CMYK 3 100 70 12 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ACCESS AND WORKING SCAFFOLDS Further Information and Guidance: Visit our website at www.hsa.ie, telephone our contact centre on 1890 289 389 or email [email protected] Use BeSMART, our free online risk assessment tool at www.besmart.ie Check out our range of free online courses at www.hsalearning.ie ISBN 978-1-84496-249-5 HSA0478 2014-2015 Our Vision: Healthy, safe and productive lives and enterprises CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ACCESS AND WORKING SCAFFOLDS Contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Background ...............................................................................................................................................................................3 1.2 Scope of Code of Practice ....................................................................................................................................................3 1.3 Scaffolding in Construction.................................................................................................................................................4 1.4 Types of Scaffold .....................................................................................................................................................................4 1.5 Scaffolding Hazards ...............................................................................................................................................................5 1.6 Risk Assessment ......................................................................................................................................................................6 1.7 Statutory Duties ......................................................................................................................................................................8 1.7.1 The Client ................................................................................................................................................................ 10 1.7.2 Project Supervisor for the Design Process (PSDP) .................................................................................... 10 1.7.3 Designers ................................................................................................................................................................ 10 1.7.4 Project Supervisor for the Construction Stage (PSCS) ............................................................................ 10 1.7.5 Contractors ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 1.7.6 Workers .................................................................................................................................................................... 12 1.8 Illustrations ............................................................................................................................................................................. 13 1.9 Definitions .............................................................................................................................................................................. 13 1.9.1 General Scaffolds ................................................................................................................................................. 13 1.9.2 System Scaffolds ................................................................................................................................................... 14 1.9.3 Other Common Scaffolding Terms ................................................................................................................ 14 1.9.4 Definitions in Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Part 4: Work at Height .................................................................................................... 16 2. Management and Control of Scaffolding ........................................................................................17 2.1 Management of Scaffolding Activities ......................................................................................................................... 17 2.2 Choice of Scaffolding Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 23 2.3 Layout and Design ............................................................................................................................................................... 23 2.3.1 Layout....................................................................................................................................................................... 23 2.3.2 Structural Design of Scaffolds ......................................................................................................................... 23 2.3.3 Building Design and Scaffold Erection ......................................................................................................... 25 2.3.4 Co-ordination of Temporary Work ................................................................................................................. 25 2.4 Erection Scheduling ............................................................................................................................................................ 26 2.5 Planning for Use and Maintenance ............................................................................................................................... 26 2.6 Information to Purchasers or Hirers of Scaffolding Equipment .......................................................................... 26 2.7 Information to Users of Scaffolding Equipment ....................................................................................................... 27 3. Erection of Scaffolds ......................................................................................................................28 3.1 Safe Erection and Dismantling ........................................................................................................................................ 28 3.1.1 Safety of Scaffolders ............................................................................................................................................ 30 3.1.2 Safety of Other Workers and People ............................................................................................................. 30 3.1.3 Incomplete Scaffolding...................................................................................................................................... 30 Published by the Health and Safety Authority, The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1. ©All rights reserved. CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ACCESS AND WORKING SCAFFOLDS Contents 3.2 Materials .................................................................................................................................................................................. 30 3.2.1 Scaffolding Provider’s Inspection Prior to Use........................................................................................... 30 3.2.2 Standards ................................................................................................................................................................ 30 3.2.3 Transoms ................................................................................................................................................................. 31 3.2.4 Ledgers .................................................................................................................................................................... 31 3.2.5 Couplers .................................................................................................................................................................. 31 3.3 Stability .................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 3.3.1 Foundations ........................................................................................................................................................... 32 3.3.2 Ties ............................................................................................................................................................................ 33 3.3.3 Tie Spacing ............................................................................................................................................................. 38 3.3.4 Bracing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 39 3.4 Working Platforms ............................................................................................................................................................... 43 3.4.1 Decking .................................................................................................................................................................... 44 3.4.2 Toe-Boards .............................................................................................................................................................