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Scaffolding Procedure
National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

Scaffolding
Procedure

APPROVED BY
VERIFIED CHECKED
REV DESCRIPTION PREPARED BY DATE
DATE BY BY
COMPANY

26-09- Fahad Zubair

00 Scaffolding
2018 Khan Jamil
Procedure

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Purpose/ Objective
2) Scope
3) Abbreviations/ definitions. Glossary
4) Safety cautions
5) Responsibilities
6) Procedure
7) Hold points
8) References
9) Records
10) Distribution

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

1. PURPOSE:
This procedure provides the minimum administrative requirements for the safe design,
erection, supervision, inspection, use, alteration, and dismantling of stationary and mobile
scaffolds at all CLIENT facilities and project sites. This procedure applies to scaffolds
erected either by contractors or by CLIENT Units in support of construction, operations, or
maintenance activities.

Work at a height of more than 1.8 metres (6 ft.) requires either a fixed platform with railing,
approved scaffolding, or the use of approved personal fall protection systems secured to an
appropriate anchoring point. Where practical, the preference is to work from a platform
(fixed or scaffolding) with protection in place such that additional fall arrest Personal
Protective Equipment is not required.

2. SCOPE
All over CLIENT facility

3. DEFINITIONS:
3.1.1 SCAFFOLDING
A temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure used
for supporting workers and/or materials, which provides access to or from where person
works
.
3.1.2 SCAFFOLD CRAFTSMEN (SCAFFOLDERS)
Skilled and trained workers who erect, alter, or dismantle scaffolds.

3.1.3 SCAFFOLD INSPECTOR

A person (CLIENT or contractor) who has the training, experience, and capability of
performing scaffold inspection tasks by identifying scaffold hazards, verifying compliance
with applicable standards. All Scaffold Inspectors shall be certified by CLIENT Safety Unit.

3.1.4 SCAFFOLD TAG –

A tag for clearly showing whether or not a scaffold meets CLIENT’s safety requirements.
Scaffold tags are color coded as follows:

3.1.5 RED SCAFFOLD TAG

Indicates that the scaffold has not been inspected or is not safe for use (by anyone other
than scaffold craftsmen).

3.1.6 GREEN SCAFFOLD TAG

Indicates that the scaffold is complete, has been inspected, and is safe for use at the time of
inspection. A green scaffold tag is valid for a maximum of one week.

3.1.7 SCAFFOLD INSPECTOR’S CHECKLIST

A checklist to assist inspectors of scaffold and Work Permit Issuers/Receivers in performing
a pre-use safety inspection. This checklist is on the reverse side of the green tag.

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3.1.8 BASE PLATE

A steel plate with a spindle for distributing the load from the scaffold vertical member
(standard) or other load bearing tube.

3.1.9 COUPLER
A component used to fix scaffold tube together.

3.1.10 RIGHT ANGLE COUPLER

A coupler used to join tubes at 90-degree angle.

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

3.1.11 SWIVEL COUPLER

A coupler used for joining tubes at an angle other than 90 degrees.

3.1.12 STANDARD
The vertical load bearing tube of the scaffolding.

3.1.13 JOINT PIN

An expanding fitting placed in the bore of a tube to connect one tube to another co-axially.

3.1.14 SOLE BOARD OR PLATE

A timber, concrete, or metal spreader used to distribute the load from a standard or base
plate to the ground.

3.1.15 BAY
The space between the centers of two adjacent standards along the face of the scaffold.

3.1.16 LIFT
The assembly of ledgers and transoms forming each horizontal level of scaffold.

3.1.17 LIFT HEIGHT

The vertical distance between two lifts measured center to center.

3.1.18 REE STANDING SCAFFOLD

A scaffold which is not attached to any other structure and is on its own account stable
against overturning.

3.1.19 GUARDRAIL
A member incorporated in a structure to prevent the fall of any person from a platform or
access way.

3.1.20 LEDGER
A longitudinal tube normally fixed parallel the face of a building in the direction of the longer
dimension of the scaffold. It acts as a support for the transom and usually joined to the
adjacent standard.

3.1.21 TIE TUBE

Tube used to connect a scaffold to an anchorage.

3.1.22 TRANSOM
Tube spanning across ledgers to form the support for boards or used to connect outer to the
inner standards.

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3.1.23 TYPES:

3.1.23.1 Fixed Scaffold:

The scaffold consists of vertical columns of steel guided and cross braced to form a rigid
structure with platforms at desired height. Fixed scaffold are usually constructed outside
various equipments. Occasionally it will be necessary to construct a scaffold inside the
equipment to provide a work platform at desired heights so work can be carried out inside
the equipment. The inside equipment scaffold will require greater planning to provide
material of correct dimensions to ensure constructing a safe Scaffold.

