General Safety Regulations
13D. Scaffold framework

 

 

1.    An employer shall ensure that -

a.    Scaffold standards are properly propped against displacement and are secured vertically on firm foundations: Provided that putlog scaffolds shall incline slightly towards the structure;

b.     

i.     steel scaffold standards with 'heavy', 'medium', 'light', or 'very light', platform loadings which shall not exceed 320, 240, 160 and 80 kg/m2 respectively, are spaced not more than 1.8 m, 2 m, 2.5 m and 3 m apart, respectively; and

ii.    wooden scaffold standards are spaced not more than 3 m apart;

c.    ladders are spaced vertically not more than 2.1 m apart;

d.    putlogs or transoms --

i.     which do not support a platform, are spaced at the same distances as the distances prescribed in paragraph (b) in respect of scaffold standards.

ii.    which support a platform, are spaced not more than 1.25 m apart if the platform is constructed of solid timber boards; and

e.    every part of a wooden scaffold frame has a diameter of at least 75 mm or a section of similar strength.

2.    No employer shall use a scaffold, or permit it to be used unless it -

a.    is securely and effectively braced to ensure stability in all directions;

b.    is secured at suitable vertical and horizontal distances to the structure to which work is being done, unless it is designed to be completely free-standing;

c.    is so constructed that it has a throughout factor of safety of at least two; and

d.    is inspected at least once a week and every time after bad weather by a person who has adequate experience in the erection and maintenance of scaffolds, and all findings are recorded in a register or report book.

3.    No employer shall require or permit that -

a.    a scaffold with a supporting wooden framework exceeds a height of 10 m; and

b.    a scaffold is erected, altered or dismantled by or under the supervision of a person other than a person who has had the necessary training and experience of such work and who has been appointed by the employer in writing for this purpose.