Preparing for Use
SWP 4. Implement a Tagging System
Ensuring Ongoing Accountability
Account for the possibility that other shipyard workers may use the staging.
Photo courtesy of OSHA.
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It is critical that any hazards associated
with marine hanging staging are eliminated before workers
are permitted to use it. Because more than one employer
may be involved in erecting, inspecting, and using
marine hanging staging, procedures are necessary to
ensure ongoing accountability for its safety.
For example, after one employer erects
and uses a scaffold, another employer might alter it
and make it unsafe or simply use it in a manner different
from its intended purpose. An employer that erects
and uses the staging may leave it in place for a variety
of reasons and rely on a host employer or other entity
to assume responsibilities for its inspection, maintenance,
and use.
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Tagging for Notification to
Workers
The host employer or other entity
with an ongoing presence at the worksite and in control
of the ship or vessel being repaired needs to coordinate
the use of the marine hanging staging and be responsible
for informing other employers (whose workers might
use the scaffold) about its safe use and limitations.
OSHA recommends that each shipyard
establish a uniform system throughout the shipyard
that serves to notify workers of a scaffold’s
status at any given time, such as a tagging program
meeting the requirements of American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) A10.8–2001, Safety Requirements
for Scaffolding, Section 4.46 (see box). Tags
or signs are most effective when located at the scaffold
access points.
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Tagging alerts other shipyard workers who might use the staging.
Photo courtesy of OSHA.
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Important
Safety
Requirements for Scaffolding
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
A10.8–2001, Section 4.46 |
On scaffolds that
will remain in place for long durations
in either a fully or partially erected
state, or on scaffolds that may be
potentially used by trades other than
those responsible for its erection,
dismantlement, alteration or modification,
a notification system shall be used
to inform workers of the status and
condition of the scaffold that includes
at least the following information:
- Completed, inspected by a competent
person (or "qualified person" in
the terminology of shipyard employment),
and ready for use (date, inspector/competent
person);
- Partially completed, not ready
for use (why, date, inspector/competent
person); or
- This scaffold is unsafe, not ready
for use. Do not use without prior
authorization from _____.
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