Scaffolding regulations at the federal and state levels tend to change over time as new legislation passes. As such, employers must actively stay on top of the evolving regulatory updates.

These rules cover all aspects of scaffolding work—from the physical construction and design to determining who provides training for employees working at height.

 Read on to learn more about the latest scaffolding guidelines as of 2024.

Important Recent Scaffolding Safety Guidelines

There are several important scaffolding design guidelines and safety rules that pertain to working on a scaffold:

• Guardrails and/or fall arrest systems are mandatory when working over 10 feet up.
• Guardrails should be between 38” and 45” high.
• Scaffold platforms must be fully decked or planked.
• You must secure a supported scaffolding with a height-to-base ratio of over 4:1 by guying, tying, or bracing it.
• Scaffolds must be able to hold up to four times their maximum load.
• A Competent person must perform an inspection before each work shift.
• Employers must train all employees working at height on proper safety rules.
• Do not violate clearances from electrical power lines as allowed in 1926.451(f)(6). In Virginia, the minimum clearance is 10 Feet from power lines.
• Do not bridge two scaffolds with walkways unless designed by a qualified person.
• Do not use the scaffold unless you and the people below are using proper falling object protection.
• Do not use scaffolds during storms, lightning, or high winds.
• Do not work on ice or snow-covered platforms.
• Do not use a scaffold if it is not plumb, square, and rigid.
• Do not alter the scaffold. A trained crew may only perform scaffold alteration under the supervision of a competent person.

These requirements for scaffolding safety come directly from OSHA standards.

Construction & Design Requirements

Scaffolding systems need to be designed and built in a certain way to be deemed safe. Different regulations apply to different types of scaffolding systems, such as supported scaffolds versus suspension platforms. However, the general premise is to ensure the structure that is installed and is being used by workers is secure and safe.

Guardrails, Midrails, and Cross Bracing

In most circumstances, OSHA requires guardrail installation on supported scaffolds at heights over 10 feet. Install guardrails between 38 and 45 inches high and place the midrails at about half that height.

When used to support the top rail for the guardrail, cross bracing should reach the required height of between 38 and 45 inches. Do not build the top rails on guardrails from steel or plastic banding. It should be sturdy enough to stop a fall.

Platforms

Planking installed on a scaffold must support at least four times its intended load, plus its own weight, without failure. It shouldn’t deflect more than 1/60 of its length between supports. You should build working platforms from solid wood or fabricated planks. 

Do not overload the platform with more than its intended loading capacity. Avoid extending working maximum heights by climbing guardrails or using boxes or ladders on the platform.  

Scaffolding Support/Restraints

You must use guying, ties, or other restraints when the scaffolding height-to-base ratio exceeds 4:1 to prevent it from tipping. 

Install restraints every 20 vertical feet for widths less than three feet or 26 feet for widths over three feet. Install horizontal braces at each end and no more than 30 feet apart from one end.

Scaffolding Capacity

The O.S.H.A required “factor of safety” for scaffolding design capacity is that a scaffold component and structure needs to support a minimum of four times(4X)  the intended load. All workers, materials, and equipment placed upon the scaffold must never exceed the intended load or maximum capacity, whichever is lower.

Maintenance & Upkeep

Given the risks associated with working on scaffolds, keeping them well-maintained at all times is important. Be sure to wash them down after each job and inspect the scaffolding” for broken or damaged components.

Inspection Frequency

Frequent inspections are central to maintenance and the safe use of scaffolding. A “Competent Person” as defined in the O.S.H.A. standards must inspect the scaffold at the start of every shift. They must also recheck it if anything happens that might weaken its structure. Always inspect the scaffold thoroughly after it’s moved or damaged to ensure its safety.

Qualified Person

A qualified “Competent Person” is someone who has received the training and education needed to perform specific tasks. This usually means they have earned a certification validating their knowledge and skill in scaffold building. 

Pedestrian Safety/Object Protection Safety

Protect bystanders and objects below with multiple layers of defense. Barricades clearly demarcate the danger zone, while overhead canopies or debris netting directly stop falling materials. This layered approach prioritizes both worker and public safety.

