1. Safety Talk 22 Safety Talk Objectives
1. To understand the risk of using the three types of scaffolding and access platforms in order to work at height in the refinery.
2. To know how to prevent injury and damage while building or using scaffolding.
Meeting Preparation
Review the BP Oil Key Safety Topic ‘Successful Group Meetings’ before delivering this safety talk.
Why Discuss ?
Falling people and equipment accidents are relatively infrequent in BP’s world wide operations but, due to the high potential energy involved, they can have very serious consequences.
Virtually all of these incidents can be prevented by better individual and group driving behaviour.
Working at Height
Potential Energy increases, the higher up something is. Falls from height cause some of the more serious injuries in our industry.
In addition, tools and other objects can fall (hence our safety helmets!). However working at height safely can be achieved by Scaffolding (either ‘general access’ or ‘tower’ types) or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.
Tower Scaffolds and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms are designed to be used quickly. Consequently, hazards can be missed in the desire for speed.
Safety Talk 22

2. Scaffolding and Working at Height
Introduction (Slide 2)
To repair and build new structures in our refineries, workmen sometimes need to get access to places high off the ground.
The traditional way is to use scaffolding but the use of mobile towers and mobile platforms (hydraulic boom and scissor types) is increasing.
Incidents are still occurring where people and equipment are falling and lifting equipment is colliding with fixed overhead lines and structures.
We decided to combine the safety precautions for the different types in this talk as the basic principles of working at height, risk assessment and control apply.
We would like to draw your attention to our safety talk No 21 on Cranes - balance, centre of gravity and risk assessment factors are similar.
Our subject does not deal with scaffolding or temporary work erected to support concrete form-work or to take the load of a structure during erection. That is a subject for specialist stuctural engineers.
General Access
Scaffold
Mobile
Elevated Platform
Scaffold
Tower

3. OK Scaff-tag Scaff-tag ‘Scaff-tag’
Simple System; same as Permit to Work
Signed by scaffolding inspector
Place on ladders
Renew regularly
Scaff-tag
Do not use
Not Inspected
Scaff-tag
Scaff-tag System (Slide 3)
A simple system of controlling access to scaffolding is used in some refineries. A red tag prevents access and a green one gives access.
The essential features are;
Inspections should be made every week – or more often if changes occur, weather gets worse or somebody reports an incident.
The scaffolding inspector needs to be qualified. He should sign the tags with the authority of management.
In the same way as a permit to work system does, it relies on everyone playing their part. OK
Inspected by
Date

4. General Access Scaffold
Built by Competent People
Tied to Solid Structure
Built for Planned Load
Safe Access (ladders & hoists)
Inspected Before Use
General Access Scaffolding (Slide 4)
Used as a temporary structure to give access for people to work at height. It should always be designed deliberately for the task.
There is nearly always a scaffold somewhere on our sites. Although they are temporary, they sometimes become accepted as part of the permanent structureding.
Built by Competent People
Scaffolding is a load bearing structure and is thus safety critical. Competent design (if necessary checked by a structural engineer) and careful erection are both vital. Scaffolding collapses because it is:
Overloaded - not designed for the people or equipment it is to carry.
Attached to a weak structure - such as a partially completed building or a non load-bearing tower or column.
Subjected to outside forces such as wind, vandals or passing vehicles.
Firm Foundation.
A scaffolding structures will exert a force onto the ground which is a combination of its own weight and the weight of anything it carries. It is flexible and the loads may be moving (such as people walking or equipment lifting). Therefore there should be base-plates to stop it sinking into soft ground.
Tied to Solid Structure
Some structures are simply too weak to attach scaffolding to. This is because their own (and wind and snow) load is already high. Structural engineers will allow a margin od safety - but major scaffolding structures (particularly if sheeted) can create a large horizontal or vertical force Chimneys, towers, columns and walls are good examples.
If the structure to which the scaffolding is attached is not solid, extra bracing will need to be designed to support the scaffold working platform independently of that structure.
Built for Planned Load
The working platform (which is normally the object of the scaffolding) may have shock loads or sudden concentrations of people; depending on the task. The platform and its access must be strong enough to take these extra loads.
Walkways Wide Enough
People and equipment can fall because the walkways are not wide enough. Local rules may stipulate minimum width. They should be designed for the task and should have hand rails and toe boards.
Safe Access (ladders and hoists)
People should not be forced to climb up the scaffolding framework itself but to use ladders or temporary stairways. Hoists (special elevators) are preferable for high platforms - particularly if stores have to be carried up too.
Falls from ladders are all too common. They should only be used for access - not for working from.
Safety Harnesses should be used where people have to work away from the guard rails of a working platform or at extreme heights. The next slide shows the principles of using ladders and harnesses.
As many scaffold structures are close to hazardous areas and are high, getting off in emergency is just as important as getting on. Escape routes should be clearly marked and drills rehearsed. Consideration should be given to an abseil escape system as descending many layers by narrow ladder may take a long time and may even force people to go through a hazardous area.
Inspected Before Use.
Due to their temporary nature, scaffolding and other access platforms should be checked frequently to ensure no damage has been caused by weather or other activity.
Modifications, such as weather protective cladding, should be carefully designed to avoid flammable atmospheres building-up or blocking emergency evacuation routes.

