Scaffolds - Erection

Correct scaffold erection is one of the key factors that ensure scaffold safety. Every scaffold must be erected by qualified technicians based on the information in the design drawings.

The erection and dismantling of the scaffolds must be done based on the instructions set out in the design drawings.


Before erecting any scaffold, a competent person must inspect the location for overhead wires. Minimum safe distance from overhead wires are below:

Nominal phase-to-phase voltage rating Minimum distance (metres)
750 or more volts, but no more than 150,000 volts 3 m
more than 150,000 volts, but no more than 250,000 volts 4.5 m
more than 250,000 volts 6 m

Erection of Supported Scaffolds

The erection of a supported scaffold must be done under the supervision of a competent worker .

As a constructor, you must:

Keep at the project the design drawings and the documents stating that the scaffold has been erected in accordance with the design drawings.

As an employer, you must:

  • Appoint a competent worker to supervise the erection, alteration and dismantling of the scaffold.
  • Ensure that a competent worker or a professional engineer verifies that the scaffold is erected based on the erection instructions set out in the design drawing.
  • Ensure that the location where the scaffold will be erected is inspected to determine the ground conditions (e.g., firmness and variation in elevation) and adequate reinforcing methods are identified.
  • Ensure that adequate tie-ins locations and methods are identified.
  • Ensure that overhead electrical wires locations are identified, and that clearance requirements are met.
  • Ensure that all scaffold parts are inspected for damage before erection and that the parts correspond to the scaffold being erected.
  • Ensure that the support foundation is prepared (compacted and leveled) to ensure that the load applied to the scaffold will not create differential settlement which will affect the structure of the scaffold.
  • Ensure that when preparing the soil surfaces, methods include steps such as:
    • Soil and mud is replaced by gravel or crushed stone.
    • The ground is leveled by excavating instead of backfilling.
    • The scaffold is supported by mudsills when erected on any type of soil.
    • The soil is protected against rain and thawing
  • Ensure that bricks, concrete blocks, short pieces of lumber, or other loose objects are NOT used to support the scaffold.
  • Ensure that the plates, sills or other type of supports that support the scaffold are rigid and sound and capable to resist without deformation to at least two times the maximum load to which the scaffold may be subjected.
  • The fittings and gear are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • All hooks have safety catches
  • The scaffold is adequately secured at vertical intervals which do not exceed three times the lateral dimension of the scaffold measured at the base.
  • Ensure that no worker works on or under a scaffold being erected if that part of the scaffold does not meet all structural requirements that ensure the stability and the resistance of the scaffold (See “Scaffolds - Supported ” for information on the structural requirements).

Multi-point Suspended Work Platforms

The erection, alteration or dismantling of a multi-point suspended work platform shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent person and in accordance with the design drawings.

Contractors, employers, and workers have each certain responsibilities when a multi-point suspended work platform is erected.

As a constructor, you must:

  • Notify the Ministry of Labour when multi-point suspended work platform is to be erected or dismantled.
  • Before erection and dismantling, give notice in person, by phone, fax or email to the closest Ministry of Labour regional office.
  • Make sure that multi-point suspended work platform is designed by a professional engineer.
  • Make sure that the professional engineer responsible for the structural integrity of the building or structure the multi-point suspended work platform will be suspended from approves the design loads imposed on the structure.
  • Make sure that a professional engineer inspects - after erection and before first use in any location - every multi-point suspended work platform with a platform area of more than six metres.
  • Make sure that a written report by the professional engineer, attesting that the multi-point suspended work platform complies with the drawings and is in adequate condition, is maintained at the project.
  • Keep copies of all inspections, maintenance, repairs and modifications.

As an employer, you must:

  • Multi-point suspended work platform is designed by a professional engineer and the drawings include instruction for erection, dismantling and traversing.
  • Multi-point suspended work platform is equipped with wind speed-measuring device and work is stopped if the wind speed reaches the value specified by the professional engineer.
  • Workers are trained in the erection, dismantling, traversing, use and limitations of the multi-point suspended work platform.

Worker’s responsibilities

  • Follow the supervisor’s instructions and best practices set out by industry standards.
  • Wear fall protection where required.

