Gu 363

Petroleum Development Oman L.L.C.
UNRESTRICTED Document Number : GU-363

August 2000
Guideline for the Use of Scaffolding
Keywords:
This document is the property of Petroleum Development Oman, LLC. Neither the
whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to others or reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means (electronic,
mechanical, reprographic recording or otherwise) without prior written consent of the
owner.
Guideline for the Use of Scaffolding Version 1.0
Authorised For Issue 01/08/2000
Signed : ______________________________________
Ali Al Jahadhmy, OTE/3

Corporate Functional Discipline Head – Civil Engineering
The following is a brief summary of the most recent revision to this document.
Version No. Date Author Scope/ Remarks
Version 1.0 August 2000 Dr. Ben Taal First Issue.

Contents
1. Introduction………………………………………….. 1
1.1. Background………………………………………….. 1
1.2 Purpose……………………………………………… 1
1.3 Distribution/Target Audience & Further Copies…… 1
1.4 Review & Improvement…………………………….. 1
1.5 Related Business Control Documents……………….. 1
1.6 Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms
1.7 Appendix 2: References
1.8 Appendix 3: Scaffold Manual
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
Following a corporate HSE-MS audit conducted on the Permanent Accommodation for Contractors
(PAC) project in November 1999, the single “high” finding was related to scaffolding where controls
were not fully in place. It was agreed that a guideline for scaffolding would be beneficial Company
wide.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to offer guidance to contractor supervisors, company line
management and HSE advisors on the correct and safe use of scaffolding and access
platforms. The guideline complements the information contained within Chapter 9 of the
HSE-SM.
1.3 Distribution/Target Audience & Further Copies
This Guideline is available on EDMS and targeted at:
Contractor supervisors
Company site supervisors
Line management
HSE Advisors
1.4Review & Improvement
The custodian of this document is the CFDH for Civil Engineering (OTE/3) to whom any
comments or improvement proposals should be sent. It will be subject to regular review.
1.5 Related Business Control Documents
Document Reference
Health and Safety Standards Manual Rev Oct 96
Civil and Building Design Criteria ERD 17-04
Civil and Building Construction Specification ERD 17-01
1.6 Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms and Definitions

Some of the more common definitions used in connection with scaffolding are listed below:
Types and Dimensions of Scaffolds

Bay Space between the centrelines of two adjacent standards along the
face of a scaffold.
Foot lift Lift erected nearest to the ground.
Free-standing scaffold A scaffold which is not attached to any other structure and is stable
against overturning on its own account, or if necessary, assisted by
guys or rakers and anchors.
Independent tied scaffold A scaffold which has two lines of standards, one line supporting
the outside of the deck and one to the inside. The transoms are not
built into the wall at the structure. It is not free standing, but is tied
into the structure to prevent overturning.
Lift The assembly of ledgers and transoms forming each horizontal
level of a scaffold.
Scaffold A temporary structure which provides access, or from which

persons work, or which is used to support materials, plant or
equipment.
Slung scaffold A scaffold hanging on tubes, ropes or chains from a structure

overhead. It is not capable of being moved or lowered.
Suspended scaffold A scaffold hanging on ropes which is capable of being suspended,

or raised and lowered.
Tubular Members and Beams

Brace A tube placed diagonally with respect to the vertical or horizontal
members of a scaffold and fixed to them to afford structural
strength.
Bridle A horizontal tube fixed across an opening or parallel to the face of
a structure to support the inner end of a putlog, transom or tie tube.
Bolted tie Assembly of nuts, bolts, anchors, rings or tubes fixed into the
surface of a structure.
Butting transom Transom extended inwards to butt the structure to prevent
scaffolding moving inwards.
Face brace A brace parallel to the face of a structure.
Guard-rail A member incorporated in a structure to prevent the fall of a person

from a platform or access way.
Knee brace A brace across the comer of an opening in a scaffold to stiffen the
angles or to stiffen the end support of a beam.
Ledger A longitudinal tube normally fixed parallel to the face of a structure
in the direction of the larger dimensions of scaffold. It acts as a
support for the put logs and transoms and frequently for the tie
tubes and ledger braces and is usually joined to the adjacent
standards.
Ledger brace A brace at right angles to a structure.
Lip tie An assembly of tubes forming an L- or J- shaped hook round an
inside surface of a structure.
Longitudinal brace A brace generally in the plane of the longer dimension of the
scaffold, particularly in 'bird-cages'.
Movable tie A tie which may be temporarily moved for the execution of work.
Non-movable tie A tie which will not be moved during the life of a scaffold, as
agreed between the user and the scaffold erector.
Outrigger To increase base width to enable height to be increased while being
stable
Plan brace A brace in a horizontal plane.
Prop tie An assembly of telescopic props and/or scaffold tubes jacked or
wedged between the floors inside a structure and including a tie
tube.
Push/pull tie A tie which only acts to prevent the scaffold moving either towards
or away from the structure.
Raker An inclined load-bearing tube.
Standard A vertical or near vertical tube which carries scaffold's weight, and
loads imposed to the supporting structure.
Sway transom A transom extended inwards in contact with a reveal or the side of a
column to prevent the scaffold moving sideways.
Through tie A tie assembly through a window or other opening in a wall.
Tie or tie assembly The components attached to an anchorage, or the structure, or
framed around a part of it, or wedged or screwed into it with a tie
tube. Used to secure the scaffold to the structure.
Transom A tube spanning across ledger to form the support for boards or
units forming the working platform, or to connect the outer
standard to the inner standard.
Transverse brace A brace generally in the plane of the shorter dimension of the
scaffold.
Wire tie An assembly of a ring anchor and wire or steel banding used to tie
the scaffold to the structure or building. Also known as a band tie.
Scaffold Couplers and Fittings

Adjustable base plate A metal base plate embodying a screw Jack.
Base plate A metal plate with a spigot for distributing the load from a standard
or raker or other load-bearing tube.
Brace coupler This coupler, whilst primarily designed for securing put logs and
transoms to ledgers, also conforms to the requirements for a
bracing coupler
Check coupler A coupler added to a joint under load to give additional security to
the coupler(s) carrying the load. Also known as safety coupler.
Coupler A component used to fix scaffold tubes together.

Joint pin An expanding fitting placed in the bore of a tube to connect one
tube to another co axially.
Parallel coupler A coupler used to join two tubes in parallel.
Right-angle coupler A load-bearing coupler used to join tubes at right angles.
Sleeve coupler An external coupler used to join one tube to another co axially.
Sole plate A timber, concrete or metal spreader used to distribute the load
from a standard or base plate to the ground.
Swivel coupler A coupler used for joining tubes at an angle other than a right
angle.
Other Terms in General Use

Brick guard A metal or other fender filling the gap between the guard-rail and
toe board and sometimes incorporating one or both of these
components.
Buttressing The fixing of additional tubes of 45' between the ground and the
corner or side of a structure to increase the stability of the structure.
Also known as stabilising
Kentledge Dead weight built in or added to a structure to ensure adequate
stability.
Protection fans Devices attached to scaffolding to intercept anything which may

fall from the scaffold structure. Fans may be made of netting,
canvas or plastic sheeting, corrugated iron or special purpose
panelling. There are 4 classes:
Class A - Light duty to protect pedestrians from pain or cement
droppings
Class B - Medium duty for protection against falling aggregate and
bricks from a height not exceeding 10 metres
Class C - For catching objects larger and heavier than bricks or for
bricks falling from a height greater than 10 metes and
designed specifically for this application
Class D - For arresting the fall of a person or similar
weight from a height of 6 metres or the distance of 2
building stores
Stabilising Also known as buttressing
Stagings Prefabricated, longitudinal platforms made from selected timber,

reinforced with metal tie rods and wires. They are used as working
platforms.
Toe board Up stand at the edge of a platform, intended to prevent materials or
operatives' feet from slipping off the platform.
Working platform Deck from which building operations are carried out.
1.7 Appendix 2: References

PDO HSE Standards Manual Chapters 4, 9, 11 & 13.
PDO Colour Coding, Lifting equipment bi-annual cycle. PDO ES CS 80 01.
PDO Hazard Management in Contracts Guidelines, Appendix V, Generic Listing
British Standards Institution

BS EN series
131-1 Ladders: Specification for terms, types and functional sizes
131-2 Ladders: Specification for requirements, testing methods and performance
requirements
696 Fibre ropes for general service - polyamide
697 Fibre ropes for general service - polyester
698 Fibre ropes for general service - manila and sisal
699 Fibre ropes for general service - polypropylene
700 Fibre ropes for general service - polyethylene
701 Fibre ropes for general service - general specification
1261 Fibre ropes for general service - hemp
BS series
1139 Metal Scaffolding Parts I to 5
2482 Specification for timber scaffold boards
5973 Code of practice for access and working scaffolds and special scaffold
structures in steel
5974 Code of practice for temporarily installed suspended scaffolds and access
equipment
5306 Part 3. Installation and Maintenance, Fire Extinguisher.
5423 Fire Extinguishers.
1692 Specification for gin blocks
2830 Specification for suspended access equipment, etc.
2037 Specification for portable timber ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight
stagings.
1129 Specification for portable aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight
stagings
6651 Protection of structures against lightning
Construction Industry Training Board.

