How to safely climb scaffold?

Working on scaffold is an integral part of many construction jobs. Scaffolds allow workers to reach heights needed to complete tasks like painting, bricklaying, roofing and other construction activities. However, working at height also introduces risks that must be properly controlled. Falls from elevation remain the leading cause of fatalities in construction. Anyone working on scaffold must follow safety guidelines to prevent falls and other scaffold hazards. This article provides a comprehensive guide on safely climbing and working on scaffolding.

What is Scaffolding?

Scaffolding provides a temporary elevated platform that supports workers and materials during construction, maintenance and repair activities. Scaffolds come in many types and configurations, including:

• Supported scaffolds – Platforms are supported by rigid, load-bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames and outriggers. Common types are tube and coupler, system scaffolds and fabricated frame scaffolds.
• Suspended scaffolds – Platforms are suspended by ropes or cables connected to overhead structures. Common types are swing stage scaffolds, two-point adjustable scaffolds and multi-point adjustable scaffolds.
• Mobile scaffolds – Scaffolds mounted on casters or wheels for easy movement. Common types are rolling towers and rolling scaffolds.

Scaffold components are standardized and engineered to safely support intended loads. Scaffolds must be erected, used and dismantled according to manufacturer specifications. Proper scaffold design, construction, inspection and use are essential for safety.

Why is Proper Scaffold Climbing Important?

Climbing up and down scaffold puts workers at risk of falls. Statistics show most scaffold-related accidents occur when climbing or accessing the work platform. Proper climbing techniques and fall protection safeguards are vital to prevent scaffold falls. Key reasons proper climbing is crucial:

• Prevents slips, trips and falls when ascending/descending scaffold – Careless climbing often leads to accidents.
• Maintains three points of contact – Key to stable climbing and preventing falls.
• Allows use of both hands – Workers need handholds to grip firmly and climb safely.
• Avoids scaffold tip-over – Climbing can create sudden load shifts that destabilize scaffold.
• Prevents structural collapse – Climbing must follow proper access points to avoid overloading.
• Enables use of fall protection – Full-body harnesses, lanyards and anchor points require secure climbing.

Safe scaffold access is also mandated by OSHA regulations. Following proper climbing techniques is essential for regulatory compliance and worker safety.

General Requirements

All scaffolding must meet both OSHA requirements and manufacturer specifications for safe erection, access and use. Key requirements for safe scaffold climbing include:

• Competent person – Scaffolding must be erected, moved, altered or dismantled under the supervision of a competent person. They must be experienced and knowledgeable about scaffold standards, design, construction and inspection.
• Guardrails – Scaffold platforms 10 feet or more above ground must have top rails, mid rails and toeboards installed on all open sides and ends before use.
• Access – Scaffolds must have proper access provided by ladders, stair towers, walkways or direct access from another scaffold. Makeshift access is not permitted.
• Fall protection – On scaffolds over 6 feet in height, fall protection is required and must be in place prior to climbing. This includes personal fall arrest systems or guardrails.

Only use manufacturer-approved components for scaffold access and follow all specifications for proper erection. Use only scaffold-grade materials – never use makeshift parts or accessories.

Proper Climbing Techniques

Whether climbing scaffold stairs, frames or ladders, following safe climbing practices is essential:

Maintain Three Points of Contact

At all times when climbing, three of your four limbs should be in contact with the scaffold to maintain stability and prevent slips or falls. This may involve two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. Do not attempt to climb scaffold with materials or tools in your hands. Keep three points of contact at all times.

Use Proper Handholds

When grabbing scaffold components to climb, hold onto sturdy, load-bearing parts of the structure. For frame scaffolds, use posts, bearers, runners or bracing – never hold onto guardrails or accessories. Place hands to avoid pinch points and entanglement hazards.

Face the Scaffold

Always face the scaffold when ascending or descending. Do not turn your back to the structure. Face the scaffold to maintain your balance and stability.

Maintain Solid Footing

Place feet firmly on ladder rungs, scaffold steps or decking when climbing up and down. Do not step on bases, braces or structural supports not meant for footing. Wear slip-resistant footwear with sturdy soles and avoid slick surfaces. Take one step at a time and don’t rush.

