You must make sure scaffolds are erected, moved, altered, or dismantled only when
(1) Supervised and directed by a competent person qualified in scaffold construction and
(2) Is done by experienced and trained employees selected by the competent person.
Pump jack scaffolds must be erected, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A copy of the manufacturer’s instructions must be readily available on site for reference by workers.
Inspect all scaffold components for damage.
Do not use bent, cracked, damaged or substitute parts.
No more than 2 workers are permitted on a pump jack scaffold at one time. The maximum allowable safe working load is 500 pounds.
Employers must provide training for workers in hazard recognition, and procedures for controlling or minimizing hazards, when working on ladders and scaffolding.
Each pump jack bracket must have 2 positive gripping mechanisms to prevent failure or slippage.
Metal poles shall:
(a) Be secured as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
(b) Have a minimum of one brace up to 24 feet, and above that height the bracing shall not exceed a maximum span of 16 feet from top to bottom.
(c) Not exceed 50 feet in height unless certified by an engineer
- Poles must be placed on mud-sills or other adequate firm foundation.
The work platform must be:
(a) Secured to the pump jack brackets.
(b) A minimum width of 12 inches.
Fall Protection
Employees working on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level, must use either: (a) A personal fall arrest system or (b) Guardrails.
When guardrails are used as fall protection, they must be installed on all sides (normally 3 sides) where fall hazard is present.
A bench platform, incorporated in the scaffold at an approximate height of 42 inches, is acceptable in lieu of a top rail. A mid-rail must be installed in all cases.