4 Most Common Scaffolding Safety Failures

There are four common scaffolding safety failures that you should be aware of:

1. Overloading a scaffold.
2. A contractor removes scaffold support members or alters the scaffold. 
3. Bad housekeeping—leaving extra debris, which can lead to slips, trips, and falls.
4. Unstable Base/Footing: Mudsills and Baseplates are not adequately secured or tightened.

How to Wash and Clean Scaffolding

The best way to clean/wash a scaffold is to have all the components disassembled and on the ground. Use a pressure washer to remove dirt, debris, grease, or cement splashes. Use a mild soap or degreasing agent to remove tricky oils or grease. Never use harsh chemicals that could eat away at the integrity of the metal.  

Ensure the pressure washer is at a low setting to avoid damaging components such as the scaffold boards or wooden planks. Cleaning an undismantled scaffold requires extreme caution. During pressure washing, pay close attention to prevent loosening or disengaging any components, as this could compromise safety.

Personal Safety Requirements For The Safe Use Of Scaffolding

Individuals working at height are just as responsible for their safety as their employers. That said, there are some items that employers must provide for their employees to ensure their safety.

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

Workers at heights over 10 feet must use a fall arrest system or guardrails. OSHA regulations require that one or two-point suspension scaffolds have both.

However, we recommend using guardrails and/or fall arrest systems when working over 6 feet up. You should also implement toeboards and/or debris netting to shield individuals and objects below from falling materials. Furthermore, secure all tools that could fall using tool tether lanyards.

Personal fall protection systems include harnesses, belts, snap hooks, lifelines, D-rings, and anchorage points. State laws may require additional personal protective equipment (PPE). It is typically the employer’s responsibility to provide that equipment. 

Falling Object Protection

Employees must wear hard hats while on the worksite to protect them from falling objects, such as tools, debris, etc. In addition, OSHA standards require the installation of toeboards, screens, nets, or barricades to catch falling items.

Training

A qualified person must train employees on the hazards of working at height and the procedures to mitigate those risks. A competent person must also train those who assemble, move, repair, maintain, inspect, or operate scaffolds.

Employers must retrain employees who they feel lack the proficiency or knowledge to work safely. Retraining is also required if no training has occurred after changes have been made to the worksite.

Complying With Scaffolding Safety Guidelines

Of course, this is just a sampling of many scaffolding safety guidelines. Many more rules apply to specific types of scaffolds (such as suspension systems or aerial lifts). Other regulations govern access methods and requirements for employees dismantling or erecting a scaffold.

Maintaining compliance with these standards is often a matter of industry expertise. Contractors specializing in scaffolding design and erection tend to be current on these laws and regulations.

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The post Recent Scaffolding Safety Guidelines [Updated 2024] appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

Safety (and Safe-Work) is our company’s #1 core value. Scaffolding Solutions is committed to putting safety first every single day, on every single project. A diamond rating would not be possible without a strong safety culture in place – and a 100% commitment to working safely from every person on our team. We are incredibly proud of everyone on our team for making safety a top priority and earning this prestigious honor!

The post Scaffolding Solutions Earns ABC STEP Diamond Safety Rating in 2023 appeared first on Scaffolding Solutions.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) hired contractor W.M. Schlosser to undertake the massive job of providing additional support to the metro train line columns, which would provide for a much longer lifespan. 

W.M. Schlosser turned to Scaffolding Solutions for help installing shoring platforms around existing columns on the metro train line. The work would help support the framing and load for adding pier caps to the columns.

The Challenge

To install the pier caps on the columns, W.M. Schlosser needed site grading for areas of shoring over soft soil and heavy vegetation. They also needed to install shoring platforms at precise levels, high elevations, and over uneven grades with tolerances of less than ¼”.

The January weather in Washington D.C. only added to the challenge. The shoring installers would need to deal with unpredictable snow, high winds, freezing rain, and cold temperatures. 

The project also wound its way through various community areas such as soccer fields, a golf range, roadways, and the highly secure PEPCO power station–where workers would need to obtain special access.

