Scaffolding — Suspended Scaffolds
Construction · Ver en español
Talking points
- Suspension ropes must support six times the intended load — this is a higher safety factor than supported scaffolds because the consequences of rope failure are catastrophic.
- Every worker on a suspended scaffold must wear a full-body harness attached to an independent lifeline — the scaffold guardrails alone are not sufficient.
- Inspect wire ropes daily for broken wires, kinking, corrosion, and bird-caging. Remove any rope that shows damage.
- Counterweights must be non-flowable (no sand or water) and secured to the outrigger beam — do not use construction materials that may be removed during the project.
- Before use each day, test the hoist by raising the platform 12 inches and confirming the brakes hold. If the platform drifts, do not use the scaffold.
Ask the crew
Why do you think suspended scaffolds require a higher safety factor than supported scaffolds?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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