Basic Rules of Scaffolding for Every Job

Scaffolding is a critical tool for work that needs to be performed at a height. Most construction workers use scaffolding regularly, as do maintenance and repair workers, window washers, painters, and others. There are many types of scaffolding to accommodate the wide variety of jobs that need it.

No matter what kind of scaffolding you use, it can be dangerous. The most significant hazard is a fall risk, followed by the possibility of being struck by an object dropped from above.

OSHA's general scaffolding requirements apply to all scaffolding, but they're targeted at the most common types of construction scaffolding, like tube or frame scaffolding. Each specialized type has additional scaffolding safety rules that need to be observed due to unique hazards and circumstances.

Below, we'll give a quick overview of the basic rules of scaffolding, then move on to different types of scaffolding, the jobs they're best suited for, and their unique hazards and rules. We'll answer questions like, what's the best siding scaffolding? What are the requirements for scaffolding ladders? When is cantilever scaffolding necessary?

Most importantly, where can you get effective training that meets OSHA scaffolding requirements?

What Are the Basic Rules of Scaffolding?

General OSHA scaffolding requirements are over 10,000 words long and impossible to cover comprehensively in one blog article. That's why OSHA requires scaffolding safety training for everyone that's going to work on scaffolding of some kind.

For the purposes of this article, we're going to focus on the most important scaffolding safety rules for using and working on a properly assembled scaffold. Still, it's worth noting that the scaffolding standard includes extensive technical specifications for the design, construction, assembly, and inspection of scaffolding.

Here are some of the most basic rules of scaffolding:

• Scaffolding must not be loaded beyond the maximum intended load (though scaffolding must support its own weight and at least 4 times the anticipated load without failure).
• Scaffolds must be erected on even, secure ground and adequately tied in and braced against a permanent structure.
• Scaffolding needs a daily visual inspection before and after each shift.
• Anyone working more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected by guardrails or fall arrest systems (but there are some cases where OSHA requires both).
• Scaffolding platforms must be kept clear of spills or unanchored materials to prevent slip, trip, and fall accidents.
• Hard hats must be worn on and under scaffolding, and tools must be secured against the body.
• Workers must climb scaffolding responsibly, using only the designated ladders and points of access.
• Scaffold work should be suspended when there is thunder, precipitation, or high wind.

What is Wood Scaffolding?

Wood scaffolding, or pole scaffolding, is built entirely out of wood. Wood scaffolding is built from scratch and difficult to reuse. As a result, it's no longer the default construction scaffolding, and it's largely been replaced by pole scaffolding, frame scaffolding, and other types.

OSHA does have specific pole scaffolding requirements, but since they're rarely used today, it's a niche topic.

What is Frame Scaffolding?

Fabricated frame scaffolds consist of platforms supported by fabricated end frames with integral posts, horizontal bearers, and intermediate members.

Frame scaffolding has become the default for everything from light jobs to construction, so the general OSHA scaffolding requirements are applicable.

What Jobs Are Frame Scaffolding Good For?

These characteristics make them fast and easy to erect, versatile, and economical – especially in comparison to tube and clamp scaffolding.

It's no surprise they're incredibly popular for everything from maintenance to painting and construction. The modular nature of frame scaffolding means that residential contractors can use frame scaffolding one or two tiers tall, while large construction projects can be served by stacking the frame scaffolding several stories high (and more than double the potential height of pole and clamp scaffolding).

Frame scaffolding is not the best choice for work involving heavy supplies like masonry.

What is Tube and Coupler Scaffolding?

Tube scaffolding is constructed of tubing connected by coupling devices. Tube and coupler scaffolding is versatile. Since they're not prefabricated, they can be assembled in multiple directions and tailored to a variety of settings.

Unfortunately, that also makes them more difficult to build correctly.

What Jobs Are Tube Scaffolding Good For?

Tube scaffolding is incredibly strong, which is why it's a primary choice for construction involving heavy loads and work on multiple platforms reaching heights of several stories.

What Are OSHA's Rules for Tube Scaffolding?

The basic rules for tube scaffolding are essentially the same as the general scaffolding requirements, with a few additions that apply to their design and construction.

Couplers must be made of structural metal, like drop-forged steel, malleable iron, or structural-grade aluminum. Couplers may not be made from gray cast iron.

Tube and coupler scaffolds over 125 feet must be designed by a registered professional engineer and constructed in accordance with that design.

When platforms are being moved to the next level, the existing platform should be left in place until the new bearers have been set in place and braced to receive the new platform.

What is Ladder Scaffolding?

Also known as ladder jack scaffolding, ladder scaffolds are simple devices. You attach triangle-shaped brackets called "ladder jacks" to two portable ladders no more than 8 feet apart and lay a platform between them. OSHA prohibits you from placing ladder scaffolding platforms any higher than 20 feet from the supported base.

There are several styles of ladder jacks to choose from. Some bear on the ladder rungs only, while others bear on the rungs and side rails.

What Jobs Are Ladder Scaffolding Good For?

Since ladder scaffolding is limited to low heights and two workers at a time, they're only good for light activities like installing building exteriors, trim, and finishes.

However, they're ideal for those applications because they're cost-effective, portable, and quick to erect. They're also adaptable for narrow workspaces since the width is quickly adjusted by moving the ladders.

What Are OSHA's Rules for Ladder Scaffolding?

While the general requirements for scaffolding still apply, OSHA has several basic rules that apply to ladder scaffolding specifically.

The scaffolding ladders that support the platform must comply with 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X. Job-made ladders should not be used to support ladder jack scaffolds. Extension ladders can't be disassembled and used to support ladder scaffolding.