3.1.23.2 Mobile Scaffold:

Mobile Scaffolds are capable to move from one place to another as the work position is
changed. It can only be used and moved on surfaces sufficiently firm and level to avoid
instability. It has only single platform and can be moved by pushing or pulling the base.
Mobile scaffold shall be used only when it is essential. Its use shall be authorized by
Incharge Craft.

4. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

4.1 Scaffolds are built, maintained, modified as specified by recognized international

standards. Site Management is required to provide engineering specifications for scaffolding
design and use, as well as set frequency of inspections.

4.2 Cold work permit should be obtained before starting the job from respective plant’s
permit issuer.

4.3 Safety instruction mentioned on the work permit should be followed.

4.4 Recommended period for the safe scaffold is 60 days. However if it is still required, this
period may be extended up to another 60 days after joint inspection of SH Craft, Area
Engineer and Scaffold Inspector. After 120 days scaffold will be dismantled and re-erected if
needed further. On-site inspection plan & frequency will be followed.

4.5 Use of scaffold platform as permanent platform is prohibited.

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

5. RESPONSIBILITIES:

5.1 Supervisor:
Responsible for ensuring that scaffold erection, alteration, and dismantling is done safely, in
accordance with the requirements of this procedure and the applicable standards.

5.2 Scaffolding Inspector:

Responsible for independently verifying scaffold safety and conformance to the
requirements of this procedure and the applicable standards by field inspection, acceptance,
and signing scaffold tag(s) for all new or altered Scaffolds. All Scaffold Inspectors must be
certified by Safety Unit on the advice of Section Head Craft.

5.3 Workers:
4.3.1 Workers must ensure that they follow safe work procedures and use all the necessary
equipment and personal protective when erecting and using scaffold system.

4.3.2 Workers must also take care to protect other workers when working on scaffold.

4.3.3 All workers must be equipped with and use safety foot wears and head wear when
erecting and working on scaffold system.

4.3.4 Safety harness must be used while working on height (above 6’), during erection.

6. PROCEDURE

6.1 INITIAL INSPECTION & TAGGING:

6.1.1 Scaffolds are built, maintained, modified, inspected and dismantled only by authorized
or approved scaffolders.

6.1.2 A highly visible multi-colour tagging system is displayed at each access point which
identifies if a scaffold is safe for use or not (i.e. scaff-tag system)
Green Tag – scaffold is 100% complete and safe for access
Yellow Tag – scaffold is in modified status but can be used safely with additional controls as stated on the tag
Red Tag – scaffold is incomplete and is not safe to use except by scaffolders.

6.1.3 Each scaffold is inspected by an authorized or approved scaffolder after any

modifications or after any event that may have compromised integrity of the scaffold such as
inclement weather.

6.1.4 Any scaffold tagged with a red scaffold tag shall not be used, except by scaffold
craftsmen for the purpose of erecting, dismantling, altering, or correcting scaffold
deficiencies.

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6.1.5 The Scaffold Inspector shall personally inspect the scaffold at the job site after
completion by scaffold craftsmen, and before workers other than scaffold craftsmen may
use the scaffold.

6.1.6 All green (“Passed Inspection”) scaffold tags shall be signed by a certified Scaffold
Inspector. He shall sign in the scaffold tag(s) after he inspects the scaffold and determines
that it is complete and safe for use in accordance with this procedure requirements and the
Inspector’s Check List.

6.1.7 Only the Scaffold Inspector is authorized to sign or affix green scaffold tag. The
Scaffold Inspector shall not sign scaffold tag(s) for any scaffold he considers to be unsafe or
incorrect.

6.1.8 Red and green scaffold tags shall not be re-used elsewhere.

6.1.9 Prior to the first use on each day, the immediate supervisor of the workers who will be
using the scaffold (usually the Work Permit Receiver), shall perform a pre-use inspection of
the scaffold. This pre-use inspection is to ensure that the scaffold has not been altered &
there is no environmental effect on scaffold components.

6.1.10 Green tag should be revalidated after every 07 days by Certified Scaffold Inspector.

6.1.11 Staircases are the first option for access. Where ladders are used, they extend at
least 1 metre (3 ft) over any landing or scaffold platform and are inside the scaffold
structure. Access that does not meet the above has fall protection measures in place, such
as cages, friction devices or self-retracting lanyards. Swing gates or other barrier means are
used at the entry points to prevent falls.

