Acts Online
GT Shield

Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)

Regulations

General Safety Regulations, 1986

13F. Suspended scaffolds

 

1) An employer shall ensure that the outriggers of each suspended scaffold -
a) are constructed of steel or any other material of similar strength and have a factor of safety of at least four with respect to the load it is to carry;
b) have an overhang of not more than 1.8 m beyond the edge of the structure and are of such length that the counteracting length can be anchored securely:
c) are, otherwise than by means of weights at the inner-ends, properly propped, suitably spaced and firmly anchored: Provided that an inspector may grant permission that outriggers may be anchored by means of weights; and
d) are provided with stop or other effective devices at the outer-ends to prevent the displacement of ropes.

 

2) An employer shall ensure that the working platform of every suspended scaffold is suspended by:
a) pulley-blocks, sheaves, winches or hoists of the correct size for the ropes being used;
b) at least two independent steel wire ropes in the case of a working platform which is not wider than 912 mm, and at least four independent steel wire ropes in the case of a working platform which is 912 mm and wider; and
c) steel wire ropes of which the factor of safety is at least ten with respect to the maximum load which each rope is to carry.

 

3) An employer shall ensure that -
a) the hand or power-driven machinery used for the lifting or lowering of the working platform of a suspended scaffold is so constructed and maintained that an uncontrolled movement of the working platform cannot occur;
b) the machinery referred to in paragraph (a) is so situated that it is easily accessible for inspection;
c) the rope connections to the outriggers are vertically above the connections to the working platform; and
d) in the case of a working platform suspended by two ropes only, the connections of the ropes to the working platform are of such height above the level of the working platform as to ensure the stability of the working platform.

 

4) An employer shall ensure that the working platform of every suspended scaffold -
a) is at least 456 mm and not exceeding 1.8 m in width;
b) is suspended as near as possible to the structure to which work is being done and, except when light work is being done, is secured at every working position to prevent horizontal movement between the working platform and the structure;
c) is on all sides, except the side facing the structure, provided with substantial guard rails of at least 900 mm and not exceeding 1000 mm in height above the level of the working platform: Provided that in the case of a working platform suspended by two ropes only, the guard rails shall be on all sides; and
d) is on an sides provided with toe-boards which are at least 150 mm high from the level of the working platform and so affixed that no open space exists between the toe-boards and the working platform: Provided that if the toe-boards are constructed of timber, they shall be at least 25 mm thick.