Amending Rule 1414 on Scaffoldings of the 1989 Occupational Health and Safety Standards, as Amended

April 30, 2013

DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 128-13

AMENDING RULE 1414 ON SCAFFOLDINGS OF THE 1989 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS, AS AMENDED

In the interest of the service and pursuant to Article 162, Book IV of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, the following amendments to Rule 1414 (Scaffoldings) of the 1989 Occupational Health and Safety Standards, as Amended, are hereby promulgated:

SECTION 1. Rule 1414 on Scaffoldings of the 1989 Occupational Health and Safety Standards, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

RULE 1414

1414.01: Definition of Terms.

"Bearer" refers to a scaffold member spanning between two runners upon which the platform rests.

"Brace" refers to a scaffold member that holds posts in a fixed position to prevent any lateral movement.

"Competent Person" refers to one who is capable of identifying existing and potential hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, and who has the authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them; person must be a holder of Scaffold Erector NC II and COSH training.

"Hoist" refers to a lifting machine with a carriage, platform or cage which moves on guides.

"Plant or Equipment" refers to any plant equipment gear, machinery, apparatus or appliances, or any part thereof.

"Post" refers to the vertical member of scaffold transmitting the load to the ground or to a base plate.

"Putlogs" refers to a scaffold member spanning between a runner and a building wall upon which the platform rests.

"Qualified Person" refers to one who, by possession of a recognized technical degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

"Runner" refers to a scaffold bracing, which extends horizontally from post to post forming right angles with the bearer and forms a tie between the posts.

"Scaffold" refers to a temporary or movable platform supported on the ground or suspended, used for access and/or working at considerable heights above ground.

"Supported Scaffold" means one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, posts, legs, posts, frames or similar rigid support.

"Suspended Scaffold" means one or more platforms supported by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure(s).

"Trestle Scaffold" refers to scaffolds in which the supports for the platform are step ladders, tripods or similar movable contrivances.

1414.02: General Provisions.

2.1. General Requirements

2.1.1. Every scaffold shall be of good construction of sound materials and strength for the purpose for which it is intended;

2.1.2. Timber used for scaffolds shall be in good condition, the bark completely stripped off, and not painted or treated in any manner that defects cannot be easily seen; and

2.1.3. All materials and parts of scaffold not in use or intended for re-use shall be kept under good condition and separate from other materials unsuitable for scaffolds.

2.2. Specific Requirements

2.2.1. Timber/bamboo scaffolds shall be limited to a height of 6 meters from the ground or base. For over 6 meters height, steel scaffolds shall be used.

2.2.2. Structural steel when used as load bearing members of scaffolding shall be destressed at welded or bent joints and design construction approved by the appropriate authority.

2.2.3. All manufactured scaffolds and its accessories shall follow the manufacturers' designs and specification. Technical properties and data of such manufactured scaffolds shall be certified true by a qualified testing laboratory. For manufactured scaffolds more than 6 meters in height shall be designed by structural engineer and approved by appropriate authority.

2.2.4. All site fabricated/conventional supported scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a working load of 150 kg/m2 shall be designed and inspected by the structural engineer and approved by the appropriate authority.

2.2.5. All suspended scaffolds shall be designed and inspected by a structural engineer if site fabricated.

2.2.6. No scaffold shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered except under the supervision of a competent person.

2.2.7. A fall protection equipment shall be used when working in a height of 2 meters and above. For work height of 10 meters, workers are required to use fall arrest equipment.

2.2.8. All personnel involved in scaffolding activities shall have appropriate training and certification. Manufacturers' training certification shall be limited to the erection of manufacturers' equipment only.

2.2.9. Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports as follow.

2.2.10. Each platform unit (e.g., scaffold plank, fabricated plank, fabricated deck, or fabricated platform) shall be installed so that the space between adjacent units and the space between the platform and the uprights is no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

2.2.11. Each scaffold platform and walkway shall be at least 18 inches (46 cm) wide.

2.2.12. Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches (15 cm).

2.2.13. Each end of a platform 10 feet or less in length shall not extend over its support more than 12 inches (30 cm) unless the platform is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees and/or materials without tipping, or has guardrails which block employee access to the cantilevered end.

2.2.14. Each platform greater than 10 feet in length shall not extend over its support more than 18 inches (46 cm), unless it is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees without tipping, or has guardrails which block employee access to the cantilevered end.

2.2.15. On scaffolds where scaffold planks are abutted to create a long platform, each abutted end shall rest on a separate support surface. This provision does not preclude the use of common support members, such as "T" sections, to support abutting planks, or hook on platforms designed to rest on common supports.

2.2.16. On scaffolds where platforms are overlapped to create a long platform, the overlap shall occur only over supports, and shall not be less than 12 inches (30 cm) unless the platforms are nailed together or otherwise restrained to prevent movement.