6.2 SCAFFOLDING ERECTION GUIDELINES:

6.2.1 Basic consideration before erection:

6.2.1.1 Visual inspection of all the equipment before using them.

6.2.1.2 The weight of workers, tools, materials and equipment to be carried out by the
scaffold system. (Safe workload).

6.2.1.3 Site conditions (interior, exterior, concrete floor and or other ground conditions,
access for the equipment, variations in elevation, anchorage points etc.)

6.2.1.4 Height to which the scaffold is to be erected.

6.2.1.5 Type of work that will be done from the scaffold, mechanical installation, sand
blasting, painting, masonry work, repair of roof/ceiling etc.)

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

6.2.1.6 Duration of work.

6.2.1.7 Weather condition including wind.

6.2.1.8 Requirement for pedestrian traffic through and under the scaffold area.

6.2.1.9 Means of access to the scaffold.

6.2.1.10 Configuration of equipment or structure being worked on.

6.2.1.11 Special erection or dismantling.

6.2.1.12 Scaffolding erection or dismantling activities are suspended during inclement

weather or lightning.

6.2.1.13 Scaffold material and components (planks boards, scaffolding tubes,

couplings/fittings and base plates, toeboards) are in good condition and free from visible
defects. Damaged material and components are removed from service and not returned
unless repaired or replaced.

6.2.1.14 Access ladder landing platforms are included at every 6 metres (20 feet).

6.2.1.15 Risk assessments consider the need for further dropped object prevention
measures on and under scaffolding, e.g. cordon off, use of nets.

6.2.1.16 Load category of the scaffolding is known and is identified on the scaff-tag.

6.2.1.17 It is prohibited to use scaffolding for either hanging or supporting material for which
it is not designed, or using scaffolding as a structure to pull against in order to move
materials.

6.2.2 Erection procedure for scaffolding:

6.2.2.1 Bolt up the base lift at a height of 6” from ground.

6.2.2.2 Bolt up the first lift at the maximum 6’6” height from ground.

6.2.2.3 Longitudinal column (post) spacing should be 6’ & traverse column (post) spacing
should be 4’. If we have to increase/decrease any spacing then the other one should be
decreased / increased accordingly.

6.2.2.4 Column (post) should be erected on suitable bases.

6.2.2.5 Do not proceed to the next ties until all the braces have been tied in the first one. All
the traverse (sectional) & longitudinal (facade) should be at 35 degree to 55 degree with the
horizontal ties.
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6.2.2.6 Keep the distance between the swivel coupler & the node point not greater than 300
mm.

6.2.2.7 Loads on Scaffolds Platform will be determined as per Annexure-2.Follow the

drawing for splicing of braces.

Follow the drawing for Bearers (transom) & runners (ledger) splicing.

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

Follow the drawing for splicing of braces

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

Follow the drawing for Bearers (transom) & runners (ledger) splicing.

6.2.2.8 All the longitudinal ties must be supported by cross ties.

6.2.2.9 Bearers (transom) shall be installed transversely between column (posts) and shall
be securely coupled to the posts (columns) bearing on the runner coupler. When/if coupled
directly to the runners, the coupler must be kept as close to the column (part) as possible.

6.2.2.10 All of the ties should be inside & braces should be outside of the structure.

6.2.2.11 Fasten all joints and the couplers securely. Do not over tighten as it will damage the
fittings and threads. Neither should be loose to allow slipping.

6.2.2.12 Joints in adjacent Posts (columns) should not be in the same lift and also Joints in
the adjacent runners (ledgers) should not be in the same bay.

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

6.2.2.13 Scaffold planks shall not extend over their end supports not less than 4” nor more
than 12” minimum of overlap should be given as per fig.

6.2.2.14 Use only fixed coupler to make 90 degree and adjustable couplers for angles other
than 90 degree.

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6.2.2.15 Construct hand / guard rail on all open sides of scaffolds platform higher than 6’ & it
should be from 3’2” to 3’9” above the planks.

6.2.2.16 Platform should be close boarded so that tools or other materials do not fall through
the spaces (space should not exceed 0.5”) in between.

6.2.2.17 Deck should be 2’5” to 3’ below the place of work.

6.2.2.18 Planks must be secured to prevent lateral movement. Manila rope should be used
for tying the planks with the scaffold or Planks should be sandwiched between the
scaffolding pipes.

6.2.2.19 4” high toe boards (1”x4”) must be installed on all open sides of the deck.

6.2.2.20 Do not use couplers as foot holds.

6.2.2.21 Construct the mid rail between the hand rail & toe board.

6.2.2.22 Construct the ladder at some suitable place, with 1 foot maximum distance
between the rungs.

6.2.2.23 Debris should be cleared away from areas around the top and bottom of ladder.

6.2.2.24 Scaffolds that can carry 25, 50 and 75 pounds per sq. foot are designated as light,
medium and heavy duty scaffolds.

