What qualifies a work platform as a scaffold?

1. It is elevated (above ground level)
2. It is temporary (not a permanent structure)
3. It supports workers, materials, or both Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Official Definition

"Any temporary elevated platform (supported or suspended) and its supporting structure (including points of anchorage), used for supporting employees or materials or both." Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Key Qualifying Features

1. Structural Support System

• Supported Scaffolds: Platforms supported by rigid elements like poles, legs, frames, brackets, or outrigger beams U.S. Government Publishing Office
• Suspended Scaffolds: Platforms hung by ropes, cables, or other non-rigid means from overhead structures U.S. Government Publishing Office

2. Load-Bearing Capacity

• Must support at least 4 times the maximum intended load (safety factor of 4:1)
• Designed to carry workers, tools, and materials safely

3. Stability Requirements

• Footings/anchorage must be sound, rigid, and able to prevent settling or displacement
• Tall scaffolds (height:base width ratio > 4:1) require additional stabilization via guying, tying, or bracing edit.osha.gov

4. Safety Components

• Guardrails (top rail, mid-rail, toe-board) around open sides and ends GovInfo
• Access systems (ladders, stairways) meeting specific standards Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Fall protection attachments for suspended scaffolds U.S. Government Publishing Office

Exclusions

• Aerial lifts (cherry pickers, scissor lifts) follow different standards (OSHA 1926.453) GovInfo
• Crane/derrick-suspended personnel platforms have separate regulations GovInfo
• Fixed permanent platforms (e.g., building balconies) are not considered scaffolds

Classification Examples

By Support Method

• Supported Scaffolds: Frame scaffolds, pole scaffolds, trestle scaffolds U.S. Government Publishing Office
• Suspended Scaffolds: Swing stages, catenary scaffolds, boatswain's chairs U.S. Government Publishing Office

By Construction Type

• System scaffolds: Prefabricated modular units (EN 12810/12811 standards)
• Tubular welded frame: Common steel pipe and coupling construction
• Wood/ bamboo scaffolds: Traditional materials in some regions