You must place, fasten, or equip the scaffolding ladders to prevent slipping. Platforms must be no more than 20 feet high, and multiple platforms should not be bridged together.

What is Pump Jack Scaffolding?

Pump jack scaffolding is a platform supported by movable brackets on vertical poles, designed so that the platform can be raised and lowered with a mechanism similar to an automobile jack. Often, there is a work platform on the opposite side of the pole from the standing platform that serves as both a guardrail and a workbench.

Pump jack scaffolding is they're relatively inexpensive and maxes out at 48 feet with a weight capacity of 500 pounds. It can accommodate 2 workers between each set of poles.

What Jobs Are Pump Jack Scaffolding Good For?

Since the single platform can be adjusted to variable heights, pump jack scaffolding is considered perfect for sidewall jobs like siding, painting, and window installation.

In fact, pump jack scaffolding is often referred to as siding scaffolding because it's so closely associated with the job.

What Are OSHA's Rules for Pump Jack Scaffolding?

In addition to the general scaffolding rules, OSHA requires pump jacks to be secured to the structure by rigid triangular bracing that must be moved 4 feet up when the platform surpasses the previous bracing.

Workbenches must not be used as scaffold platforms.

Most pump jack components must be fabricated from metal, but when wood is used, it has to meet certain quality standards.  

What is Mobile Scaffolding?

Mobile scaffolding, sometimes called movable scaffolding, is a stable platform supported by casters or wheels. Mobile scaffolding allows you to move the scaffold without disassembling and reassembling the structure.

What Jobs Are Mobile Scaffolding Good For?

Mobile scaffolding can be useful for any job where workers frequently change positions, including painting and plastering.

What Are OSHA's Rules for Mobile Scaffolding?

There are a few rules specific to mobile scaffolding, though general scaffolding rules apply.

The wheels are obviously the biggest unique feature. For safety, caster or wheel stems must be pinned or otherwise secured to the scaffolding. During use, the mobile scaffolding's casters or wheels must be locked with positive wheel locks, wheel and swivel locks, or equivalent means.

The scaffold itself must also be designed to keep the scaffold square and aligned during lateral movement.

All personnel must come off the scaffolding before it's moved, with very limited exceptions. Scaffolding can be manually moved or propelled, but it can only be propelled by power systems designed for that purpose, with the propelling force applied directly to the wheels.

What is Cantilever Scaffolding?

Cantilever scaffolding, sometimes misspelled as counter lever scaffolding, is a cost-effective solution when there's no stable ground on which to rest conventional scaffolding. It's sometimes called needle scaffolding because "needles" or wooden pins support the entire structure.

There are two basic configurations for cantilever scaffolding. In one, the work platform floats partway up a vertical wall braced against it. In another, the work platform is braced over top of a slanted roof.

What Jobs Are Cantilever Scaffolding Good For?

There are a few situations in which cantilever scaffolding is the best choice.

Cantilever scaffolding can be used to construct or work on the upper part of a wall, especially once you exceed the maximum height of ground-supported scaffolding.

Cantilever scaffolding may also be necessary when the ground beside the structure is unstable, weak, or not level. This includes work that must be performed on top of glazed or sloping roofs.

Finally, cantilever scaffolding is also helpful when work must be performed on the side of a busy road or a street that can't be blocked with conventional scaffolding.

What Are OSHA's Rules for Cantilever Scaffolding?

Platforms on cantilever scaffolding are inherently more unstable than ground-supported scaffolding. OSHA requires the cantilevered portion of the platform to support employees and/or materials without tipping, which means special attention is required to stabilize an eccentric load. Alternatively, the cantilevered end of the platform can have guardrails that block an employee from accessing the cantilevered edge, thereby preventing the weight from tipping it.

Since cantilevered scaffolding also doesn't provide the same opportunities for access as traditional scaffolding, you need to design the scaffold so that balconies or windows can be used as points of access. Ladders may be necessary if the platform is more than 24 inches below the access point.

What is Swing Stage Scaffolding?

Swing stage scaffolding is the most common type of suspended scaffolding. It's also called two-point scaffolding because it's hung by cables or ropes connected to stirrups at each end of the platform.

What Jobs Are Swing Stage Scaffolding Good For?

Swing stage scaffolding is common for jobs on the outside of high-rise buildings, such as window washing, window replacement, painting, and similar maintenance.

It's also a common choice for suspended scaffolding on a high-rise construction site.

What Are OSHA's Rules for Swing Stage Scaffolding?

OSHA has many specifications for suspended scaffolding in general and swing stage scaffolding in particular. That's because there are many safety issues and points of failure that are not applicable to the standard supported scaffolding.

Structurally sound anchorage is the subject of many suspended scaffolding regulations, as well as stabilization, capacity, hoist design, and other unique design aspects.

Fall protection is another particular concern since swing stage scaffolding is designed for enormous heights. Unlike many other types of scaffolding, two-point scaffolds require both a personal fall arrest system and a guardrail system.

Learn More About Scaffolding Safety with Online Training

Scaffolding safety is a critical and complicated topic. Most construction personnel use scaffolding at some point during the year, and many are injured. That's why OSHA requires thorough training on OSHA's scaffolding requirements for anyone involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold.

As an OSHA-authorized training provider with over 20 years of experience, we offer effective online courses in a whole catalog of workplace safety topics, including safe scaffolding use.

We have OSHA-authorized training in working safely on scaffolding and a course on safe scaffolding assembly and disassembly in English and in Spanish.

If you're working in New York City, you'll need DOB-approved SST training on scaffolding safety instead.

Enroll to learn more today!