6.3 ANCHORING OF SCAFFOLD

6.3.1 When the height of scaffold exceeds three times the width of the base (smaller
dimensions of the base), scaffold should be guyed or fastened to other fixed structures to
avoid tipping over. As described in fig below:

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National Technical Services Scaffolding Procedure

6.4 PLUMBNESS

6.4.1 It is absolutely essential that the scaffold is erected plumb, to ensure maximum
structural capability of the system. Check for plumpness & level of the scaffold as the first lift
is erected and continue doing so as the scaffold is built.

6.4.2 In addition to the scaffold being plumb each working deck must be level.

6.5 BRACING & TYING

6.5.1 Bracing helps to keep the scaffold frame plumb and square in both vertical and
horizontal planes.

6.5.2 Bracing in the vertical plane is a must on both sides of every frame. Bracing in
horizontal plane should be provided at the joint of every third lift of the frame.

6.5.3 Install longitudinal diagonal bracing 35 degree and 55 degree angle from near the
base of first order column (post) upward to the extreme top of the scaffold. Where the
longitudinal length of scaffold permits, such bracing shall be duplicated beginning at every
fifth column (post).

6.5.4 Maximum 3 bays can be left open i.e. without bracing as shown in fig. (Transverse
bracing).Maximum 4 bays can be left open i.e. without bracing (Longitudinal bracing).

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6.5.5 Never climb on diagonal braces, these are only used to prevent swaying and
displacement.

6.5.6 The entire scaffold shall be tied to and securely braced against the building at intervals
not to exceed 30 ft horizontally and 26 ft vertically. (Or not more than 4 times minimum base
width).

6.5.7 Horizontal bracing is necessary to maintain scaffold stability and full load carrying
capacity.

6.6 HOISTING MATERIALS:

6.6.1 Where scaffold will be more than three lift high, a suitable mechanical device will make
the hoisting of materials easier during erection. While material can be pulled up by rope, it is
easier to rig a pulley system to the scaffold so that hoisting can be done by the workers on
the ground. This is much safer and eliminates the risk of workers falling from the scaffold
platform as they pull material up by rope.

6.6.2 Ensure that you don’t lift material in excess of the load capacity of the hoist system or
the scaffold connection.

6.7 ALTERATION:

6.7.1 Only scaffold craftsmen are permitted to alter or repair any part of an existing scaffold,
including guardrails, planks, and ladders.

6.7.2 The altered scaffold shall be re-inspected by a Scaffold Inspector after each alteration.
If the scaffold is safe for use, newly signed green scaffold tag shall be securely attached to
the scaffold prior to re-use.

6.7.3 Neither the Scaffold Supervisor, nor any other employee, is authorized to make any
scaffold alteration which in their opinion is unsafe.

6.8 DISMANTLING:

6.8.1 After completion of the scaffold’s intended use, and upon verification that no other
workers need to use the scaffold, the Area Owner shall ensure that green scaffold tag is
removed from the scaffold and red tag is installed. The area owner shall notify the Scaffold
Supervisor that the scaffold is ready to be dismantled at the earliest.

6.8.2 The Scaffold Craftsmen shall dismantle the scaffold as soon as possible after being
notified by the Area Owner that the scaffold is ready to be dismantled.

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6.8.3 The Scaffold Supervisor shall ensure that dismantling of scaffolds is planned, orderly,
and performed level by level from top to bottom. Scaffold components, tools, and fittings
shall be lowered to the ground in an orderly manner by rope, etc. and not thrown down.

6.8.4 The dismantling of a scaffold proceeds in reverse order to its erection. Each lift should
be completely dismantled and the material be lowered to the ground before dismantling of
the next lift begins. If platform sections or planks have been left at each level during
erection, it is best to lower additional platform materials from above to the working deck
being dismantled. Extra platform materials can be lowered to the ground. Using this
procedure, workers will be operating most of the time from a fully decked platform.

6.8.5 Scaffolders should be equipped with a safety harness, secured to a suitable anchoring
system, since guardrails will not always be in place as dismantling proceeds.

6.8.6 Removing jammed or rusted scaffold components can be very hazardous operation.
When scaffold have been in the same location for a long time and other components may
rust, braces become bent and materials such as mortar or paint often build up on the
scaffold parts. All of these can prevent components from separating easily. Tugging and
pulling on stuck components can cause loss of balance leading to a fall. Workers should
wear safety harness and lanyard tied off to a secure anchor before attempting to loosen
stuck jammed parts.

