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  Mobile
Mobile
Mobile scaffolds are a type of supported scaffold set on wheels or casters. They are designed to be easily moved and are commonly used for things like painting and plastering, where workers must frequently change position. Note: The requirements on this page are specific to mobile scaffolds only. For requirements that apply to all types of supported scaffolds, please refer to the Frame or Fabricated module of this eTool.


General Requirements
  • Scaffolds must be plumb, level, and squared. [1926.452(w)(1)]

  • To prevent collapse of the scaffold, to secure vertical members together laterally and to automatically square and align vertical members, scaffolds must be braced by:

    • Cross-braces,

    • Horizontal braces,

    • Diagonal braces, or

    • A combination of braces [1926.452(w)(1)]
  • All brace connections must be secured. [1926.452(w)(1)]

  • To prevent movement of the scaffold while it is being used in a stationary position, scaffold casters and wheels must be locked with:

    • Positive wheel locks, and/or

    • Wheel and swivel locks, or

    • Equivalent means [1926.452(w)(2)]
  • Caster stems and wheel stems in scaffold legs or adjustment screws must be:
  • Platforms must not extend beyond the base supports of the scaffold, unless stability is ensured by:
     
  • Leveling of the scaffold, where necessary, must be achieved by the use of:
  • Scaffolds constructed of tube and coupler components must also comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. [1926.452(w)(1)(i)]

  • Scaffolds constructed of fabricated frame components must also comply with the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section. [1926.452(w)(1)(ii)]


Moving
  • Scaffolds shall be stabilized to prevent tipping during movement. [1926.452(w)(5)]

  • Manual force used to move the scaffold must be applied as close to the base as practicable, but not more than 5 feet above the supporting surface. [1926.452(w)(3)]

  • Power systems used to propel mobile scaffolds must be designed for that purpose. Forklifts, trucks, motor vehicles, or add-on motors must not be used to propel scaffolds unless the scaffold is designed for them. [1926.452(w)(4)]

  • Employees are not allowed to ride on scaffolds unless the following conditions exist: [1926.452(w)(6)]

    • The surface on which the scaffold is being moved is:

      • Within 3 degrees of level, and

      • Free of pits, holes, and obstructions; [1926.452(w)(6)(i)]
    • The height to base width ratio of the scaffold during movement is 2:1 or less, unless the scaffold is designed and constructed to meet or exceed nationally recognized stability test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92.5 and 92.6); [1926.452(w)(6)(ii)]

    • Outrigger frames, when used, are installed on both sides of the scaffold; [1926.452(w)(6)(iii)]

    • When power systems are used, the propelling force is:

      • Applied directly to the wheels, and

      • Does not produce a speed in excess of 1 foot per second; [1926.452(w)(6)(iv)]
    • No employee is on any part of the scaffold that extends beyond the wheels, casters, or other supports. [1926.452(w)(6)(v)]
  • Before a scaffold is moved, each employee on the scaffold must be made aware of the move. [1926.452(w)(10)]


Non-mandatory Guidelines
  • Stability tests as described in ANSI A92, as appropriate for the type of scaffold, can be used to establish stability in compliance with paragraph (w)(6) of this section. [1926 Subpart L Appendix A (2)(w)]
 
 
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