CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum width for a scaffold working platform?
- 400 mm (one board wide)
- At least 600 mm wide (3 boards) for a working platform, and wider if materials need to be stacked or if there is heavy foot traffic (Correct answer)
- Any width is acceptable if guardrails are present
- 200 mm is sufficient for access only
Correct answer: At least 600 mm wide (3 boards) for a working platform, and wider if materials need to be stacked or if there is heavy foot traffic
A scaffold working platform must be at least 600 mm (3 boards) wide to provide safe standing and working space. For platforms where materials are stored, wider platforms (at least 800 mm to 1,000 mm or more) are required. Boards must be fully supported, secured against movement, and overlap their supports by at least 50 mm (but not more than 150 mm).
Question 2: What is bracing on a scaffold and why is it critical?
- Decorative tubes added for appearance
- Diagonal tubes that provide lateral stability and rigidity to the scaffold structure, preventing it from swaying, racking, or collapsing — bracing must never be removed without engineering assessment (Correct answer)
- Tubes used only to tie into the building
- Extra tubes for hanging tools
Correct answer: Diagonal tubes that provide lateral stability and rigidity to the scaffold structure, preventing it from swaying, racking, or collapsing — bracing must never be removed without engineering assessment
Bracing consists of diagonal tubes fitted to the scaffold structure to provide rigidity and prevent lateral movement (sway and racking). Without adequate bracing, the scaffold can collapse. Both face bracing (on the outer face) and plan bracing (horizontal) are essential. Bracing must never be removed to create access or for convenience without a competent person's assessment.
Question 3: What are ties on a scaffold and how often must they be installed?
- Decorative ribbons
- Physical connections between the scaffold and the building that prevent the scaffold from pulling away or being pushed toward the building; spacing depends on design but typically every 4 metres vertically and horizontally (Correct answer)
- Ties are optional if the scaffold is heavy enough
- Rope connections used only in high winds
Correct answer: Physical connections between the scaffold and the building that prevent the scaffold from pulling away or being pushed toward the building; spacing depends on design but typically every 4 metres vertically and horizontally
Scaffold ties are rigid connections (tube and fitting or proprietary) between the scaffold and the permanent structure that prevent the scaffold from moving away from or toward the building, particularly under wind load. Tie spacing depends on the scaffold design but is typically required at every other lift (approximately 4 m vertically) and at intervals horizontally. Ties must never be removed without assessment.
Question 4: What hazards must be considered when scaffolding is erected near overhead power lines?
- Overhead power lines are not a hazard to scaffolding
- Risk of electrocution from scaffold tubes, metal fittings, or materials contacting or arcing to live power lines — minimum clearance distances must be maintained and ESB Networks must be contacted (Correct answer)
- Only wooden scaffolds are at risk
- Power line hazards only exist above 33 kV
Correct answer: Risk of electrocution from scaffold tubes, metal fittings, or materials contacting or arcing to live power lines — minimum clearance distances must be maintained and ESB Networks must be contacted
Overhead power lines pose a fatal electrocution risk during scaffold erection, use, or dismantling. Metal scaffold tubes, fittings, and long materials can contact or arc to live lines. The HSA requires: contacting ESB Networks before work near lines, maintaining minimum clearance distances (which vary by voltage), using barriers and warning signs, and considering line diversion or isolation.
Question 5: What is a loading bay on a scaffold and what safety measures does it require?
- A parking area for delivery lorries
- A reinforced scaffold area for loading and unloading materials, requiring additional structural support, a gate that opens inward, guardrails on all other sides, and clearly marked maximum load limits (Correct answer)
- Any open area of scaffold platform
- A bay is only needed on scaffolds over 30 metres
Correct answer: A reinforced scaffold area for loading and unloading materials, requiring additional structural support, a gate that opens inward, guardrails on all other sides, and clearly marked maximum load limits
A loading bay is a designated area on a scaffold designed to receive materials by crane or hoist. It requires: additional structural support to handle the concentrated loads, a gate system (opening inward, never outward), guardrails on all sides except where the gate is, clearly posted maximum load capacity, and a competent person's design to handle the specific loads anticipated.
Question 6: What must happen before any alterations are made to a completed scaffold?
- Nothing — anyone can modify a scaffold
- The competent person/scaffold supervisor must assess the proposed change, a RED tag must be applied, the alteration must be carried out by qualified scaffolders, and the scaffold must be re-inspected before use (Correct answer)
- Only verbal approval from the site foreman is needed
- Changes can be made as long as guardrails remain
Correct answer: The competent person/scaffold supervisor must assess the proposed change, a RED tag must be applied, the alteration must be carried out by qualified scaffolders, and the scaffold must be re-inspected before use
Before any alterations: a competent person must assess the impact on structural integrity, a RED (do not use) tag must be placed on the scaffold, only qualified scaffolders may carry out the work, the scaffold designer may need to approve significant changes, and a full re-inspection by a competent person is required before the scaffold is returned to service with a GREEN tag.
CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety 2
What is the minimum width for a scaffold working platform?