Watch for Overhead Hazards

Look for any overhead objects like tree branches, power lines, pipes or other materials and avoid contact when climbing. Wear hard hats to protect from falling objects or bump hazards.

Check Platform Before Stepping

Only access fully-planked scaffold platforms with all guardrails and bracing installed. Before stepping onto a new level, verify the work surface is complete and safe. Never climb onto incomplete or unguarded platforms.

Stair Tower Scaffolds

Stair towers provide built-in, tower-like access scaffold stairs with rest platforms spaced between levels. These dedicated entry points provide safe, convenient access to scaffold platforms and avoid dangerous makeshift climbing:

• Use installed handrails when climbing up and down stairs.
• Maintain a firm grip on the railing with at least one hand at all times.
• Take one step at a time and avoid skipping steps.
• Ensure stairs are clear of slip/trip hazards before using.
• Keep the stair tower base clear to prevent destabilizing the scaffold.

Stair towers must be installed fully plumb and square. The stair section must also be tied into the scaffold structure according to manufacturer specifications. Using a damaged, unstable or incomplete stair tower can be extremely hazardous.

Ladder Scaffolds

Many scaffold designs utilize straight, extension-type ladders or angled step ladders to access platforms at various elevations. When climbing ladders built into scaffolds:

• Maintain 3-point contact, never hurry and only climb/descend with the ladder properly secured
• Watch out for overhead obstructions on straight ladders
• Do not step past the second rung from the top on straight ladders
• Never access scaffold platforms from the sides of step ladders
• Ensure step ladder feet are settled on firm, level footing before climbing

Never climb cross braces, horizontal supports or guardrails to access platforms. Use only approved ladders properly integrated into the scaffold structure. Position ladders at secure connections to prevent displacement when climbing. Straight ladders should be 1 foot above the landing point with fall protection in place.

Direct Platform Access

On multiple level scaffolding, upper platforms are sometimes reachable from lower levels without a ladder. When climbing between platforms:

• Check for proper guardrails on all open sides before stepping up to the next level.
• Ensure you have solid, stable footing before lifting yourself up to the platform above.
• Grip platform frames, legs or posts to safely pull yourself up to the next level.
• Never grab guardrails or accessories to access platforms.

Avoid excessive reaching or stretching that can lead to falls when climbing between platforms. Use leg strength to lift yourself up, not your arms. And do not try to climb up carrying anything – keep your hands free. Fall protection may be required depending on the elevation difference between platforms.

Fall Protection

On scaffolding over 6 feet in height, OSHA requires fall protection be provided and properly used by workers:

• Guardrail system – Top rail, mid rail and toeboard installed on all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms.
• Personal fall arrest system – Full-body harness with shock-absorbing lanyard attached to suitable anchor point.
• Positioning device system – Rigid belt or harness system that keeps worker on the scaffold in a fixed working position.

Choose fall protection compatible with the type of scaffold and ensure it can be safely accessed from the climbing point. Guardrail installation may be needed on platforms to meet fall protection requirements when climbing. Never remove required guardrails to access platforms higher up. And use personal fall arrest systems properly when climbing up to unguarded work levels before installation is complete. Proper fall protection is critical for safe scaffold access and climbing.

Scaffold Access Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

• Maintain 3-point contact and face the scaffold when climbing
• Check for manufacturer instructions and weight capacity limits
• Watch for overhead obstructions like power lines or branches
• Keep access paths and ladder bases clear of debris and tools
• Wear proper footwear and avoid using gloves that can reduce grip
• Keep the platform organized and free of extra materials or tools

DON’T:

• Try to climb while carrying anything
• Access platforms without guardrails in place
• Lean sideways or reach excessively while climbing
• Use cross braces, horizontal rails or other structural parts as climbing aids
• Jump or skip steps when using scaffold stairs or ladders
• Use makeshift materials for scaffold access or climbing

Proper climbing technique and compliance with scaffold safety procedures are key to preventing access-related falls. Take the time to climb methodically using engineered access features. Rushing leads to slips, missteps and loss of stability when climbing up or down scaffolding. Maintain 100% fall protection coverage the entire time workers are erecting, climbing and dismantling scaffolding. Plan ahead, inspect access systems and work deliberately. Safe scaffold erection and access prevents needless injuries and fatalities.

