Learning Objectives Identify types of access equipment used in the construction industry. Identify hazards associated with the use of access equipment. Describe safety controls and precautions in the use of access equipment. Describe fall arrest systems used for work at height.

1. Dammam Community College
Safety Technology Program
Construction Safety Training
SHORT COURSE
Instructor: Mr. Muizz Anibire, MSc
Tel: +966501296203, Email: muizzanibire10@gmail.com

2.  Identify types of access equipment used in the
construction industry.
 Identify hazards associated with the use of access
equipment.
 Describe safety controls and precautions in the use of
access equipment.
 Describe fall arrest systems used for work at height.
Learning objectives

3. Access equipment
 There are many different types of access equipment but only
the following four categories will be considered here:
 ladders
 fixed scaffolds
 mobile scaffold towers
 mobile elevated work platforms.

4. Access equipment
 Ladders are the cause of very
many accidents in the workplace
and are best used as a means of
access to a higher level rather
than as a working platform.
 Ladders should be correctly
angled- one measure OUT for
every four measures UP
produces a comfortable and safe
angle.
 The top end of the ladders
should rest on a solid surface
and extend at least 1m above the
landing place.

5. Access equipment - Ladders
 A ladder is used for work at height only if a risk assessment has
demonstrated that the use of more suitable work equipment is
not justified because of the low risk and:
o the short duration of use or
o existing features on the site which he cannot alter.
 The main cause of accidents involving ladders is ladder
movement whilst in use. This occurs when they have not been
secured to a fixed point particularly at the foot.
 Other causes include over-reaching by the worker, slipping on a
rung, ladder defects and, in the case of metal ladders, contact
with electricity.
 There are two common materials used in the construction of
ladders – aluminium and timber.

6. Access equipment - Ladders
 Aluminium ladders have the advantage of being light but
should not be used in high winds or near live electricity.
 Timber ladders need regular inspection for damage and should
not be painted since this could hide cracks and other defects,
such as knots.
 The following factors should be considered when using
ladders:
o ensure that the use of a ladder is the safest means of access
given the work to be done and the height to be climbed
o the location itself needs to be checked. The supporting wall
and supporting ground surface should be dry and slip free.
Extra care will be needed if the area is busy with pedestrians
or vehicles

7. Access equipment - Ladders
 The following factors should be considered when using ladders
(contd.):
o the ladder needs to be stable in use. This means that the
inclination should be as near the optimum as possible (1 in 4
ratio of distance from the wall to distance up the wall). The
foot of the ladder should be tied to a rigid support. Weather
conditions must be suitable (no high winds or heavy rain). The
proximity of live electricity should also be checked. (This last
point is important when ladders are to be carried beneath
power lines)
o the ladder should be fitted with non-slip feet

8. Access equipment - Ladders
 Certain work should not be attempted using ladders
particularly when the user cannot maintain a safe hand hold
while carrying a load. This includes work where:
o a secure hand hold is not available
o the work is at an excessive height
o where the ladder cannot be secured or made stable
o the work is of long duration
o the work area is very large
o the equipment or materials to be used are heavy or bulky
o the weather conditions are adverse
o there is no protection from vehicles.

9. Access equipment - Ladders
Always maintain 3 points of contact when using ladders (Photo credit: Hughes
and Ferret, 2012)

10. Access equipment - Stepladders, trestles and staging
 Many of the points for ladders apply to stepladders and trestles
where stability and over-reaching are the main hazards.
 Neither of these should be used as a workplace above about 2
m in height unless proper edge protection is provided.
 The main hazards associated with stepladders, trestles and
staging are:
o unsuitable base (uneven or loose materials)
o unsafe and incorrect use of equipment (e.g. the use
of staging for barrow ramps)
o overloading
o use of equipment where a safer method should be
provided
o overhang of boards or staging at supports (‘trap
ends’)
o use of defective equipment.

11. Access equipment - Stepladders, trestles and staging
Stepladders

12. Access equipment - Stepladders, trestles and staging
 Stepladders and trestles must be:
o manufactured to a recognized industrial specification
o stored and handled with care to prevent damage and
deterioration
o subject to a programme of regular inspection (there
should be a marking, coding or tagging system to
confirm that the inspection has taken place)
o checked by the user before use
o taken out of use if damaged – and destroyed or repaired
o used on a secure surface, and with due regard to
ensuring stability at all times
o kept away from overhead cables and similar hazards.
 The small platform fitted at the top of many stepladders is
designed to support tools, paint pots and other working
materials.