Construction Projects
O. Reg. 213/91

Part II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Section 115

115. No barrel, box or other loose object shall be used as a work place or as a support for a ladder, scaffold or work platform.

Section 125

125. (1) Where work cannot be done on or from the ground or from a building or other permanent structure without hazard to workers, a worker shall be provided with a scaffold, a suspended work platform, a boatswain’s chair or a multipoint suspended work platform that meets the requirements of this Regulation.

(2) A worker who is on or under a scaffold, a suspended work platform system or a multi-point suspended work platform while it is being erected, altered or dismantled shall be on a part of the scaffold, suspended work platform system or multipoint suspended work platform that meets the requirements of this Regulation.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 9]

Scaffolds and Work Platforms

Section 128

128. (1) Every scaffold,

(a) shall have uprights braced diagonally in the horizontal and vertical planes to prevent lateral movement;

(b) shall have horizontal members that are adequately secured to prevent lateral movement and that do not have splices between the points of support;

(c) shall have footings, sills or supports that are sound, rigid and capable of supporting at least two times the maximum load to which the scaffold may be subjected without settlement or deformation that may affect the stability of the scaffold;

(d) shall have all fittings and gear, including base plates or wheels, installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;

(e) shall have connecting devices between frames that provide positive engagement in tension and compression;

(f) shall have safety catches on all hooks; and

(g) shall be adequately secured at vertical intervals not exceeding three times the least lateral dimension of the scaffold, measured at the base, to prevent lateral movement.

(2) A scaffold shall be constructed of suitable structural materials and, if lumber is used, it shall be construction grade or Number 1 Grade spruce.

(3) A scaffold mounted on pneumatic tires shall not be supported by the pneumatic tires while the scaffold is being erected, used or dismantled.

(4) If tubular metal frames are used to support masonry units on a scaffold platform, each frame leg shall have a minimum working load of,

(a) twenty-two kilonewtons for standard frames; and

(b) 16.7 kilonewtons for walk-through frames.

Section 130

130. (1) A scaffold shall be designed by a professional engineer and shall be erected in accordance with the design if the scaffold exceeds,

(a) fifteen metres in height above its base support; or

(b) ten metres in height above its base support if the scaffold is constructed of a tube and clamp system.

(2) Design drawings for a scaffold shall set out erection instructions and the rated loads for the scaffold.

(3) A professional engineer or a competent worker designated by the supervisor of the project shall inspect the scaffold before it is used to ensure that it is erected in accordance with the design drawings.

(4) The person carrying out an inspection shall state in writing whether the scaffold is erected in accordance with the design drawings.

(5) The constructor shall keep at a project the design drawings and the written statement for a scaffold while the scaffold is erected.

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 12]

Section 131

131. Only a competent worker shall supervise the erection, alteration and dismantling of a scaffold.

Section 139

139. (1) An employer shall ensure that, prior to the first use of a suspended work platform system at a project, the entire system, including its suspension lines, has been inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with this Regulation, the manufacturer’s instructions, and clause 11 (Inspection and Testing) and Clause 12 (Maintenance) of CSA Standard Z271-10 .

(2) The employer shall ensure that the inspection, testing and maintenance referred to in subsection (1) is completed by,

(a) a competent worker; or

(b) if the CSA Standard Z271-10 requires the inspection or test be performed by a person with specific qualifications, such person.

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 14; 242/16, s. 11]

Section 142

142. The employer shall ensure that the rated platform capacity of a suspended work platform, work platform module or boatswain’s chair is posted conspicuously on the suspended work platform, work platform module or boatswain’s chair, as the case may be.

[O. Reg. 242/16, s. 11]

Section 142.2

142.2 (1) A multi-point suspended work platform and all its components shall be designed by a professional engineer in accordance with good engineering practice and with this section.

(2) A multi-point suspended work platform shall be designed to support, in addition to its dead load, live loads uniformly distributed over the platform surface of at least,

(a) 2.4 kilonewtons per square metre if the platform is to be used for masonry work;

(b) 3.6 kilonewtons per square metre if the platform is to be used for demolition work or for storage of masonry units or other related material or equipment; or

(c) 1.2 kilonewtons per square metre in any other case.

