HSE Articles

You Must Have a Safe Way to Access a Scaffold Over _ Feet?

You Must Have a Safe Way to Access a Scaffold Over _ Feet: You Must Have a Safe Way to Access a Scaffold Over 2 Feet above or below, the types of access permitted include:

Ladders, such as portable, hook-on, attachable, and stairway
Stair towers
Ramps and walkways
Integral prefabricated frames

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), Employers must provide access when the scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 m) above or below a point of access. [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)]

Direct access is acceptable when the scaffold is not more than 14 inches (36 cm) horizontally and not more than 24 inches (61 cm) vertically from the other surfaces. [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(8)]

The standard prohibits the use of cross-braces as a means of access. [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)]

Table of Contents

OSHA Scaffols Access Requirement

When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet (0.6 m) above or below a point of access, portable ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders, stair towers (scaffold stairways/towers), stairway-type ladders (such as ladder stands), ramps, walkways, integral prefabricated scaffold access, or direct access from another scaffold, structure, personnel hoist, or similar surface shall be used. Cross-braces shall not be used as a means of access.
Portable, hook-on and attachable ladders shall be positioned so as not to tip the scaffold;
Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be positioned so that their bottom rung is not more than 24 inches (61 cm) above the scaffold supporting level;
When hook-on and attachable ladders are used on a supported scaffold more than 35 feet (10.7 m) high, they shall have rest platforms at 35-foot (10.7 m) maximum vertical intervals.
Hook-on and attachable ladders shall be specifically designed for use with the type of scaffold used;
Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have a minimum rung length of 11½ inches (29 cm); and
Hook-on and attachable ladders shall have uniformly spaced rungs with a maximum spacing between rungs of 16¾ inches.

Access Requirements for Employees Erecting and Dismantling Supported Scaffolds

The employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. The employer shall have a competent person determine whether it is feasible or would pose a greater hazard to provide, and have employees use a safe means of access. This determination shall be based on site conditions and the type of scaffold being erected or dismantled.
Hook-on or attachable ladders shall be installed as soon as scaffold erection has progressed to a point that permits safe installation and use.
When erecting or dismantling tubular welded frame scaffolds, (end) frames, with horizontal members that are parallel, level and are not more than 22 inches apart vertically may be used as climbing devices for access, provided they are erected in a manner that creates a usable ladder and provides good hand hold and foot space.
Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds shall not be used as a means of access or egress.