Building Safe Scaffold Platforms
The Problem
Scaffold platforms are essential for working safely at heights. However, poorly built platforms are a leading cause of falls and injuries. Issues like missing planks, gaps, unstable overhangs, or unsecured platforms can lead to serious accidents. Today, we’ll cover how to build and maintain scaffold platforms safely, ensuring they meet CCOHS guidelines and provide a stable working surface.
Identify the Hazards
- Insufficient Planking: Missing or incorrectly installed planks create unstable surfaces.
- Excessive Gaps: Gaps between planks or between the platform and uprights can cause trips and falls.
- Improper Overhang: Overhanging platforms not properly secured may tip, slide, or collapse.
- Overlapping and Abutting Issues: Poorly joined planks can move, leading to instability.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Fully Planked or Decked Platforms
- Ensure platforms are fully decked between the front uprights and guardrails.
- Use only approved scaffold-grade timber planks or manufactured decking.
- Planks must be inspected for damage or defects before use.
Spacing Between Planks and Standards
- Keep gaps between adjacent planks and scaffold standards to no more than 25 mm.
- Exception: Larger gaps only if deemed necessary by a competent person and additional fall protection is used.
Front Edge Distance
- The front edge of the platform must be no more than 350 mm from the face of the work.
- If this limit is exceeded, fall protection (such as guardrails or a personal fall arrest system) must be used.
Platform Overhang and Restraint
- Platform ends must extend at least 150 mm over the supports and be restrained to prevent movement.
- Overlapping planks must:
- Be joined only over supports.
- Overlap at least 300 mm unless secured by other means.
Cantilevered Platforms (Overhangs):
- Must be properly designed and installed to prevent tipping.
- Require engineering sign-off for long overhangs or unusual loads.
Abutting Scaffold Planks
- When planks are butted end-to-end to form a longer platform, each end must rest on a separate support unless otherwise approved.
- Hook-on platforms or purpose-built solutions are acceptable.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
Recently, a worker fell 3.5 metres from a scaffold after stepping on a plank that was not properly secured. The plank shifted, creating a gap and causing the worker to lose balance. This incident could have been prevented with a proper pre-use inspection and by ensuring all planks were securely fastened.
Employee Responsibilities
- Ensure scaffold platforms are fully planked and inspected before use.
- Report any gaps, unstable planks, or missing restraints to the supervisor or competent person.
- Only use scaffold-grade planks—never use makeshift materials like pallets or untreated timber.
- Do not work on an incomplete or improperly constructed scaffold.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide safe, compliant scaffolding components.
- Train workers on scaffold platform safety and fall protection.
- Ensure regular inspections by a competent person.
- Immediately correct any unsafe conditions.
Discussion & Questions
- Have you ever seen scaffold planks shift or come loose?
- What’s your process for checking planks before starting work?
- How can we make platform inspections more consistent as a team?
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to inspecting every scaffold platform before use. Ensure planks are properly installed, secured, and free of hazards. If something doesn’t look right, stop and report it—don’t take risks.
Wrap-Up
The scaffold platform is your foundation when working at height. A well-built platform helps prevent falls and keeps you safe. Let’s work together to follow CCOHS guidance and protect each other.
Standards Overview
CCOHS regulations, along with applicable provincial occupational health and safety legislation, require scaffold platforms to be securely constructed, fully decked, and maintained in safe condition.
Scaffolding must comply with CSA standards (such as CSA Z797) and be erected and regularly inspected by a qualified or competent person.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
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