OAR 437-004-0370
Scaffolding


(1)

Scope. This section has safety requirements for scaffolds.

(2)

Definitions. Scaffolding terms mean:

(a)

Bearer. A horizontal part of a scaffold on which the platform rests and which may use ledgers as support.

(b)

Boatswain’s chair. A seat supported by slings attached to a suspended rope, designed to accommodate one worker in a sitting position.

(c)

Brace. A tie that holds one scaffold part in a fixed position with respect to another.

(d)

Crawling board or chicken ladder. A plank with cleats spaced and secured at equal intervals, for use on roofs, not designed to carry any material.

(e)

Double pole or independent pole scaffold. A scaffold supported from the base by a double row of uprights, independent of support from the walls and constructed of uprights, ledgers, horizontal platform bearers, and diagonal bracing.

(f)

Guardrail. A rail secured to uprights that run along the exposed sides and ends of platforms.

(g)

Heavy duty scaffold. A scaffold built to carry a working load of not more than 75 pounds per square foot.

(h)

Horse scaffold. A scaffold for light or medium duty, made of horses supporting a work platform.

(i)

Ladder jack scaffold. A light duty scaffold supported by brackets attached to ladders.

(j)

Ledger (stringer). A horizontal scaffold member that extends from post to post and supports the putlogs or bearer forming a tie between the posts.

(k)

Light duty scaffold. A scaffold built to carry a working load not more than 25 pounds per square foot.

(l)

Manually propelled mobile scaffold. A portable rolling scaffold mounted on casters.

(m)

Maximum intended load. The total of all loads including the working load, the weight of the scaffold, and such other loads as may be reasonably anticipated.

(n)

Medium duty scaffold. A scaffold built to carry a working load not more than 50 pounds per square foot.

(o)

Mid-rail. A rail approximately midway between the guardrail and platform and secured to the uprights along the exposed sides and ends of platforms.

(p)

Putlog. A scaffold part on which the platform rests.

(q)

Roofing bracket. A bracket used in sloped roof construction. It has a way for fastening to the roof or is supported by ropes fastened over the ridge and secured to some suitable object.

(r)

Runner. The lengthwise horizontal bracing or bearing parts or both.

(s)

Scaffold. Any temporary elevated platform and its supporting structure used for supporting workers or materials or both.

(t)

Single pole scaffold. Platforms resting on putlogs or crossbeams, the outside ends of which are on ledgers secured to a single row of posts or uprights and the inner ends of which are on or in a wall.

(u)

Toeboard. A barrier secured along the sides and ends of a platform, to keep material from falling.
(v)
Tubular welded frame scaffold. A sectional, panel, or frame metal scaffold made of prefabricated welded sections, that has posts and bearers with intermediate connecting members, braced with diagonal or cross braces.

(w)

Working load. Load imposed by workers, material and equipment.

(3)

General requirements for all scaffolds.

(a)

The footing or anchorage for scaffolds must be sound, rigid, and able to carry the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Do not use unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks to support scaffolds or planks.

(b)

Scaffolds and their components must be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load.

(c)

Scaffolds and other devices mentioned here must be in safe condition. Do not alter or move an occupied stationary scaffold.

(d)

Remove from use any damaged or weakened scaffold until repairs are done.

(e)

Do not overload scaffolds. Follow manufacturers’ instructions.

(f)

Loaded planks or platforms must not deflect more than 1/60th of the span (2 inches in 10 feet).

(g)

Nails or bolts used to make scaffolds must be strong enough and in sufficient numbers at each connection to assure the designed strength of the scaffold. Do not subject nails to a straight pull. Drive all nails completely.

(h)

Overlap all planking or platforms (minimum 12 inches) or secure them from movement.

(i)

There must be a ladder or equivalent safe access.

(j)

Scaffold planks must extend over their end supports not less than 6 inches nor more than 18 inches.

(k)

The poles, legs, or uprights of scaffolds must be plumb, and securely and rigidly braced to prevent swaying and displacement.

(l)

Use a tag line when hoisting materials onto a scaffold.

(m)

There must be overhead protection for employees exposed to overhead hazards.

(n)

If persons work or pass under the scaffolds there must be a screen between the toeboard and the guardrail, along the entire opening. The screen must be No. 18 gauge U.S. Standard Wire 12-inch mesh or the equivalent.

(o)

Employees must not work on scaffolds during storms or high winds.