CITB Construction Site Safety Notes
National Association Scaffolding Contractors.

Typical Hand-Over Certificate and SCAFFTAG
American Welding Society.

Procedure qualification- AWS D10.9 Specification for qualification of welding procedures for piping and tubing
1.8 Appendix 3: Scaffold Manual
Introduction
This Safety Standard covers various aspects of Design, Erection and Dismantling of Scaffolding,
including relevant references.
Design of Scaffolding must be based on sufficient structural integrity to ensure a safe working
environment, including anticipated wind force and soil bearing capacity of the location of erection.
Only Company approved conventional systems and fittings can be utilised during design and erection.
Design requirements and proposed substitution, outside conventional systems and material, must be
issued for approval to Company together with associated design calculations, prior to erection.
Construction requirements for foundations shall be adequate for the load imposed on a flattened
surface.
Manufacture’s instructions are to be adhered to during design and erection of conventional and / or
specified systems. No different systems are to be combined into one structure.
Prior to erection parts of scaffold, such as tubes, fittings and foot-boards must be inspected for
cleanliness and defects. Defective parts are to be rejected.
Only trained and experienced personnel can be assigned for erection and dismantling of scaffolding,
supervised by qualified staff, and aware of all safety requirements.
Scafftag Identification and Control systems are to be attached to erected scaffold structures displaying
the status of the erected structure(s).
All erected structures must have unobstructed access and egress. Safety instructions are to be
observed at all times.
1. Requirements.
1.1 Contractors
Contractors to PDO involved in work which requires scaffolding may only employ trained and
competent scaffolders to carry out scaffolding work, section 1.2.
1.2 Personnel
Training of scaffolders shall be carried out to standards approved by PDO. All personnel employed
for the purpose of erecting, modifying or dismantling scaffolding on PDO assets or others, will belong
to one of the categories listed in Table 1 which details the requirements for those personnel.
Exceptions to the above requirements, e.g. the erection of proprietary system scaffold by unqualified
personnel, is referred to under System Scaffold section 3.3.
Table l
Job Category Qualifications Experience
Scaffold Inspector CITB Advanced Scaffolder or NVQ level 3 After qualification, 3 years working
"Accessing" as an Advance Scaffolder, the third
year of which must be spent
working with an inspector.
Must hold certificate of
demonstrated competence in
scaffold inspection, as specified by
current employer.
Advanced CITB Advance Scaffolder or Minimum experience 12 months
Scaffolder NVQ Level 3 "Accessing" on-site experience as a Basic
Scaffolder
Basic Scaffolder CITB Basic Scaffolder Part 2 or NVQ level 2 Minimum 12 months planned on-
"Accessing" site experience as a Trainee
Scaffolder.
Trainee Scaffolder CITB Basic Scaffolder Part 1 or NVQ level 1 Minimum 6 months continuous on
"Accessing, continuing towards CITB Basic site working along side Basic
Scaffolder part 2.or NVQ Level 2 “Accessing” Scaffolder.
Undertaken with an approved accredited training
institute.
Labourer/Helper. A company Health and Safety induction certificate.
Most experienced scaffolding personnel currently working in contracting companies may be of

expatriate nationality, and therefore may not hold (CITB) Construction Industry Training Board or
(NVQ) National Vocational Qualification Levels 1, 2, or 3. Experience certificates may be
accompanied by theory based qualifications such as diplomas, degrees etc.
1.2.1 Personnel Records

Personnel records of scaffolders shall be maintained and kept up to date by the contractor and be
available for inspection by PDO. They shall show:
a) full name of employee
b) date of Birth
c) job category
d) employment application or personal dated sheet (resumes)
e) company service agreement
f) copy of employee papers. (with visa page, labour permits, NOC’s)
g) authorisation for the release of personal data and record information
h) records of disciplinary actions and unsatisfactory performance
i) records of exceptional performance and achievements
j) medical assessment reports
k) resignation notices
l) copy of PDO passes and driving license
2. Request for Scaffolding

Unless making part of the contractors obligations, additional requests for erection, modification or
dismantling of scaffolding shall be raised by the Company.
3. Design
3 .1 Design Requirements
The access and working scaffolds listed in Table 2, with their construction criteria, shall be designed
by the contractor in accordance with appropriate British Standard 1139. It is the contractors
responsibility to cater for requirements encountered at each designated place of operation. In all cases
wind force, soil preparation and slope conditions are design criteria and subject to specific design
types.
All other scaffolds, and all scaffolds which are the subject of a specific user request outside the pre-
specified format of Table 2, shall be designed together with all the necessary drawings by the
contractor to the requirements set out in BS 5973.
Various scaffolding systems are commercially available. However only Company approved systems,
equipment and material is to be utilised. No combination of different systems can be made unless
approved in writing by the Company.
Table 2 – Loads and Dimensions for Tube and Fittings Scaffold.
Type of Scaffold Use of Scaffold Maximum Maximum Typical load examples per bay
Scaffold loading number of spacing
per m2 working between
platforms Standards
Very light duty Inspection 75 kg 1 working 2.7 m 1 man and tools. No materials
independent access and platform
painting
Light duty Power 150 kg 2 working 2.4 m 2 men and tools. No materials
independent cleaning, platforms
painting, light
engineering
General purpose Light 200 kg 2 working 2.1 m 2 men and 175 kg of materials
independent engineering, platforms
e.g. welding and 1 at
or electrical very light
duty
Heavy duty Heavy 250 kg 2 working 2.0 m 2 men and 250 kg of materials
independent engineering, platforms
e.g. large and 1 at
pipework or very light
structural duty
Special purpose To be stated on design drawings
3 .2 Design Types
In all cases, the following scaffold types are subject to specific design by the contractor.
• access scaffolds above 50m in height
• hanging or slung scaffolds
• external free standing scaffolds
• scaffolds required to withstand anticipated wind force to safeguard personnel and equipment
• false work and support scaffolds dependant on soil / slope conditions
• extra heavy duty scaffolds in excess of the heavy duty specification in Table 2
• loading platform for loads exceeding 2.5 kN/m2
• lifting access scaffolds
• public access scaffolds
• temporary roofs
• offshore overside scaffolds
Note: Hanging or slung scaffolds for onshore application do not normally provide the facility of
conducting a lightning strike to earth and during the design of such scaffolds, consideration
shall be given to suitable earthing arrangements. For further information and details of
earthing methods, reference BS Code 6651.
3 .3 System Scaffold
System scaffolds are proprietary systems fabricated from steel or aluminium alloy and comprise a
complete set of unique components capable of assembly into a scaffold structure without the use of
any other equipment.
Using such systems, structures under 2.0 m in height and not exceeding 18 m3 in volume may be
erected by personnel unqualified, under the guidance of qualified scaffolders. reference table 1.
All structures shall be subject to a SCAFFTAG system reference 9.2. In the case of wireline
operations access, structures may be erected and inspected by Advanced Scaffolders with at least one
year experience in that category. reference table 1.
Personnel erecting system scaffold shall be able to read and fully understand the manufacturer’s
instructions and shall follow these instructions at all times. If instructions are not available, work shall
not proceed unless under the supervision of a qualified person.
When using system scaffold, particular attention is drawn to the following:
Instructions shall be obtained from the system manufacturer when deviations outside the normal
system parameters are required, or when sheeting or fans are added, or other changes made, which
will affect the structural loading on the system. When manufacturer’s instructions are not available,
deviations shall be the subject of specific designs.
3 .4 General Access Scaffold
General access, or conventional scaffolding is constructed using steel tube, fittings and boards. The
main elements of conventional scaffolding are shown in Enclosure 4 figure 1a.
Construction requirements are as follows:
Foundations shall be adequate for the load imposed at each standard and for the weight of the whole
scaffold. Sole boards shall be used under steel base plates if there is a danger of the steel base plate
sinking into the ground surface or where base plates are unavoidably located over grating.
Standards are vertical or near to vertical supports, which carry the scaffolds weight and loads
imposed to the supporting structure. Each standard shall be vertical and generally pitched on steel
base plates not more than 2.7 m apart. Joints shall be staggered on adjacent standards so that they do
not occur on the same lift. reference enclosure 4 figure 1a.
Ledgers shall be horizontal, placed inside the standards and clamped to them with right angle
couplers. Joints shall be staggered so that in adjacent ledgers they do not occur in the same bay.
Ledgers (including Transoms) are available in bay lengths i.e. 2.50 m. 1.80m and 1.3m.Transom bay
sizes required in between the stated dimensions can be formed utilising cut scaffold tubes with special
end insert system connectors and purpose cut timber boards (when under 2.5m in length). This forms
an adjustable bay length when scaffold runs are required to fixed dimensions and cannot be attained
with standard equipment. reference enclosure 4 figure 1a.
Transoms are tubes spanning across a ledger to form the support for boards of the work platform
shall be spaced at no more than 1.5 m. They should be extended inwards and outwards as necessary to
create the necessary support. reference enclosure 4 figure 1a.
Ties shall be provided on all scaffolds to prevent inward and outward movement. Frequency of ties
shall be fitted at a minimum ratio of one tie for every 40m sq. of scaffold area and shall be evenly
distributed throughout the scaffold. reference BS 5973. The type of tie will depend on the tying
requirements and the nature of the structure. reference enclosure 4 figure 1b.
Bracing shall be installed on all scaffolds to ensure rigidity. The following minimum requirements
apply:
• bracing shall be fixed as near as possible to node points

