This YouTube training (Special Scaffolds Training: Safety Practices and Compliance) instructs on OSHA-aligned safety practices for several special scaffold types. Key guidance covers pump jack scaffolds (metal components only; poles secured with triangular bracing; temporary brace replacement protocol), mast climbers (used for heavier loads and personnel; may be freestanding or tied-in; base support required; guardrails present; follow capacity limits; qualified person required on site), and mobile scaffolds (wheeled supported scaffolds for small jobs; require solid flat surfaces, locked wheels and outriggers when in use; platform height limit relative to base; secure platforms and use cross/diagonal bracing; strict movement and no-riding rules).
Chapters
Okay, but that's not all. In addition to supported and suspended scaffolds, there are a few other special types of scaffolds OSHA provides guidance for. Pump jack scaffolds are made of a platform that's attached to movable brackets on a pole. The brackets are meant to be raised and lowered just like a car jack. Pump jacks are used in certain situations because they're easy to adjust as needed. So, unlike other types of scaffolds, all components of a pump jack scaffold must be made of metal. Poles must be secured to the structure using triangular bracing at the top, bottom, and other necessary points. When a brace needs to be removed for the pump jack to fit through, a second brace should be placed four feet above it and left in place until the original brace is put back. Mast climbers are used to carry heavier loads up and down scaffolding, and they're often used to get workers and equipment in place. They can be freestanding or tied to a structure for stability. Either way, the base must be supported. It can be mobile, depending on the height of the structure. Guardrail systems are built into mass climbers, so the risk of falling is lower. While they can carry heavier loads, guidelines for capacity should still be followed to prevent overloading. Objects being carried should also be properly secured to prevent falling. Due to the mechanical aspect of mast climbers, a qualified person should always be on site during operation. Mobile scaffolds are a type of supported scaffold on wheels that's used for smaller jobs like painting and plastering, where workers have to change locations. Often, workers should inspect the surrounding area before use to remove any debris or other obstacles that could be in the way as the scaffold's moving around the site. Mobile scaffolds should only be used on solid, flat surfaces. When the scaffold is in use, the wheels must be locked and outriggers employed to prevent movement. When a worker is present, the top platform height shouldn't be more than four times the smallest base dimension. Platforms should be secured before use, and the scaffold needs to be erected with cross horizontal or diagonal braces. When moving a mobile scaffold, it has to be stabilized to prevent tipping over. Pushing of the scaffold for movement should occur as close to the base as possible. If machinery is used, it must be designed specifically for moving scaffolding. Forklifts, trucks, and other vehicles should not be used. Workers should never ride on a mobile scaffold, watch being moved, and all workers in the area should be made aware that it's going to move ahead of time.
