Window jack scaffolds.
- Tank builders' scaffolds.
- Step, platform and trestle ladder scaffolds.
- Single-point adjustable suspension
scaffolds.
- Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds.
- Stonesetters' multi-point adjustable
suspension scaffolds.
- Masons' multi-point adjustable suspension
scaffolds.
- Catenary scaffolds.
- Float (ship) scaffolds.
- Interior hung scaffolds.
- Needle beam scaffolds.
- Multi-level suspension scaffolds.
- Repair bracket scaffolds.
- Stilts.
- MOBILE SCAFFOLDS.

This presentation will cover Mobile Scaffolds only!

 Definition of a Mobile Scaffold
 Mobile scaffolds are a type of supported scaffold set on
wheels or casters.
 Examples: Scissor-type lifts (Genie Lift) and mobile towers
 They can be powered or non-powered and are designed to be
easily moved and are commonly used for things like painting
and plastering, changing out light bulbs, or any overhead work
etc., where workers must frequently change position.
 Does not include Aerial Lifts like certain vehicle-mounted
elevating and rotating work platforms, namely "extensible
boom platforms," "aerial ladders," "articulating boom
platforms," "vertical towers,” and combinations of any of the
above, etc., which are covered under the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 29 CFR 1926.453,
Aerial Lifts
Mobile Scaffolds
Scissor-Type Lifts

 The perfect piece of equipment for

increasing worksite productivity, scissor
lifts are typically used where less reach
and height, but more workspace and
lifting capacity, are required.

 They are designed with larger platform

work areas and generally allow for
heavier loads than boom lifts.

 Scissor lifts may be maneuvered in a

manner similar to boom lifts, but the
platform typically can only be raised
vertically, except for some models that
extend their deck horizontally a short
distance also.  
Mobile Scaffolds
Mobile Towers
 Mobile towers are lightweight, with fast
assembly and dismantling usually
needing no special tools.

 They are incredibly versatile and are

ideal for jobs which are going to take
just a few hours such as residential
and/or commercial painting and general
maintenance work.

 When used properly, they are safe and

usually a lot safer than trying to work
from a ladder.
Mobile Scaffold Safety Requirements
Scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked with positive wheel and/or wheel
and swivel locks, or equivalent means, to prevent movement of the scaffold
while the scaffold is used in a stationary manner.

Where leveling of the scaffold is necessary, screw jacks or equivalent means

shall be used.

Caster stems and wheel stems shall be pinned or otherwise secured in

scaffold legs or adjustment screws.

Manual force used to move the scaffold shall be applied as close to the base as
practicable, but not more than 5 feet (1.5 m) above the supporting surface

Power systems used to propel mobile scaffolds shall be designed for such use.
Forklifts, trucks, similar motor vehicles or add-on motors shall not be used to
propel scaffolds unless the scaffold is designed for such propulsion systems

Scaffolds shall always be stabilized to prevent tipping during movement.

Mobile Scaffold Safety Requirements
Employees shall not be allowed to ride on scaffolds unless the
following conditions exist:
The surface on which the scaffold is being moved is within 3 degrees of level, and free of pits,
holes, and obstructions

The height to base width ratio of the scaffold during movement is two to one or less, unless the
scaffold is designed and constructed to meet or exceed nationally recognized stability***
Outrigger frames, when used, are installed on both sides of the scaffold
When power systems are used, the propelling force is applied directly to the wheels, and does not
produce a speed in excess of 1 foot per second

No employee is on any part of the scaffold which extends outward beyond the wheels, casters,
or other supports

Platforms shall not extend outward beyond the base supports of the scaffold unless outrigger frames
or equivalent devices are used to ensure stability

Before a scaffold is moved, each employee on the scaffold shall be made aware of the move

*** ALWAYS Check Operators Manual for Limitations on riding scaffolding!

Mobile Scaffold Accidents
 Scaffold accidents are most
often the result of a combination of
improper use of the equipment,
a lack of training, and lack of
equipment inspection

 The following accounts of actual mobile

scaffold accidents show they were
absolutely preventable!
 Mobile Scaffolding Accidents
A worker on a self-propelled scissor
lift was installing bolts to connect two
large overhead steel beams. The
platform controls were not protected
against inadvertent operation.

