Scaffolds are used by employees performing work that cannot be safely completed from the ground or from solid surfaces, except where ladders or lifts will provide adequate elevation and safe work practices.
Per recent NCOSHA requirements, scaffolds must be designed by a "Qualified Person" and shall be constructed and loaded in accordance with that design. A "Qualified Person" as defined by NCOSHA, is one who by possession of a recognized degree, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the ability to solve problems related to scaffold design and erection. It is recommended that an experienced degree engineer or Professional Engineer, with experience in scaffolding be considered a "Qualified Person." The latest provisions contained in NCOSHA 1926 Subpart L must be followed in the design, erection and use of scaffolding. Refer to OSHA's guidelines for general information and specific requirements regarding the use of scaffolds in question/answer format or see "General Safety Guidelines - Safe Use of Scaffolds" (Attachment 2) in the App State Fall Protection Plan for a summary of the Scaffolding requirements.
Additionally, the erection, moving, altering or dismantling of scaffolding must be performed under the supervision and direction of a "Competent Person" qualified in scaffolding, as defined by NCOSHA 1926 Subpart L. Employees performing this work must be supervised and trained, with a copy of training documentation retained in the department and a copy forwarded to the Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management Office.
If you have questions, please contact the Occupational Safety Manager at extension 7649
