Scaffolding Work HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment)
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction, maintenance, or repair of buildings and infrastructure. It provides a safe working platform at elevated heights. However, improper scaffolding erection, use, or dismantling poses serious risks such as falls, collapse, falling objects, and structural instability.
Conducting a comprehensive HIRA for scaffolding work is essential to mitigate these risks, comply with safety regulations, and ensure worker safety.
Objective of Scaffolding Work HIRA
- To identify hazards associated with scaffolding erection, use, and dismantling.
- To assess the severity and likelihood of these hazards.
- To propose and implement appropriate control measures.
- To promote a safe system of work for scaffold users and erectors.
Scope
This HIRA applies to all scaffolding operations including:
- Tube and coupler scaffolds
- Frame scaffolds
- Mobile scaffolds (towers)
- Suspended scaffolds
- Cantilever scaffolds
- Scaffold erection, use, inspection, and dismantling
Step-by-Step HIRA for Scaffolding Work
1. Activity Description
Erection, inspection, usage, and dismantling of scaffolding to support workers and materials at height for construction, maintenance, painting, or inspection activities.
2. Hazard Identification Table
| S. No. | Hazard | Potential Effects | Persons at Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall of person from scaffold | Fractures, head injury, death | Workers, supervisors |
| 2 | Collapse of scaffold | Multiple injuries, fatalities | Scaffold users, workers below |
| 3 | Falling tools/materials from platform | Head injury, eye injury | Ground personnel |
| 4 | Inadequate guardrails or toe boards | Fall hazard | Scaffold users |
| 5 | Scaffold overloading | Collapse, structural failure | Workers, scaffolders |
| 6 | Slippery surfaces (rain, mud, oil) | Slips, trips, and falls | Scaffold users |
| 7 | Use of damaged or substandard components | Instability, collapse | Erectors, users |
| 8 | Improper access (no ladder/stair) | Jumping hazard, falls | Workers |
| 9 | Contact with power lines | Electric shock, burns | Scaffolders near energized areas |
| 10 | Unauthorized scaffold use | Unsafe access and exposure | Untrained workers |
3. Risk Assessment Matrix
Formula: Risk Rating = Likelihood (L) × Severity (S)
(Scale: 1–5 for both L and S)
| Hazard | L | S | Risk Rating | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from scaffold | 4 | 5 | 20 | Critical |
| Scaffold collapse | 3 | 5 | 15 | High |
| Falling objects | 3 | 4 | 12 | High |
| Missing guardrails/toe boards | 4 | 4 | 16 | Critical |
| Overloading | 3 | 4 | 12 | High |
| Slippery platform | 3 | 3 | 9 | Medium |
| Damaged components | 3 | 4 | 12 | High |
| Improper access | 3 | 4 | 12 | High |
| Contact with power lines | 2 | 5 | 10 | High |
| Unauthorized use | 3 | 4 | 12 | High |
4. Control Measures
Engineering Controls:
- Use of fully certified scaffolding systems.
- Guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards must be installed on all working platforms.
- Use non-slip scaffold planks and safety netting.
- Provide stable base plates and sole boards.
- Use access ladders or stair towers built into the scaffolding.
Administrative Controls:
- Scaffold Permit to Work system (Scaffold Erection Permit).
- Scaffold tag system (Green for safe, Red for unsafe).
- Competent person must inspect scaffolding daily and after bad weather.
- Load limits to be displayed clearly on each scaffold.
- Only trained scaffolders should erect/dismantle scaffolds.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Full body harness with lanyard tied off to lifeline or anchorage.
- Safety helmet with chin strap.
- Safety shoes with steel toe cap and non-slip soles.
- Gloves for better grip while assembling.
- High-visibility vest during low-light work.
5. Safe Work Procedure (SWP)
Before Erection:
- Conduct site survey and soil stability check.
- Check proximity to overhead power lines.
- Prepare ground with base plates and sole boards.
- Use correct and undamaged components.
During Erection:
- Maintain 3-point contact while climbing.
- Use fall protection at all times.
- Ensure bracing and ties as per standard.
- Keep area below scaffold barricaded.
During Use:
- Inspect scaffold tag daily (only use green-tagged scaffolds).
- Do not overload platforms beyond rated capacity.
- Do not store loose tools or debris on the scaffold.
- Maintain housekeeping to avoid slip hazards.
During Dismantling:
- Follow reverse sequence of erection.
- Remove materials progressively from top to bottom.
- Use tool belts or ropes for material handling.
- Ensure fall protection remains in place until last level.
6. Emergency Preparedness
- Develop scaffold collapse rescue plan.
- Keep stretcher and first aid kit readily available.
- Train rescue team for elevated rescues.
- Maintain clear access routes for ambulance and emergency teams.
- Display emergency contact numbers on scaffold structure.
7. Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Scaffold Erector | Erect scaffold safely using approved methods and PPE |
| Scaffold Inspector | Conduct daily scaffold inspection and tagging |
| HSE Officer | Approve permit, conduct audits, provide training |
| Supervisor | Ensure compliance with scaffold safety practices |
| Workers | Use scaffold safely, report defects, wear PPE |
| Site Engineer | Verify scaffold plan, ensure stability, and load limits |
Summary of Key Recommendations
- Erect scaffolds only under supervision of trained personnel.
- Use a permit and tagging system to control scaffold access.
- Install complete edge protection: guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards.
- Ensure fall protection (harness + lifeline) is used at all times.
- Never exceed load capacity or use damaged components.
- Conduct daily inspections and maintain logs.
- Provide secured access (ladder or stair tower) and barricade the base area.
- Keep scaffold platform clean and slip-resistant.
Monitoring and Review
- Weekly scaffold audits by HSE team.
- Toolbox talk before any new scaffold erection or major alteration.
- Regular review of fall incidents and near misses.
- Monthly refresher training for scaffolders.
- Update HIRA when scaffold design, height, or configuration changes.
Conclusion
Scaffolding work, when improperly managed, can lead to catastrophic consequences. A detailed and structured HIRA approach ensures all hazards are assessed, and effective controls are implemented. Proper planning, qualified personnel, certified materials, and robust supervision are the pillars of scaffold safety.
By fostering a culture of safety, conducting regular inspections, and enforcing standards, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of scaffold-related incidents.
Excavation Work HIRA (Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment)
What is a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)? Format, Benefits & Examples
Understanding the Hierarchy of Controls in Workplace Safety
Types of Hazards in the Workplace: Physical, Chemical, Biological, Ergonomic, and More
What is Risk Assessment? Step-by-Step Guide with Real Examples