(3) In addition to the loads specified in subsection (2), a multi-point suspended work platform shall be able to support or resist,

(a) 1.1 kilonewtons concentrated on an area measuring 0.3 metres by 0.3 metres that is located on the platform at the position having the most adverse effect on the component under consideration;

(b) the wind load determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Building Code, based on a one in ten probability of being exceeded in any one year; and

(c) any other loads likely to be applied to it.

(4) The wind load referred to in clause (3)(b) may be reduced by 30 per cent if the professional engineer who designs the multi-point suspended work platform determines that it is appropriate to do so and indicates in writing that he or she has made the determination.

(5) Subject to clause (2) (c) and subsections (3) and (4), the professional engineer who designs the multi-point suspended work platform shall determine the minimum specified loads for erecting, dismantling, traversing or otherwise moving the multi-point suspended work platform.

(6) If a multi-point suspended work platform is to be used for abrasive blasting operations, there shall be an additional load allowance for the accumulation of grit on the platform to a depth of at least 25 millimetres.

(7) Subject to subsection (8), in designing a multi-point suspended work platform and its structural members, the following values of load factors, as described in the applicable provisions of the Building Code related to Limit States Design, shall be applied to the load requirements referred to in subsections (2) to (6):

1. Live load factor = 3.0.

2. Dead load factor = 1.5.

3. Wind load factor = 1.5.

(8) In designing the suspension and anchorage system of a multi-point suspended work platform,

(a) the value of the live load factor shall be 4.0;

(b) the value of the dead load factor shall be 2.0; and

(c) the value of the wind load factor shall be 2.0.

(9) Despite subsections (7) and (8), a multi-point suspended work platform and its components may be designed by working stress design if the safety factors for the multi-point suspended work platform and the structural members are at least equal to what would otherwise be provided under those subsections.

(10) Despite subsections (7) and (8), if the failure load of a component has been determined by testing, the minimum safety factors shall be,

(a) 3.0 for components of the multi-point suspended work platform;

(b) 4.0 for components of the suspension and anchorage system; and

(c) 10.0 for wire ropes, cables or chains used for hoisting, traversing or otherwise moving the multi-point suspended work platform.

(11) The failure load of a component referred to in subsection (10) shall be verified in writing by a professional engineer.

(12) A multi-point suspended work platform shall be designed, constructed and maintained in such a way that,

(a) the failure of one means of support or suspension will not cause any part of the platform to collapse or fail, under the most adverse loading condition as determined by the professional engineer who designs the multi-point suspended work platform; and

(b) compliance with subsections (7), (8), (9) and (10) is maintained in all fixed and moving conditions.

(13) The design of a multi-point suspended scaffold shall include adequate movement-limiting devices to be used when traversing or otherwise moving it.

(14) Before a multi-point suspended scaffold is erected, the constructor shall ensure that the professional engineer responsible for the structural integrity of the permanent building or structure from which the multi-point suspended work platform is suspended provides a written report approving the design loads imposed on the building or structure by the multi-point suspended work platform.

(15) Design drawings for a multi-point suspended scaffold shall include,

(a) a statement by the professional engineer that the design meets the requirements of this Regulation;

(b) the size and specifications of all components, including the type and grade of all materials to be used;

(c) the load factors and safety factors for the multi-point suspended work platform and all its components;

(d) all the specified loads, including the loads during erection, dismantling, traversing and otherwise moving; and

(e) the procedures for erection, dismantling, traversing and otherwise moving.

(16) The design drawings shall be followed, subject to subsection (17).

(17) A deviation from the design drawings is permitted if the deviation,

(a) is approved, in advance and in writing, by a professional engineer; and

(b) complies with this Regulation.

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 15; 242/16, s. 1, 12; 142/17, s. 19]

Section 142.3

142.3 (1) Before erecting or dismantling a multi-point suspended work platform, the constructor shall give notice, in person, by telephone, by fax or by electronic means, to the Ministry office located nearest the project.

(2) A multi-point suspended work platform shall be inspected by a professional engineer to determine whether it complies with the design drawings, or the design drawings subject to any deviations approved under subsection 142.2 (17), as the case may be,

(a) after it is erected but before it is first used; and

(b) if the multi-point suspended work platform is moved to another anchorage position, before it is used there.

