Erection, Dismantling, and Alteration Procedures
Plan the sequence
Erection and dismantling follow a written plan prepared or reviewed by a competent person. Build from the base up: set sills and base plates, erect the first bay, plumb and level it, install cross braces, then add tiers and secure ties as you reach tie levels. Dismantle in reverse order - top down, one tier at a time - and never remove a tie or brace that supports the remaining structure. Lower components with ropes, buckets, or hoists; do not throw or drop them.
Access and fall protection during work
Workers must not climb cross braces or frame members. Use ladders, stair towers, or ramps, and secure them. During erection, install guardrails as soon as a platform is in place; if that is not feasible, use personal fall arrest. Never stand on an unsecured or partially planked platform, and never work on the top platform while the tier above is being built.
Alterations
No one may alter a scaffold except an authorized person following the competent person's direction. Removing a guardrail, toeboard, or tie for a moment is a common cause of citations and fatalities. If an alteration changes the design - new height, new loading, new tie pattern - it needs engineering review. Re-inspect after any alteration and after wind, rain, ice, or impact.
Worked example: A crew needs to relocate a material hoist opening and proposes removing one cross brace and one tie. Correct action: stop, have the competent person evaluate and redesign the bracing and tie, install replacement restraint before removal, then re-inspect. Never simply remove and proceed.