Hot work permits, as defined by OSHA, are required for operations involving open flames, heat, and/or sparks that could ignite flammable or combustible materials. Our hot work permit ensures that proper precautions are taken before, during, and after such work. Quandel Enterprises has guide forms in the Safety Reference Manual and in the ProCore “Forms” tab to utilize.
ISSUES:
1. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 52 fatal falls to lower levels from scaffolding in 2020. All of these could have been controlled by compliance with OSHA standards.
2. According to a recent BLS study, 72% of scaffold accidents can be attributed to one of the following three causes:
- Scaffold support or planking gives way due to defective equipment or improper assembly.
- Slipping or tripping while on a scaffold due to factors such as slippery surfaces or lack of guardrails.
- Falling objects hitting either a worker on a scaffold or those below.
3. As for the other 28%, scaffold accidents can be caused by:
- Electrocution as a result of scaffolds and equipment being too close to power or utility lines
- Environmental conditions, such as wind, rain, and the presence of hazardous substances
- Inadequate fall protection
- Collapse of scaffolds due to overloading
- Most common injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, broken bones, and lacerations.
4. Lack of regular inspections that are essential to catching issues before they lead to significant problems are often ignored or not performed. Inspections must be conducted before work starts, after shifts, and following any event that could impact the scaffold’s integrity.
5. Lack of providing crucial safety measures for ensuring stability and preventable scaffolding failures.
SOURCES OF HAZARDS:
1. Scaffolding is not inspected before use. Scaffolding is altered from previous use and was not reassembled correctly.
2. Scaffold was not built by a “competent person.”
3. Workers are not trained on proper access and use of the scaffolding system being utilized or the hazards associated with the scaffolding system provided.
4. Employees ignore inspection SOP, regulations, documentation, and signage.
5. Employees do not recognize defective scaffolding.
6. Employees do not recognize the fall hazard and do not have proper access.
7. Employees have not been properly trained.
REGULATIONS:
Capacity 1926.451(a)(1): Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), and (g) of this section, each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.
Use 1926.451(a)(6): Scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. Non-mandatory Appendix A to this subpart contains examples of criteria that will enable an employer to comply with paragraph (a) of this section.
1926.451(f)(7): Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.
1926.451(f)(8): Employees shall be prohibited from working on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material except as necessary for removal of such materials.
1926.451(f)(12): Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent 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. Wind screens shall not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed.
Fall Protection
1926.451(g)(1) – Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level. Paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vii) establish the types of fall protection to be provided to the employees on each type of scaffold. Paragraph (g)(2) addresses fall protection for scaffold erectors and dismantlers.
Inspections
1926.451(f)(3) – Scaffolds and scaffold components shall be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity.
1926.451(f)(4) – Any part of a scaffold damaged or weakened such that its strength is less than required by paragraph (a) shall be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet those provisions, or removed from service until repaired.
1926.451(f)(5) – Scaffolds shall not be moved horizontally while employees are on them unless designed specifically for such movement or, for mobile scaffolds, where the provisions of §1926.452(w) are followed.
1926.451(g)(2) – Effective September 2, 1997, the employer shall have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds.
IMPORTANT BASICS AND INSPECTION FOCUS AREAS:
1. Stability and securement: Ensure the scaffold is securely in place, level, and plumb. Inspect the shape and structure of the building to be scaffolded. Check that the ties, anchorages, outriggers, and guy systems meet height-to-base ratio requirements.
2. Component security: Check that all components, braces, platforms, and guardrails are secure.
3. Power lines: The scaffold must be erected within a safe distance from power lines.
4. Remember to use smaller scaffolding bucks or screw jacks, not dunnage. Use proper cribbing and surface requirements as the base foundation.
5. Foundation: Ensure the base plates are placed on an appropriate surface and the sills are the correct size and properly installed.
6. Defect identification: Look for cracks, wear, and any other visible defects in planks, boards, and other components.
7. Load capacity: Verify the scaffold can support the intended weight.
8. Safe access: Ensure ladders and stairways are properly positioned and secure.
9. Decking and platforms: Provide decking and planks that have adequate performance rating. Ensure gaps do not exist.
10. Provide proper access to all decks, egress areas, and platforms.
11. Weather: Inspections are crucial after adverse weather conditions.
12. Documentation: Inspection reports should be kept for record-keeping.
13. Training: ALL EMPLOYEES NEED TO BE TRAINED.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BASICS AND SCAFFOLDING INSPECTIONS:
Here are important Do’s to keep in mind about the basics and scaffolding inspections:
Do ensure that the design and the construction of scaffolds conform with OSHA requirements and that a competent person supervises and directs workers erecting, moving, dismantling, or altering a scaffold.
- Do inspect all scaffolds, scaffold components, and personal fall protection equipment before each use.
- Do provide a safe means of access for each worker erecting, dismantling, and using the scaffold. As early as possible, install hook-on or attachable ladders.
- Do ensure that workers do not climb diagonal braces to reach the scaffold platform.
- Do require and provide fall protection for workers erecting, dismantling, or accessing the scaffold.
- Do secure scaffolds to the structure during erection, dismantling, and use.
- Do determine the maximum load limits when handling materials on the scaffold.
- Do recognize and avoid scaffolding hazards such as electric shock, falls from heights, and being hit by falling objects.
- Do erect, maintain, and disassemble fall and falling object protection systems for erecting, disassembling, and use of the scaffolding.
- Do tag scaffolding. One common tagging system uses the following tags:
a. Red Tag indicates unsafe; do not use.
b. Green Tag indicates ready to use. - Do tag scaffolding. One common tagging system uses the following tags:
a. Red Tag indicates unsafe; do not use.
b. Green Tag indicates ready to use.
HERE ARE IMPORTANT DON’TS TO KEEP IN MIND:
- Do not ignore inspection requirements and documentation of the daily inspection. Require or complete the daily inspection form.
- Do not ignore ensuring that everybody has been trained on the use of the specific scaffolding. If you suspect another employee needs training, report to your supervisor or SRMS.
- Do not forget to do your own self-check of scaffolding and all fall protection equipment, and do not forget to remind others to do the same.
- Do not use unsuitable, damaged, or faulty scaffolding or PFAS (harnesses, lanyards, tie-off anchor points, broken or bent guardrails, etc.).
- Do not use any scaffolding with a working surface that is less than 18 inches wide.
- Do not ignore changes made to scaffolding throughout the workday. STOP WORK if unsafe conditions develop.
- Do not forget to tag or read the tag on the scaffolding