(p)

Employees must not work on scaffolds covered with ice or snow or that have slippery surfaces.

(q)

Accumulations of tools, materials, and debris must not cause a hazard.

(r)

Wire or fiber rope for scaffold suspension must be able to support at least six times the intended load.

(s)

Do not use shore scaffolds or lean-to scaffolds.

(t)

Lumber sizes, used here, refer to nominal sizes except where otherwise stated.

(u)

Use anchor bolts, reveal bolts, or other equivalent means to secure scaffolds to permanent structures. Do not use window cleaners’ anchor bolts.
(v)
Take special precautions to protect scaffold members, including any wire or fiber ropes, when using a heat-producing process.

(4)

General requirements for wood pole scaffolds.

(a)

Scaffold poles must be plumb and on a foundation that prevents settling.

(b)

Where wood poles are spliced, the ends must be square and the upper section must rest squarely on the lower section. There must be wood splice plates, at least 4 feet long, on at least two adjacent sides and overlapping the abutted ends equally. These plates must be the same width as the pole. Splice plates of other materials of equivalent strength are acceptable.

(c)

Set independent pole scaffolds as near to the wall of the building as practicable.

(d)

Guy or tie pole scaffolds to the building or structure. If they are more than 25 feet high or long, secure them at intervals not more than 25 feet vertically and horizontally.

(e)

Set putlogs or bearers with their greater dimensions vertical, long enough to project over the ledgers of the inner and outer rows of poles at least 3 inches for proper support.

(f)

Reinforce every wooden putlog on single pole scaffolds with a 316 x 2-inch steel strip or equivalent secured to its lower edge throughout its length.

(g)

Ledgers must be long enough to extend over two pole spaces. Do not splice ledgers between the poles. Reinforce ledgers with bearing blocks securely nailed to the side of the pole to form a support for the ledger.

(h)

Use diagonal bracing to prevent the poles from moving in a direction parallel with the wall of the building, or from buckling.

(i)

Use cross bracing between the inner and outer sets of poles in independent pole scaffolds. Cross brace the free ends of pole scaffolds.

(j)

There must be full diagonal face bracing across the entire face of pole scaffolds in both directions. Splice the braces at the poles.

(k)

Lay platform planks with their edges close together so the platform will be tight with no spaces through which tools or material can fall.

(l)

When lapped, each plank must lap its end supports at least 12 inches. Where the ends of planks abut each other to form a flush floor, the butt joint must be at the centerline of a pole. Rest abutted ends on separate bearers. Use intermediate beams where necessary to prevent dislodgment of planks due to deflection. Nail or cleat the ends to prevent their dislodgment.

(m)

When a scaffold turns a corner, lay the platform planks to prevent tipping. The planks that meet the corner putlog at an angle must be laid first, extending over the diagonally placed putlog far enough to have a safe bearing, but not far enough to involve any danger from tipping. The planking running in the opposite direction at right angles must be laid to extend over and rest on the first layer of planking.

(n)

When moving platforms to the next level, leave the old platform undisturbed until the new putlogs or bearers are in place.

(o)

Install guardrails, 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, between 36 inches and 42 inches high at all open sides on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor. The mid-rail, when required, must be 1 x 4-inch lumber or equivalent, and there must be toeboards at least 4 inches high. Use wire mesh according to paragraph OAR 437-004-0370 (Scaffolding)(3)(o).

(p)

All wood pole scaffolds 60 feet or less in height must be built according to tables 1 through 6. If they are more than 60 feet high, a registered professional engineer must design them. A copy of the typical drawings and specifications must be available to the employer and for inspection purposes. [Tables not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(5)

Tubular welded frame scaffolds.

(a)

Metal tubular frame scaffolds, including accessories such as braces, brackets, trusses, screw legs, ladders, etc., must be able to safely support four times the maximum intended load.

(b)

Spacing of panels or frames must be consistent with the loads imposed.

(c)

Scaffolds must have cross bracing or diagonal braces, or both, to secure vertical members together laterally. The cross braces must be long enough to automatically square and aline vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, square, and rigid. All brace connections must be secure.

(d)

Scaffold legs must be on adjustable bases or plain bases on mud sills or other foundations adequate to support the maximum intended load.

(e)

The frames must be one on top of the other with coupling or stacking pins to provide proper vertical alinement of the legs.

(f)

Where uplift may occur, lock panels together vertically with pins or other equivalent means.