Training

All workers using scaffolding must be properly trained on climbing techniques, fall hazards and access requirements, including:

• Types of scaffold access including stairs, ladders, integral systems, direct platform access.
• Proper climbing techniques and maintaining 3-point contact.
• Inspection – Identifying access defects like missing rungs, improper installation, debris buildup.
• Strength and load capacity limits for scaffold access.
• Fall protection – Proper use and limitations.
• High-wind procedures for scaffold access.
• Hazard communication – Understanding signs, labels and access warnings.

Retraining and reassessment of skills is required for workers whenever scaffold access methods change or deficiencies are observed. Only qualified, authorized personnel should be permitted to ascend or descend scaffolding.

Inspection

Frequent inspection of scaffold access ensures safety is maintained:

• Check ladder rungs, stair treads, frames and railings for damage, debris and secure connections before each shift.
• Ensure scaffold access components are plumb, level, fully supported and braced.
• Verify guardrail installation and integrity before accessing platforms.
• Document inspections and immediately tag and repair defective access points. Never use damaged stairs or ladders.
• Conduct additional documented inspections after storms or incidents that may impact scaffolding.

Proactive inspection and maintenance ensures safe, compliant access for scaffold users. Never take makeshift shortcuts to access platforms.

Safe Scaffold Erection

Preventing access hazards starts with proper initial scaffold construction:

• Follow all manufacturer specifications for layout and assembly.
• Install scaffold plumb, square and fully braced. Check for level and stability.
• Provide a safe means of direct access every 35-50 ft. horizontally such as platforms, walkways or ramps.
• Integrate access ladders and stairs into the scaffold structure at the time of initial erection.
• Immediately install guardrails with all required components on work platforms.
• Bar off and post warning signs on incomplete platforms and stair towers.

Adequate, code-compliant scaffold access takes planning and time. Never allow expedited erection at the cost of safety. Scaffold access equipment and techniques must control fall hazards from start to finish on the job.

Administrative Controls

Management and supervision also play a key role in properly controlling scaffold access risks:

• Enforce scaffold safety program requirements and hold workers accountable.
• Plan jobs to provide adequate time for safe, methodical scaffold access.
• Keep qualified supervisors on-site whenever scaffolding is being accessed.
• Provide proper scaffold user training and equipment.
• Minimize material storage on scaffold to prevent overloading.
• Coordinate work crews on scaffolding to prevent conflicts or distractions.

A culture of safety that does not tolerate at-risk behaviors or shortcuts is vital to prevent scaffold access incidents. Both corporate policies and frontline supervision must continuously reinforce and enforce proper climbing techniques.

Access Planning

Careful planning for scaffold access ensures improved safety:

• Provide multiple, properly-spaced access points on complex or extensive scaffolds.
• Route stairways to avoid crossing or conflicts with work areas.
• Account for material loading needs when selecting access locations.
• Add access levels to match interior floor elevations.
• Include dedicated material hoists to reduce carrying up ladders.
• Allow adequate time for methodical, safe access- do not rush.

Convenience or expediency should never outweigh safety when engineering scaffold access. Seek input from end users and address any access difficulties prior to starting work.

Conclusion

Preventing scaffold access incidents requires a multi-tiered approach covering everything from initial design to end user behavior. Integrate safety into the entire process including:

• Proper access layout, erection practices and inspection
• Strict enforcement of climbing techniques and fall protection
• User training, administrative oversight and planning
• Engineering toward convenience, compliance and user safety

Take the time to erect scaffolding correctly the first time and maintain safe access throughout the job. Stay focused on safety with proper supervision, training and procedures. Eliminate unnecessary risks that can lead to scaffold access falls and other hazards. Consistent, demonstrated commitment to scaffold access safety from top to bottom of the organization is key to preventing these needless injuries.