Saffolding Definitions

Bearer: A horizontal transverse scaffold member upon which the scaffold platform rests and which joins scaffold uprights, posts, poles, and similar members. Also referred to as a "putlog."

Brace: A rigid connection that holds one scaffold member in a fixed position with respect to another member, or to a building or structure.

Cleat: A structural block used at the end of a platform to prevent the platform from slipping off its supports. Cleats are also used to provide footing on sloped surfaces such as crawling boards.

Competent Person: One who has been trained to identify hazards related to scaffolding, or working conditions that are unsafe, unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous for employees, and who has the authority to have these hazards eliminated or controlled. The competent person provides oversight and inspection of the scaffolding, and supervises the erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration of a scaffold.

Mobile scaffold: A powered or unpowered, portable, caster or wheel-mounted supported scaffold.

Outrigger: The structural member of a supported scaffold used to increase the base width of a scaffold in order to provide support for, and increased stability of, the scaffold.

Personal fall arrest system: A system used to arrest an employee's fall. It consists of an anchorage point, connectors (i.e. lanyard or connecting device), and a body harness.

Platform: A work surface elevated above lower levels.

Qualified person: One who by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, trainig, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project. With regards to scaffolding, a qualified person may design scaffolding and determine appropriate anchor points for fall protection systems to be used.

Rated load: The manufacturer's specified maximum load to be applied to a scaffold or scaffold component.

Supported scaffold: One or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.

Suspended scaffold: One or more platforms suspended by ropes or other non-rigid means from an overhead structure(s).

Walkway: A portion of the scaffold platform used only for access and not as a work level.