Topic outline

  • Guide to Safe Scaffolding Practices

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Scaffolding has a variety of applications in construction, alteration, routine maintenance and renovation. Scaffolding offers a safer and more comfortable work arrangement compared to leaning over edges, stretching overhead and working from ladders. Suitable and sufficient scaffolding must be supplied for work at elevations that are unsafe for access by other means. Properly erected and maintained, scaffolding provides workers safe access to work locations, level and stable working platforms, and temporary storage for tools and materials for performing immediate tasks.

    Accidents involving scaffolding mainly involve people falling, incorrect operating procedures, environmental conditions and falling materials caused by equipment failure. Other causes of scaffolding accidents include failures at attachment points, parts failure, inadequate fall protection, improper construction or work rules, and changing environmental conditions (high winds, temperature extremes or the presence of toxic gases). Additionally, overloading of scaffolding is a frequent cause of major scaffold failure.

    Individuals exposed to scaffolding hazards include scaffold erectors and dismantlers, personnel working on scaffolds, and employees and the general public near scaffolding, engineers and architects. Scaffold erectors and dismantlers are at particular risk, since they work on scaffolds before ladders, guardrails, platforms and planks are completely installed. If scaffolding is considered to be a temporary structure, then attention should be given to the design and engineering involved in scaffolding.

    This guide IS NOT INTENDED to be a guideline for compliance with all pertinent regulations enforced by OSHA, but rather an overview of safe practices in scaffolding procedures. If an area of this course is considered by the reader to be inconsistent with OSHA or other standards, the applicable standard should be followed.

    Topics:

    At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
    • Have a better understanding of scaffolding design;
    • Be better able to safely and properly use scaffolding;
    • Be able to select the right scaffold for the job;
    • Understand basic guidelines for scaffold erection techniques;
    • Understand guidelines for alteration of scaffolding;
    • Be able to inspect scaffolding;
    • Understand dismantling of scaffolding;
    • Be prepared able to incorporate fall protection with scaffolding;
    • Understand proper maintenance of scaffolding; and
    • Understand proper storage of scaffold

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Construction, Structural, Civil, or any other engineer whose job description may require a general knowledge of safe scaffolding practices and procedures.
    Publication Source: NC Dept. of Labor

    D. Allen Hughes, PE

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