(g)

Install guardrails, 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, between 36 inches and 42 inches high at all open sides on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor. The mid-rail, when required, must be 1 x 4-inch lumber or equivalent, and there must be toeboards at least 4 inches high. Use wire mesh according to paragraph OAR 437-004-0370 (Scaffolding)(3)(o).

(h)

All tubular metal scaffolds must be able to support four times the maximum intended loads.

(i)

To prevent movement, secure the scaffold to the building or structure at intervals not more than 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.

(j)

Maximum permissible spans of planking must conform with paragraph OAR 437-004-0370 (Scaffolding)(3)(g).

(k)

A registered professional engineer must design drawings and specifications for frame scaffolds more than 125 feet high above the base plates. Copies must be available to the employer and for inspection purposes.

(l)

Only competent and experienced personnel may set up tubular welded frame scaffolds.

(m)

Frames and accessories for scaffolds must be in good repair. Remove them from use until they have no defects, unsafe conditions and are in compliance with this section. Do not use any broken, bent, excessively rusted, altered, or otherwise structurally damaged frames or accessories.

(n)

Make periodic inspections of all welded frames and accessories. Complete any maintenance, including painting, or minor corrections recommended by the manufacturer, before further use.

(6)

Boatswain’s chairs.

(a)

The chair seat must be not less than 12 by 24 inches, and 1-inch thick. Use a seat with reinforcement on the underside to prevent the board from splitting.

(b)

The two fiber rope seat slings must be 58-inch diameter, reeved through the four seat holes to cross each other on the underside of the seat.

(c)

Seat slings must be at least 38-inch wire rope when a worker is using a heat producing process such as gas or arc welding.

(d)

Protect the worker with a safety life belt and lifeline attached to substantial members of the structure (not the scaffold), or to securely rigged lines, that will safely suspend the worker in case of a fall.

(e)

The tackle must have the correct size ball bearing or bushed blocks and properly spliced 58-inch diameter first-grade manila.

(f)

The roof irons, hooks, or the object to which the tackle is anchored must be secure. Tiebacks, when used, must be at right angles to the face of the building and securely fastened to a chimney.

(7)

Horse scaffolds.

(a)

Horse scaffolds must not be more than two tiers or 10 feet high.

(b)

The members of the horses must be not less than those in Table 7. [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(c)

Space horses not more than 5 feet for medium duty and not more than 8 feet for light duty.

(d)

When arranged in tiers, each horse must be directly over the horse in the tier below.

(e)

On all scaffolds arranged in tiers, nail the legs to the planks to prevent displacement or thrust and cross brace each tier.

(f)

Do not use horses or parts that are weak or defective.

(g)

Install guardrails, 2 x 4 inches or the equivalent, between 36 inches and 42 inches high at all open sides on all scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor. The midrail, when required, must be 1 x 4-inch lumber or equivalent, and there must be toeboards at least 4 inches high. Use wire mesh according to paragraph OAR 437-004-0370 (Scaffolding)(3)(o).

(8)

Ladder-jack scaffolds.

(a)

All ladder-jack scaffolds are only for light duty and may not be more than 20 feet above the floor or ground.

(b)

All ladders used with ladder-jack scaffolds must be heavy-duty and designed and constructed according to 437-004-0340 (Portable Ladders).

(c)

The ladder jack must bear on the side rails in addition to the ladder rungs, or if bearing on rungs only, the bearing area must be at least 10 inches on each rung.

(d)

To prevent slipping, use special devices, secure placement or anchor ladders used with ladder jacks.

(e)

The wood platform planks must be not less than 2 inches (nominal) thick. Both metal and wood platform planks must overlap the bearing surface not less than 12 inches. The span between supports for wood must be not more than 8 feet. The platform must be at least 18 inches wide.

(f)

Not more than two persons may be on any given 8 feet of a ladder-jack scaffold at one time.

(9)

Roofing brackets.

(a)

Roofing brackets must fit the pitch of the roof.

(b)

Nail brackets in place in addition to using the pointed metal projections. Drive the nails all the way into the roof. When using rope supports, they must be first-grade manila of at least 34-inch diameter, or equivalent.

(c)

A substantial catch platform must be below the working area of roofs more than 20 feet from the ground to eaves with a slope more than 3 inches in 12 inches and no parapet. In width the platform must extend 2 feet beyond the projection of the eaves and have a safety rail, midrail, and toeboard. This does not apply where employees are using a personal fall protection system.