2.2.17. At all points of a scaffold where the platform changes direction, such as turning a corner, any platform that rests on a bearer at an angle other than a right angle shall be laid first, and platforms which rest at right angles over the same bearer shall be laid second, on top of the first platform.

1414.03: Design and Stability.

3.1. Design

3.1.1. A design instruction, including all data relevant to the design of the scaffold, shall be prepared by the end user to serve as the starting point for subsequent work decisions, design work, calculations, and drawings;

3.1.2. The design shall be in accordance with recognized engineering principles taking into consideration the variability of materials, workmanship, methods of construction, site conditions, construction tolerances and the space for scaffolds;

3.1.3. Scaffolds shall be designed with regard to ease and safety of erection and dismantling;

3.1.4. Supported scaffolds and their components shall be capable of supporting without failure at least four (4) times the maximum intended load, while suspended scaffolds shall have six (6) times factor of safety; and

3.1.5. All scaffolds designed by a structural engineer shall be approved by appropriate authority.

3.2. Strength and Stability of Scaffolds

3.2.1. All scaffolds shall have vertical members (posts) diagonally and horizontally braced to prevent lateral movement;

3.2.2. All scaffolds shall have no splices between the points of support of load carrying horizontal members and secured to prevent lateral movement;

3.2.3. The footing, sills or anchorage for scaffolds shall be sound, rigid, and capable of carrying twice the maximum intended load without settling or displacement. Unstable objects such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, or concrete blocks shall not be used to support scaffolds;

3.2.4. Scaffold posts shall bear on a foundation of sufficient size and strength to spread the load from the posts over a sufficient area to prevent settlement. All posts shall be set plumb;

3.2.5. Any damaged or weakened scaffold members from any cause shall be immediately repaired, replaced or discarded;

3.2.6. Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of the working load for which they are intended;

3.2.7. Scaffolds shall be anchored or secured to permanent or rigid structures. In the absence of permanent structures, guys and sway bracing and/or outrigger shall be used;

3.2.8. Scaffold components produced by different manufacturers shall not be intermixed unless the components fit together without force and the scaffold's structural integrity is maintained by the user. It shall likewise not be modified in order to intermix them unless designed by the structural engineer; and

3.2.9. Front-end loaders and similar types of equipment shall not be used to support scaffold platforms unless they have been specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. Fork-lifts shall not be used to support scaffold platforms.

1414.04: Inspection of Scaffold Components Before Erection.

4.1. All scaffold material delivered on site shall be visually inspected either upon delivery or before it is erected/installed. Any defective material shall be repaired, replaced or discarded.

4.2. Lumber with two (2) nail holes aligned crosswise or four (4) nail holes along its length shall not be used as horizontal load bearing member of scaffolds.

1414.05: Site Inspection and Preparation.

5.1. Site inspection shall be carried out before actual erection to check ground conditions, overhead wires, obstructions, changes in surface elevation, and structural support. 

5.2. Site preparation shall be performed to ensure that the soil are level and firm, mud and soft soil are replaced with compacted gravel or crushed stone, and on sloping grounds, the area where mudsills rest shall be leveled by excavating rather than backfilling.

1414.06: Scaffold Erection.

1. No scaffold work shall be undertaken without the direct supervision of a competent/qualified person as the case may be.

2. All posts shall be maintained plumb regardless of connection.

3. All posts spacing and materials shall conform to the designer's specification.

4. All runners shall be perpendicular to the posts in all situations. Spacing of the runners shall conform to the designed scaffold.

5. Diagonal brace shall extend from one connection to another. It shall be connected to the post within 150 millimeters from the point of connection.

6. Diagonal braces shall not exceed an angle of 60 degrees from horizontal.

7. Diagonal braces shall be installed immediately as the scaffold rises to maintain plumbness of the system.

8. All posts shall be joined or connected by means of joint pin, spigot or any appropriate means of connections. No lap connection shall be allowed.

9. Always maintain the base width to height ratio of 1:4 during erection for stability. If the height exceeds what is allowed, refer to Section 3.2.7.

10. No scaffold activity shall be undertaken if the wind velocity exceeds 48 kph. For erected scaffold, additional precaution shall be considered during typhoon.

11. No other work shall be allowed to commence below the scaffold during erection phase.

12. Working platform shall be provided per level during erection. This working platform shall not be removed unless the succeeding level is installed.

13. Scaffolds of more than 6 meters in height shall be designed by a structural engineer and shall be erected, installed and dismantled by TESDA certified erectors.

14. Scaffold shall be erected, added, altered or dismantled only under the supervision of the competent/qualified person in the construction.

6.1. Tools, Equipment and Materials

 Tools, equipment and materials for erection, installation and dismantling shall be appropriate for its usage on the type of scaffold, properly inspected and safe for use.