• bracing shall be erected, minimum one every six standards
• bracing must be at an angle of 45o, or as near to that angle as possible
• all bracing shall start from base plate level
• only load bearing fittings shall be used
reference enclosure 4 figure 1a.
Boards shall be securely fastened and be supported to meet the requirements set out in Table 3.
Table 3. Maximum span of Scaffold Boards
Nominal Thickness of Maximum Span Minimum Overhang Maximum

Board between Supports Overhang
mm m mm mm
38 1.5 50 150
50 2.6 50 200
63 3.25 50 250
Guard-rails and Toeboards shall be fitted to all platforms of 2m or higher. The upper guard-rail
shall be positioned at a level between 0.9 m and 1.15 m above the platform. Toeboards shall be at
least 150 mm height and the space between the toeboard and the guard-rail shall not exceed 0.75 m.
reference enclosure 4 figures 1a.
Tube end caps are mandatory for all tubes on erected scaffolds where personnel may come into
contact with tube ends and risk injury.
3 .5 Materials
In all cases access equipment, whether tube and fittings, proprietary systems or special equipment
shall be suitable in all respects for its intended application. For the majority of applications this will
entail
the use of steel tube, fittings and boards in accordance with (Table 4). However, there are certain
circumstances where the use of proprietary systems manufactured from steel or aluminium or the use
of special equipment is indicated.
Typical indications for the use of such systems and equipment are general access purposes for
inspection or cleaning of street lights, high ceilings, guttering, etc. where the access is required for a
short period only or is required to be easily moveable and there is a firm footing. In these
circumstances, the use of proprietary systems or special equipment may show substantial cost savings
with conventional steel tubing.
Before a decision is made on the type of access equipment, the nature of the intended task must be
fully examined and the compatibility of the intended task and its location with the equipment
application must be assessed.
Table 4 – Scaffold Material Standards
Material Standard Additional Requirements

Steel tube BS 1139 Only galvanised tube to be used. Used
Parts 1 and 2 tubes to be regularly inspected and cleaned.
All tubes to be checked before use for
corrosion and general condition. Defective
tubes to be discarded. Butt welded tubes
may be used on condition that the welding
has been carried out to an approved
procedure; reference. enclosure 4 figure 11, AR-1
Welding Procedure Qualification.
Fittings BS 1139 All fittings to be examined before use for
Parts 1 and 2 damage and wear. Damaged or worn
fittings to be discarded. No heat to be
applied to fittings. Moving parts to be
lubricated.
Boards BS 2482 Where any hot work is to be carried out,
boards shall be protected with a non-
combustible covering which shall be laid
and tied in such a way that it shall not
constitute a hazard. reference HSE. SM Chapter
9 revision 1.
When scaffolding is erected in areas where high levels of radiated heat are unavoidably encountered,
e.g. where high temperature pipework is in close proximity, timber scaffold boards may be exposed to
the risk of burning or charring. Alternatively, the use of pressed steel staging boards is acceptable.
reference enclosure 4 figure 2.
Note: Aluminium tubes, fittings, components and proprietary system frames are vulnerable in the
case of fire and are potentially spark producing, and not to be used in hydro carbon
environment.
If they are to be used where flammable atmospheres could be present during normal operations, their
use shall be controlled under the work permit system reference enclosure 4 figure 9 and precautions
specified to ensure a safe atmosphere is provided. If a safe atmosphere cannot be reliably provided, it
will be the sole responsibility of the contractor to ensure equipment manufactured from steel shall be
used.
4 Ancillary Equipment
4 .1 Gin Blocks
Gin blocks shall be used to lift materials only when the load to be lifted does not exceed 50kg. Gin
blocks shall never be used for personnel transfer.
A gin block shall be mounted on a cantilever tube projecting outwards from the scaffold at a
maximum distance, which shall not exceed 750mm. This supporting tube shall be attached to two
standards.
Ring type gin blocks should be used when possible. If a hook type gin block is used it should be wire
lashed to the supporting tube and not hooked into a tube or into a fitting, and the mouth of the hook is
to be securely lashed. A coupler should be placed on either side of the ring or lashing to prevent
movement. reference enclosure 4 figure 3.
Ropes shall be of a size compatible with the gin block in use, and shall comply with appropriate
British Standards. enclosure 3 references.
5. Tower Scaffolds
Tower scaffolds are 4-legged structures which may be tied to a building or be free-standing. Free-
standing towers may have vertically adjustable legs and may be mounted on castors to make them
mobile.
The various types of tower scaffold are grouped as follows:

