Safety on Heights: Our Policy

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Susanna Stokes
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1 11/17/14

Safety on Heights: Our Policy Only volunteers over the age of 18 are allowed to work on heights of more than six feet off the ground. This includes all work on scaffolds.

2 Safety on Heights: Our Policy Only volunteers over the age of 18 are allowed to work on heights of more than six feet off the ground. This includes all work on scaffolds. Only volunteers who are comfortable on heights should work there. Every volunteer working on heights must get a quick and comprehensive safety orientation from you on how to use scaffolds, regardless of their personal experience. A trained member of staff, AmeriCorps, or support staff must construct scaffolding (ladder-frame and pump jacks) or supervise and inspect its construction and adjustments before allowing work to begin or continue on it. Remember: Heights safety isn t just about working safely up high. It s also ensuring the safety of everyone below.

Construction of Ladder-Frame Scaffolding Use leveling jacks and approved foundation boards to

Ensure foundation boards are sturdy and constructed of at least 2x6 material, at a minimum 12 long.

3 Construction of Ladder-Frame Scaffolding Use leveling jacks and approved foundation boards to distribute weight and prevent sinking and/or sliding. Ensure foundation boards are sturdy and constructed of at least 2x6 material, at a minimum 12 long. Ensure jacks are fastened to foundation boards securely with four (4) 16d nails. Do not over-extend leveling jacks. No more than two-thirds of jack s overall height should be exposed under ladder tubing. When constructing scaffolding on uneven, wet, or frozen ground dig footboards down to make them level and stake the plates to prevent sliding.

Adjust all successive frames to be level with this first point.

4 Construction of Ladder-Frame Scaffolding Scaffold frames should be erected level, plumb, and square. Level every frame as it is erected: Starting at one corner, level all four sides of each frame. Adjust all successive frames to be level with this first point. If constructing a long set of ladder-frame scaffolding on sloping ground, do not over-extend leveling jacks to stay level. If necessary, stop the set and begin another set on lowered leveling jacks. Never use material (or build platforms) to raise leveling jacks.

Where the working platform sits above ladder frames, approved handrail frames must be used to protect all

These must be installed per manufacturer s specifications and must include: Top horizontal bracing at 42

all platform pieces must always be engaged when platforms are installed on scaffolding.

5 Where the working platform sits above ladder frames, approved handrail frames must be used to protect all three outward-facing sides of the platform. These must be installed per manufacturer s specifications and must include: Top horizontal bracing at 42 Midlevel horizontal bracing at the midway point Toeboard secured with wire Wind latches on the underside of all platform pieces must always be engaged when platforms are installed on scaffolding. These latches not only protect against high wind but also serve to keep sections locked, plumb, and square. Do not use a hammer to force latches to turn! Get a wrench or lubricant to loosen the bolt.

6 All frames should be secured to those above and below with approved clips to prevent them from lifting off and separating. Clips designed to attach top rail system poles to ladder frames. Gravity clips connect ladder frames together. Gravity clips can not be used to attach top rail poles. These adjustable clips are meant for horizontal bracing and can be set at any height. These can also be used to connect ladder frames.

7 Bracing Intro All working platforms must always have a horizontal brace at 42. Any other levels of scaffold not actively being used as a work platform must have all diagonal bracing. Working platforms can remove the diagonal brace against the building only if there are no other work platforms above it. Bottom level of all scaffolding must have all diagonal bracing (front and back) at all times.

8 Working Platform Specifics Never place platforms on upper ladder support bars. All working platforms must have horizontal bracing at 42 from the top of the platform. Single platforms may be added to first support bar on ladder frames but only if working platform level is fully decked and braced. Use appropriate and approved clips for each application.

9 Working Platform Specifics The first support bar on ladder frames can be fully decked and used as a work platform. 42 If this first support bar is fully decked, the standard platform does not need to be. However, horizontal handrail must still be placed at 42 from top of this platform.

10 Ladder Frame Specifics Always stack scaffold frames so that ladder sections align all the way up scaffold system. This way workers can climb unimpeded straight up to working level. Never alternate ladders on vertical frame stacks. Workers can fall while climbing or descending ladder sections.

11 H o u s e Ladder Frame Specifics Alternating ladder frames across working platform levels is acceptable. It is recommended that ladder sections are placed close to structure on outermost frames and away from structure on all inner frames. This allows workers to more freely maneuver through and work around frames on working platform and provides additional bracing at edges of platform. It also prevents workers from leaning through openings at edges trying to reach beyond frames.

Handrails and Bracing All working platforms on scaffolds ten feet or

This handrail must be set between 36 and 42 from the working platform.

