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Scaffold Safety – Part 1

For many thermographers, scaffolds provide a means for accessing remote areas and equipment. In this week’s Tip we cover safety tips applicable to these common workplace structures.

According to OSHA, supported scaffolds consist of one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support. The requirements for scaffolds are as follows:

• Guardrails or personal fall arrest systems for fall prevention/protection are required for workers on platforms 10 feet or higher
• Working platforms/decks must be planked close to the guardrails
• Planks are to be overlapped on a support at least 6 inches, but not more than 12 inches
• Legs, posts, frames, poles, and uprights must be on base plates and mud sills, or a firm foundation; and, be plumb and braced

Workers using scaffolds must be properly trained. Such training must include:

• The hazards of the type of scaffolding being used
• Maximum intended load capacity
• Recognizing and reporting defects
• Fall hazards
• Electrical hazards including overhead lines
• Falling object hazards
• Other hazards that may be encountered

Thermographer safety is one of the topics covered in all Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer® training courses. For information on thermographer training and certification, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.

For more complete information on workplace safety, visit the OSHA website.

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