• prefabricated from aluminium alloy
• prefabricated from steel
• system scaffolds made from steel
• tube and fittings made from steel or aluminium
Note: The use of aluminium alloy in the construction of any type of tower is not permitted at PDO.
reference hazardous area Zone 0 Zone 1 PDO HSE SM. Chapter 9 revision 1.
The different types of prefabricated tower available are erected in different ways. End user shall
ensure that adequate manufacturer's instruction manuals or guides are available before construction of
a tower commences. Regardless of the type of tower to be erected, care shall be taken not to impede
access and egress routes in the vicinity of the tower.
Simple tower scaffolds of the prefabricated or system type may be erected, and altered by persons not
qualified as scaffolders having undergone training as in table 1. However, any tower structure more
extensive and sophisticated than a simple 4-legged layout, or a tower constructed from tube and
fittings shall only be erected by qualified scaffolders and shall be subject to the SCAFFTAG system.
5 .1 Loading
For prefabricated and system towers the manufacturer's instructions will specify the maximum
permitted loads on the structure and these load restrictions shall be taken into account when selecting
the type to be used. For towers constructed from tube and fittings, the maximum loading is 75kg/m2.
5 .2 Foundations
The tower foundation shall be capable of sustaining the total load at all times during its erection and
use so that a stable condition is maintained. Towers shall not be erected directly on recently made up
ground or on lightweight manhole covers and timber spanning excavations. The legs of static towers
shall always rest on metal base plates or castors and the load spread by timber soleplates at least 225
mm wide by 40 mm deep and long enough to ensure no undue ground settlement.
Castors on mobile towers shall be at least 125 mm in diameter and shall be stamped with their
maximum permissible loading. They shall be capable of being locked in position so the tower cannot
move while in use. Castors shall be used on hard level surfaces.
Adjustable legs may be needed to ensure that the tower is vertical. These legs shall not be used to
extend the height of the tower and the maximum extension specified by the manufacturer shall not be
exceeded.
Adjustable legs and castors shall be prevented from falling out of the vertical tubes and if locking
devices are used, they shall be correctly engaged.
5 .3 Vertical and Horizontal Members
The vertical members on system towers are normally joined by socket and spigot connections. These
shall be properly seated and any locking pins correctly engaged. Vertical members shall be
maintained upright to prevent critical effects on stability and structural stresses.
Connections shall be properly tightened, latching hooks correctly seated and fittings correctly applied.
All components shall be examined before use for damage which might adversely affect their load
capacity. Prefabricated components shall be checked for broken welds, cracks, looseness of fit or
other damage, and where members are connected by latching hooks, these shall be examined to
ensure that the spring and release trigger are operating correctly. Non-compatible components shall
not be used.
All towers, regardless of the type of component used, shall be adequately braced in all three
dimensions. For prefabricated towers, this bracing may be provided by the interlocking arrangements
of the frames but as each type may have different bracing arrangements, reference to manufacturer's
instructions shall always be made. Towers constructed from tube and fittings need facade bracing on
all four sides and plan bracing, and a similar approach shall be adopted for system towers unless the
manufacturer specifies otherwise.
6. Structures and Stability
6.1 Aluminium Alloy Prefabricated Towers
Alloy towers are very light in weight and their centre of gravity is near the top platform level. Care
shall therefore be taken to ensure their stability and that they cannot overturn during use or be blown
over when left unattended.
Manufacturer's instructions normally specify either the maximum height to which the tower should be
erected or the maximum height to smallest base ratio for free-standing towers. These limitations shall
always be followed and in the absence of such information, the ratios shown in enclosure 4 figure 4
shall apply.
Adjustable stabilisers or outriggers may be used to increase the effective base dimension as large as
possible so that more section may be added to increase the tower height. Stabilisers (which have pad
feet) and outriggers (which have castors) shall be rigidly fitted to the tower and shall be in firm
contact with the ground or base.
Stabilisers shall normally only be used on static towers; if they are used on a mobile tower, they need
to be raised slightly before moving the tower or alternatively, the tower reduced to its free-standing
height. Outriggers need plan braces, as specified by the manufacturer.
Where scaffold tubes are used as rakers, the foot of each raker shall be tied back to the tower to
ensure that the raker cannot slip. reference enclosure 4 figure 1b.
Wherever possible, alloy towers shall be securely tied to the structure they serve. Ties shall be
connected at, or adjacent to, positions where standards join horizontal members and care shall be
taken to ensure that the ties restrain the tower from moving in any direction. Where the tower cannot
be tied to a structure, the use of guy ropes, ground anchors and ballast weights shall be considered.
Before a mobile tower is moved, its path shall be checked for ground obstructions, overhead power
lines, holes and soft areas. No personnel, tools or materials shall be on the tower during movement
and when the movement is complete, the tower shall be checked for verticality and the castors locked.
6.2 Steel Towers
For prefabricated steel towers use of manufacturer's instructions shall be followed whereas for tube
and fittings using standard tube, the free-standing height to smallest base ratios shown in Table 5 shall
be applied.
Table 5 - Height to smallest Base Ratios for free-standing Steel Towers.
Tower Type Internal External

Static 4:1 3.5:1
Mobile 3.5:1 3.1
reference: enclosure 4 figure 4.
6.3 Work Platforms
Platforms shall be at least 600 mm wide; full details of minimum widths for various types of use are
shown in Table 6. Working platforms may be made from various materials such as platform boards,
scaffold boards or staging. Where 38 mm or 63 mm timber scaffold boards are used, they shall be
supported at least every 1.5m or 3.2m respectively. Loads shall be evenly distributed on platforms and
be examined before use in accordance with SCAFFTAG systems.
Note: Loose laid plywood sheet are not permitted for use as scaffold boards, staging or platform
boards.
Table 6 - Working Platform Widths.
Purpose Minimum Width Practical width using 225 mm

nominal width boards
Working platform only (no 600mm 3 boards
deposit of materials)
Passage of materials 600 mm 3 boards
Deposit of materials 800 mm 4 boards
(a 430 mm passageway must
be maintained)
6.4. Guard Rails
Tower platforms from which a person could fall more than 2.0m shall be fitted with guard rails
between 1.0m and 1.2m above the platform level. reference PDO HSE SM Chapter 9 revision 1.
6.5 Toe Boards
Toe boards are required on all working platforms, gangways or runs from which a person or materials
could fall more than 2 m. Toe boards shall normally be placed inside the standards, shall be fixed to
prevent movement and shall be at least 150 mm high. The gap between toe board and guard rail shall
not exceed 750 mm.
6.6. Access
The platform shall have a safe means of access and egress.
Vertical ladders should be externally attached. reference Enclosure 4 Figure 8 Tower Access. Clear hand and
foot holds shall be provided. Where vertical heights greater than 9 m, which have to be climbed an
intermediate landing shall be provided. reference PDO HSE Chapter 9 revision 1.
All personnel should be physically suited to the access and egress of towers and platforms, and be
capable of working at heights in all aspects.
Ascending and descending the tower by using the horizontal members is not permitted.
6.7 L adders, Contractors Responsibilities
All ladders shall have a means of individual identification and owners of ladders shall keep and
maintain a register of their ladders.
Contractors responsibilities should include :
• know how and where ladders are being used on the premises
• consider whether any safer system of work or access can be provided
• install permanently fixed ladders wherever possible
• provide adequate storage for ladders
• institute a system for identification of ladders, periodic inspections and maintenance of records.
• ensure ladders are of sound design and manufacture and kept in good condition
• ensure that all users have been briefed and are competent in ladder safety
6.8 In sp ect ion and Col our Cod in g
All types of ladders shall be inspected before being put into service and only ladders which have a
current colour code marking shall be used. reference enclosure 4 figure 7e.
Ladders shall be treated carefully and not dropped or jarred. Timber ladders receiving a heavy blow
may suffer compression damage, distortion, loosened rungs or cracked stiles. Rungs shall be no more
than 300 mm apart and the stiles no more than 500 mm apart.
Ladders shall be stored in easily accessible areas and preferably on purpose-built racks which will
prevent sagging. Ladders may be hung on their stiles with sufficient support points provided to
prevent sagging; they shall not be hung from the rungs. Storage areas should give weather protection
and be well ventilated.
After use, ladders shall be inspected for damage before being returned to storage. Any ladder
suspected of being damaged shall be taken out of service, a thorough examination will be carried out
and appropriate action taken to either arrange repair by a competent person or consign it to scrap.
Ladders carried on vehicles shall be properly supported to prevent sagging and tied to support points
to minimise rubbing and the effects of road shock. Other equipment shall be loaded carefully to
prevent shock and abrasion.
Timber ladders may be treated with a transparent non-conductive finish such as clear preservative or
varnish but not with paint. Aluminium ladders may be given a proprietary protective coating if they
are to be exposed to the effects of strong acids, alkalis or corrosive substances.
Note: Aluminium ladders and their components are potentially spark producing. All aluminium
ladders should carry a warning sign not to be used near powered electrical equipment or
supply. If a safe atmosphere cannot be reliably provided, ladders of different materials shall be
used, such as fibreglass. reference P.D.O HSE SM Chapter 9 revision 1 and CITB safety note 7.
A working platform, or staging, is inherently safer than a ladder and often ensures that work is done
more efficiently and quickly. Other factors which have a bearing on the appropriateness of a ladder
for doing work include:
• the nature of the work, the tools to be used and the weight of equipment involved
• whether the ladder can be securely fixed to prevent slipping outwards or sideways
• the conditions at the work site, e.g. exposure, movement of people or vehicles
• whether the user has a safe hand and foothold and is close enough to the work
• the ability, training and experience of the user
• the strength, surface condition and type of structure against which the ladders is to rest
• a ladder may be fitted with a spreader arm
• the foot of the ladder shall be supported on a firm and level surface and shall not rest either on
loose material, or on other equipment to gain additional height. Attachments for levelling the feet
on sloping surfaces shall be properly fixed and used. At no time shall the bottom rung of the ladder
be placed so that the total weight is carried on the rung; only the stiles are designed for this
purpose. The inclination of the ladder conforms with the "one out for four up" rule. reference
enclosure 4 figure 7a.
Care shall be taken to ensure that the ladder cannot slip and wherever practicable, the top shall be
securely fixed. Slip may be prevented by the use of equipment such as tie restraining straps or
tensioned
guy ropes. On slippery floor surfaces special care shall be taken to prevent the foot of the ladder from
moving.
If the surface on which the foot of the ladder rests is not firm and level and does not provide adequate
purchase for the non-slip feet, additional precautions shall be taken to prevent outward movement at
the foot of the ladder. The head of the ladder shall rest against a solid surface capable of withstanding
the imposed loads. Where the surface cannot stand such loads, equipment such as ladder stays shall be
supplied and used. Where securing at the top is impracticable, arrangements shall be made to prevent
the ladder from slipping outwards or sideways. These arrangements include fixed blocks or cleats,
sandbags or stakes driven into the ground and are in addition to pads, caps or sleeves, which are
generally available. reference enclosure 4 figure 7 b & d.
Where fixing the ladder at the top and foot is impracticable, a person shall be stationed at the foot
with each hand gripping a stile and one foot on the bottom rung to prevent slipping. Note, however,
that this is only effective with ladders up to 5 m length. reference enclosure 4 figure 7 c.
7. Power O perated Mobile Work Platforms