6.2. Material and Personnel Access

6.2.1. Scaffold with one section height shall be provided with safe access.

6.2.2. Supporting members used in the construction of runways, ramps, stairs and ladders shall be securely fastened and braced.

6.2.3. When hooked-on ladder is used, a rest platform with a minimum width of 60cm (2 ft) shall be provided every 4 m in height.

6.2.4. Ladders used for access shall protrude at least 1m above the landing place.

6.2.5. When major components are removed for the purposes of access it shall be designed.

6.3. Supported Scaffold

6.3.1. Mobile Scaffold:

 In the use of mobile scaffolds, which are manually propelled, the following must be observed:

a) It should be of stable construction and weighted at the base to prevent overturning;

b) It shall be only be used on firm and even surface;

c) It shall be securely braced;

d) It shall not be moved when any worker is on the scaffold and all tools and materials are secured;

e) When manual force is used to move the scaffold, it must be applied as close to the base as practicable, but not more than 1.2 m (4 feet) above the supporting surface;

f) When free standing, the height of the mobile scaffold should not exceed four (4) times the base width dimension;

g) When outrigger frames are used to increase base width dimension, it shall be installed on both sides of the scaffold;

h) All casters must be secured to frame legs or screw jacks with pins, bolt & nut, and other secured means. Weight of tower should not exceed the capacity of the casters and should be designed to support four (4) times the maximum intended load;

i) To prevent movement of the scaffold while it is being used in a stationary position, scaffold casters and wheels shall be locked either with positive wheel locks, wheel and swivel locks or equivalent means; and

j) Platforms must not extend beyond the base supports of the scaffold, unless stability is ensured by outrigger frames or equivalent devices.

6.3.2. Ladder Scaffolds or Ladder Jack Scaffolds:

 A ladder scaffold shall be used only when:

a) Work is of such light nature and the material required for the work is light and can be hung on the ladder; and

b) The distance between the ladders of the scaffold is less than 3 m (10 ft).

6.3.3. Tube and Coupler:

a) When platforms are being moved to the next level, the existing platform must be left undisturbed until the new bearers have been set in place and braced before receiving the new platform.

b) Couplers must be made of a structural metal, such as drop-forged steel, malleable iron, or structural-grade aluminum. Gray cast iron is prohibited.

c) Transverse bracing forming an "X" across the width of the scaffold must be installed at the scaffold ends, and at least at every third set of posts horizontally (measured from one end only), and every fourth runner vertically.

d) Bracing must extend upward diagonally to opposite sides of the scaffold, such as from the inner posts or runners to the next outer posts or runners, or vice versa.

e) Building ties should be installed at the bearer levels between the transverse bracing or as per recommendation of designer/structural engineer.

f) On straight run scaffolds, longitudinal bracing across the inner and outer rows of posts must be installed diagonally in both directions, and extend upward from the base of the end posts to the top of the scaffold at approximately a 45-degree angle but not more than 60 degree.

g) On scaffolds whose length is greater than their height, longitudinal bracing must be repeated beginning at least at every fifth post.

h) On scaffolds whose length is less than their height, longitudinal bracing must be installed from the base of the end posts upward to the opposite end posts, and then in alternating directions until reaching the top of the scaffold.

i) Bracing must be installed as close as possible to the intersection of the bearer and post or runner and post.

j) Bearers must be installed transversely between posts.

k) When bearers are coupled to posts, the inboard coupler shall be bear directly on the runner coupler, and be as close to the posts as possible.

l) Bearers must extend beyond the posts and runners, and provide full contact with the coupler.

m) Runners must be installed along the length of the scaffold, located at level heights on both the inside and outside posts. Runners shall be spaced vertically at 1.8m (6 ft.) to 2m (7 ft.) on centers.

n) On outside posts of tube and coupler scaffold, guardrails and midrails may be used in lieu of outside runner.

o) Runners on straight runs must be interlocked to form continuous lengths, and coupled to each post.

6.3.4. Frame Scaffolds:

a) When moving platforms to the next level, the existing platform shall be left undisturbed until the new end frames have been set in place and braced prior to receiving the new platforms.

b) Frames shall be braced by a cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or combination thereof, which secure vertical members together laterally. The cross braces shall be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so that the erected scaffold is always plumb, level, and square. All brace connections shall be secured.

c) Frames shall be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins.

d) Where uplift can occur which would displace scaffold end frames, the frames shall be locked together vertically by pins or equivalent means.

e) Brackets used to support cantilevered loads shall:

i. Be seated with side-brackets parallel to the frames and end-brackets at 90 degrees to the frames;

ii. Not be bent or twisted from these positions; and

iii. Be used only to support personnel, unless the scaffold has been designed for other loads by a qualified engineer and built to withstand the tipping forces caused by those other loads being placed on the bracket-supported section of the scaffold.

