What are the requirements for suspension scaffolds?
Some of the requirements for all types of suspension scaffolds include: • Employers must ensure that all employees are trained to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used. [1926.454(a)] • All support devices must rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least four times the load imposed on them by the scaffold when operating at the rated load of the hoist, or at least one-and-a-half times the load imposed on them by the scaffold at the stall capacity of the hoist, whichever is greater. [1926.451(d)(1)] • A competent person must evaluate all direct connections prior to use to confirm that the supporting surfaces are able to support the imposed load. [1926.451(d)(3)(i)] • All suspension scaffolds must be tied or otherwise secured to prevent them from swaying, as determined by a competent person. [1926.451(d)(18)] • Guardrails, a personal fall-arrest system, or both must protect each employee more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level from falling. [1926.4
