Work at height using scaffolds, trestles, and other means of support is classified as a high-risk zone. A worker falling or a structure collapsing can lead to severe injuries and tragedies. We remind you of the key safety requirements and typical violations identified during inspections.

Preparation of the base and installation

The ground surface on which scaffolding equipment is installed must be leveled—graded and compacted—with provision for surface water drainage. If this cannot be done, the scaffolding equipment must be fitted with adjustable supports (jacks) to ensure level installation, or temporary support structures must be installed.

Site-built wooden scaffolds and trestles are manufactured in accordance with the design documentation. All main elements are calculated for strength, and scaffolds and trestles for stability.

Prefabricated scaffolds that do not have their own calculated stability must be attached to the building by methods specified in the operating documents or technological documentation. If no special instructions are given, anchoring is carried out:

• at least through every other tier — for the outer posts;
• through two bays — for the top tier;
• at least one anchor for every 50 m² of the scaffold surface projection onto the building facade.

It is prohibited to attach prefabricated scaffolds to parapets, cornices, balconies, and other protruding parts of buildings and structures.

Scaffolding equipment located near vehicle traffic lanes must be protected by bumper rails at a distance of at least 0.6 m from the vehicle clearance envelope.

At the points where workers climb onto scaffolds and trestles, diagrams showing the layout and permissible load values, as well as evacuation plans in case of an emergency, must be posted. For the ascent and descent of workers, scaffolding equipment must be fitted with ladders.

Platforms and guardrails

Scaffolding equipment used for plastering or painting work in areas where other work is being carried out below or where there is a passageway must have a platform without gaps.

Overlapping joints of platform panels are permitted only along their length. The ends of the joined elements must rest on a support and overlap it by at least 0.2 m on each side.

When performing work from scaffolding with a height of 6 m or more, there must be at least two platforms: a working (upper) platform and a protective (lower) platform. Each workplace on scaffolding adjacent to a building or structure must be protected from above by a platform located at a vertical distance of no more than 2 m from the working platform.

If the performance of work, movement of people or vehicles under or near the scaffolding is not anticipated, the installation of a protective (lower) platform is not mandatory.

When organizing mass passage of people in the immediate vicinity of access scaffolding, the passage areas must be equipped with a continuous protective canopy, and the scaffolding facade must be enclosed with protective netting with mesh sizes not exceeding 50 × 50 mm.

Acceptance and inspection

Scaffolding and staging up to 4 m high may be put into operation only after acceptance by the line supervisor and registration in the scaffolding and staging acceptance and inspection log. Scaffolding higher than 4 m — after acceptance by a commission appointed by the head of the construction and installation organization and the execution of an acceptance certificate. The certificate is approved by the chief engineer (technical director) of the organization. It is not permitted to perform work from scaffolding before the certificate is approved.

During acceptance, the following are checked: the presence of ties and fastenings ensuring stability; attachment points of individual elements; the presence of working platforms and guardrails; verticality of uprights; reliability of support areas; grounding (for metal scaffolding).

Scaffolding equipment and ladders during operation must be inspected by the line supervisor at least every 10 days and weekly by the worker assigned the inspection duties. The inspection results are recorded in the log.

Scaffolding equipment from which no work has been performed for a month or more may be put into operation before work resumes only after its acceptance. An additional inspection is mandatory after rain, wind, thaw, or earthquake that may affect the load-bearing capacity of the foundation and cause deformation of elements.

During the dismantling of scaffolding adjacent to a building, all doorways on the first floor and exits to balconies on all floors within the section being dismantled must be closed.

Testing of suspended scaffolding and staging

Suspended scaffolding and staging are permitted for use after installation only after they have withstood a static load test exceeding the standard load by 20% for 1 hour. Lifting staging is additionally tested with a dynamic load exceeding the standard load by 10%. Test results are recorded in the acceptance certificate or log.

When suspended scaffolding or staging is reused, it may be allowed into service after inspection without testing, provided that the structure has been checked for a load exceeding the design load by at least 2 times, and the anchoring is done with standard components that have passed the required tests.

Non-inventory scaffolding means must be made of metal or softwood lumber of grades 1 and 2.

Typical violations (based on inspection materials):

• the ground surface on which scaffolding means are installed is not leveled (not graded and not compacted);
• installation of scaffolding was carried out in violation of safety requirements;
• homemade scaffolding means are not manufactured according to standard designs and are not registered by the organization as inventory;
• scaffolding means lack guardrails, and the width of the deck on staging during masonry work is less than 2 m;
• scaffolding lacks necessary protective guardrails, and requirements for decking installation are violated;
• performing work without using personal protective equipment.

Remember! Compliance with occupational safety requirements when operating scaffolding means is not a formality, but a condition for preserving life and health. Take care of yourself and your colleagues!

The following were used in preparation: Occupational Safety Rules for Construction Work, approved by Resolution No. 24/33 of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Architecture and Construction of the Republic of Belarus dated May 31, 2019.