(10)

Crawling boards or chicken ladders.

(a)

Crawling boards must be not less than 10 inches wide and 1 inch thick, with 1 x 1-12 inch cleats. The cleats must be equal in length to the width of the board and spaced at equal intervals not more than 24 inches. Drive nails through and clinch them on the underside. The crawling board must extend from the ridge pole to the eaves when used with roof construction, repair, or maintenance.

(b)

A firmly fastened lifeline of at least 34-inch rope must be strung beside each crawling board for a handhold.

(c)

Use adequate ridge hooks or equivalent effective means to secure crawling boards to the roof.

(11)

Manually propelled mobile scaffolds.

(a)

The height of free-standing mobile scaffold towers must not be more than four times the smallest base dimension.

(b)

Casters must be able to support four times the maximum intended load. All casters must have a positive locking device.

(c)

Scaffolds must have cross bracing and horizontal bracing.

(d)

Platforms must have tight planking for the full width of the scaffold except for necessary entrance opening. Platforms must not be free to move.

(e)

There must be a fixed or built-in ladder or stairway for access and exit.

(f)

Move the mobile scaffold by force applied near or as close to the base as practicable. Keep the scaffold stable during movement. Move scaffolds only on level floors with no obstructions or openings.

(g)

Workers may not ride on manually propelled scaffolds unless the following conditions exist:

(A)

The floor or surface is within 3 degrees of level, and free from pits, holes, or obstructions;

(B)

The smallest dimension of the scaffold base is at least one-half of the height. If it has outriggers, they must be on both sides of the staging;

(C)

The wheels have rubber or similar resilient tires.

(h)

Scaffolds must rest upon a suitable footing and be plumb. Lock the casters or wheels to prevent unintended movement.

(i)