13. Access equipment - Fixed scaffolds
 It is quicker and easier to use a ladder as a means of access but
it is not always the safest. Jobs such as painting, gutter repair,
demolition work or window replacement should normally be done using a
scaffold.
 Scaffolds must be capable of supporting building workers,
equipment, materials, tools and any accumulated waste.
 A common cause of scaffold collapse is the ‘borrowing’ of
boards and tubes from the scaffold thus weakening it.
 Falls from scaffolds are often caused by badly constructed
working platforms, inadequate guard rails or climbing up the
outside of a scaffold. Falls also occur during the assembly or
dismantling process.

14. The Working platform, tower scaffolds and bridging units.

15. Access equipment - Fixed scaffolds
 There are two basic types of external scaffold:
o independent tied – these are scaffolding structures which
are independent of the building but tied to it often using
a window or window recess. This is the most common
form of scaffolding; and
o putlog – this form of scaffolding is usually used during
the construction of a building. A putlog is a scaffold
tube which spans horizontally from the scaffold into the
building – the end of the tube is flattened and is usually
positioned between two brick courses.

16. Access equipment - Putlog scaffolds

17. Access equipment – Independent tied scaffolds

18. Access equipment - Fixed scaffolds
 Some requirements for scaffolds include the following:
o If it is possible for anyone to fall more than 2m, then
guard rails and toe boards, or an approved proprietary
system must be used.
o The working platform must be strong enough to support
not only the working operatives but also construction
materials such as bricks, blocks, mortar etc.
o The top-most guard rail should be positioned at least
910mm above the working platform, and the toe board
must be at least 150mm high. Intermediate guard rails
must be fitted such that any unprotected gap does not
exceed 470mm.

19. Access equipment - Fixed scaffolds

20. Access equipment - Fixed scaffolds

21. Access equipment – independent tied scaffold

22. Access equipment – Scaffold components
Scaffold Boards

23. Access equipment – Scaffold components

24. Access equipment – Scaffold couplers
Gravlock /
Girder Coupler
Band and PlateExpanding Joint Pin/
Spigot Pin
Sleeve Coupler
Putlog Coupler/
Single Coupler
Swivel CouplerRight Angle Coupler/
Double Coupler

25. Access Equipment – Independent Tied Scaffold
Factors to be considered in the use of scaffolds:
 Scaffolding must only be erected and dismantled by competent
people who have attended recognized training courses. It is usually
advised to seek the services of a professional contractor.
 In busy town centers, the erection and dismantling of the scaffold
should take place during quiet times
 The scaffold must be designed to carry all the required loads and use
only sound fittings and materials
 Adequate toe boards, guard rails and intermediate rails must be fitted
to prevent people or materials from falling
 Appropriate bay lengths and widths, bracing and tie-in arrangements
together with edge and stop-end protection
 The scaffold must rest on a stable ground/surface, uprights should
have base plates and timber sole boards if necessary to distribute the
load for the duration of the job

26. Access Equipment – Independent Tied Scaffold
Factors to be considered in the use of scaffolds (contd.):
 Scaffolds may be double-boarded with a sheet of polythene
sandwiched the two layers to make absolutely sure that no debris can
fall to the ground below.
 Never add weather protection to any scaffolding in the form of
sheeting without checking that it is safe to do so, since the sheeting
will add a considerable amount of wind load.
 Make sure that all scaffolds are safely boarded-out, that no boards
overhang more than four times the thickness of the board, and the
working platform is wide enough to work from safely.
 Check that access to the working platform is safe via ladder or
staircase tower, and that it is safe and suitable for the intended use –
particularly after any alterations have been carried out.

27. Access Equipment – Independent Tied Scaffold
 There have been many examples of scaffold collapse causing
serious injuries to workers and members of the public. Factors
which may affect the stability of an independently tied scaffold
include:
o poor, incompetent erection and/or a lack of regular
inspections
o the strength of the supporting ground or foundation
o the proximity to the scaffold of any excavation work
o the effect of excessive surface water in weakening the scaffold
foundation
o unauthorized alteration by incompetent persons
o the use of incorrect or damaged fittings during the erection or
extension of the scaffold
o the overloading of the scaffold
o adverse weather conditions
o the sheeting in of the scaffold without the use of extra ties
o vehicular impact.