6.3.5. Timber Scaffolds:

a) In single scaffold, the post shall be placed at 1.2 to 2.4 meters (4 to 8 ft.) apart at a distance of 1 m. (3 ft.) from the wall, connected horizontally by runners shall be spaced vertically at 1.8m. (6 ft.) to 2m. (7 ft.) on centers. Putlogs shall be placed in the holes left in the walls.

b) The size of the post shall not be less than 50 x 100 mm (2 x 4 in) and when it is necessary to extend a post, the overlaps shall not be less than 60 cm. (24 in.).

c) In double scaffold, the bearer shall rest entirely on the runners. In addition to the diagonal braces, inclined supports shall be provided to prevent the scaffold from leaning away from the wall. The supports shall be strutted at intermediate heights against the posts.

d) The size of the posts for double scaffold shall not be less than 50 x 100 mm (2 x 4 in) and when it is necessary to extend a post the overlap shall not be less than 60 cm (24 in).

e) The distance between two consecutive bearers shall be designed with due regard to anticipated load and the nature of the platform flooring. As a minimum rule, the spacing shall be as follows:

i. For 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in) thick planks, spacing shall not exceed 1 m (3ft).

ii. For 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in) thick planks spacing shall not exceed 1.5 m (5ft).

f) The displacement of the foot of the post shall be prevented by fixing it on a base plate.

6.3.6. Bamboo Scaffold:

 Bamboo scaffold may be used for painting or light construction work only and must observed the following:

a) The material and construction shall be sufficient to carry at least four (4) times the imposed load;

b) Only one worker shall be allowed in any one span;

c) The maximum span between poles shall be 2.4m. (8 ft.);

d) When the height or fall is over 2 m (6 ft.), the use of fall protection shall be required; and

e) The maximum height allowed is 6 meters (20 ft.). 

6.3.7. Trestle Scaffolds:

a) Scaffold platforms must be placed no higher than the second-highest rung or step of the ladder supporting the platform.

b) All step ladder used as a trestle scaffold shall conform to the manufacturer's requirements and shall be prevented from slipping by fastening or tying to a permanent structure.

c) All trestle scaffolds must not be bridged one to another.

d) Trestle scaffolds shall not be used if the working platform is more than 5 m. from the ground or floor or other surface upon which the scaffold is erected.

e) A trestle scaffold shall not be erected on a scaffold platform unless:

i. The platform is sufficiently wide for the transport of materials;

ii. The posts are firmly attached to the platform and braced to prevent displacement; and

iii. Designed by structural engineer and approved by the proper authority if erected on a scaffold 10 meters or over in height.

f) No trestle scaffold shall be erected on suspended scaffold.

6.3.8. Form Scaffolds and Carpenters' Bracket Scaffolds:

a) Each bracket, except those for wooden bracket-form scaffolds, must be attached to the supporting framework or structure by one or more of the following Nails; a metal stud attachment device; Welding; Hooking over a secured structural supporting member, with the form wales either bolted to the form, or secured by snap ties or tie bolts extending through the form, and securely anchored; or for carpenters' bracket scaffolds only by a bolt extending through to the opposite side of the structure's wall.

b) Wooden bracket-form scaffolds must be an integral part of the form panel.

c) Folding-type metal brackets, when extended for use, must be either bolted, or secured with a locking-type pin.

d) Brackets are triangular-shaped frames made of either wood with a cross-section not less than 2 x 3 inches, or structural angle iron measuring 1-1/4 inch x 1-1/4 inch x 1/8 inch.

e) Bolts used to attach brackets to structures must not be less than 5/8 inch in diameter.

f) Maximum bracket spacing is 8 feet on centers.

g) No more than two employees may occupy any given 8 feet of a bracket or form scaffold at any one time.

6.3.9. Roof Bracket Scaffolds:

a) Scaffold brackets must be constructed to fit the pitch of the roof. Provide a level of support for the platform.

b) Brackets must be anchored in place by nails unless it is impractical to use nails.

c) When nails are not used, brackets must be secured with first-grade manila rope of at least 3/4-inch diameter, or equivalent.

d) Outrigger beams must be secured in place to prevent movement, and securely braced at the fulcrum point to prevent tipping.

e) The inboard end of outrigger beams must be not less than 1 1/2 times the length of the outboard end, measured from the fulcrum point to the extreme anchorage point, and securely anchored either by braced struts bearing against sills in contact with the overhead beams or ceiling, or tension members secured to the floor joists underfoot, or both.

f) The fulcrum point of outrigger beams must rest on secure bearings at least 15 cm (6 inches) in each horizontal dimension.

g) Outrigger beams fabricated in the shape of an I-beam or channel beam must be placed so that the web section is vertical.

h) The entire supporting structure must be securely braced to prevent any horizontal movement.

i) To prevent their displacement, platform units must be nailed, bolted, or otherwise secured to outriggers.

j) Scaffolds and scaffold components must be designed by a structural engineer, and constructed and loaded in accordance with that design.