However, W.M. Schlosser’s biggest concern was validating that the shoring platforms could support the load of the concrete poured for the pier caps. 

The Solution

W.M. Schlosser had already partnered with Scaffolding Solutions on previous WMATA projects and understood their values, attention to detail, and commitment to the project’s success—which made Scaffolding Solutions the perfect team for the job.

Scaffolding Solutions immediately got to work and came up with a highly detailed shoring design to support various loads added to each column that ranged in weight from 100k to 300k pounds.

They implemented an OCTOⓇ system as shoring to create the design for the platforms and made sure they were level and plumb—with tolerances of no more than ¼” over a 30’x20’ area.

The Result

Thanks to the complex shoring work performed by Scaffolding Solutions, W.M. Schlosser was able to add the necessary pier caps to strengthen the columns and increase their lifespan.

The approximately 2.5 million dollar project is still ongoing and scheduled for completion in January 2023. W.M. Schlosser is thrilled with the production and workmanship performed by Scaffolding Solutions.

Duke Gamble, Sales Engineer/Project Manager, Scaffolding Solutions, remarked:

Shoring for Large Construction Projects

Do you have a current or upcoming project that requires shoring? At Scaffolding Solutions, we’ve worked on some of the largest construction projects in the V.A. and Washington D.C. areas. Our decades of experience allow us to jump in and solve the toughest of shoring challenges. Contact us today to learn how we can help.

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Read on to learn how the Scaffolding Solutions team managed an extremely tight schedule and high-security environment while engineering a safe solution for the containment vessel’s curved wall.

A Circular Challenge

The curved containment vessel (CV) at the power plant houses the reactor’s core, which had to be shut down before work could begin. The team of workers needed to access four outdoor locations suspended off of a lip that was only 4 ft wide—and had a 140-foot drop. 

The nuclear power plant takes safety very seriously— so this meant that workers had to wear radiation badges, carry dosimeters, and get temperature checks due to the ongoing COVID pandemic. Workers were also required to only use specific, pre-approved wrenches and lifelines.

Stringent background checks were also needed due to the sensitive nature of the area. Workers would have an armed guard escort from the minute they stepped onto the property to the minute they left.

After an extensive screening process, Scaffolding Solutions was hired to provide the scaffolding set up and take down to help the power plant stay within its strict project time frame.

A Highly Customized Solution

Due to the shutdown of the nuclear reactor, everything had to go according to a rigid timeline. In addition to the security and safety challenges, the crew and vendors of Scaffolding Solutions had to be on their A-game—if one thing went wrong, they would have immediately lost the job. 

There were multiple pre-meetings discussing every nut and bolt that would be used—literally. Everything needed to be calculated, checked, and re-checked. Due to the rigorous safety culture, the power plant team had to verify everything—right down to the workers’ gloves. 

The project engineers did not want to drill into CV, so the Scaffolding Solutions team had to develop a specific anchor system. They wound up fabricating three custom beams and brackets that anchor into the CV to hold the beam and suspend the platform for the swing stage. A Bisomac 308 motor would take care of the heavy lifting.

The timeframe was tight—they had 45 days of preplanning and less than a month to install four custom suspended access platforms and safely dismantle the equipment.

The Results

The swing stage scaffolding set up, take down, and CV maintenance project went off without a hitch. The The swing stage scaffolding set up, take down, and CV maintenance project went off without a hitch. The team at Scaffolding Solutions met the strict time frame, safety, and engineering expectations. The power plant and engineering teams were thrilled with the professional service and top-notch scaffolding work that Scaffolding Solutions performed.

Scaffolding for Challenging Access Problems

Do you have an upcoming or current project that requires scaffolding? At Scaffolding Solutions, our decades of experience have allowed us to tackle some of the most challenging scaffolding jobs. Contact us below to learn more about how we can help.

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Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, NC, decided to rework the facade on their aging basketball stadium. Before repair work could get underway, several challenges prevented construction crews from getting workers and materials up to height using traditional methods.