28. Access equipment – Scaffold Accident, China
Scaffolding failures could be catastrophic (Photo credit: Chinanews.com)

29. Access equipment – Scaffold Accident, China
Scaffold Accident In Downtown Houston (Photo credit:
https://www.morrowsheppard.com/blog/serious-scaffold-accident-in-
downtown-houston-seriously-injures-six-construction-workers/)

30. Access equipment - Prefabricated mobile scaffold towers
 Mobile scaffold towers are frequently used throughout
industry. It is essential that the workers are trained in their use
since recent research has revealed that 75% of lightweight
mobile tower scaffolding is erected, used, moved or dismantled
in an unsafe manner.
 The following points must be considered when mobile scaffold
towers are to be used:
 Towers should only be used on level, firm and stable ground
 The selection, erection, dismantling and inspection of mobile
scaffold towers must be undertaken by competent and trained
persons with maximum height to base ratios not being
exceeded
 No person must be permitted to erect, alter or dismantle any
mobile tower scaffold unless authorized by the site supervisor
 Diagonal bracing and stabilizers should always be used

31. Access equipment – Typical prefabricated tower scaffold
The recommended
height to base ratio
varies from
3:1 to 3.5:1, with a
base not less than
1m, dependent
on whether the
tower is to be used
outside or inside
the building.

32. Access equipment - Prefabricated mobile scaffold towers
 The following points must be considered when mobile scaffold
towers are to be used (contd.):
 Access ladders must be fitted to (not leaning on) the narrowest
side of the tower or inside the tower and persons should not
climb up the frame of the tower
 All wheels must be locked whist work is in progress and all
persons must vacate the tower before it is moved
 All operatives, who are required to use mobile tower scaffolds,
will be instructed in their safe use and movement
 Outriggers or stabilizers must be extended where applicable
 Tower scaffolds must not be used or moved on sloping,
uneven or obstructed surfaces

33. Access equipment - Prefabricated mobile scaffold towers
 It is good practice to tie the tower to the structure it is serving
since, even with good ground support conditions, other factors
can influence the stability of the tower, for example:
 High winds can overturn a tower (particularly in the tower is
sheeted).
 Grit blasting or water jetting can produce overturning
interactions.
 A high tower should be tied to the structure it is serving as it is
erected, according to specifications supplied by the
manufacturer.

34. Access equipment - Prefabricated Mobile Scaffold
Towers
 The main reasons that a mobile tower scaffold may become
unstable are:
o the brakes are defective
o it was not erected by a competent person or unauthorized
adjustments were made
o it was erected on ground that was neither firm nor level
o the height of the tower exceeded the recommended base to
height ratio
o the failure to fit and/or use outriggers when they were
required
o the safe working load was exceeded
o the movement of the tower either with persons and/or
materials on the working platform or under windy conditions
o collision with vehicles or other plant.

35. NASC SG4:10 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding
Download SG4:15 at: https://www.nasc.org.uk/sg415/sg415-download/
For training videos, see:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPf0_VnWG15lEGWlPAy4jsA

36. Access equipment - Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
(MEWPs)
 A wide range of MEWPs are available, and it is important that
they are operated properly according to the manufacturers
instructions.
 The following factors must be considered when using mobile
elevated work platforms:
 the mobile elevated work platform must only be operated by
trained and competent persons and safety harnesses should be
available
 it should be inspected before use
 the working platform should not be overloaded
 It should be wide enough to carry out the job safely include space
for tools and materials
 Be free of holes through which materials or tools could fall on to
people below
 It should be provided with guard rails and toe boards.

37. Access equipment - Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
(MEWPs)
The following factors must be considered when using mobile
elevated work platforms (contd.):
 it must never be moved in the elevated position
 it must be operated on level and stable ground with consideration
being given for the stability and loading of floors
 the tires must be properly inflated and the wheels normally
immobilized when the platform is in use
 Outriggers are fully extended and resting on suitable load spreaders
to give a firm support.
 It must not be used in adverse weather conditions such as high
winds, nor close to overhead powerlines.
 Platforms must be protected from site workers, pedestrians and
passing vehicles to prevent struck-by hazards.
 At the end of work, all power must be disconnected, platform
must be clear of tools, and secured in a place inaccessible to
vandals.