Power operated mobile work platforms (WP's) are designed for lifting and or carrying materials or
personnel and their equipment, and are known by a variety of names which include: extending work
platforms, powered access platforms, aerial work platforms, mobile access platforms, cherry pickers,
tower wagons, hydraulic platforms and scissor lift work platforms. All contractors power operated
mobile work platforms are subject to Company’s approval for inspection.
7 .1 Operators
Only persons who have been trained to the level of skills necessary and authorised to do so shall work
from and prepare a W.P.
Training of power operated mobile work platform operators should be carried out, at an approved
accredited, Training Institute and followed by a R.O.P Heavy Equipment test. All operators and
supervisors should possess the necessary underpinning knowledge and capabilities of the particular
unit to be operated.
Special precautions shall be taken when WP's are used in the vicinity of live electrical conductors.
Normally, these precautions will entail the isolation of the electrical supplies through a Permit To
Work, but where this is not possible or practicable, a comprehensive job safety plan shall be prepared
by the contractor and agreed with all persons involved. A clearance certificate must be obtained from
the asset custodian department authorised area electrical supervisor for any movement of high loads
and large equipment passing under or working in close proximity to live high voltage overhead lines.
reference PDO HSE SM Chapter 11, reference enclosure 4 figure 10.
If a work area is traversed by other vehicles, arrangements shall be made to divert traffic if possible or
alternatively erect temporary barriers, warning cones, lights or signs and arrange for traffic to be
diverted around them. When necessary, other adjacent operations or activities shall be stopped and if
the worksite is accessible by the public, temporary barriers shall be erected.
Where the operating area is close to fixed obstructions such as buildings, stanchions or roof trusses,
the operator shall check that clearances are adequate and that there is no danger of any part of the WP
colliding with an obstruction. Alternative arrangements shall be made to ensure stability of the WP
when full use of the outriggers cannot be made.
7.2 Mobile Work Platforms

A WP consists of four distinct parts, namely:
• the platform capable of supporting persons, tools and equipment

• the platform structure which supports the platform
• a powered mechanism which manoeuvres the platform relative to the chassis
• a mobile chassis on wheels which may be self-propelled
There are two types of WP. One type allows the platform to be manoeuvred universally relative to the
chassis and incorporates telescoping or articulating jibs or booms. The other type usually has only
vertical movement of the platform although the facility to rotate the platform or extend it horizontally
is sometimes provided.
Before being put into service for the first time or following any major repair or alteration, a WP shall
be tested over its range of duties with a proof load at least 1.5 times the safe working load. During
such testing, the machine shall be operated from ground level and no person shall be permitted to be
on the platform of the machine.
A certificate of test and thorough examination giving details of the results of the safe working load
and range of duties of the WP shall be issued, by a specialist servicing company under the auspices of
the Company.
Periodic examination and certification of WP's shall generally be carried out in accordance to
manufactures recommendations.
The following information shall be conspicuously displayed on the platform of a WP:

• the safe working load and the maximum number of persons allowed on the platform
• the maximum gradient on which the WP may operate
Inclinometers, spirit levels or other suitable devices with scales, bands or other markings shall be
provided so that the operator can easily see the tilt of the machine and whether it is within specified
limits.
The floor of the platform shall be slip-resistant and designed to prevent the accumulation of water.
Safety devices shall be fitted to prevent the unwarranted movement of any part of the WP, for
example through failure of the powered mechanism which manoeuvres it and of mechanisms
controlling travel, steering or outriggers.
A safe means of access and egress to the platform when at ground level shall be provided. This may
be a short fixed ladder, or control arrangements which allows the platform to be brought down to
ground level.
If structural members are made from special steels or other alloys, the specification of the materials
shall be marked on the platform to ensure that any repairs, especially welding or the replacement of a
member, are compatible with the materials.
7.3 Maintenance
Only qualified and authorised persons shall carry out adjustments and repairs to WP's. If an appliance
is hired, the contractual arrangements shall include proper inspection, maintenance and servicing in
accordance with manufacturer's instructions. The scope of periodic checks is given below.
At the beginning of each work period, the operator shall check:
• pneumatic tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and tyres are free from cuts and damage
• the operation of the brakes
• the operation of any lights, which include safety warning lights/ audibles
• lubricant, coolant and fuel levels
• the integrity of the supporting structure
• for leaks in hydraulic/pneumatic systems
• correct functioning of powered mechanisms, e.g. raising, slewing, etc.
• correct functioning of communications systems between platform and ground
At weekly intervals (or every 50 operational hours/manufacturer's recommended intervals) an

authorised maintenance person shall carry out:
• all checks made at the beginning of each work period and a full operational check of the appliance
• a check of the condition of the chassis, support structure, platform and powered mechanisms
A written report shall be made on the condition of the appliance and any faults rectified immediately
or the appliance withdrawn from service. Copies of the report shall be retained, by the contractor.
Six monthly intervals (or 1000 operational hours/manufacturer's recommended interval) a thorough
examination shall be carried out by an authorised person. This type of examination shall also be
carried out after an accident, major repair or modification. A certificate shall be issued by the
authorised person stating that the WP is safe to continue, and it should state the date of the next
thorough examination. Copies of the certificate shall be retained by the contractor.
8. Approvals
8 .1 Approval of Design
Contractors, at all time, shall assure a safe design of their proposed scaffold system appropriate to
British standards. The Company has the option to audit the design.
8 .2 Approval for Installation
Approval for installation will be the sole responsibility of the contractor.
9. Activity Controls.
9 .1 Inspection
It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to inspect, record and maintain records of scaffolding
and related equipment. Retaining the right to audit scaffold and equipment inspection reports, will be
subject to Company audit.
Inspections shall be carried out by scaffold inspectors, who will either accept the scaffold or reject it
and detail deficiencies to be corrected. In either case, the SCAFFTAG system will be used to visually
indicate the result of inspection.
Inspections of scaffolds in regular service shall take place every 7 days, e.g. a scaffold approved for
use on a Saturday must be re-inspected and re-certified each subsequent Saturday, or immediately
after severe or adverse weather. Actual SCAFFTAG inserts shall be signed and dated after each
inspection.
9.2. SCAFFTAG System
Contractors may have an existing SCAFFTAG system in place which allows an immediate visual
indication of the condition of a scaffold structure reference enclosure 4 figure 6. The system comprises:
• a holder which fits over a scaffold tube and displays "DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD” in red on a
white background.
• insert for the holder, one side white on green to indicate, when showing, that the scaffold is
certified for use and giving details, the other side black on yellow to indicate, when showing, that
the scaffold is under inspection and must not be used. An exact duplicate of the insert is retained in
a SCAFFTAG rack in an appropriate location, accessible to authorised persons.
The only person authorised to fix or change a SCAFFTAG is a qualified person appointed by the
contractor.
Note: in an emergency situation, a SCAFFTAG may be removed by any person, if he is of the opinion
that the scaffold is unsuitable for its intended application. He should remove the SCAFFTAGG,
remove the people from the scaffold and display the “ DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD “ message. The
Supervisor may or may not for practical purposes rectify / re-certify the scaffold.
9 .3 Hand-over Procedure and Certificate
Contractors may have in place existing hand over procedures. For reference an example of a
Hand-over Procedure flowchart is enclosed. reference enclosures 4 figure 5a,5b shows graphically the
responsibility of the contractor and scaffold inspector.
9 .4 Modifications
Modifications to SCAFFTAG certified scaffolds shall be undertaken only by an approved scaffolding

