Sample Lesson Plan

Construction Training Program (10-hour)

Topic: Scaffolds

Overview of OSHA Standard

When OSHA revised its scaffolds standard in 1996, BLS studies showed that 25%
of workers injured in scaffold accidents had received no scaffold safety training, and 77%
of scaffolds were not equipped with guardrails. OSHA estimates that informed
employers and workers, in compliance with correct safety standards, can save as many as
50 lives and prevent 4,500 accidents every year. In a recent BLS study, 72 percent of
workers injured in scaffold accidents attributed the accident either to the planking or
support giving way, or to the employee slipping or being struck by a falling object.
The OSHA standard sets performance-based criteria to protect employees from
scaffold-related hazards such as falls, falling objects, structural instability, electrocution,
or overloading. It also addresses training and various types of scaffolds, as well as falling
object protection, ladders, weather conditions, aerial lifts, stilts, and other matters that are
not covered in OSHA’s previous scaffolding standards. In addition, it allows employers
more flexibility when using protective systems for workers on scaffolding.

Step 1: Planning the Lesson

• Instructional Materials.
1. PowerPoint presentation.
2. Instructor notes.
3. Other materials.

• Instructional Objectives.
1. Complete the required topics for the OSHA 10-hour course.
2. Complete the following optional topics:
a.
b.
c.
3. Present Scaffolds to [number] participants.
4. Incorporate active participation in each lesson.
5. Provide a quiz or short evaluation at the end of the course.
6. Ensure feedback from participants at various points in the training.

• Guest Speakers/Presenters and Topics/Responsibilities.

Step 2: Presenting the Lesson

• Lesson Introduction.
Introductory remarks or transition from previous lesson.

Sample Lesson Plan - Scaffolds 1

• Learning Objectives/Outcomes.
Upon completion of the lesson, participants will be able to:

1. Name the three types of scaffolds and describe their main characteristics.

Possible response.
• Supported scaffolds - platforms supported by rigid, load bearing members
such as poles, legs, frames and outriggers.
• Suspended scaffolds - platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid
means from an overhead structure.
• Aerial lifts - vehicle mounted devices used to get a worker to an elevated
position (e.g. cherry pickers or boom trucks).

2. List at least three of the four main hazards to which persons working on
scaffolds are exposed, and describe at least one method of hazard prevention
for each of the hazards.

Possible responses.
• Falls from elevation
Use guard rails
Use fall arrest systems
• Scaffold collapse or bad planking giving way
Ensure proper scaffold construction
Do not overload with people or equipment
Use personal fall arrest systems
Have a competent person check scaffold, as required
• Struck by falling tools or debris
Barricade the area below the scaffold and forbid entry
Use panels or screens
Build a canopy or net that will contain or deflect falling objects
• Electrocution
Honor clearance distances required between power lines and
scaffolding
De-energize the lines
Install protective covering

Sample Lesson Plan - Scaffolds 2

• Learning Objectives/Outcomes. (Continued)

3. Identify the three essential elements of safe scaffold construction, and give at
least three examples of incorporating each of the elements.

Possible responses.
• Use of appropriate scaffold construction methods
The height of the scaffold should not exceed four times its base
Ensure gaps between decking and work areas meet OSHA
requirements
Must be able to support is own weight plus four times the
maximum load
Proper overlap, fittings and restraints
Platforms supported by legs, outrigger beams, brackets, poles,
uprights, posts and frames
Suspension scaffolds supported by connecting hardware, and
suspension rope that can withstand six times its maximum load
• Proper scaffold access
Provide access when platforms are more than two feet above or
below access point
Use portable-type ladders, stair towers, ramps and walkways
Ladders may not have the bottom rung more than 24 inches high
May use building stairs and come out a window
May access from another scaffold, structure or hoist, but may not
use cross braces to gain access
• Ensuring proper incorporation of the role of a competent person
Scaffolds can only be erected, moved, dismantled or altered under
the supervision of a competent person
A competent person must inspect the scaffold for visible defects
before each shift and after any alterations are performed, and
defective parts must be replaced immediately
A competent person determines whether an appropriate means of
access is provided, based on site conditions
A competent person trains workers to recognize hazards
A competent person determines if it is safe to work on a scaffold
during storms, inclement weather (such as icing conditions), or
high winds

• Planned Activities, Discussion, or Participant Interaction

Step 3: Evaluating Student Learning and Instruction

• Lesson Evaluation and Comments.

.

Sample Lesson Plan - Scaffolds 3

 References

OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L (1926.450 to 1926.454)

OSHA Publications
www.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/Additional.html
• 3100 Crane or Derrick Suspended Personal Platforms
• 3150 A Guide to Scaffold Use in the Construction Industry

OSHA References/Resources
• Construction Safety and Health Outreach Program - Scaffolding
www.osha-slc.gov/doc/outreachtraining/htmlfiles/scaffreg.html
• Different Types of Scaffolds
www.osha-slc.gov/NewInit/Scaffolds/Handout.pdf
• OSHA Construction eCAT - Falls: Improper Scaffold Construction
www.osha.gov/SLTC/construction_ecat/falls/improper_scaffolds.html
• OSHA Construction Scaffolding eCAT
www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding_ecat/index.html
• OSHA Technical Links - Construction: Scaffolding
www.osha.gov/SLTC/constructionscaffolding/index.html
• OSHA Technical Links - Scaffolding
www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/index.html
• Pump Jack/Ladder Jack Scaffold Photo Compliance Guide
www.osha.gov/SLTC/pptpresentations/pumpjack_0398/index.html
• Scaffolding Slides
www.osha.gov/SLTC/scaffolding/scaffold_slides/mainpage.html
• Scaffolds Outreach Memo (includes slides and handout on different types of
scaffolds)
www.osha.gov/NewInit/Scaffolds/index.html
• Video - A Basic Look At Scaffolds For Compliance Officers
www.osha.gov/SLTC/video/scaffold/video.html
• Working with Scaffolding - Using them Properly to Prevent Hazards. Job Safety
and Health Quarterly - Spring 1999
www.osha.gov/Publications/JSHQ/jshq-v10-3-spring1999.pdf

Sample Lesson Plan - Scaffolds 4