5. Ladders & Harnesses Ladders Short Term only Secured – top & bottom
Watch the slope: 1 in 4
Harnesses
Allow max 2 metres fall
Use instead of guard rail
Train users & rescuers
Ladders and Harnesses – Used On Scaffolding (Slide 5)
Ladders are normally used for getting to a temporary work platform. However they may have short comings.
They are only suitable for light work and are not very good for getting away quickly in an emergency. A proper stair or an elevator are better where access is required long term or to very high levels.
They should be fixed to prevent slipping and good hand-holds should be available.
The longer the ladder, the more dangerous it is as it flexes too much, is difficult to ‘foot’ and is harder to move.
Tools should be carried in a shoulder-bag or holster or, preferably, hoisted up with a pulley.
Ladders have to be strong enough – don’t use home made ones, domestic ones, or ones which are painted (hides damage).
Make sure it slopes ‘One out - Four up’ and is tied top and bottom.
Harnesses are used to prevent falls from over 2 metres.
They can be used instead of guard rails. But the following factors should be considered:
They can not prevent a fall: only minimise injury. The faller may still hit something else.
A free- fall of no more than 2 metres should be allowed.
Somebody (it may need up to 3 others) needs to recover the faller.
Workers should be able to attach themselves somewhere safe.
The harness ‘lanyard’ (the rope which holds you up) should be attached above the wearer’s waist – normally between his shoulders – so that he hangs vertically.
Fixing points need to be strong.
The harness needs to be worn correctly.

6. Mobile Elevated Platforms – Main Types
Hydraulic Boom
Scissors
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (Slide 6)
(Hydraulic Boom & Scissors Types)
Hydraulic Booms
Normally truck mounted like cranes. Often called ‘Cherry pickers’.
Have out-riggers for stability and to level off on uneven ground.
Can reach upwards – about 20 metres and outwards – about 10 metres.
The platform is often self-levelling or can’t be raised if not level.
Scissors
Normally not fitted with outriggers.
Can’t be used on uneven ground – needs to be firm and level.
Workers can not reach out horizontally.
Some are designed to drive when platform extended (a major safety problem area)

7. Mobile Elevated Platform
Ground Rules – Reminder
Permit to Work
Competent Operator
Guard Rails, Toe Boards
Ground Firm & Level
Tyres Inflated
Outrigged & chocked
Know Emergency Drills
Avoid Overhead Lines
Watch Other Vehicles
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (Slide 7)
Reminder of Main Ground Rules for Hydraulic Boom & Scissors Types
Permit to Work. As a general rule, any work over two metres high needs to be covered by a permit to work. Using a vehicle operated lifting device should be no exception to that rule.
Competent Operator. Operators need to have some form of certification (manufacturers training certificate similar to Crane or Fork Lift Truck – style Training).
Guard Rails & Toe Boards.These are just as vital as on fixed scaffolding to stop people and equipment falling. Safety harnesses should always be worn too – even at low level.
Ground Firm & Level. Even though some of them (particularly the boom type) may go on ‘rough terrain’ when platform down; when extended, the stability (using outriggers too) is vital.
Tyres Inflated. Obviously the platform will be unsteady and not level if it has to take the weight on under-inflated tyres. This particularly applies to the scissors types as they hardly ever have outriggers.
Outrigged & chocked. If fitted, outriggers must be extended and the platform levelled. The platforms should not be moved when extended as e sudden stop, even at walking pace, can make the men lose their balance. That is why the wheels should be chocked.
Know Emergency Drills. Getting somebody down if it jams or partially topples is vital – some rescue system must be available including emergency abseil.
Avoid Overhead Lines.Many accidents occur with cranes hitting power lines or pipelines. The permit to work system should never be compromised.
Watch Other Vehicles.While towed or stationary, this type of platform is a form of vehicle and can get in the way of other vehicle movements – it must be well lit and signed.

8. Tower Scaffold Follow Construction Guide Check Level Lock Wheels
or Fit Base-plate
Use Ladder (Not Frame)
Guard Rails & Toe Boards
Tie Tower to Solid Structure
Do Not Move If People On It
Tower Scaffolds (Slide 8)
Tower Scaffold s are involved in numerous accidents every year. But mostly because they have neither been erected nor used properly.
These are the factors to consider when using them:
Follow Construction Guide. The manufacturer’s guide should always be followed when erecting.
Check Level. If the ground is uneven, the tower will be unstable.
Chock Wheels or Fit Base-plate.The men on the tower can easily lose their balance even at very low speeds. They should always descend when moving it.
Use Ladder (Not Tower Frame). The temptation to climb up the tower’s struts should be avoided. A ladder should be fixed instead.
Guard Rails & Toe Boards.These have exactly the same purpose as those on access scaffolding. They are to prevent people and tools falling. Safety harnesses should be worn if men are required to stretch out.
Tie Tower to Solid Structure. If possible,for stability the tower should be tied in to the structure which it is accessing.

9. Can hazards be avoided ? If not, can risks be controlled ?
Risks erecting ?
Ease of Maintenance ?
How Many People ?
How Much Equipment ?
Security ?
How Long Project ?
Can Hazards be avoided (Slide 9)
For all types of structure for working at height you should consider:
What risks might arise during erection of the platform.
How difficult is it to maintain the platform.
How many people will use the platform.
How much equipment will use the platform.
Security – to prevent unauthorised access.
How long will the work last.

10. Fault Finding Quiz Spot the Hazards Fault Finding Quiz (Slide 10)

11. Answers to Quiz Faults (From Top Left – clock wise) (Slide 11)
No hand rail – a serious fault.
Ledger-brace wrong way round - scaffolding could sway outwards.
Inadequate ‘Sole Board’ - scaffolding could sink into the ground.
No cover on trench – a cause of unnecessary extra hazards.
Projecting transoms – could cause injury or damage to passing people or vehicles.
Ladder not tied – Ladders are temporary arrangements and should be properly secured.
No façade bracing – scaffolding could sway sideways.
Handrail too low – an extremely dangerous hazard, maybe worse than none at all ?
No safe access – this is a critical place at the top of the ladder where people have to change their grip and position.