803 Scaffold Safety Program Management

Elements of an Effective SSP

Safe scaffold erection and use must begin with a comprehensive Scaffold Safety Plan (SSP). This living document ensures consistency, clarity, and compliance while fostering a culture of safety. An effective SSP includes at least the following core elements:

Written Scaffold Safety Plan

A clear, detailed, and accessible written plan is the foundation of scaffold safety. It formalizes expectations and serves as the single source of truth for all personnel. It reduces confusion, standardizes training, and provides legal and audit-ready documentation.

Key Components of the Written Plan:

• Purpose and Scope – Defines when and where the SSP applies (e.g., all supported scaffolds over 6 ft).
• Roles and Responsibilities – Clearly assigns duties:
  • Competent Person (inspection, design approval)
  • Qualified Person (engineering calculations)
  • Scaffold Erectors/Dismantlers
  • Users and Supervisors
• Training Requirements – Specifies initial and refresher training, including:
  • Hazard recognition
  • Proper erection/use/dismantling
  • Fall protection and falling object prevention
• Inspection Protocols – Daily before use, after alterations, and post-incident.
• Documentation – Inspection tags, training records, load calculations.
• Emergency Procedures – Rescue plans for suspended scaffolds and fall arrest incidents.

Policy Statement

A concise, signed leadership-endorsed policy sets the tone for zero tolerance of unsafe scaffold practices.

Example Policy Statement:

“[Company Name] is committed to the highest standards of scaffold safety. All scaffolds will be erected, modified, and used only by trained personnel under the supervision of a Competent Person. Safety is non-negotiable—any violation will result in immediate corrective action.”

• Signed by CEO/Safety Director
• Displayed at job sites and in employee handbooks
• Reviewed annually and after incidents

Work Rules

Specific, enforceable rules govern daily behavior and scaffold lifecycle activities.

Sample Work Rules:

• All scaffolds >6 ft require guardrails, toeboards, and proper access (ladders or stairs).
• No riding on moving scaffolds.
• Full-body harness and lanyard required when working on suspended or boatswain’s chairs.
• Green “SAFE” tag = inspected and approved; Red “DANGER” tag = do not use.
• Maximum load limits (light/medium/heavy duty) must be posted and never exceeded.
• Never alter or remove braces, ties, or guardrails without Competent Person approval.

Rules must be trained, posted, and enforced consistently.

Hazard Identification and Controls

Proactive hazard assessment prevents incidents.-conduct before erection and throughout use.

Common Hazards & Controls:

Include a pre-erection checklist and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for complex scaffolds.

An effective SSP is not a binder on a shelf—it’s a lived, trained, and audited system that empowers ownership at every level.

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