(3) The inspection under subsection (2) shall include a determination of whether all components are in adequate condition.

(4) The professional engineer who conducts the inspection under subsection (2) shall prepare a written report of the inspection.

(5) The written report is a positive report if it indicates that,

(a) the multi-point suspended work platform complies with the design drawings, or the design drawings subject to any deviations approved under subsection 142.2 (17), as the case may be; and

(b) all components are in adequate condition.

(6) Subsections (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) do not apply to a multi-point suspended work platform whose platform area is six square metres or less.

(7) A competent worker shall inspect a multi-point suspended work platform each day before it is used.

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 15; 242/16, s. 1, 13]

Section 142.4

142.4 The constructor shall keep at the project a copy of,

(a) the written report under subsection 142.2(14);

(b) the design drawings under subsection 142.2(15);

(c) any written approvals under subsection 142.2(17); and

(d) the written reports under subsection 142.3(4).

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 15]

Section 142.5

142.5 (1) A multi-point suspended work platform shall be erected, dismantled, traversed or otherwise moved only by a competent worker under the supervision of a competent person and in accordance with the design drawings, or the design drawings subject to any deviations approved under subsection 142.2(17), as the case may be.

(2) Before a worker is on a multi-point suspended work platform for the first time, the employer shall provide the worker with adequate oral and written instructions for using the multi-point suspended work platform, including,

(a) the manufacturer's instructions or a professional engineer's instructions;

(b) instructions on the load limitations;

(c) instructions in, and a hands-on demonstration of, the proper operation of the scaffold.

(3) A worker who is to erect, dismantle, traverse or otherwise move a multi-point suspended work platform shall, in addition to the instructions set out in subsection (2), be given instructions in the procedures described in clause 142.2(15)(e).

(4) No person shall use a multi-point suspended work platform until the design drawings described in subsection 142.2(15) have been given to the constructor and the following documents have been prepared and given to the constructor:

1. The report described in subsection 142.2(14).

2. A positive report described in subsections 142.3(4) and (5), if applicable.

3. Any approval described in subsection 142.2(17), if applicable.

[O. Reg. 85/04, s. 15; 242/16, s. 1, 13]

Section 188

188. (1) This section applies unless the conditions set out in clauses 189(a) and (b) are satisfied.

(2) No object shall be brought closer to an energized overhead electrical conductor with a nominal phase-to-phase voltage rating set out in Column 1 of the Table to this subsection than the distance specified opposite to it in Column 2.

Table

Item Column 1 Column 2
Nominal phase-to-phase voltage rating Minimum distance
1. 750 or more volts, but no more than 150,000 volts 3 m
2. more than 150,000 volts, but no more than 250,000 volts 4.5 m
3. more than 250,000 volts 6 m

(3) Subsections (4) to (9) apply if a crane, similar hoisting device, backhoe, power shovel or other vehicle or equipment is operated near an energized overhead electrical conductor and it is possible for a part of the vehicle or equipment or its load to encroach on the minimum distance permitted under subsection (2).

(4) A constructor shall,

(a) establish and implement written measures and procedures adequate to ensure that no part of a vehicle or equipment or its load encroaches on the minimum distance permitted by subsection (2); and

(b) make a copy of the written measures and procedures available to every employer on the project.

(5) The written measures and procedures shall include taking the following precautions to protect workers:

1. Adequate warning devices, visible to the operator and warning of the electrical hazard, shall be positioned in the vicinity of the hazard.

2. The operator shall be provided with written notification of the electrical hazard before beginning the work.

3. A legible sign, visible to the operator and warning of the potential electrical hazard, shall be posted at the operator's station.

(6) Before a worker begins work that includes an activity described in subsection (3), the employer shall provide a copy of the written measures and procedures to the worker and explain them to him or her.

(7) The worker shall follow the written measures and procedures.

(8) A competent worker, designated as a signaller, shall be stationed so that he or she is in full view of the operator and has a clear view of the electrical conductor and of the vehicle or equipment, and shall warn the operator each time any part of the vehicle or equipment or its load may approach the minimum distance.

(9) Section 106 also applies with respect to the signaller designated under subsection (8).

[O. Reg. 627/05, s. 7; 345/15, s. 23]