inspector. After a modification has been made, inspection and re-certification shall be carried out, as
per company audit.
If unauthorised modifications are observed, they shall be reported to the supervisor and the insert
removed from the SCAFFTAG holder to reveal the "DO NOT USE SCAFFOLD" warning.
10. Means of Access and Egress to Height and Control Requirements

The means of access and egress to a point, which is out of the reach of a worker, may range from the
design scaffold through to the propriety system . The means of access shall be of sound construction,
have two access and egress points positioned at 90º of wind direction, suitable for the purpose and
shall be approved by the contractor.
11. Protection from Falls

There are many activities which requires scaffolders to work in positions where it is reasonably
foreseeable that they may fall. In all such cases, suitable fall arrest or prevention devices must be
worn.
Harnesses of the full body type parachute type equipped with a single tail type harness and used with
an inertia reel are recommended to be worn. The use of single belt type harness is not permitted.
Safety lines on the structure and safety fall fans should also be considered as safety contingencies.
reference enclosure 2 Glossary of terms.
It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to ensure all safety measures are adhered to. reference P.D.O
H.S.E SM Chapter 4.
12. Dismantling
No person other than trained, experienced scaffolders shall be involved in the dismantling of
scaffolding and staging. reference PDO H.S.E SM Chapter 9 revision 1.
12.1 Hand Lowering
No items shall be thrown to a lower level. It is preferable to lower items by line, but lowering by hand
is permissible if sufficient scaffolders are available.
12.2 Removal of Boards
Relative to the reducing height of the scaffold / staging, boards shall be transferred down level by level
to form adequate work platforms for the scaffolders involved in dismantling.
13 Personal Protective Equipment

Contractors shall provide all personnel working above ground level, appropriate personal safety
protection. reference PDO HSE SM Chapter 4.
14 General Working Practices.

• the integrity of high structures shall be such that the required operation can be performed safely.
This includes, but is not limited to the loading of the structure, men, equipment and materials. The
environmental conditions; the forces imposed upon it by any means of access which is connected
to it; and the forces imposed upon it by any lifting or winching operations in which the high
structure serves as an anchor point, counter weight or tie point
• no part of any operational line or pressurised piping shall be used as a support, or tie-point for
scaffolds or staging. Access or general purpose scaffolding, or any part thereof, shall not be used
as support for any part of process plant
• the general perception that working at heights commences at 2000mm requires the protection of
guard rails or leading edge protection. The space to ground level therefore is open for professional
judgement. Hence, each location and task must be accessed on its own merit. Tasks carried out in
the range of 500mm to 900mm above ground level, can often be referred to as the danger zone
• risk levels in these ranges (500mm to 2000mm) and possible protection to reduce risks should be
determined by the contractors engineer and/or scaffolding inspector. The engineer or the
scaffolding inspector by means of SCAFFTAG indicates the status of scaffolding
• the operations above ground level shall be carried out in such a way that non-involved personnel,
in the vicinity of the activity, are not at risk
• where practicable, personnel shall not be assigned to work directly below the overhead work
positions or other persons. Where this is unavoidable, suitable precautions shall be taken. Safety
nets must be installed
• where the means of access to a mobile or portable tower, it shall not be moved either
mechanically or manually while personnel are upon it, unless it is specifically designed and
approved, in the carriage of persons
• during the possibility of a thunderstorm, no work shall be executed at a height where a person can
be exposed to lightning. reference P.D.O H.S.E S.M Chapter 9 revision 1.
• tools and heavy loads shall not be carried with the confines of the tower, the only exception being
tools carried in a waist belt designed specifically for the purpose. All loads should be hauled up,
or lowered down by a person on the platform, using a suitable container which shall be of sound
construction, suitable for the purpose and shall be approved by the Company prior to use. reference
PDO HSE SM Chapter 9 revision1.
• tools, equipment etc. shall be kept in such a location that they do not represent a tripping hazard
and cannot fall or be knocked from the structure. Where no catchment means are located below
the workplace, safety lines shall be attached to tools and similar equipment
• electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic tools shall not be hauled up or lowered by their power lines
• all overhead work shall cease when wind speed reaches 40 Km/h. The only exception being such
work which is intended to render the high structure or its means of access safe. reference PDO HSE
SM Chapter 9 revision 1.
• when overhead work is required on wet structures or their means of access, the facilities shall be
inspected by the contractors engineer and the Company. Where such facilities become wet during
the operation, work may continue only in order to make the structure safe. Work shall then cease
until inspection by the above named confirms that it is safe to continue
• upon completion of the day's work, all ropes and tackles shall be securely tied back to a
permanent structure. The means of access shall be blocked off and any crane jibs shall be tied
down to their resting brackets
• where there is a risk to third parties, high visibility warning tape, notice boards and warning lights
shall be sited
• any overhead work, which must be carried out during the hours of darkness, shall be subject to
written authorisation from the Company. Such authorisation shall be inclusive of the required
standard of illumination
• erection and / or dismantling of scaffolding during the hours of darkness is only permitted in
cases of extreme urgency and when no other practicable alternative can be identified. In this
context, financial expediency is not considered sufficient justification
Enclosure 1
Safety check list examples of
- Scaffold
- Towers
- Check list notes
- Examination of laders
Example of Scaffolds Inspections Report Form.
Note : Contractors may have in place their own existing Inspection

report forms.
SCAFFOLD INSPECTIONS REPORT.

Report of results of Inspections made in pursuance of Regulations 29 & 30.
Name and Address of client for whom the inspection was carried out. Customers Address.
Site address ( if different from above address ) : Contract Title.
Date and Location and Description of work place ( Including any plant, Matters which give rise to Can work be carried out Details of any further Name and position Date report
Time materials or equipment ) inspected. any health and safety risks safely (YES/NO) If not action considered of person making handed over
inspected. name of person informed. necessary report.
Base soundness, adequate spread of load
Line of standards, Ledgers, Vertically of standards

Ledgers horizontal, joints staggered.
Spacing of Transoms.
Sway bracing complete to top every 30m.
Guard rails & Toe boards fastened, stop and boards in
place
Longitudinal and Ledger bracing.
Means of Access and Egress.
Ties: number, positions, security.
Security and correct use of fittings (couplers), particularly
on transoms and bracing.
Conditions of tubes and fittings.
Damage by Loads swinging from cranes or falling
materials
Overloading.
Security of stacked materials.
Walkways clear of stored material and waste.
Holes and openings fenced off.
Lighting adequate.
Wheels locked correctly when a mobile tower is in use.
SCAFFOLD ACCESS PLATFORMS
Guideline
- WIDTHSfor the Use of Scaffolding Version 1.0 Examples of Scaffold Check Notes.
TOLERANCES
Purpose Minimum Practical using
Widths 225mm nominal
width boards Feature Erection Tolerances SCAFFOLD BOARD SPANS
Working platforms for men 600mm 3 Boards Standards Vertical to within +/-
without materials only for 20mm in 2m (subject
the passage of materials to max. total deviation
of 50mm)
For men and materials 800mm 4 Boards Minimal Maximum Minimum Maximum
provided 440mm left clear thickness of span overhang overhang
Bay Length +/ - 200mm on
for passage of men or board between
designated lengths.
640mm if barrows are used. transoms
Level to within + / -
20mm in 2m ( subject mm m mm Mm
For carrying trestles or other 1.05m 5 Boards to a max. total 38 1.5 50 150
similar higher platforms deviation of 50mm 50 2.6 50 200
63 3.25 50 250
For use in dressing or 1.3m 6 Boards Lift Height + / - 150mm on the
roughly shaping stone designated height
For use to support a higher 1.5m 7 Boards Nodes 150mm between

platform where supporting coupler centres.
scaffold is also used for
dressing and roughly
Safety Check List Safety Check list
shaping stone
Check from the ground Check from the scaffold.