The general contractor needed an innovative solution to allow the project to get underway safely and at a minimal cost. They reached out to the North Carolina office of Scaffolding Solutions, who provided scaffolding that included the following benefits:

The Challenge

While the stadium wasn’t enormously high (~90 feet at points), there were a few issues that prevented workers from easily accessing the building. Normally, construction crews would use a scissor lift or similar equipment. However, both of those solutions would have caused major damage to the ground-level paving stones.

Another challenge was the uniqueness of the structure itself. Most buildings have a parapet—a sort of raised lip—around the edge of the roof where workers could use parapet clamps to secure a swing stage scaffold. 

However, WCU’s basketball stadium had no such anchor points. If they used a swing stage scaffold, it would involve either an expensive or a creative solution.

This project also required a very strict time frame due to the upcoming sports season. Complicating matters further was that the stadium resides in an area prone to high winds and frequent storms. Needless to say, Scaffolding Solutions had a challenging task at hand.

The Solution

While other scaffolding system providers would have implemented more expensive options, Scaffolding Solutions opted for a more creative and economical approach.

We decided to run tieback anchors across the 300-foot roof and secure them to the opposing side of the building with parapet hooks. This method allowed us to secure swing stage scaffolding to an area with no roof anchors or tieback points. From there, we ran a line down to the ground from the hooks with a counterweight to provide extra stability.

Using this system, we set up four BISOMAC hoists to suspend a pair of 45-foot Altrex platforms—which was far more efficient than the trio of 30-foot platforms offered by a competitor. We added a pair of Beta Max Leo hoists with 1,000 pounds of capacity—perfect for running 800-pound glass panels up to the work area.

We also provided training and certification to the personnel working on the platforms, thereby helping maintain compliance with OSHA regulations.

The Result

The innovative solution allowed construction personnel to work on the building’s facade without sacrificing safety or damaging the paving stones. In addition, it saved the college the expense of setting up barriers or using shorter platforms that required more manpower.

The general contractor was so pleased with the outcome that they requested two more platforms. The additional scaffolding allowed their construction crews to complete the project at an even faster rate.

Contact Scaffolding Solutions For Reliable & Innovative Service

Scaffolding Solutions has helped general contractors and other customers safely complete their remodeling, construction, and building maintenance projects. We provide innovative solutions designed to meet needs at reduced costs—without compromising safety.

Are you looking for professional scaffolding services in North Carolina? We can help.

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The Netherlands Carillon is a 127-foot tall bell tower and monument in Washington DC. The structure was originally a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the People of the United States and was completed in 1960.

Contact us to learn more about the project or to schedule a scaffolding project of your own.

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In need of a commercial scaffolding project in Washington, DC for her exhibit, multimedia artist Heather Theresa Clark knew that finding a solution for her art piece The Erasure of Time would require a group of skilled scaffolding craftsmen.

To bring her carefully constructed soundscape to life, Clark would require custom-built oversized commercial scaffolding. This would be the best solution and most durable structure for her unique artistic needs.

The Challenge

Many challenges were faced by Scaffolding Solutions, including the types of item supports, the location of the work, and the scaffolding’s overall appearance.

Located at the American University Museum in Washington, DC, The Erasure of Time would need to accommodate both the aspects of an art piece and the foundations of industrial scaffolding. Large water fountains, heavy fans, and multiple record players would each require specific placement, as well as adequate support for all desired artistic effects.

The unique location of the project would require additional care and attention, ensuring that all pieces were constructed securely and without any structural imbalances.

The Solution

All professionals working on The Erasure of Time were briefed with expected deadlines and processes, as well as all limitations of the job compared with standard industry scaffolding projects.

Designers at Scaffolding Solutions took into account each area of consideration before beginning the installation process.

To solve the challenges associated with scaffolding of such specifications, the company repeatedly engaged in close collaboration with all partners on the project.

The Result

Scaffolding Solutions rose to the challenge by constructing an oversized commercial scaffolding piece that accommodated each of the artist’s requests.

Utilizing a special scaffolding technology with patented integrated safety locks, the final project created unobstructed access to all aspects of the exhibit. This provided both safety and timely productivity for the artist to optimize her work before its debut.

