Ensuring Safety in Scaffold Access and Transference

Words: Clint BridgesPhotos: EZ Scaffold

One of the most relevant issues currently affecting the industry is scaffold plans and safety. You are probably aware of the new scaffold regulations required by general contractors and owners. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS WHEN BIDDING FOR A JOB. THEY CAN DRAMATICALLY AFFECT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK PROFITABLY.

Part of our safety training involves making personnel aware of the most common causes of scaffold accidents. I once read a report stating that scaffold boards were the number one cause of scaffold accidents. According to the report, the second most common cause of scaffold accidents was access. Although I was unable to find that report, safe access remains a relevant topic and one of the top concerns of safety inspectors and general contractors.

Access and transference is also a topic that the mast climbing industry has been addressing. We, the mast climbing industry, are currently working on a document to help clarify this issue. A great resource for mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs) and other types of scaffolding can be found at this site: https://www.saiaonline.org/oshaallianceresourcestools.

EZ Scaffold receives many requests for advice and assistance with these requirements. One of the most asked questions is, “How do I satisfy the requirement to access the scaffold?” Transference can be from the ground to the work platform, from the building to the work platform, and from one work platform to another.

When OSHA regulations fall silent on a particular issue, OSHA will use other standards by reference. This is important. Just because OSHA doesn’t specifically address an issue doesn’t mean that you aren’t required to address it.

This scenario does not apply in the case of access since OSHA gives clear guidance.

What does OSHA say about mast climbers?
Currently, OSHA determines that mast climbing work platforms are supported scaffolds. Therefore, mast climbing regulations begin with the definition contained within OSHA 1926.450(b).

Supported scaffold means one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, upright posts, frames, or similar rigid support.

Before we continue, one characteristic of a Mast Climbing Work Platform that is different from a traditional supported scaffold is that the platform moves up, down, and sometimes in multiple directions. Precautions must be taken to prevent movement during access and transference. The operator must be able to determine whether it is safe to raise or lower the platform. This can be done through lockout/tagout procedures as well as visual and verbal communication.

When is transference from the ground an issue? According to 1926.451(e)(1), any work platform greater than 2 feet above the ground requires safe access to be addressed.

1926.451(e)(1)

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.

The most common ways to access a mast climber from the ground are integral prefabricated scaffold access frames (a legal to climb tower), stair towers, and access from the building structure.

Many manufacturers provide a tower that is designed to be a prefabricated scaffold access frame, meaning it has been designed to climb. According to 1926.451(e)(6), integral prefabricated scaffold access frames shall:

Be specifically designed and constructed for use as ladder rungs.
Have a rung length of at least 8 inches (20 cm).
Be uniformly spaced within each frame section.
Be provided with rest platforms at 35-foot (10.7 m) maximum vertical intervals on all supported scaffolds more than 35 feet (10.7 m) high.
Have a maximum spacing between rungs of 16¾ inches (43 cm). Non-uniform rung spacing caused by joining end frames together is allowed, provided the resulting spacing does not exceed 16¾ inches (43 cm).

It does not matter what the manufacturer says. All manufacturers must meet this guideline. There is no “grandfathered in.” Either you meet the specifications, or you do not.

Additionally, just because it is designed to climb, it must be safe to access the work platform from the tower. Safe access from the tower to the platform must be provided in the form of an access platform or some other form of 100% personal fall protection (harness).

We, EZ Scaffold, do not recommend the use of an extension ladder leaning on the platform. Since it is a moving platform, the pitch changes with each move, and the ladder must be reinstalled. It is easy to forget to check the ladder, presenting a potential accident.

What about transference from the structure/building?
A common question is, “Can I access the Mast Climber from the building?” Yes, you can, provided you do it safely and within the requirements established by OSHA.

1926.451(e)(8)

Direct access to/from another surface shall only be when there is not more than 14 inches horizontal and not more than 24 inches vertical distance from the other surface.

A gap of more than 14 inches and a vertical distance of 24 inches requires safe access to be addressed.

When we do EZ Scaffold training, one of our mottos is, “there 100% cannot be any way you can fall.” When accessing from the building, whether it be from a balcony, a window, or some other way, you must have safe access. One of the benefits of a mast climber is the ability to raise or lower it to a level for safe access. However, the structure must be designed to meet OSHA requirements. If you are accessing through an opening (window) more than 24 inches horizontal, precautions must be taken. You can provide personal fall protection by using a harness tied off to an engineer-approved tie point or build safe access, such as stairs.

One issue with transference is falling object protection. If the competent person determines that the potential for falling objects during transference presents a hazard, measures must be taken to prevent this. Filling in the 14-inch gap and the use of toe boards and safety netting are some of the ways this can be done.

If transference takes place across scaffold plank, the scaffold plank must be inspected to ensure that they are installed according to OSHA standards.

Transference from other mast climbers/scaffold/work platforms?

Similar to transferring from a building, 1926.451(e)(8) applies.

Direct access to/from another surface shall only be when there is no more than 14 inches horizontal and no more than 24 inches vertical distance from the other surface.

Issues to address for safe transference between work platforms:

Safe transference must be addressed each time the platform moves and changes the access level.
Guardrails must be reinstalled in areas where they are removed to allow for access between work platforms.
While 14 inches is allowed for transference, if the area between work platforms is to remain open (no guardrail between work platforms), guardrails must be installed on all open sides and no gap greater than 1 inch in the work platform.
Precautions must be taken by the operator of the MCWP to know whether it is safe to raise or lower the work platform. When there are obstructed views, operators must have a way to communicate and continually monitor the obstructed areas prior to and during operation.
If end guardrails are removed, they must be stored in such a way as to prevent a trip hazard and reinstalled after transference.
When not transferring, personnel must stay a minimum of 6 feet away from any openings.

We often say, “Scaffold is the lifeblood of the jobsite.” It sounds like a sales pitch, but it is true. You only make money when you get units in the wall. If you don’t have a place to work or can’t work because of an unsafe platform, it can be very costly.

I want to thank my colleagues in the mast climbing industry that I have been working with for many years, and recently on the transference document, specifically Shannon Beakman (Fraco), Kevin O’Shea (Hydro-Mobile), and Francois Villeneuve (Fraco). I have plagiarized them unapologetically. I don’t consider them competition but friends who work tirelessly to make this industry safer. I cannot recommend enough the importance of being involved in associations like the Scaffold and Access Industry Association and the Mason Contractors Association of America. These associations are invaluable, and we get much more out of them than we put in.

Ensuring Safety in Scaffold Access and Transference

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