1. Basic soundness, adequate 9 Ties particularly on lift below 1 Base
spread of load, avoidance of working platform or in early stages 2 Line of standards & Ledgers
pavement lights, manhole rakers on standards. Special attention 3 Line & Spacing of transoms
covers, ect. No nearby to through ties on large flank ends 4 Diagonal bracing in both directions
excavation. without windows. Load bearing 5 Ties
couplers to be used. 6 Security of boards toeboards,
2 Line of standards & Ledgers 10 Special loadings by protective fans, guardrails
vertically of the standards wind sails etc, anchorage and spread of 7 Security of couplers, fittings
load. 8 Condition of tubes and fittings
3 Staggering of joints (vertical 11 Security of boards toeboards & guard 9 Even spread of load on platform
& horizontal) rails 10 Means of access
4 Spacing of transoms 12. Security and correct use of all fittings 11 Overloading
(couplers particularly on transoms and 12 Security of stacked materials
bracing
5 Working platform. Check 13 Condition of tubes and fittings With birdcage scaffolds the floor of the
line and even support of building has to carry the full weight of
boards: overhang lapped the scaffold and its load. Sole plates are
boards or fillets. necessary to help distribute the load as
6 Security of guard rails & 14 Damage by loads swinging from widely as possible and they should
toeboards cranes or by falling material always be set at right angles to the
7 Longitudinal and ledger 15. Overloading underlying floor beams or joists.
bracing
8 Means of access 16. Security of stacked material.
Example of Scaffolds Inspections Report Form for Towers.
report forms.

TOWERS.
Name and Address of client for whom the inspection was carried out. Customers Address.
Site address ( if different from above address ) : Contract Title.
Date and Location and Description of work place ( Including any plant, Matters which give rise to Can work be carried out Details of any further Name and position Date report
Time materials or equipment ) inspected. any health and safety risks safely (YES/NO) If not action considered of person making handed over
inspected. name of person necessary report.
informed.
Manufacturer’s instructions followed for Proprietary
systems.
Working platform : size within base dimension.
Work platform : close boarded and evenly supported.
Working platform : guard rails & toeboards if above 2.0m
Correct fittings used.
Ladder access properly secured and clear of ground if on

mobile tower
Overloading
Security of stacked material
No riding on tower when being moved.

Wheels locked or raised when a mobile tower is in use.
Example of Scaffolds Inspection Report Form.

LADDERS.
report forms.

LADDERS.
Date and Location and Description of work place ( Including any plant, materials or equipment ) inspected. Matters which give Details of any further Name and position of Date report handed
Time rise to any health action considered person making over
inspected. Checklist. and safety risks necessary report.
Identity Markings Identification marking legible and containing as a minimum: a
unique registration number (as entered in ladder registration)
Current PLI colour code. Other markings must include:
Name of manufacturer
Type of ladder
Year and month of manufacture
Maximum permissible load
Surface Finish Edges, corners and protruding parts chamfered or rounded and free of burrs
and splinters
Rungs, Steps and No visible cracks or breaks
crossbars Secure with no twisting or sideways movement between rungs and stiles
Reinforcement intact
Non-slip coated surfaces intact and adhering firmly
No more than one rung above a repaired or reinforced rung at either end
(this check only applies to wooden ladders)
Stiles No cracks or breaks, or visible compression creases in wooden stiles
Reinforcement undamaged and secure with no strands or protrusions
Anti-skid plugs for metal ladders secure in stile ends
No protruding rung end security fasteners, e.g. screws, nails
Tie rods secure with all fasteners tight
Rivets on metal ladders should be tight with no free movement
Fittings Ropes in good condition with no fraying
Hinge pins secure and free-opening
Opening restraints (rope, chain) in place and securely attached
Rope-operated extending ladder locking devices operable
Rollers, wheels and pulleys freely rotate
Enclosure 2 Figures.
1 a Typical Independent Tied Scaffold.
b Example of Ties.
2 Pressed Steel Staging Boards.
3 Gin Block Fixings
4 Height to Smallest Base Ratios
5 a Hand-over Procedure
b Hand over Certificate
SCAFFTAG System
7 Ladders
a Positioning and Security of ladders
b Bottom Tie
c Footing
d Lashing
e Colour codes of ladders & Lifting Equipment
8 Tower Access.
9 PERMIT To Work
10 Clearance Certificate.
11 Example of Typical Welding Procedure..

Figure 1a – Typical Independent Tied Scaffold
Figure 1b Example of Ties
Ties.
Figure 2. Pressed Steel Staging Boards.
Steel stage is a long life pressed steel batten with a non-skid durable surface. They are 9” (0.229m)
wide and 2 ½ “ (63mm) thick.
Steelstage 8’ nominal (2.438m) Actual length 7’ 11¼ “ (2.419m). Weight 38 ¼ lb. (17.3 kg)
Steelstage 6’ nominal (1.829m) Actual length 5’ 11¼ “ (1.810m). Weight 29 ¼ lb. (13.3 kg)
Steelstage 4’ nominal (1.219m) Actual length 4’ 1¼ “ (1.251m). Weight 20lb. (9.1 kg)
Battens are also available and generally conform to quality standards equal to BS 2482 / 1963 and are available
as follows.
Batten 8’ nominal (2.438m) Actual length 7’ 11¼ “ (2.419m). Weight 40 lb. (18.15 kg)
Batten 6’ nominal (1.829m) Actual length 5’ 11¼ “ (1.810m). Weight 30 lb. (13.62 kg)
Batten 4’ nominal (1.219m) Actual length 4’ 1¼ “ (1.251m). Weight 20lb. (9.1 kg)
Size tolerances are as follows

Nominal length
Actual Dimension
8’0” (2.438m) 7’ 11 ¼ “ (2.419m) plus nil/minus ¼”
(6.35mm)
6’0” (1.829m) 5’ 11 ¼ “ (1.810m) plus nil/minus ¼”
(6.35mm)
4’0” (1.219m) 4’ 1 ¼ “ (1.249m) plus nil/minus ¼”
(6.35mm)
Thickness and width – plus and minus 1/8” (3.175mm)
Types of timber used,

a) Douglas fir. b) Western White Spruce
c) European White Spruce
Hemlock is not recommended
Figure 3 – Gin Block Fixings

Figure 4 – Height to Smallest Base Ratios

Figure 5a Hand over Procedure
Fit SCAFFTAG holders to scaffold at access

CONTRACTOR
points showing SCAFFOLD INSPECTOR
“DO NOT USE”
Complete green side of two SCAFFTAGS for

each holder
and file in Control Room/Site Office with

yellow side out.
Complete scaffold
Inform authorised requester of scaffold Inspect Scaffold

completion
Rectification work Scaffold

NO
accepted
YES
SCAFFTAG yellow sides and dated

2
SCAFFTAG remains in SCAFFTAG placed in

Control Room/Site Office holder on scaffold (green
(green side out) side out)
WEEKLY INSPECTION
Scaffold
NO accepted YES
Figure 5b Hand over Certificate
Figure 6 – SCAFFTAG System
Example of SCAFFTAG Identification & Control System
SCAFFTAG Insert – This is the reverse side of Insert (Of above)

Used to record Inspections
Additional SCAFFTAG Prohibition signs that may be used
SCAFFTAG Holder (Attached to Scaffold) Displaying Prohibition Status.