The ability to surpass tight limitations on installation, design, and appearance marks Scaffolding Solutions as a leading provider of innovative scaffolding.

Contact Scaffolding Solutions For Innovation You Can Count On

In operation since 2002, Scaffolding Solutions was built upon the idea that excellence can never happen on accident. A long history of influential work and powerful results prove that the professionals at Scaffolding Solutions are prepared to design scaffolding of any size or requirement.

Interested in what Scaffolding Solutions can do for your next commercial scaffolding project?

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St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, June 27, 2019 – Fraco Products Ltd is proud to announce that it forged a partnership with Scaffolding Solutions, a one stop supplier of scaffold solutions. That new partnership concerns the territory of both North and South Carolina.

Scaffolding Solutions was founded in 2002 with the goal to deliver excellence in everything that they do. They are committed to safety, professionalism and integrity, values that fit well with Fraco’s. They offer everything from estimation, erection and dismantling, labor services and complete project management, as well as scaffolding, shoring, containment, hoists and trash chute products.

With three locations in Charlotte, Greensboro and Charleston, Scaffolding Solutions is a leader in its market, especially with its line of unique European-designed OCTO® Scaffolding System. The supplier will now be representing FRACO’s full line of world class mast guided access products. Fraco is proud to be working with this team of dedicated professionals, who always aim to deliver the best scaffolding solutions available to their customers.

Roger A. Jetton, President of Scaffolding Solutions, LLC said, “We are excited about developing this new opportunity with Fraco.”

Fraco Products Ltd. is a Canadian manufacturer of mast access systems such as work platforms, construction hoists, industrial elevators and transportation platforms. This equipment is intended for the construction of buildings, as well as for industrial markets, infrastructure works and the power generation sector. Fraco also has a solid reputation in developing access systems for special projects. The company primarily serves markets in North America and Europe but remains open to the world.

About Fraco

Established in 1991, Fraco is a Canadian manufacturer of mast guided access equipment. Its range of products includes work platforms, construction elevators, industrial lifts, material only hoists and transport platforms. Constant innovation and close customer relationships have cemented Fraco’s reputation as a leader in the North American mast climbing industry. Fraco’s equipment is offered to general and specialized contractors through their broad distribution network.

Learn More About Quality Design Mast Climber Scaffolding

Scaffolding Solutions mast climber scaffolding brings versatility, security, and convenience to your worksite. Contact us today to learn more about safe, cost-effective solutions or to request a quote.

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Every STEP participant is passionate about safety, and Scaffolding Solutions is no exception. Taking steps towards achieving world-class safety is essential not only because it ensures that safety stays at the forefront of company culture, but that it extends into the community.

Scaffolding Solutions is proud to announce they’ve received a STEP Platinum Level award for their participation in the program.

In order to achieve STEP Platinum, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Platinum Level 20 Key Components self-score
• Incidence rate of at least 25 percent below the national average
• No fatalities or in-patient hospitalizations within the application year
• No willful or serious OSHA citations within application year or previous two consecutive years
• EMR at or below 0.800 for application year
• Adherence to Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Pledge
• Site supervisory personnel must complete an OSHA 10-hour construction safety course or equivalent
• Employ designated safety personnel with OSHA 30-hour construction safety course training or equivalent
• Have site-specific safety and health programs in place
• Participate in ongoing safety and health programs
• Employee training in the identification and control of hazards specific to the contractor’s worksite(s) safety requirements
• Submission of both OSHA Form 300 and Form 300A

Commitment To Safety & Excellence

Scaffolding Solutions’ commitment to safety and excellence is visible across a vast range of services. From designing custom scaffolding systems to providing future maintenance, you can count on the expert team for superior service and support.

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image credit: Lawrence Emerson / Fauquiernow.com 

The courthouse and tower truly have a long history of rebuilds and renovations. The fact that we at Scaffolding Solutions had an opportunity to be immersed in the structure’s rich history means a lot to the company. This project is a great example of why we love being part of historic building renovations.

For more details please refer to the Courthouse Scaffolding Project article published by FauquierNow.

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