![]() They are also limited in height, with the scaffold typically consisting of either one or two levels or tiers, with each level being about 5 feet to 6 feet tall. They also have work platforms which can be readily repositioned at various heights.Ī baker scaffold is relatively smaller than other types of scaffolds used on construction sites, with a length of about 6 feet and a width of less than 3 feet. This type of scaffold is intended to be quickly assembled using matching manufactured components, and easily moved around using wheels at the base of the scaffold. They are particularly useful when working at the interior of buildings for accessing higher ceilings or upper portions of walls, painting larger ceiling areas where ladders would need to be repeatedly repositioned, and where workers are handling larger materials such as full sheets of drywall or long sections of ductwork. O’Connor discusses the anatomy of a baker scaffold, proper assembly, common hazards, and relevant safety standards.Ĭonstruction Safety: Baker Scaffolds Applicationsīaker scaffolds are a prefabricated manually propelled mobile scaffold commonly used on construction sites for performing overhead work tasks. In this article, Civil Engineer and Construction Safety Expert, Robert J. Take the time and effort to set up correctly and inspect the pieces for damages each time, there is comfort in the confidence.Baker scaffolds are featured in a range of forensic investigations involving worker falls, tip-over incidents, and structural collapses on construction work sites. When you are focused on the work, you are not focused on the edges and how you’ll land on your feet, so odds are you wont. Thoughts like “I’ve jumped from trees higher than this” have no place on scaffolding. Because of their small size they are often misused and people are complacent about the height. It is also important to mind the weight rating of the unit, with respect to the people, materials, and tools as the combined weight.īaker Scaffolding is similar to using a ladder in that just about anyone can use them. They use different dimensions and materials, jamming pieces together or worse having a loose fit that could collapse. ![]() ![]() Never mix and match scaffolding from different manufactures. Anchor points must be capable of supporting 5,000 lbs.Find an anchor point on the building structure that will hold you if the scaffolding fails.When guardrails are unavailable or not feasible to install, a Personal Fall Arrest System should be used. The cross bracing can be used as the mid rail if the cross is between 20-30″ from the platform. If a side left open for the work being done, it should be no more that 14″ from the wall surface. Guard rails are required on all open sides of the working platform. Most manufactures have guard rail accessories that easily attach to the structures. The top and mid rails will protect people from falling off the platform, while the toe board is meant to prevent tools or materials from falling onto people below. The best means of fall protection on scaffolding is a guard rail system, with top and middle rail, and toe boards. Platforms 10’ above the ground and higher will require fall protection. When setting up on any surface over 3% grade or on stairways, the wheels should be removed and replaced with adjustable base plates to create a level working platform. To help prevent tipping, use outriggers at the base of the unit to increase the width or tie the unit to a stable structure like the building itself. So once you have the second section stacked on and have the working plank over 116” from the floor, you need to install the outriggers or tie off to a stable structure.Bakers Scaffolding is 29” wide x 71” Tall.Here are some tips for safe use of Baker Scaffolding.įree standing scaffolding exceeding a height 4x the minimum base width must be restrained from tipping. Because they are used indoor people are often complacent about the height and attention to setup, most injuries occur from falling off or tipping the scaffolding. They are very useful for continuous overhead work like painting and drywall, and can fit through doors, hallways, and stairwells very easily.Īlthough helpful, they do expose users to fall hazards. This is one of the most common units found on a construction site especially for interior finish applications. For the purposes of this article, we are going to focus on a very specific style called “Bakers Scaffold” also known as Rolling, Adjustable, Mobile, Narrow Frame, or Perry Scaffolds. There are many types of working surfaces, equipment, and platforms used in construction that fall into the category of “Scaffolding”.
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