Scaffold & Elevated Work
Supported Scaffold
Safety
Safety
NYC BC §3314 · OSHA 1926.451 · 4-Hour NYC Scaffold Safety Training Required
Supported (frame) scaffolding is the most common elevated work platform on NYC construction sites — and one of the most frequently cited by DOB inspectors. A scaffold collapse or fall from a frame scaffold can be fatal. Every worker who accesses supported scaffold must hold a valid 4-hour NYC scaffold safety training card.
Who Can Be On the Scaffold
- Only workers with a valid NYC 4-hour scaffold safety card may access supported scaffolding
- Competent Person (CP) must be designated by the erecting contractor — CP supervises erection, alteration, and dismantling
- SSM must document scaffold access in the daily log (PL-001) and inspect the scaffold each shift
- Never allow untrained workers on the scaffold — even for "just a minute"
Before You Step On: Visual Pre-Shift Check
- All base plates sitting on proper mud sills or base jacks — no floating legs
- All cross-bracing installed per erection drawings — no missing braces
- Coupling pins or clamps fully engaged on every frame connection
- Planks: full-thickness scaffold-grade (not construction lumber), overlapping 12 inches minimum, secured against movement
- Guardrails: 42" top rail, 21" mid-rail, 4" toeboard — all present and secured
- Scaffold tag signed and current — red tag means STOP, no access
Loading — Never Exceed Capacity
- Capacity rating is posted on the scaffold — Light Duty (25 psf), Medium Duty (50 psf), or Heavy Duty (75 psf)
- Never stack materials on the scaffold beyond the rated capacity
- Distribute loads evenly — concentrated loads can overturn frame sections
- No motorized equipment on supported scaffolds unless the scaffold is specifically engineered for it
NYC Regulatory Requirements
- NYC BC §3314.4.5.1 — NYC scaffold safety training card required for all scaffold workers
- DOB requires a Scaffold Registration or Permit for scaffolds over 40 feet
- Scaffold erected by a licensed scaffold contractor — verify on site before accessing
- OSHA 1926.451(a)(6) — maximum intended load must be conspicuously posted
Discussion Questions
- What is the first thing you look for before stepping onto a supported scaffold?
- If you see a red scaffold tag, what does that mean and what must you do?
- What training card is required to access any supported scaffold in NYC?
- How would you report a scaffold defect you notice during your shift?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
Worker Attendance
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