Temporary Scaffolding Safety Program
Montana State University
Temporary Scaffolding Safety Program
MSU Safety and Risk Management Office
Effective Date: 2024
Program Owner: Safety and Risk Management
1. Purpose
This program establishes safety requirements and procedures for the use, erection, inspection, and dismantling of temporary scaffolding on university properties. The goal is to protect employees, contractors, and visitors from hazards associated with scaffolding work, in compliance with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart L).
2. Scope
This program applies to all university employees, contractors, and subcontractors involved in the assembly, disassembly, inspection, use, or supervision of temporary scaffolding on campus. It covers supported scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, and aerial work platforms when used as scaffolding.
3. Regulatory References
•OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451 – Scaffolding
•OSHA 29 CFR 1926.452 – Additional Requirements
•ANSI/ASSE A10.8 – Scaffolding Safety Standards (Reference)
•Manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines
4. Definitions
•Scaffold: A temporary elevated platform used to support workers, materials, and tools during
construction or maintenance activities.
•Competent Person: An individual designated by the university who is capable of identifying existing
and predictable hazards related to scaffolding and authorized to take corrective measures.
•Supported Scaffold: A scaffold supported by rigid, load-bearing members like poles, legs, frames, or
outriggers.
•Suspended Scaffold: A scaffold platform suspended by ropes or cables from an overhead structure.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1 Safety and Risk Management
•Develop, maintain, and update the scaffolding safety program.
•Provide guidance, training resources, and conduct program audits.
•Investigate scaffolding-related incidents.
5.2 Supervisors and Project Managers
•Ensure scaffolding is designed, erected, and used per OSHA standards.
•Verify that scaffold inspections are conducted before each use and documented.
•Confirm employees receive appropriate training before working on scaffolds.
•Promptly address and report any scaffolding hazards or deficiencies.
5.3 Employees
•Attend required scaffolding safety training.
•Follow safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
•Report hazards, damaged equipment, or unsafe conditions immediately.
•Do not alter or remove scaffolding components without authorization.
6. Scaffold Design, Erection, and Use
6.1 General Requirements
•Scaffolds must be capable of supporting at least four times the maximum intended
load.
•Scaffold components shall be free from defects and maintained in good condition.
•Erection, modification, and dismantling shall be performed under the supervision
of a Competent Person.
6.2 Foundation and Stability
•Scaffolds must rest on sound, rigid footing capable of supporting the load.
•Base plates, mud sills, or other adequate supports must be used.
•Scaffolds exceeding 4:1 height-to-base ratios must be tied, guyed, or braced.
6.3 Platforms and Guardrails
•Platforms must be fully planked or decked with no more than 1-inch gaps.
•Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards are required on platforms 10 feet or more above
the ground.
•Access ladders or stairways must be provided and maintained.
6.4 Access
•Safe access must be provided by ladders, stair towers, ramps, or direct access from
another safe structure.
•Climbing scaffold frames is prohibited.
7. Inspection and Maintenance
•A Competent Person must inspect scaffolds daily and after any event that could affect
structural integrity (e.g., storms, collisions).
•Inspections include checking planking, guardrails, connections, footing, and anchorage.
•Defective components must be removed or repaired immediately.
•Inspection records shall be documented and maintained by the department or contractor.
8. Employee Training
•Employees working on or near scaffolds shall receive training covering:
-
-
- Scaffold hazards and safe work practices;
- Proper use of scaffolding, including load capacities;
- Fall protection and PPE requirements;
- Procedures for erecting, moving, and dismantling scaffolds;
- Emergency response protocols.
-
•Training must be documented and refreshed as needed.
9. Fall Protection
•Fall protection systems (guardrails, personal fall arrest systems) are required for
employees working on scaffolds 10 feet or higher.
•Personal fall arrest systems must be used where guardrails are impractical.
•Anchorage points for fall arrest systems must support at least 5,000 pounds per employee
attached.
10. Hazardous Conditions and Prohibited Practices
•Do not use scaffolding during adverse weather such as high winds or storms.
•Overloading scaffolds beyond rated capacity is prohibited.
•Do not move scaffolds with personnel on the platform unless designed for such movement.
•Scaffolds must not be erected near power lines unless proper clearance and protective
measures are in place.
11. Incident Reporting and Investigation
•All scaffold-related injuries, near misses, and equipment failures must be reported
immediately to supervisors and Safety and Risk Management.
•Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
12. Program Review
•The scaffolding safety program will be reviewed and updated at minimum every two years or following significant incidents or regulatory changes.
13. Appendices
•Appendix A: Scaffold Daily Inspection Checklist
•Appendix B: Scaffold Training Record Form
•Appendix C: Scaffold Incident Report Form