6.3.10.  Window Jack Scaffolds:

a) Scaffolds must be securely attached to the window opening.

b) Scaffolds must be used only for working at the window opening through which the jack is placed.

c) Window jacks must not be used to support planks or other elements of scaffolding placed between one window jack and another.

d) Not more than one worker at a time may occupy a window jack scaffold.

6.3.11.  Crawling Boards (Chicken Ladders):

a) Crawling boards must extend from the roof peak to the eaves when used in roof construction, repair, or maintenance.

b) Crawling boards must be secured to the roof by ridge hooks, or by means that provide equivalent strength and durability.

c) Crawling boards must be not less than 25 cm (10 inches) wide and 2.54 cm (1 inch) thick.

d) Cleats on crawling boards must be equal in length to the width of the board be spaced at equal intervals not to exceed 60 cm (24 in), and have a minimum cross-sectional area of 2.54 x 3.8 cm (1 x 1-1/2 in).

6.4. Suspended Scaffold

1. All suspended scaffold support devices, such as outrigger beams, cornice hooks, parapet clamps, and similar devices, shall rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least 4 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold operating at the rated load of the hoist (or at least 1.5 times the load imposed on them by the scaffold at the stall capacity of the hoist, whichever is greater).

2. Suspended scaffold outrigger beams, when used, shall be made of structural metal or equivalent strength material, and shall be restrained to prevent movement.

3. The inboard ends of suspended scaffold outrigger beams shall be stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck, or they shall have their inboard ends stabilized by counterweights, except masons' multi-point adjustable suspended scaffold outrigger beams shall not be stabilized by counterweights.

4. Before the suspended scaffold is used, direct connections shall be evaluated by a competent person who shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of supporting the loads to be imposed. In addition, masons' multi-point adjustable suspended scaffold connections shall be designed by a structural engineer experienced in such scaffold design.

5. Counterweights shall be made of non-flowable material. Sand, gravel and similar materials that can be easily dislocated shall not be used as counterweights.

6. Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used to counterweight scaffold systems. Construction materials such as, but not limited to, masonry units and rolls of roofing felt, shall not be used as counterweights.

7. Counterweights shall be secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beams to prevent accidental displacement.

8. Counterweights shall not be removed from an outrigger beam until the scaffold is disassembled.

9. Outrigger beams which are not stabilized by bolts or other direct connections to the floor or roof deck shall be secured by tiebacks.

10. Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the suspended ropes.

11. Outrigger beams shall be placed perpendicular to its bearing support (usually the face of the building or structure). However, where the employer can demonstrate that it is not possible to place an outrigger beam perpendicular to the face of the building or structure because of obstructions that cannot be moved, the outrigger beam may be placed at some other angle, provided opposing angle tiebacks are used.

12. Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure. Sound anchorages include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit.

13. Tiebacks shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed. Single tiebacks installed at an angle are prohibited.

14. Suspended scaffold outrigger beams shall be:

i. Provided with stop bolts or shackles at both ends;

ii. Securely fastened together with the flanges turned out when channel iron beams are used in place of I-beams;

iii. Installed with all bearing supports perpendicular to the beam center line;

iv. Set and maintained with the web in a vertical position; and

v. When an outrigger beam is used, the shackle or clevis with which the rope is attached to the outrigger beam shall be placed directly over the center line of the stirrup.

15. Suspended scaffold support devices such as cornice hooks, roof hooks, roof irons, parapet clamps, or similar devices shall be:

i. Made of steel, wrought iron, or materials of equivalent strength;

ii. Supported by bearing blocks; and

iii. Secured against movement by tiebacks installed at right angles to the face of the building or structure, or opposing angle tiebacks shall be installed and secured to a structurally sound point of anchorage on the building or structure. Sound points of anchorage include structural members, but do not include standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit.

16. Tiebacks shall be equivalent in strength to the hoisting rope.

17. When winding drum hoists are used on a suspended scaffold, they shall contain not less than four wraps of the suspended rope at the lowest point of scaffold travel. When other types of hoists are used, the suspended ropes shall be long enough to allow the scaffold to be lowered to the level below without the rope end passing through the hoist, or the rope end shall be configured or provided with means to prevent the end from passing through the hoist.

18. The use of repaired wire rope as suspended rope is prohibited.

19. Wire suspended ropes shall not be joined together except through the use of eye splice thimbles connected with shackles or cover-plates and bolts.

20. The load end of wire suspended ropes shall be equipped with proper size thimbles and secured by eyesplicing or equivalent means.