The worker inadvertently activated

the lever for controlling elevation.

The platform elevated. The worker

was pushed firmly onto the control
What should be done to prevent a
lever when he was caught between
similar incident?
an overhead beam and the elevating
platform’s guard rail.
• Use only elevating work
platforms with controls that are
The platform continued to rise, fatally
protected against inadvertent
crushing the worker.
operation!
Mobile Scaffolding Accidents
A window washer was killed when the elevated scissor lift he was
operating flopped sideways, throwing him to the pavement below. He
died shortly afterward from massive head and back injuries.
At the time of the accident, the window washer was repositioning the
self-propelled scissor lift. The lift was equipped with an operational tilt
sensor that automatically lowers the operator's lift platform when the tilt
exceeds three degrees to any side.
He was operating the lift on an eight-degree slope, exceeding the
slope capacity by five degrees. However, the wires leading to the tilt
sensor had been intentionally disconnected, leaving the window
washer without any tilt protection.

What should be done to prevent a similar incident?

• Conduct routine equipment
inspections
• Verify functionality of all safety
devices
• Do not override safety devices
The OSHA Scaffolding standards were the
most frequently cited regulation(s) during
compliance inspections in 2010……
• Scaffold related fatalities still account for
approximately 9% of all fatalities on construction sites.
• Whether in construction or general industry, OSHA
has understandably determined that employees using
scaffolds are exposed to a significant risk of harm.
• This stresses the importance of scaffold training!
• The following training topics cover key areas for the
safe operation of your mobile scaffold
Mobile Scaffold Key Training Areas…
 Electrical hazards
 Fall hazards
 Falling object hazards
in the work area
 Dealing with electrical
hazards and for erecting,
maintaining, and disassembling
the fall protection and falling
object protection systems
 Environmental Hazards
 The proper use of the scaffold,
and the proper handling of
materials on the scaffold
 The maximum intended load
and the load-carrying
capacities of the scaffolds
used
 Personal Protective Equipment
 Inspections
Electrical Hazards

 Electricity has the power to shock, burn, and

kill; not to mention cause fires or explosions
 Electrical hazards encountered on a scaffold
can be from power tools and equipment
 Misused or damaged extension cords
 Contacting overhead power lines
- Always stay at least 10 feet away!
Electrical Safety
 Because metal frame scaffolds are conductive, power tools, cords,
etc., that suffer insulation failure can electrify the entire scaffold. This
poses a risk of electrocution not just to the worker holding the tool,
but also to everyone who contacts the scaffold.
 GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupters) are required for any outdoor
or wet condition work using electrically powered equipment
Power Cords
 All power cords used on scaffolding will be properly grounded
and inspected prior to and during work, and will be approved for
outdoor or wet conditions when applicable
 Do not hang equipment on power cords/lines
 Never mix/match 2 prong power/extension cords with 3 prong
tools/equipment
 Do not set equipment on power cords where they could
cut/abrade them
 Do not place cords where they could become a tripping hazard
Fall Hazards
 Leaning or climbing over scaffold guardrails could result
in a fall off the scaffolding
 Horseplay on a scaffold could have serious consequences
 Ice, snow, rain and liquids on platform can cause
slips/possible fall….keep as clear/dry as possible
 Slips or trips on equipment, tools, etc., used on the
scaffold platform. Keep it tidy!
 Proper use of scaffold ladder – Always maintain 3 points
of contact on ladder (both hands and one foot, or both
feet and one hand, at all times while climbing/descending
 Lack of Fall Protection puts workers in great danger!
Specific Fall Protection Requirements:
 Personal fall protection is required any time employees work on a
scaffold which is not protected by a complete guardrail system and
is 10-feet or more above a lower level.
 If a worker leaves the confines of the scaffold platform (which
is adequately guarded) then an additional fall protection device
is required.
 Proper guardrails at 36-45 inches require no other fall protection
(equipment manufactured before 1 Jan 00)
 Proper guardrails at 38-45 inches require no other fall protection
(equipment manufactured after 1 Jan 00)
 Rails must withstand 200 pounds
down/horizontal direction applied along
top edge
Falling Object Hazards
 Tools, equipment, materials, ice, etc. can fall
from work activities on platform, potentially
injuring personnel below
 Hardhat required for all users on, and persons
working below, scaffold
 Place tools and other equipment or materials
away from edge of platform
 Protective zones below scaffold also protect
workers from falling objects
 Toe-boards or screens 3 ½ inches high
required on platforms 10 feet high
or greater

