Scaffolding & Access

General

Scaffold Dimensions & Requirements

ItemRequirement
MudsillsMin 250 mm × 50 mm lumber
Base plate / screw jackRequired at every leg
Platform width (min)500 mm work / 600 mm material
Plank overhang150–300 mm past support
Tie spacing (frame)Every 3 bays & 4 m vertical
P.Eng. design requiredScaffold >15 m height
Erect/dismantle competenceTrained crew + supervisor

Guardrail Specifications

ComponentSpec
Top rail height920–1070 mm
Top rail loadMust withstand 900 N point load
Post spacing (max)2.4 m o.c.
Mid-railCentred between top rail & platform
Toe boardMin 100 mm high, max 6 mm gap

Fall Protection Hierarchy

PrioritySystemNotes
1GuardrailPassive, always preferred
2Travel restraintPrevents reaching edge
3Fall arrestHarness + lanyard + anchor
4Safety netBelow work area
5Control zoneLast resort; P.Eng. required

Fall Distance Calculation

ComponentValue
Max free-fall (CSA Z259)1.8 m
Shock absorber deployment1.07 m
D-ring shift0.3 m
Worker height below D-ring1.5 m
Minimum total clearance4.6 m
Anchor capacity (CSA Z259.15)22.2 kN

Powered Access Platforms

TypeBest ForKey Rule
Scissor liftInterior finish, ceilingsLevel ground only; no driving elevated
Articulating boomSteel connections, soffitsHarness + lanyard always
Telescopic boomHigh-reach exterior, steeplesWind limit; boom flex at max
Mast climberFaçade work, claddingP.Eng. install; daily inspection

WAH training mandatory for ALL aerial platform operators (O. Reg. 213/91 s. 26.2). Valid 3 years.

Suspended Access (Swing Stages)

Ladder Requirements

Regulatory References

Wind & Weather Limits

ConditionAction
Wind >45 km/hCease all boom lift operations
Lightning within 10 kmCease all work at height
Ice / frost on platformsClear before use; sand/salt if needed
Visibility <50 mCease crane + swing-stage ops

Safety — Do Not Forget

Pro Tips