Scaffold Safety

This program applies to:

• University employees who use, erect, or disassemble scaffolds while performing work for Penn State.

Scaffold types covered by this program include:

• Baker’s scaffolds
• Fabricated frame (frame) scaffolds

Additional considerations

• The use of scaffold types not listed above is subject to more restrictive requirements at Penn State University.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Be knowledgeable about the Scaffold Safety Program and how it applies to their areas of responsibility.
• Ensure all provisions of the program are implemented.
• Ensure employees comply with scaffold safety requirements.
• Investigate all scaffold‑related injuries and incidents within their work units.
• Take prompt corrective action when unsafe conditions or practices are identified.

Employee Responsibilities:

• Follow all work practices outlined in the program, including:
  • Using required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Conducting required pre‑use scaffold inspections
• Attend all required scaffold safety training.
• Immediately report unsafe scaffold conditions or concerns to their supervisor.

Training Requirements

The following training is required:

• User Training
  Required for any employee who is required to work from a scaffold.
• Hands‑On Scaffold Erector Training
  Required for any employee who is required to erect or disassemble a scaffold.

Retraining is required when:

• An employee is observed using a scaffold unsafely.
• An accident or near‑miss occurs.
• Changes to scaffold types, fall protection, object‑fall protection, or equipment introduce new hazards.
• Worksite changes create hazards that employees have not previously been trained on.

Inspection Requirements

• Each scaffold must receive a documented pre‑use safety inspection prior to use on each shift.
• Inspections must be completed by a competent person.
• A competent person is an employee who has completed both:
  • User Training, and
  • Hands‑On Scaffold Erector Training.

Recordkeeping Requirements

Work units must maintain records that include:

• Scaffold safety training documentation
• Scaffold inspection records
• A list of scaffolds used within the work unit

Program

• Scaffold Safety Program

Procedures

• Appendix B: Examples of Scaffold Types
• Appendix F: Safe Work Practices

Forms

• Appendix A: Scaffold Inspection Checklist
• Appendix C: Hands‑On Scaffold Erector Training Checklist
• Appendix D: Hands‑On Scaffold Erector Trainer Guidelines
• Appendix E: Scaffold Training Certification Form

Access the Documents on SharePoint

OSHA Regulations

• 29 CFR 1910.28 – Safety Requirements for Scaffolding
• 29 CFR 1910.29 – Manually Propelled Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds
• 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L – Scaffolds