- Toe-boards help prevent

items from falling off the
working surface (platform)

- Toe-boards on a mobile
tower scaffold
 Outdoor Environmental Hazards
 Ice/snow/rain on a scaffold platform can
cause slips/possible fall….keep as clear/dry
as possible

 OSHA says: “NO SCAFFOLD use until

platform is cleared of snow!”

 Wind can tip scaffolding

 Lightning and metal scaffolding = DANGER!

Other Scaffold Hazards:
Overturning

• Scissor lifts are typically not designed to be

able to hold large, heavy loads that extend beyond
the edges of the platform

• As a scissor lift extends its arms, this type of

load will cause the lift to become unbalanced
(it will be top heavy, with gravity pulling
down on the overhanging section of material),
which can ultimately result in the entire lift overturning

• Setting up the lift on uneven ground, or driving the lift on

uneven surfaces or while the platform is raised could also
result in overturning
Other Scaffold Hazards:
Getting Crushed/Pinched

• Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of

working with a scissor lift is the potential
for having a limb or other body part pinched
or crushed in the scissor arms or between
the top rail and overhead structure

• These arms collapse down upon each other at multiple joint locations
when the platform is lowered, all of which serve as entryways for
potential injury

• Ensure command of platform controls at all times to avoid “over-lfting”

• NEVER put your hands or feet under the platform of the scissor lift
unless you need to perform maintenance. In which case, you will
need to disconnect the power and insert safety bars, which prevent
the platform from collapsing.
Proper Use of a Scaffold:
 - Access/egress using only approved ladder or stairs
 - No jumping on platform
 - Observe/heed prohibited actions

Proper handling of materials on scaffolding:

 Use tag lines to hoist equipment onto scaffold
- do not carry materials or equipment up the ladder!
 Hand equipment on platform, do not throw, toss, etc
 Place items away from edge of platform when
possible
 Never walk under awkward/heavy loads being lifted to
the scaffold platform
Prohibited user actions:
 - No horseplay on scaffolding!
 - No access or operation without training!
 - No hanging over or between rails!
 - No standing/hanging on outside of scaffold!
 - No throwing objects to ground/personnel below
 - Loads should not be rigged onto the scissor lift!
 - No altering scaffold without competent person
approval and presence!
Competent Person Requirement
 Erecting, Maintaining, and Disassembling scaffolds must be done
by a Competent Person. Contact EHS&RM to coordinate these
activities. Note: Scissor-type lifts typically come pre-assembled
and may have only a few parts (like rails. outriggers, or control
boxes) that need to be installed, moved, or stored away.
 "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
 Don’t forget….Alterations to a scaffold
can only be approved by, and in the
presence of, a Competent Person
OSHA also requires a plan for:
Dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting,
maintaining, and disassembling the fall
protection and falling object protection systems

 Electrical Hazards: Contact EHS&RM at 474-5413 or Facilities

Services Dispatch at 474-7000, if you encounter any electrical
hazards

 Emergency Contacts: Ensure you are familiar with your

Department Emergency Action Plan

 Scaffold erecting and maintaining, and disassembling the fall

protection and falling object protection systems: Contact
EHS&RM or Facilities Services for assistance and coordination of
these tasks.

 Accident Procedures (Follow instructions on EHS&RM website)

 Know the maximum intended load and the
load- carrying capacities of the scaffold used
 Scaffolds shall be capable of supporting, without
failure; it’s own weight and at least 4 times the
maximum intended load.

 Load includes equipment

too, not just people.