These handrails must be able to withstand a body s full force do not use

Do not use the pins intended for crossbracing securement: these are too

No second horizontal rail is necessary at the midway point.

12 Handrails and Bracing All working platforms on scaffolds ten feet or higher must be equipped with a standard handrail. This handrail must be set between 36 and 42 from the working platform. Use approved clips to attach these rails. These handrails must be able to withstand a body s full force do not use wire to secure. Do not use the pins intended for crossbracing securement: these are too high. Cross-bracing is adequate mid-level fall prevention. No second horizontal rail is necessary at the midway point. For more information: Subpart D: (d)(7) And clarification letter dated: 8/21/07 Do not force bracing into place. If it does not fit smoothly either it is bent or the frame system is out of plumb or square.

Bracing Large Sections Scaffolding systems of four levels or more must be secured to the structure on the third level or higher with an approved brace.

13 Bracing Large Sections Scaffolding systems of four levels or more must be secured to the structure on the third level or higher with an approved brace. Bracing can either: Tie into building, secured to framing members and following all manufacturer specifications, or Brace back down to ground, fastened to a secure stake. For more information: Subpart D: (d)(9)

Inspections and Tagging Staff supervisors are responsible for checking all scaffolding on site for

All scaffolding should be tagged with a inspection log to show how often and how recently it has been

Scaffolding which is unsafe for any reason should be designated with red DANGER tags.

14 Inspections and Tagging Staff supervisors are responsible for checking all scaffolding on site for safety every day that any scaffolding will be in use. All scaffolding should be tagged with a inspection log to show how often and how recently it has been inspected. Scaffolding which is safe for use should be designated with green OK tags. Scaffolding which is unsafe for any reason should be designated with red DANGER tags. Large sections of scaffolding which are unsafe should be clearly marked with more than just one red tag. Either use a red tag at every access point or use caution tape to prevent workers from using it.

Moving materials up and down scaffolds Always maintain three points of contact while ascending/ descending

Use ropes to raise and lower materials between sections.

Use carabiners or clips where possible for faster securement.

15 Moving materials up and down scaffolds Always maintain three points of contact while ascending/ descending ladder frame scaffolding. Never move up or down scaffolding while carrying anything. Use ropes to raise and lower materials between sections. Always clear the area below rope system when raising/lowering tools and materials. Ensure all knots are secure. Use carabiners or clips where possible for faster securement. Coil and store all excess rope securely out of the way of work. Use buckets to transport tools and small materials. When raising large pieces of material, ensure load is tied securely so that it cannot fall out of system during transport.

Not: On uneven ground outside a home, or a sloped concrete driveway.

16 Using Wheeled Bases Use wheeled bases only on solid, level ground. For example: On the concrete rat slab of a basement or the subfloor of a home. Not: On uneven ground outside a home, or a sloped concrete driveway. Ensure wheels are all locked across entire system before working on platforms. LOCKED UNLOCKED

Ladder Frame Scaffolding: Safe Work Practices Know safe working loads of scaffolds and work within those limits. Waco specs are 75lbs per square foot of plank.

17 Ladder Frame Scaffolding: Safe Work Practices Know safe working loads of scaffolds and work within those limits. Waco specs are 75lbs per square foot of plank. Do not allow tools, materials, or debris to accumulate on scaffold. Do not use ladders or benches of any kind on scaffolding planks. Do not work alone. Have someone on the ground watching out for your safety. Never use cross-braces to gain access to scaffolding. Scaffolding should not be used as a cut station unless: The crew is specifically trained and designated and The entire area below scaffolding is roped off as a No Work or Walk Zone. Do not use scaffolding in high wind conditions of 40mph or greater, or stop work at the discretion of a trained staff member or AmeriCorps.

19 What is pumpjack scaffolding?

(cranking up and down tower pole) and supports walk board and work

Walk board plank rests on pump jack bench system and spans between

20 How does it work? Adjustable triangular braces connect securely to framing of house and support tower pole. Tower pole is erected perfectly plumb and supports pump jack bench system. Hand crank Foot pump Pump jack bench system is adjustable, (cranking up and down tower pole) and supports walk board and work bench. It includes: Hand crank, brake, foot pump, and safety chains. Walk board plank rests on pump jack bench system and spans between two or more tower poles. Workers use this board to walk and work on system. Brake Safety chain Work bench plank does the same, but is reserved for tool and material storage. Workers may not walk, stand, or sit on these benches.

