When using a scaffolding system it is very important that you ensure the safety of those using the system and those in the nearby area. It is important to know the amount of weight that can he supported by the materials used to build the system. Each part of the scaffold must be able to hold its own weight in addition to four times the weight that it is expected to hold.

If a non-adjustable suspension scaffold is used each rope used in that system should be able to hold at least six times the most weight that is expected to be applied to it. The planks on the scaffold should have no more than one inch gaps between them. Exceptions to this rule are allowed, in situations where the employer can prove that a space wider than one inch is necessary to complete the work. The planks on the scaffold should be rated to hold twice the maximum weight that will be applied to plank. It is also important that the work area is not located far from the scaffold that the workers are standing on.

The platform should be no more than 14 inches from the where the work is being performed. The two exceptions to this are outrigger scaffolds, which should be 3 inches away, or plastering and lathing operations, where the limit is 18 inches from the area where the work is being performed. More than 14 inches of space can be allowed between the platform and the work area if the scaffolding system includes a safety guardrail or handrail. It is also necessary that the scaffold platform is a minimum of 12 inches wide. Another important factor to remember when building a scaffold is that when a centerline is used the platform or plank extends at least six inches from the centerline. While a minimum of 6 inches is expected, if a platform exceeds 10 feet in length it should not extend more than 18 inches (one foot) from its closes support.

Platforms less than 10 feet long should only extend 12 inches past its outside support. If the planks of a platform overlap each other in order to extend the platform, the overlapping parts of the planks should only be directly above a support. When overlapping planks do not form a right angle the plank that is at a right angle from the support should be laid second, after the plank that is not at a right angle. Don't cover platforms with Opaque finishes, unless for marking purposes.