 Look on the lift spec plate

or label, or in the owner’s
manual, for specific load
rating allowances

Never exceed the max load – it could result in equipment failure or a tip-over
Personal Protective Equipment
A hazard assessment of actual scaffold
activities will determine all PPE required.
Minimum requirements should include:
 Hard Hats
 Safety Eye Wear
 Safety Toe Boots/Shoes
 Fall Protection Systems
(if guardrails not already built into the
scaffold)
Scaffold Set-Up and Access
 Ensure guardrails, screens, toe boards, etc. are in place
- Don’t forget any components!

 Place barriers, warning cones, or use traffic spotters at access

points to scaffold use area indicating “authorized personnel only
beyond this point” or similar warning. This will keep passersby
from accidentally walking into your work zone.

 Ensure mobile scaffold is not used between shifts

by unauthorized personnel. Prevent access to
equipment and secure powered scaffold operator keys
Inspections
 Inspections: Users shall inspect the mobile scaffold
prior to each shift and during use, and report any
defects or concerns to Supervision or work leader.
 Equipment may also require routine detailed inspection
per the manufacturer’s instructions (see owners manual)
 Recommend using a formal checklist
- Owners manual may have a pre-made checklist
- EHS&RM has a general checklist you may use
 Ensure all inspections are documented
For Scaffolds Found to be Defective
 If during an inspection, or routine use, you identify a
defective component of the scaffold, you must take
appropriate measures to ensure the equipment is
tagged and taken out of service
 Any safety deficiency must be immediately

brought to the supervisor’s attention

 Equipment will be affixed with the appropriate

tag and use must be prohibited until the equipment is
repaired. Contact EHS&RM to place tag on equipment.
 If the equipment is motorized, also secure away the
starter key from any potential users
 READ THAT EQUIPMENT MANUAL!!

All users MUST be familiar with the equipment they will be using!
Review the Owners Manual
Understand The Warning Labels on your equipment!
Safety Alert Symbol: Used to alert personnel to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to
avoid possible injury or death.

Red Used to indicate the presence of an imminently hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury

Orange Used to indicate the presence of a potentially hazardous situation

which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury
Yellow with safety alert symbol used to indicate the presence of a
potentially dangerous situation which, if not avoided, may cause minor or
moderate injury
Yellow without safety alert symbol Used to indicate the presence of a
situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage
Green Used to indicate operation or maintenance information

Failure to obey the instructions and safety rules in the

equipment manual can result in death or serious injury
 A common “pre-use” checklist for mobile
scaffold inspection, and work area survey
 Perform pre-use scaffold inspection
 Ensure all users/operators are trained
 Survey work area for anticipated hazards
 Ensure all PPE is available
 All tools/associated equipment safely stored on the platform
 Be aware of the scaffold load limits
 Close off area when doing major overhead work/projects
 Use a signaler or spotter where required
 Operate lift only on solid & level ground
 Operate lift with all other workers clear of the site
 Smooth/safe operating speed for various local conditions
 Lift mobilizes only when the unit is in fully lowered position
(Based on recommendations in manufacturers manual)
Re-training Requirements
When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the
skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use
or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain each such
employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. Retraining is
required in at least the following situations:

 Where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which an

employee has not been previously trained; or

 Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling

object protection, or other equipment present a hazard about which
an employee has not been previously trained; or

 Where inadequacies in an affected employee's work involving

scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite
proficiency
 Always retrain in the event of an Accident or Near Miss
Accidents/Injuries while using a
mobile scaffold……
 Must be reported immediately to EHS&RM
- regardless of severity!
 Use UAF Accident/Incident Report form found on
our website
 Call 474-5413 for immediate assistance
 Any accident with mobile scaffolding must be
promptly investigated to help prevent future
incidents/accidents and injuries
Last… but not least…
Supervisor Equipment Review
 Your supervisor must demonstrate operation of the
equipment you will use
 You must practice hands-on operation of the equipment
under the direct observation of your supervisor or
other adequately trained employee
 You should be “signed off” on your equipment prior to
your first, unsupervised use.
Before operation, ensure you understand…
 The equipment Safety Features of your equipment
 What the Warning Labels mean on you equipment
 That the manufacturers manual is your best resource for safety

information regarding your specific mobile scaffold equipment!

Continued Supervised Practice or Observation recommended!

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