Scaffold Users’ Hazard Awareness

In this course, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of scaffolding safety and best practices, then elevate your expertise through practical application on site. Here’s what you will learn to: 

• Explain the hazards associated with scaffold use. 
• Locate relevant legislation.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of all workplace parties. 
• Recognize types of scaffolds, components and purpose.
• Discuss safe scaffold set-up.
• Describe visual scaffold inspection. 
• List safe work practices. 

Course Outline (brief description)

• Introduction and background
• Roles and responsibilities
• Hazards
• Relevant legislation
• Types of scaffold
• Equipment components
• Basic set up
• Visual inspection
• Safe work practices
• Prerequisites
  • Working at Heights training is beneficial, but with no practical application in this course, learners will not be accessing scaffolds and therefore will not need proof of training. However, workers accessing scaffolds in the field will require proof of valid Working at Heights training. 
• Equipment types (if applicable)

Participants will learn to identify the following types of scaffolding:

• Baker’s scaffold
• Frame scaffold
• Tube and Clamp scaffold
• System Scaffold

What you Get

You will get the following upon completion of our scaffolding users’ hazard awareness training course:

• A wallet certificate as proof of training valid for 3 years is provided
• Participant Guide and Workbook

Each participant will get the above. Our wallet certificate supports regulatory audit practices as specified by OHSA. Please note, this course does not include a practical examination. 

•    O. Reg 213/91 Construction Projects s. 126 – 136.O.1
•    Reg 854 Mines and Mining Plants s 46 and 54
•    CSA – Z797-18 Code of Practice for Access Scaffold
•    MLITSD Guideline No. 23: Scaffolding for the film and television industry

For scaffolding safety training, here are some common FAQs that workers and supervisors often have, focusing on practical safety aspects:

1. Why is scaffolding safety training so important?

Scaffolding presents significant fall hazards and risks from falling objects or structural collapse if not properly erected, inspected, and used. This training equips you with the knowledge to recognize and avoid these dangers, ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you.

2. Who should take scaffolding safety training?

Anyone who uses scaffolding for access or work, as well as supervisors overseeing work on sites where scaffolding is present, should attend this training. While installers have specific training, users must also understand safe practices and hazard recognition.

3. Do I need to inspect scaffolding before I use it?

Yes, absolutely. A visual inspection of the scaffolding should be performed before each shift and after any event that could affect its integrity (e.g., strong winds, heavy rain, modifications). This ensures it remains safe for use.

4. What are the most common hazards associated with scaffolding?

Key hazards include falls from heights, falling objects, scaffold collapse, and electrical hazards 

5. What is the minimum height at which fall protection is required on scaffolding?

O.Reg 213/91 s26.3 (1) requires guardrails be installed on scaffolding once it reaches a height of 2.4m (8ft) or more while the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires adequate protection be used whenever a protective device required by regulations is removed by a worker. 

Employers and Supervisors must also take every precaution reasonable to protect a worker and some situations such as one where a falling worker would fall into water or a hazardous substance fall protection is required regardless of the height of the work area. 

For these reasons the height at which workers must use fall protection can vary on a case by case basis. Always assess the risk of falls and take adequate precautions following the hierarchy of controls to protect workers.

6. Can I make modifications or repairs to scaffolding?

No, not unless you are a trained and competent scaffolder or authorized personnel. Modifications or repairs to scaffolding should only be performed by qualified individuals who understand the structural integrity and design requirements. Report any defects or damage immediately.

7. How do I access a scaffold safely?

Always use the designated access points, such as ladders or stair towers. Never climb on cross-bracing or other structural members not designed for access. Ensure ladders are secure and extend sufficiently above the landing platform.

8. What should I do if I spot a hazard on scaffolding?

Stop work immediately, evacuate the hazardous area, and report the issue to your supervisor or the designated competent person. Do not use the scaffolding until the hazard has been assessed and corrected.

9. Is there a weight limit for scaffolding?

Yes, all scaffolding has a maximum rated load capacity. Overloading the scaffold with personnel, tools, or materials is extremely dangerous and can lead to collapse. Always be aware of and adhere to the posted or specified load limits. O. Reg 213/91 requires scaffolding be able to resist three times the maximum load or force it is likely to be subjected to.

10. Is there a height limit for scaffolding?

No, however, there is a limit to the height a scaffolding system can be before it must be designed by an engineer:

• Fifteen meters in height above the support base of the scaffolding
• Ten meters if the scaffolding is constructed of a tube and clamp system.

11. How often should scaffolding be inspected by a competent person?

In addition to daily user checks, scaffolding should be inspected by an engineer or a designated competent person:

• Before initial use.
• After any modifications.
• After any event that could affect its structural integrity (e.g., severe weather).
• At regular intervals as required by regulations or company policy.

Register today!