6.8.7 Do not hammer or pry apart the scaffold components. This may cause damage to the
components and/ or affect the structural integrity of the scaffold members.

6.9 HANGING SCAFFOLD

6.9.1 Scaffolds hung from another scaffold or structure that is static. The design, erection,
and dismantling of hanging scaffolding is an advanced scaffolding function.

6.9.2 Before erection of hanging scaffold, following may be required:

6.9.2.1 establishing maximum load

6.9.2.2 bracing requirements

6.9.2.3 load calculations

6.9.2.4 access to points of attachment.

6.9.2.5 Work plan or sketch keeping in view criticality of job

6.9.3 The supporting structure or scaffold is checked for its capacity to support the hanging
scaffold which includes confirmation of structural integrity, identification of attachment, tie,
and bracing points.

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6.9.4 The erection of hanging scaffold requires experienced & skilled scaffolds.

6.10 PERIODIC INSPECTION

6.10.1 All scaffolds shall be provided with a red scaffold tag from the commencement to
completion of scaffold erection and till the scaffold is inspected and provided with a green
tag by a certified scaffold inspector.

6.10.2 Every scaffold shall be re-inspected by a Scaffold Inspector every week and the
green tag shall be revalidated on scaffold if the work continues beyond one week time
otherwise a red scaffold tag shall remain affixed on the scaffold. This re-inspection is to
determine if the scaffold is still safe for use. The Scaffold Inspector shall revalidate green
scaffold tag, valid for not more than one week, if it is still safe for use. Copy of Green Tag is
attached as Annexure-1.

6.10.3 If a scaffold has been improperly altered or is unsafe, the Scaffold Inspector shall
ensure it is tagged with a red scaffold tag. Alternatively, he may immediately arrange to
correct the deficiencies and sign and attach another green scaffold tag.

6.10.4 If at any time (such as during the pre-use inspection) it is observed that a scaffold is
unsafe or that the green scaffold tag is no longer valid, he shall immediately inform Scaffold
Inspector who will ensure that the green scaffold tag is removed and the scaffold tagged
with red (“Do Not Use”) scaffold tag(s). Whenever this is done, the person who removed the
green scaffold tag shall immediately notify the Work Permit Issuer so that the Work Permit
may be promptly withdrawn and corrective action initiated. All work requiring use of the
scaffold shall stop until corrective action is taken.

6.10.5 The Work Permit Issuer shall not issue a Work Permit for anyone (other than scaffold
craftsmen) to work on any scaffold that:

1. Is determined to be unsafe during the pre-use inspection.

2. Does not have a green scaffold tag.
3. Has a red scaffold tag, or
4. Scaffolding that has been in place for long period of time (more than 60 days).

6.11 STANDARDS OF SCAFFOLDINGS:

1. Pipes : 1 ½” nominal
2. Planks : 2” x 8” x 8’/10’ or any Standard length.
3. Spanners to be used : 21-23 mm
4. Manila Rope Size : 1/4”
5. Toe board : 1” x 4” all sides
6. Hand rail / Top rail : 3 ½’ height above deck
7. Mid rail : Between hand rail and toe board
8. Base Plate : 6’’ x 6”
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9. Sole Board : 2” x 10” x 10’

➢ Height of a lift should be between 6 to 6½ feet.
➢ Design the scaffold to bear 4 times more than intended load.
➢ First tie should be 6” above ground.
➢ First lift should be 6’-6”.
➢ All of the ties should be inside and braces outside the structure.
➢ Deck should be 2 ½’ to 3’ below than the place of work.
➢ Deck boards should not extend more than 12” or less than 4” beyond the end
supports.

7. QUALITY HOLD POINTS

7.1 Scaffold erection plan will be discussed by Craft supervisor before commencement of
work.

7.2 Scaffold completion / readiness for inspection will be verified by Craft supervisor.

7.3 In case of hanging scaffold, wok plan will be discussed & shared with SH Craft.

7.4 Independent audit of scaffolding by qualified scaffolding inspector & placement of Green
Tag (copy attached as Annexure-1) prior to its usage.

8. REFERENCE:

8.1 OSHA Standard 1910.28, Subpart D (Safety requirements)

8.2 OSHA Standard 1926.450,451,452,454, Subpart L (Scaffolding)

9. RECORD:

9.1 Annexure - 1: Copy of “SAFE FOR USE” Green Scaffolding Inspection Tag
9.2 Annexure - 2: Loads on Scaffolds Platform

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Annexure-2: Loads on Scaffolds Platforms

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