21. Ropes shall be inspected for defects by a competent person prior to each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope's integrity. Ropes shall be replaced if any of the following conditions exist:

i. Any physical damage which impairs the function and strength of the rope, such as:

(a) Kinks that might impair the tracking or wrapping of rope, around the drum(s) or sheave(s).

(b) Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay. 

(c) Abrasion, corrosion, scrubbing, flattening or peening causing loss of more than one-third of the original diameter of the outside wires.

(d) Heat damage caused by a torch or any damage caused by contact with electrical wires.

(e) Evidence that the secondary brake has been activated during an overspeed condition and has engaged the suspended rope.

ii. Swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire suspended ropes shall not be used unless they are made by the wire rope manufacturer or a qualified person.

22. When wire rope clips are used on suspended scaffolds:

i. There shall be a minimum of 3 wire rope clips installed, with a minimum distance of 6 rope diameters apart;

ii. Clips shall be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations;

iii. Clips shall be retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations after the initial loading;

iv. Clips shall be inspected and retightened to the manufacturer's recommendations at the start of each workshift thereafter;

v. U-bolt clips shall not be used at the point of suspended for any scaffold hoist; and

vi. When U-bolt clips are used, the U-bolt shall be placed over the dead end of the rope, and the saddle shall be placed over the live end of the rope.

23. Suspended scaffold power-operated hoists and manual hoists shall be tested by a qualified testing laboratory.

24. Gasoline-powered equipment and hoists shall not be used on suspended scaffolds.

25. Gears and brakes of power-operated hoists used on suspended scaffolds shall be enclosed.

26. In addition to the normal operating brake, suspended scaffold power-operated hoists and manually operated hoists shall have a braking device or locking pawl which engages automatically when a hoist makes either of the following uncontrolled movements in an instantaneous change in momentum or an accelerated overspeed.

27. Manually operated hoists shall require a positive crank force to descend.

28. Two-point and multi-point suspended scaffolds shall be tied or otherwise secured to prevent them from swaying, as determined to be necessary based on an evaluation by a competent person. Window cleaners' anchors shall not be used for this purpose.

29. Devices whose sole function is to provide emergency escape and rescue shall not be used as working platforms. This provision does not preclude the use of systems that are designed to function both as suspended scaffolds and emergency systems.

30. The climbers, winches or hoisting device shall be opened for inspection and servicing at least once in every 6 months to ensure that the drive mechanisms are in safe working order; and

31. Where a suspended scaffold has been re-positioned or shifted from one location to another within the same workplace, the suspended scaffold and its attachments shall be erected or installed in accordance with the design and drawings certified by the structural engineer.

6.5. Aerial Lift

1. A combination of any such devices. Aerial equipment may be made of metal, wood, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), or other material; may be powered or manually operated; and are deemed to be aerial lifts whether or not they are capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis.

2. Aerial lifts may be "field modified" for uses other than those intended by the manufacturer provided the modification has been certified in writing by the manufacturer or by any other equivalent entity.

3. Specific requirements for aerial lifts:

i. Ladder trucks and tower trucks.

 Aerial ladders shall be secured in the lower traveling position by the locking device on top of the truck cab, and the manually operated device at the base of the ladder before the truck is moved for highway travel.

ii. Extensible and articulating boom platforms.

(a) Lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that such controls are in safe working condition.

(b) Only authorized persons shall operate an aerial lift.

(c) Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an aerial lift shall not be permitted.

(d) Personnel shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.

(e) A safety belt shall be worn and attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift.

(f) Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.

(g) The brakes shall be set and when outriggers are used, they shall be positioned on pads or a solid surface. Wheel chocks shall be installed before using an aerial lift on an incline, provided they can be safely installed.

(h) An aerial lift truck shall not be moved when the boom is elevated in a working position with men in the basket, except for equipment which is specifically designed for this type of operation.

(i) Articulating boom and extensible boom platforms, primarily designed as personnel carriers, shall have both platform with upper and lower controls. Upper controls shall be in or beside the platform within easy reach of the operator. Lower controls shall provide for overriding the upper controls. Controls shall be plainly marked as to their function. Lower level controls shall not be operated unless permission has been obtained from the personnel in the lift, except in case of emergency.

(j) Climbers shall not be worn while performing work from an aerial lift.

(k) The insulated portion of an aerial lift shall not be altered in any manner that might reduce its insulating value.

(l) Before moving an aerial lift for travel, the boom(s) shall be inspected to see that it is properly cradled and outriggers are in stowed position.

6.6. Modifications

1. All modifications to existing scaffolds should be carried out in such a way that the stability of the scaffold is not impaired. As a general rule, supplementary components should be added before those, which have to be removed, are uncoupled and taken away.