38. Access equipment - Mobile elevated work platforms
(MEWPs)
Scissor lifts Boom type hydraulic platforms (cherry pickers)

39. Access equipment - Roof work
 Only competent and trained workers should be employed for
roof work and any equipment used should be suitable for the
job.
 The precautions needed when repairing the flat roof of a
building include the provision of safe access to the roof (using
scaffolding and/or ladders), the use of crawling boards, the
provision of safety harnesses and edge protection, using toe
boards, to prevent the fall of persons or materials.
 The perimeter of the roof requires a two-rail scaffold guard
rail fitting together with a toe board where the gutter would not
prevent materials slipping from the roof.
 Suitable safety nets may also need to be provided to prevent
people and materials from falling.

40. Access equipment - Roof work
 Access to the area immediately below the work should be
restricted using suitable barriers, netting, safety signs and safety
helmets.
 There should also be no danger to employees from fragile roof
lights, voids, overhead obstructions and services.
 All walkways for the passage of people and materials should be
a minimum of 600mm wide and protected with double guard
rails and toe boards on the exposed edge.
 Walkways should be kept clear of materials, tools and debris as
far as possible.

41. Access equipment – Roof work
Roof ladder Permanent protection installed at valley gutter

42. Access equipment - Inspections and maintenance
 Equipment for work at height needs regular inspection to
ensure that it is fit for use. A marking system is probably
required to show when the next inspection is due.
 Scaffolds must be inspected on a regular basis by a competent
person. These inspections should take place before the scaffold
is used, after any alteration is made or after adverse weather
conditions may have weakened it.
 A maintenance log should be kept and be up to date. The
whole maintenance system will require proper management
systems.
 The maintenance frequency will depend on the equipment, the
conditions in which it is used and the manufacturer’s
instructions.

43. Fall Protection
 Sometimes work may be required at unprotected edges
such as the maintenance of HVAC done on an
unprotected roof. In this, case some other form of
protection will be required such as a fall arrest equipment.
 The three most common types of fall arrest equipment are
safety harnesses and life lines, safety nets and air bags.
 Safety harnesses should only be used alone when conventional
protection, using guard rails, is no longer practicable. Such
conditions occur when it is possible to fall 2m or more from an
open edge.

44. Fall Protection - Fall arrest equipment
Safety harnesses
Safetynets
Airbags

45. Fall Protection - Fall arrest equipment
Full body harness and lanyards (Photo credit: Chong Jun Liang,
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/new-s22m-construction-safety-school-will-
use-virtual-reality-to-let-workers-see)

46. Fall Protection - Fall arrest equipment
 It is important that the following points are considered when
safety harnesses are to be used:
1. The length of fall only is reduced by a safety harness. The
worker may still be injured due to the shock load applied to him
when the fall is arrested. A free fall limit of about 2m is
maintained to reduce this shock loading. Lanyards are often fitted
with shock absorbers to reduce the effect of the shock loading.
2. The worker must be attached to a secure anchorage point
before they move into an unsafe position. The lanyard should
always be attached above the worker, whenever possible.
3. Only specifically trained and competent workers should attach
lanyards to anchorage points and work in safety harnesses. Those
who wear safety harnesses must be able to undertake safety
checks and adjust the harness before it is used.

47. Fall Protection - Fall arrest equipment
Life line system (Photo credit: Goh and Wang, 2015)

48. Access equipment - Fall arrest equipment

49. Access equipment - Protection of other persons
 Members of the public must be protected at all stages of the
construction project and at all times of day and night.
 Scaffold should be made very visible by painting standards red
and white stripes, warning signs, good illumination at night and
the provision of barriers and other means of safe passage.
 Other precautions and controls include the provision of:
o safe access for workers and materials
o a safe working platform
o clean-up procedures and good housekeeping
o full arrest equipment
o protection for all premises’ occupier’s employees
o a permit system for hot work where this was necessary
o fire extinguishers and procedures for emergency evacuation of
the building.

50. Knowledge Check
Q1 The top end of the ladders should rest on a solid surface
and extend at least 1m above the landing place.
T F
Q2 Intermediate guardrails must be fitted such that any
unprotected gap does not exceed 370mm.
T F
Q3 The small platform fitted at the top of many stepladders is
designed to support tools, paint pots and other working
materials.
T F
Q4 The recommended height to base ratio for prefabricated
scaffold tower varies from 3:1 to 3.5:1, with a base not less
than 1m.
T F
Q5 MEWPs can be moved in the elevated position. T F

51. End of Session 05: