Scaffolding Works NC II key terms

Gear worn by a worker to reduce exposure to workplace hazards, such as a safety helmet, safety harness, gloves, safety shoes, and eye protection. It supplements, but never replaces, proper engineering controls and safe work procedures.

A body-holding device of straps worn over the shoulders and around the legs, attached to a lanyard and anchor point. It stops a fall and keeps the wearer upright after the arrest.

A flexible line of rope, wire rope, or webbing that connects a safety harness to an anchor point or lifeline. It may include a shock absorber to limit arrest forces.

A fixed, structurally sound point on a building or scaffold to which a lanyard or lifeline is attached. It must be capable of supporting the load of a fall without failure.

A short, informal safety briefing held at the worksite before or during a shift. It covers specific hazards, work methods, and controls for the tasks planned that day.

A step-by-step review of a task that identifies hazards in each step and sets out controls before work begins. It is done with the crew and recorded for reference.

The process of identifying hazards, judging how likely and how severe harm could be, and deciding what controls are needed. Results are recorded and reviewed as conditions change.

The order of preference for reducing risk: eliminate the hazard, substitute it, use engineering controls, apply administrative controls, then rely on PPE last. Higher levels protect more people more reliably.

Keeping the work area clean, tidy, and free of tripping and fire hazards. It includes clearing offcuts, stacking materials safely, and keeping walkways and access routes open.

A physical barrier or warning line placed around an exclusion zone, open edge, or overhead work area. It keeps unauthorized people out of the danger zone.

A marked area beneath or around scaffold work where only authorized persons may enter. It protects people from falling objects, dropped tools, and collapsing materials.

A sign attached to a scaffold access point showing its status: green for safe to use, yellow for incomplete or restricted, red for do not use. It records the inspector and date.

A systematic check of a scaffold's components, ties, bracing, foundations, and platforms before first use, at intervals, and after events such as high winds or alterations. Results are recorded.

A signed document confirming that a completed scaffold has been inspected and is safe for use by others. It records the date, location, and the person who released it.

The vertical tube of a scaffold that carries the load down to the base. Standards are spaced at planned intervals and must stand plumb on sound footing.

A horizontal tube running parallel to the building that connects standards and supports the transoms. Ledgers set the lift heights and stiffen the scaffold frame.

A horizontal tube placed across the width of the scaffold, resting on ledgers or standards. Transoms support the platform and tie the two rows of standards together.

A steel plate under the foot of a standard that spreads the load onto the ground or sole board. It keeps the tube from sinking or punching into soft surfaces.

A timber or steel pad laid on the ground beneath base plates to spread the scaffold load over a wider area. It is needed on soft or uneven ground.

The ground or structure that carries the scaffold's weight. It must be level, firm, drained, and able to support the loaded scaffold without settlement.

Diagonal tubes fixed across the scaffold to stop it swaying or racking. Common forms are ledger bracing, facade bracing, and plan bracing.

A fixing that connects the scaffold to the building to resist wind and lateral forces. Ties must be at planned spacing and be strong enough to hold the scaffold in place.

A diagonal tube that shores or braces a scaffold against a structure, often used on cantilever or loading areas. It transfers horizontal forces to a firm support.

A scaffold supported by beams projecting from a building or structure, with no standards reaching the ground below. It requires careful design and strong anchorage.

The working surface of a scaffold, made of boards or decking laid across transoms. It must be fully boarded, level, and secured against movement.

A low upstand fixed along the edge of a platform to stop tools and materials falling off. It is usually at least 150 mm high and fixed to the standards.

A horizontal rail fixed at the open edges of a platform to stop people falling. It normally has a top rail and a mid rail at set heights.

The vertical distance between one platform level and the next in a scaffold. Lift height is set by the ledger spacing and is chosen to suit the work.

The horizontal space between two adjacent standards along the length of a scaffold. Bay length affects platform capacity and the number of boards needed.

The maximum load a component, sling, or scaffold platform is rated to carry safely. It is marked on the equipment and must never be exceeded.

The load a scaffold or lifting accessory may safely carry in normal service, after applying a factor of safety. It is stated on the scaffold tag or equipment marking.

The classification of a scaffold platform by the load it can carry, such as light, medium, or heavy duty. The rating sets the number of persons and amount of material allowed.

Placing materials in stable, orderly piles at safe heights and away from edges and walkways. Good stacking prevents collapse, keeps loads within limits, and supports housekeeping.

The steel or aluminium pipe used as standards, ledgers, transoms, and bracing. Tubes must be straight, free of cracks and heavy corrosion, and of the specified diameter and wall thickness.

A clamp that joins two scaffold tubes at a right angle, swivel, or parallel connection. Couplers must be tightened to the specified torque and inspected for damage.

A wrench that applies and indicates a set tightening force, used to tighten scaffold couplers to the required value. Correct torque keeps connections from slipping.

A scaled plan, elevation, and section showing the scaffold layout, dimensions, ties, and bracing. It is read before erection so the scaffold matches the design.

A document setting out how a scaffold will be built, including sequence, plant, labor, and safety measures. It guides the crew and supports coordination with other trades.

The ratio between a distance on a drawing and the real distance it represents, such as 1:50. It lets the reader convert measured drawing lengths into actual site dimensions.

A list of all components, quantities, and sizes needed to erect a scaffold. It is prepared from the drawing and used for ordering, transport, and checking deliveries.

An optical or laser tool used to establish a level line or check the height of scaffold platforms and foundations. It helps confirm that standards stand plumb and lifts are even.

Exactly vertical. A standard that is out of plumb by more than the allowed tolerance weakens the scaffold and must be corrected before work continues.

Taking a scaffold apart in the reverse order of erection, from the top down, while keeping ties and bracing in place until the end. Components are lowered, not thrown.

A written record of an accident, near miss, or dangerous occurrence, describing what happened, who was involved, and the action taken. It supports investigation and prevention.

A document describing the safe sequence and controls for a specific work activity, such as erecting or dismantling a scaffold. It is agreed before work starts and followed on site.