Following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the use of steel scaffolding. These rules are illustrative and suggestive only, and are intended to deal only with some of the many practices and conditions encountered in the use of scaffolding. The rules do not purport to be all-inclusive or to supplant or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures to cover usual or unusual conditions. SEE SEPARATE SHORING SAFETY RULES.

Basic rules- all scaffolding: 

  1. Inspect all equipment before using. Never use any equipment that is damaged or deteriorated in any way. 
  2. Keep all equipment in good repair. Avoid using rusted equipment- the strength or rusted equipment is not known. 
  3. Plumb and level all scaffolds as the erection proceeds. Do not force braces to fit; level the scaffold until proper fit can be made easily. 
  4. On wall scaffolds place and maintain anchors securely between structure and scaffold at least every 30 feet of length and 25 feet of height.
  5. Power lines near scaffold are dangerous. Use cation and consult the power service company for advice.
  6. Planking: use only lumber that is properly inspected and graded as scaffold plank and should have at least 12 inches of overlap and extend 6 inches beyond center of support. Do not allow unsupported ends of plank to extend an unsafe distance beyond supports and secure the plank to scaffold when necessary.

For rolling scaffolds, apply these additional rules.

  1. Do not ride rolling scaffolds.
  2. Caster brakes must be applied at all times when scaffolds are not being moved.
  3. Do not extend adjusting screws on rolling scaffolds more than 12 inches.
  4. Do not use brackets on rolling scaffolds without consideration of overturning effect. 

For putlogs and trusses, apply these two rules.

  1. Do not cantilever of extend putlogs/trusses as side brackets without thorough consideration of loads to be applied.
  2. Place proper bracing between putlogs/trusses when the span of putlog/truss is more than 12 feet.