Lesson 4: Safe Setup & Erection Practices

Title: Safe Setup & Erection Practices
Type: Lesson

Building It Right — From the Ground Up

Safe scaffold use starts with how it’s built. Improperly erected scaffolding is a leading cause of collapse and injury. This lesson covers how to assemble supported scaffolds correctly and safely.

General Erection Rules (Per OSHA 1926 Subpart L)

• Scaffold must be designed and erected under the supervision of a competent person
•  Must be built on stable, level ground with proper base plates or mud sills
• Plumb, level, and square — scaffold frames must be aligned and secured
• Must include bracing, cross braces, and secure connections
• Platforms must be fully planked or decked
• Guardrails, midrails, and toeboards must be installed if required
• Access must be provided (ladders, stair towers, etc.)

Foundation and Support

• Never place scaffolds on loose materials or slopes

• Use mud sills or base plates on soil or gravel

• Wheels (on mobile scaffolds) must have locking brakes

Tying and Securing the Scaffold

Scaffolds must be tied to the structure at specific intervals to prevent tipping:

• Every 26 feet vertically

• Every 30 feet horizontally (for narrow scaffolds)

Planking & Platforms

• Platforms must be at least 18 inches wide (unless not possible)

• No more than 1-inch gap between planks

• Planks must be scaffold-grade and extend over supports by 6–12 inches

• Do not use damaged, split, or paint-covered planks

Weather Considerations

• Do not erect scaffolds during high winds or storms

• Secure materials and check for hazards after storms or heavy rain

Key Point

If a scaffold is not erected properly, it should not be used. Only trained personnel under the direction of a competent person should assemble or modify scaffold structures.

Next Step

Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 5: Working Safely on Scaffolds, where we’ll cover platform use, load limits, and best practices while on the scaffold.