Guardrails made of lumber, not less than 2 X 4 inches (or other material providing equivalent protection), between 39 and 42 inches high, with a midrail and toeboards, must be on all open sides and ends of scaffolds more than 10 feet above the ground or floor. Toeboards must be at least 4 inches high. If people may pass under the scaffold, use wire mesh between the toeboard and top of the guardrail.
[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]
437‑004‑0001
Application
437‑004‑0002
Scope
437‑004‑0003
Exclusive Coverage
437‑004‑0005
Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records
437‑004‑0099
General Standards
437‑004‑0100
Universal Definitions
437‑004‑0150
Standards Organizations
437‑004‑0240
Safety Orientation for Seasonal Workers
437‑004‑0251
Safety Committees and Safety Meetings
437‑004‑0310
Working Surfaces
437‑004‑0320
Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes
437‑004‑0330
Fixed Industrial Stairs
437‑004‑0340
Portable Ladders
437‑004‑0350
Orchard Ladders
437‑004‑0360
Fixed Ladders
437‑004‑0370
Scaffolding
437‑004‑0380
Manually Propelled Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds (Towers)
437‑004‑0390
Other Working Surfaces
437‑004‑0405
Exits and Emergency Action Plan
437‑004‑0450
Emergency Action Plan
437‑004‑0570
Manlifts
437‑004‑0610
Ventilation
437‑004‑0630
Noise Exposure
437‑004‑0650
Ionizing Radiation
437‑004‑0710
Compressed Gases
437‑004‑0715
Acetylene
437‑004‑0716
Oxygen
437‑004‑0717
Hydrogen
437‑004‑0720
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
437‑004‑0725
Spray Finishing
437‑004‑0770
Explosives and Blasting Agents
437‑004‑0780
Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases
437‑004‑0790
Use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas or Natural Gas in Fields and Orchards
437‑004‑0800
Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia
437‑004‑0950
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
437‑004‑1005
General Requirements for Protective Equipment
437‑004‑1020
Personal Fall Protection
437‑004‑1030
Work Clothing
437‑004‑1035
Eye and Face Protection
437‑004‑1041
Respiratory Protection
437‑004‑1050
Head Protection
437‑004‑1060
Hand, Foot, and Extremity Protection
437‑004‑1070
Working Underway on Water
437‑004‑1075
Working Over or In Water
437‑004‑1105
Sanitation
437‑004‑1110
Field Sanitation for Hand Labor Work
437‑004‑1115
COVID-19 Workplace Requirements for Employer-Provided Labor Housing
437‑004‑1120
Agricultural Labor Housing and Related Facilities
437‑004‑1140
Lighting
437‑004‑1150
Safety Colors for Marking Physical Hazards
437‑004‑1180
Accident Prevention Signs
437‑004‑1250
Confined and Hazardous Spaces
437‑004‑1260
Manure Lagoons, Storage Ponds, Vats, Pits and Separators
437‑004‑1275
The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
437‑004‑1305
Medical Services and First Aid
437‑004‑1430
Sources of Fire
437‑004‑1440
Required Postings
437‑004‑1450
Extinguishers
437‑004‑1460
Fire Prevention Plan
437‑004‑1470
Employee Equipment and Training
437‑004‑1505
Air Receivers and Pressure Systems
437‑004‑1525
Boilers and Steam Systems
437‑004‑1610
General Requirements
437‑004‑1630
Conveyors
437‑004‑1670
Automotive Hoists
437‑004‑1680
Storage of Hazardous Chemicals
437‑004‑1700
Forklifts and Other Powered Industrial Trucks
437‑004‑1750
Helicopters
437‑004‑1805
Rope, Chain, Rigging, and Hoists
437‑004‑1825
Tackle and Hoisting Equipment
437‑004‑1910
General Equipment Guarding
437‑004‑1940
Farm Field Equipment
437‑004‑1970
Farmstead Equipment
437‑004‑2000
Powered Saws
437‑004‑2100
Grinders
437‑004‑2220
General Requirements — Small Tools
437‑004‑2230
Guarding and Operation of Portable Powered Tools
437‑004‑2240
Power Lawnmowers
437‑004‑2260
Other Portable Tools and Equipment
437‑004‑2310
General Requirements
437‑004‑2350
Oxygen-Fuel Gas Welding and Cutting
437‑004‑2400
Arc Welding and Cutting
437‑004‑2810
General Requirements
437‑004‑2850
Temporary Lighting and Wiring
437‑004‑2860
Flexible Cable and Extension Cords
437‑004‑2870
Attachment Plugs and Receptacles
437‑004‑2880
Cord and Plug-Connected Equipment
437‑004‑2900
Grounding and Bonding
437‑004‑2950
Switches and Circuit Breakers
437‑004‑3000
Identification and Load Ratings
437‑004‑3050
Work Near Overhead Lines
437‑004‑3075
Agricultural Buildings with Special Hazards
437‑004‑3100
Excavation
437‑004‑3410
Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Vehicles
437‑004‑3420
Working from Vehicles and Vehicle Loads
437‑004‑3430
Training for Agriculture Tractor Operators
437‑004‑3460
Industrial Vehicles
437‑004‑3480
Bridges, Roads and Ramps
437‑004‑3550
Servicing Multi Piece and Single Piece Rim Wheels
437‑004‑3600
Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Tractors in Agriculture
437‑004‑3650
Roll-Over Protective Structures — Industrial Vehicles
437‑004‑3660
Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Work Platforms
437‑004‑6000
Adoption by Reference of Federal Standard
437‑004‑6001
Expiration and Implementation Dates
437‑004‑6401
Effective dates for worker training programs in Oregon
437‑004‑6405
Restrictions Associated With Outdoor Production Pesticide Applications
437‑004‑6406
Pesticide Spray Drift and Innovative Methods
437‑004‑6501
Handler training programs in Oregon
437‑004‑6502
Oregon requirements for Worker Protection Standard trainers of handlers who qualify using train-the-trainer programs
437‑004‑6508
Respiratory Protection
437‑004‑6509
Emergency eye-washes and eye flushing supplies
437‑004‑9000
Oregon Rules for Air Contaminants
437‑004‑9010
Fumigated Areas.
437‑004‑9050
Asbestos
437‑004‑9090
13 Carcinogens
437‑004‑9600
Lead
437‑004‑9620
Cadmium
437‑004‑9626
Chromium (VI)
437‑004‑9640
Benzene
437‑004‑9650
Bloodborne Pathogens
437‑004‑9710
Acrylonitrile
437‑004‑9720
Thiram
437‑004‑9740
Ethylene Oxide
437‑004‑9760
Formaldehyde
437‑004‑9780
Methylendianiline
437‑004‑9800
Hazard Communication Standard for Agricultural Employers
437‑004‑9830
Retention of Department of Transportation (DOT) Markings, Placards and Labels
437‑004‑9850
Pipe Labelling
437‑004‑9860
Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 437-004-0370’s source at or​.us