Scaffold Builder Education and Training

Scaffold Builder Education and Training

There are no minimum education requirements to become a scaffold builder. Some employers prefer candidates to have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and familiarity with federal Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) regulations.

A competent person’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Design and preplanning of the scaffold including weight limitations, scaffold type, fall protection, tie-offs, supports, etc. Overseeing the erection of the scaffold Final inspection of the scaffold prior to initial occupation for use.

OSHA Scaffolding Safety / Competent Person

Scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration. Such activities shall be performed only by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.

1926.454 – Training requirements

The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable:

1926.454(a) The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable:

• 1926.454(a)(1) The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area;
• 1926.454(a)(2) The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards and for erecting, maintaining, and disassembling the fall protection systems and falling object protection systems being used;
• 1926.454(a)(3) The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold

• 1926.454(a)(4) The maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffolds used
• 1926.454(a)(5) Any other pertinent requirements of this subpart.

1926.454(c) When the employer has reason to believe that an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work involving the erection, use or dismantling of scaffolds, the employer shall retrain each such employee so that the requisite proficiency is regained. Retraining is required in at least the following situations

• 1926.454(c)(1) Where changes at the worksite present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained
• 1926.454(c)(2) Where changes in the types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection, or other equipment present a hazard about which an employee has not been previously trained;
• 1926.454(c)(3) Where inadequacies in an affected employee’s work involving scaffolds indicate that the employee has not retained the requisite proficiency.

List of Training Topics for Scaffold Erectors and Dismantlers. 1926 Subpart L App D

General Overview of Scaffolding

• Regulations and standards
• Erection/dismantling planning
• PPE and proper procedures
• Fall protection
• Materials handling
• Access
• Working platforms
• Foundations
• Guys, Ties and Braces

Tubular Welded Frame Scaffolds

• Specific regulations and standards
• Components
• Parts inspection
• Erection/dismantling planning
• Guys, Ties and Braces
• Fall protection
• General safety
• Access and platforms
• Erection/dismantling procedures
• Rolling scaffold assembly
• Putlogs

Tube and Clamp Scaffolds