Inserts as above are slotted into holder when scaffold is commissioned for use.
SCAFFOLD
SCAFFTAG
DO NOT
USE
Ref No:
Figure 7 Ladders
Figure 7a – Positioning and Figure 7b – Bottom Tie

Security of a Ladder
Figure 7c - Footing Figure 7d - Lashing
75º
Figure 7e – Colour Codes of Ladders, Lifting Equipment, Bi-annual Cycle

PDO ES CS 80 01.
Figure 8 Tower Access.

Figure 9 Permit To Work.
Example of PERMIT TO WORK

Figure 10 Clearance Certificate.

Figure 11 Example of Typical Welding Procedure.
a) The pipe sizes in the table may not be appropriate for the job size pipe to be welded. In such
instances, actual job size pipe may be substituted.
b) For pipe having a wall thickness less than 0.063 in., individual qualification is required for
each thickness by visual, penetrent, X-ray, and tensile tests.
c) The maximum thickness qualified using the oxyacetylene process is the wall thickness of the
base metal of the sample weld plus 20%. (This note is not applicable to arc welding.)
d) Procedures qualified prior to issuance of AWS D10.9 may be updated by performing any
additional tests required by the standard.
e) For pipe used at low temperature, impact tests may be required. The purchaser and fabricator
should agree in advance on the type and number of test specimens, areas from which the
specimens are to be taken., testing temperature, and the acceptance requirements.
f) Visual inspection before welding shall include determining that the proper filler metal is used
and inspection for cracks, undercut, porosity, incomplete fusion, and proper cleaning between
passes.
g) Each sample weld shall be examined by liquid penetrent. Dry powder magnetic – particle
inspection may be used in lieu of liquid penetrent inspection.
h) For specific techniques Radiographic is required for all welds of the AR-1 level.
i) For ½, ¾, 1 and 1-1/2-in pipe and all thin wall pipe, the entire joint is tested in tension.
j) From 2” sample welds, four bend specimens are cut from one sample weld and are prepared.
Bend specimens are tested in a guided-bend jig or a wrap around jig.
k) For more ductile materials, a higher sensitivity to bending may be required. Any changes in
the bend test should be agreed upon in advance between the purchaser and the fabricator.
Appendix 1 : Safety Precautions for Working Offshore.

1.1 Working over Water
When scaffolding personnel are exposed to the possibility of falling into the water, they are
considered to be "working over water". This is obvious when their work location is offshore,
either underneath or over the side of a structure.
1 .2 Lifelines and Floatation Devices
All personnel engaged in the erection, modification or dismantling of scaffolding, which involves
working over water must wear a flotation device and a fall arrest or prevention device.
The harness is to be a full body parachute type equipped with a single tail type harness and used with
an inertia reel. The use of single belt type harness is not permitted. At least one member of the
scaffold team must at all times be in radio contact with the central command center.
1 .3 Stand-by Boats
In all cases of over side scaffolding a standby boat shall be nominated to be the first response
vessel. The standby boat shall remain in general attendance and not engage in any duty
interfering with its ability to respond immediately and be capable of performing rescue duties.
A minimum of two able crew are to man the stand-by boat.
1 .4 Working during Hours of Darkness
The work site and the area of water below must be properly illuminated and offshore a standby boat
must be nominated and able to render immediate assistance.
Over side work during the hours of darkness which is carried out from properly erected and certified
scaffold, and where the workplace and the area of water below is properly illuminated, is not
restricted.
Appendix 2 : Fire Hazard and Escape.

Conditions of Fire
Three factors are necessary for fire to burn:
• Fuel or Combustible material- any material or substance, liquid, solid or gas which will burn
given oxygen and sufficient heat or ignition source. Every fuel has an ignition temperature. All
solids and liquids give off vapour when heated.
Many liquids ignite at normal room temperature 15ºC. Some gases can be ignited at any temperature
above freezing. Oxygen - present in air and always there to sustain fire given the other factors. For
details refer to HSE Management of Contracts Procedures. HSE/97/05, Appendix V, Generic Hazard Listing.
Fire can be spread in four ways:
• Conduction is where heat is transmitted from one place to another along a metal pipe or other
material and starts a fire well away from the original point. Convection is where heat rises
carrying particles of burning materials into the air, then as the air cools deposits the burning
materials in another place causing another fire. Radiation is where material close to a fire is
ignited by the direct transfer of heat from the source of a fire to another nearby material. Direct
burning is where the fire reaches other combustible material and ignites them, thereby adding to
the fire. reference CITB GE 700 / 7 Construction Safety Note.
Classes of fire:
• carbonaceous materials
• flammable liquids or liquefiable solids
• flammable gasses of liquefiable solids
• combustible metals
• electrical fires. Any fire involving electrical apparatus or equipment
Fire Response Capability.
All personnel shall be familiar with the fire emergency procedures, alarms and equipment available,
personnel responsibilities and evacuation procedures in the event of fire. Regular fire drills shall be
performed to ensure this. All potential users of fire extinguishers shall be instructed in the operation of
such equipment. All fire extinguishers shall be manufactured, tested and certified to conform to BS
5423. Fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in accordance with BS 5306 Part
3. reference HSE Standard Manual Chapter13. Fire extinguishers suitable for the use at the location should be
placed at access points of the scaffolding structure. Fight the fire with the extinguishers provided but
do not put yourself in danger. Keep between the fire and the way out.
For H² S scenarios refer to PDO HSE SM Chapter 4. 4.0.
If the controlled burning cannot be properly supervised, it must be prohibited. No fire should be left
smouldering or burning after work is finished.

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UNRESTRICTED Document Number : GU-363

Guideline for the Use of Scaffolding

Authorised For Issue 01/08/2000

Ali Al Jahadhmy, OTE/3

Version No. Date Author Scope/ Remarks

Version 1.0 August 2000 Dr. Ben Taal First Issue.

1.3 Distribution/Target Audience & Further Copies

This Guideline is available on EDMS and targeted at:

Company site supervisors

1.4Review & Improvement

1.5 Related Business Control Documents

1.6 Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms and Definitions

Types and Dimensions of Scaffolds

Scaffold A temporary structure which provides access, or from which

Slung scaffold A scaffold hanging on tubes, ropes or chains from a structure

Suspended scaffold A scaffold hanging on ropes which is capable of being suspended,

Tubular Members and Beams

Guard-rail A member incorporated in a structure to prevent the fall of a person

Scaffold Couplers and Fittings

Coupler A component used to fix scaffold tubes together.

Other Terms in General Use

Protection fans Devices attached to scaffolding to intercept anything which may

Stabilising Also known as buttressing

Stagings Prefabricated, longitudinal platforms made from selected timber,

1.7 Appendix 2: References

British Standards Institution

Construction Industry Training Board.

National Association Scaffolding Contractors.

American Welding Society.

1.8 Appendix 3: Scaffold Manual

Most experienced scaffolding personnel currently working in contracting companies may be of

1.2.1 Personnel Records

2. Request for Scaffolding

Table 2 – Loads and Dimensions for Tube and Fittings Scaffold.

When using system scaffold, particular attention is drawn to the following:

3 .4 General Access Scaffold

Construction requirements are as follows:

• bracing shall be fixed as near as possible to node points

Table 3. Maximum span of Scaffold Boards

Nominal Thickness of Maximum Span Minimum Overhang Maximum

Table 4 – Scaffold Material Standards

Material Standard Additional Requirements

The various types of tower scaffold are grouped as follows:

5 .3 Vertical and Horizontal Members

6. Structures and Stability

6.1 Aluminium Alloy Prefabricated Towers

6.2 Steel Towers

Table 5 - Height to smallest Base Ratios for free-standing Steel Towers.

Tower Type Internal External

reference: enclosure 4 figure 4.

6.3 Work Platforms

Table 6 - Working Platform Widths.

Purpose Minimum Width Practical width using 225 mm

6.4. Guard Rails

6.5 Toe Boards

The platform shall have a safe means of access and egress.

6.7 L adders, Contractors Responsibilities

Contractors responsibilities should include :

6.8 In sp ect ion and Col our Cod in g

7. Power O perated Mobile Work Platforms

7.2 Mobile Work Platforms