21 Footing Placement Vertical pole (tower) footing should be securely placed on a platform to displace weight and prevent sinking and/or sliding. Platform should be: Minimum ¾ subfloor Placed on level ground or dug into ground until level. Framed with minimum 2x4 pieces to prevent pole from sliding on platform. Staked on sides to prevent platform from sliding on ground. Plan for the worst ground conditions when you set up.

Measure height of structure when you raise

Tie a rope to triangular brace so worker on

22 Raising the Towers Make sure pump jack bench system is as low on the pole as possible. Adjust this before you raise the tower. Attach adjustable triangular bracing securely to top of pole. Measure height of structure when you raise the tower, triangular brace should be level with where you want to attach it to structure. Set bottom of tower on footing platform (don t stake it yet). Tie a rope to triangular brace so worker on roof can help raise it. Keeping the base of the tower on footing platform, have two workers on the ground walk the tower up, guiding it and making sure it doesn t hit anything.

23 Raising the Towers Make sure towers are fairly plumb on both sides before attaching the second arm of triangular bracing to structure. One worker on the roof pulls the top of the tower up with the rope. Attach shorter arm of the triangular bracing first: Keep it fairly level (adjust its attachment to the tower if necessary). Keep it perpendicular to the house and the tower (not angled left or right). Once the top of the tower is securely fastened to the building, adjust the base until the tower is perfectly plumb in both directions. Then stake the platform.

24 Attaching the Bracing The longer arm can angle however necessary to tie securely into framing. The entire brace can pivot where it is attached to the tower, allowing you to attach the shorter arm with its bracket vertical or horizontal. The bracket of the longer arm will always be vertical. Each brace should be anchored directly into framing members with two (2) ¼ -diameter lag bolts. The short arm should tie directly into the building (perpendicular to the wall). This prevents movement of the tower and ensures that each tower will be set the same and appropriate distance from the house. 2 At least 2 of the length of the bolt must be secured in framing members.

25 Platform Placement Work planks must be within 14 of the structure. All planks should extend at least 6 over jack supports at ends of system. 14 Planks joining in center of system must be evenly placed on jack.

26 Platform Securing All planks should be secured with a safety chain running through the platform and locked to jacks.

27 Guardrails and Safety Netting Secure safety nets along entire working area to prevent workers, tools, and materials from falling through. Attach end rail systems at each end of working area. Never use pump jack systems without end rail and safety nets in place! Never climb over or otherwise bypass safety net or end rail systems!

28 Access to Scaffold Provide at least one of three scaffold access options: 1. Window access: (preferred) Raise/lower system so that work planks are just below a window (minimum 3 5 ) so that workers can climb through opening and onto planks. Ensure this window is always open and protect interior finish as necessary. 2. Ladder access: See next slide. 3. Raise/lower entire system: (least efficient) Raise and lower the entire pumpjack bench system (abiding by all safe adjustment practices) when workers need to get on or get off planks.

29 Access to Scaffold Ladder Access: Handrail access When pumpjack planks extend past the corner of a building, you can set up ladder access. Ladders used as access must have adequate handrail surface (bench or end rail system) within reach and must be secured to pump jack system. Adjust ladder height and fastening after every pump jack height adjustment. Secure the base of the ladder such that standard movement of the pump jack system during work can t alter the angle or security of the ladder. Secured with wire

30 Adjusting the Height To raise: To lower: Keep foot crank in upright position when not in use. Place foot in strap and pump lever. Use left foot to release brake (system will drop slightly.) Keep this lever engaged while lowering. Use right hand to turn crank. Remember: Always work as a team when raising and lowering platforms. Move slowly and evenly to ensure platforms remain level throughout process.

31 When platform is at desired height, double-check that: All platforms and benches are level. All platforms and benches are still securely supported by jacks. Pay special attention to planks that meet on a jack (instead of overhanging one end). They don t have as much bearing and could more easily slide off.

32 Lowering the Towers 1) From bench system, tie a rope to triangular bracing. 2) Lower bench system as far as possible and remove all planks and safety netting. 3) Working from a ladder, remove hardware attaching triangular brace to building. 4) From roof (or other secure scaffolding), one worker uses the rope to lower and guide the top of the tower slowly down. 5) Workers on the ground walk the tower back until they can lay it down.

33 Safe Work Practices 1. Know safe working loads of scaffolds and work within those limits. 2. Workers are not to change, remove, or adjust height of scaffolding system unless authorized and supervised by a trained staff member or AmeriCorps. 3. Do not store tools or materials on safety net. 4. Do not overload bench area. 5. Workers may sit or stand on platform surfaces but are not allowed to sit or stand on bench surfaces. 6. Do not use ladders or benches of any kind on scaffolding planks.

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