Erecting and Dismantling of Scaffolding

MIOSHA Fact Sheet
Construction Safety & Health Division
Erecting & Dismantling Scaffolds

Is Fall Protection Required?
Working at heights is very common in the construction industry and in many cases will require the use of a
scaffold. Each time a scaffold is used, it involves setting it up and then taking it down after the work is
completed. During this time employees can be exposed to fall hazards, the leading cause of fatalities in the
construction industry. Employers must designate a competent person to evaluate the numerous conditions at
the jobsite in order to determine the most effective ways to protect employees from fall hazards while erecting
and dismantling scaffolds.
Part 12, Scaffolds and Scaffold Platforms, Rules 1213(6) through 1213(8), specifically address issues related to
employees who are erecting or dismantling scaffolds. A competent person must evaluate the site conditions
and the type of scaffold being used in order to establish a safe means of access to the scaffold; and to determine
whether fall protection is feasible and won’t create a greater hazard for employees who are erecting and
dismantling the scaffold.
“Competent person” means a person who is experienced and capable of identifying an existing or potential
hazard in surroundings, or under working conditions, that are hazardous or dangerous to an employee and who
has the authority and knowledge to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate the hazards.
Feasibility and Greater Hazard Evaluation:
 Evaluate whether an acceptable anchor for a fall protection system can be set up on the structure or
scaffolding.
 Determine if using a personal fall arrest system can be accomplished in accordance with the design and
manufacturer’s instructions without creating a greater hazard.
 Determine if environmental or job-site conditions create a hazard that can be eliminated using fall
protection.
 Ensure ladders or other means of access are installed as soon as practical after the scaffold erection has
progressed to the point they can be installed and used.
 Determine the amount of planking and/or work platforms needed to erect and dismantle the scaffold.
 Determine whether guardrails and/or cross bracing can be installed while erecting and dismantling the
scaffold.
 Establish a sequence or procedure for erecting and dismantling scaffolds that limits employee exposure
to falls.
 Ensure employees are trained in the correct procedures for erecting and dismantling scaffolds.
 Ensure only the employees that are authorized to erect/dismantle the scaffolding are permitted to be on
the scaffold until it has been completed and inspected.
Training Requirements:
Rule 1209 (2), requires an employer to have each employee who is involved in erecting, dismantling, moving,
operating, repairing, maintaining or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize any
hazards associated with the work in question. This includes:
 The nature of scaffold hazards.

 The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and
maintaining the type of scaffold being used.
 The design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity, and intended use of the
scaffold.
Additional Requirements for Scaffolding:
 Employers must include scaffold safety training in their accident prevention program if erecting,
dismantling, and using scaffolds is part of their work operations.
 Scaffolds are designed by a qualified person.
 The employer must ensure that the scaffold and its components are capable of supporting, without
failure, not less than four (4) times the maximum intended load.
 Scaffolds and scaffold components must be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before
each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect a scaffold’s structural integrity.
For additional training and assistance, please contact the Consultation, Education and Training Division at
www.michigan.gov/cetrca.
LARA is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Auxiliary aids, services and other reasonable accommodations are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH DIVISION

530 WEST ALLEGAN STREET  P.O. BOX 30645  LANSING, MI 48909-8145
OVERNIGHT MAIL ADDRESS: 525 WEST ALLEGAN STREET, LANSING, MI 48933
www.michigan.gov/miosha  517-284-7680
(Revised 08/24/2015) CSH Fact Sheet - #033

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MIOSHA Fact Sheet

Construction Safety & Health Division

Erecting & Dismantling Scaffolds

Feasibility and Greater Hazard Evaluation:

 The nature of scaffold hazards.

Additional Requirements for Scaffolding:

LARA is an equal opportunity employer/program.

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND HEALTH DIVISION

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