PUMP JACK SCAFFOLDS


Produced by:
Professional and Specialized Services,
Ontario Ministry of Labour
Alert #C9/0895
ISSN 1195-5228


BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Following an accident investigation and subsequent field visits, 
Ministry of Labour staff observed that some pump jack scaffold 
systems do not meet the requirements of the Regulation for 
Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91).

On further investigation, no design criteria for the equipment in 
question could be found, and there were no adequate written 
procedures for its safe assembly, use, maintenance or 
dismantling.

LOCATION AND SECTORS:

Pump jack scaffold systems are used extensively in the low-rise 
residential and the commercial building construction sectors to 
provide access for work on exterior walls and building facades.

REQUIRED ACTION:

-  Manufacturers, suppliers and users of pump jack scaffold 
   systems must ensure that the scaffold system has been 
   fabricated, assembled, used and maintained in accordance with 
   an engineered design that meets the requirements of the 
   Regulations for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91). 

-  Drawings for the pump jack scaffold system shall indicate the 
   rated load, and written instructions for the safe assembly, 
   use maintenance and dismantling of the system shall be 
   provided.  The drawings shall be signed and sealed by a 
   professional engineer. 

-  A copy of the system drawings and the written instructions 
   shall be available with the pump jack scaffold system while it 
   is on the construction project. 

For additional information, please contact your nearest Ministry 
of Labour office.