2. Adding sheeting or debris netting to an existing unsheeted scaffold should only be carried out with approval. The increased wind loads will change the design and may require additional ties and/or bracing.

1414.07: Scaffold Inspection and Tagging.

All scaffoldings shall be inspected prior to use. Inspection and tagging shall be performed by a qualified or competent person as the case may be. All manufactured scaffolds shall follow the manufacturers' recommendations.

1. Direct connections shall be evaluated by a qualified or competent person who shall confirm, based on the evaluation, that the supporting surfaces are capable of resisting the loads to be imposed.

2. Inspections should be carried out daily and every shift. All site fabricated/conventional supported scaffolds exceeding 6 meters in height or a working load of 150 kg/m2 shall be evaluated, tested and approved by a qualified person.

3. All scaffold identification tags shall be of a solid green, yellow, or red color with black lettering. All scaffold tags shall be hanged in every scaffold access points.

• Green tags shall be hanged at each scaffolds access that have been inspected and are safe for use.

• Yellow tags shall be placed whenever special requirements for safe use are required. Situation requiring yellow tags may include whenever scaffold has been modified to meet work requirements, and as a result could present a hazard to the user. Situation requiring Yellow tags shall be closely supervised.

• Red "DANGER — UNSAFE FOR USE" tags shall be used during erection and dismantling when the scaffold is left unattended. Red tag shall be used when all green or yellow tags has been removed.

4. All the records of the inspections shall be available on site and made available to proper authority upon request.

1414.08: Maintenance During Use.

1. All scaffolds shall be properly maintained and every part shall be kept, fixed and secured in position to prevent displacement.

2. No partly dismantled scaffold shall be used unless it is rendered stable, strong and safe for the purpose.

3. Scaffoldings left standing for four (4) months shall not be used until damaged members are replaced and the whole structure returned to its original strength.

1414.09: Scaffold Dismantling.

1. During dismantling, no component, which endangers the stability of the remaining structure, should be removed.

2. If dismantling has reached the stage at which a critical member has to be removed, (e.g., a tie or a brace) the stability of the structure should be assured by fixing a similar or otherwise adequate member in place before the member to be taken out is removed.

3. If changes are made in the scaffold structure during its working life, it is not safe to assume that dismantling can be carried out in the reverse order to the erection, hence, ties and braces shall be inspected prior to dismantling.

4. Materials should be lowered to the ground and not stored on the scaffold. Components should not be thrown on the ground; they should be lowered hand-to-hand in an orderly manner or brought down by crane, pulley or other suitable means.

9.1. Progressive Dismantling:

1. Scaffolds, which are to be progressively dismantled during the demolition of a building, should not be left projecting above the residual height of the walls more than is necessary. Stabilizing ties should be maintained, especially with sheeted scaffolds.

2. Scaffolds, which are to remain in use while partly dismantled, should be fitted with end guardrails and toe boards at the end of the portion in use.

3. If access is possible on to a partly dismantled scaffold, warning notices should be fixed.

1414.10: Maintenance and Storage.

All scaffolds shall be properly maintained and shall be kept, clean, and free of damage. Scaffolds accessories requiring lubrication shall be oiled prior to storage in a covered or closed container, or as per manufacturer's recommendation.

1414.11: Loading/Unloading and Transport.

All loading and unloading operations, including transport of scaffolds, shall be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner. 

11.1.  Planning

During loading/unloading and transport of scaffolds, the following shall be considered:

1. Information on scaffolds to be handled as provided by manufacturers, e.g., weight, shape and centre of gravity of material components/bundles of material;

2. Selection of most appropriate vehicle and certified driver as applicable;

3. Loading/unloading operation

i. Location

ii. Methodology

iii. Provision of spacer during loading of scaffolds

iv. Safe loading and unloading sequence

4. Provision of safe access to the vehicle

5. Any manual handling, including required PPE

6. Hazards for the stock yard workers, slingers/riggers and driver

7. All loose parts shall be strapped or secured prior to transport. Small parts shall be placed on a box or bag indicating the total weight before loading.

11.2.  During transport the following shall be considered:

1. Site restrictions, e.g., speed limits, reversing constraints, danger areas.

2. Duties of driver in respect of the process, e.g., de-sheeting, strapping, checking, etc.

3. Inspection of loads to check stability after transport from stockyard to work site and vice versa.

1414.12: Fall Protection.

12.1.  For Supported Scaffold

Fall protection equipment shall be provided on any scaffold 2m (6 feet) or more above ground. Personnel performing work from a supported scaffold shall be protected by guardrail from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold. Open sides and ends shall be allowed when the scaffold distance is 25 cm (10 in) or less from the structure being worked on.

12.1.1.  Fall Arrest System

a) Personal fall-arrest systems used on scaffolds are to be attached by lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or any rigid structural member.

b) When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage, independent of the scaffold, and be protected from sharp edges and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but not standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., which may give way under the force of a fall. Two or more vertical lifelines shall not be attached to each other, or to the same point of anchorage.

c) When horizontal lifelines are used, they shall be secured to two or more structural members. Life lines shall be made of good quality manila rope of at least 1.9 cm (3/4 in.) diameter or equivalent material such as nylon rope of at least 1.27 cm (1/2 in) diameter and shall be of sufficient strength to support a weight of 1140 kgs (2500 lbs) without breaking.

12.1.2.  Guardrail System

a) Guardrail systems shall be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms, and must be in place before the scaffold is released for use by personnel other than erection/dismantling crews.

b) Walkways located within a scaffold shall have guardrail systems installed within 24 cm (9 1/2 in.) of and along at least one side of the walkway.

c) Each toprail or equivalent member of a guardrail system shall be able to withstand a force of at least 100 kg (220 pounds) applied in any downward or horizontal direction, at any point along its top edge. The height of toprails on supported scaffolds shall be 91 cm (36 in.).

d) Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, etc., shall be able to withstand a force of at least 68 kg (150 pounds) applied in any downward or horizontal direction, at any point along the midrail or other member.

i. When midrails are used, they shall be installed at a height approximately midway between the toprail of the guardrail system and the platform surface.

ii. When screens and mesh are used, they shall extend from the toprail of the guardrail system to the scaffold platform, and along the entire opening between the supports.

iii. When intermediate members (such as balusters or additional rails) are used, they shall be no more than 48 cm (19 inches) apart.

e) Guardrails shall not be rough to prevent punctures or lacerations to personnel and to prevent snagging of clothing, which may cause personnel to lose their balance.

f) Ends of rails shall not extend beyond their terminal posts, unless they do not constitute a projection hazard to personnel.

g) Crossbracing may serve as a midrail when its crossing point is between 50 and 75 cm (20 and 30 in) above the work platform and install toprail.

h) Crossbracing may serve as a toprail when its crossing point is between 96 and 122 cm (38 and 48 in.) above the work platform and install midrail.

12.2.  For Suspended Scaffold

Fall protection equipment shall be provided on any suspended scaffold 2 m (6 feet) or more above ground.

12.2.1.1. Fall Arrest System

a) Personal fall-arrest systems used on suspended scaffolds shall be attached by lanyard to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or any rigid structural member.

i. Vertical lifelines may not be used on two-point adjustable suspended scaffolds that have overhead components such as overhead protection or additional platform levels.

ii. When vertical lifelines are used, they shall be fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage, independent of the scaffold, and be protected from sharp edges and abrasion. Safe points of anchorage include structural members of buildings, but not standpipes, vents, electrical conduit, etc., which may give way under the force of a fall.

iii. Two or more vertical lifelines shall not be attached to each other, or to the same point of anchorage.

iv. When horizontal lifelines are used, they shall be secured to two or more structural members.

v. When lanyards are connected to horizontal lifelines or structural members, the scaffold shall have additional independent support lines and automatic locking devices capable of stopping the fall of the scaffold in case one or both of the suspended ropes fail. These independent support lines shall be equal in number and strength to the suspended ropes.

b) On suspended scaffolds with horizontal lifelines that may become vertical lifelines, the devices used to connect to the horizontal lifeline shall be capable of locking in both directions.

12.3.  Erectors and Dismantlers

Employers shall provide fall protection for personnel erecting, installing or dismantling scaffolds, where it is feasible and when using it does not create a greater hazard.

12.4.  Competent Person

The employer shall designate a competent person, who shall be responsible for determining the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for personnel erecting, installing or dismantling scaffolds.

1414.13: Protection from Falling Objects.

All materials, equipment, and tools, which are not in use while on the scaffold shall be secured against accidental displacement.

1414.14: Training and Competency Requirement.

14.1.  Competent Person

14.1.1. All scaffolds competent person must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA.

14.1.2. The competent person shall have the following certification:

a) COSH Training Certificate from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations.

b) Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection Certificate.

14.1.3. At least 2 years experience in scaffold erection.

14.2.  Scaffold Erector

14.2.1.  All scaffolds erectors must undergo the standard scaffold training and assessment prescribed by DOLE and TESDA.

14.2.2.  Scaffold erectors shall have the following certification:

a) One Day Workers Safety Orientation from DOLE or its accredited safety training organizations.

b) Must be a holder of TESDA prescribed Scaffold Erection NC II.

SECTION 2. Separability Clause. — If any part or provisions of this Department Order declared to be invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. — All policy issuances, rules and regulations, or part/s thereof inconsistent with of the provision of this Department Order is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Effectivity. — This new Rule 1414 on Scaffolding shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Manila, Philippines, April 30, 2013.

 

(SGD.) ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZSecretary