B-3 Use Access Equipment Introduction
Safe access equipment is essential in plumbing and pipe trades work, where tasks are often performed above ground level. Ladders and elevated work platforms allow workers to reach work areas safely, but they must be selected, set up, and used correctly to prevent accidents and injuries. Understanding the different types of access equipment and the safety requirements for their use is an important part of working safely on construction sites. In this section, you will learn about common types of ladders and elevated platforms, their key features, and the proper procedures for using them safely and effectively.
Learning Objectives
After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Describe ladders and elevated platforms.
- Use ladders and elevated platforms.
You will be required to reference publications and videos available online at WorkSafeBC.
Terminology
The following terms will be used throughout this section. A complete list of terms for this section can be found in the Glossary.
- allround system: A modular scaffold system made of vertical posts and horizontal supports that connect at fixed points using special locking joints. The design allows scaffold sections to be assembled quickly and safely in many different shapes and heights. (Section B-3.1)
- casters: Small wheels attached to equipment so it can roll or move easily. (Section B-3.1)
- cleats: Flat wooden strips used as steps on some job-built ladders. (Section B-3.1)
- coupling pins: Metal pins used to connect and secure scaffold frames or sections together. They fit into holes in the scaffold frames to keep the sections aligned and prevent them from separating during use. (Section B-3.1)
- fillers: Pieces of material used to fill gaps between parts so everything fits tightly and securely. (Section B-3.1)
- guardrail: A protective rail along an edge that helps prevent people from falling. (Section B-3.1)
- hydraulic: A system that uses liquid pressure to move or lift objects or equipment. (Section B-3.1)
- ladder-jack scaffold: A temporary work platform supported by brackets attached to ladders. (Section B-3.1)
- levelling screw jacks: Adjustable metal supports placed at the base of a scaffold that can be turned to raise or lower the scaffold frame. They are used to level the scaffold on uneven ground and provide a stable foundation. (Section B-3.1)
- mudsill: A strong board placed on the ground to spread the weight of a scaffold and keep it from sinking. (Section B-3.1)
- out-of-plumb: Not perfectly vertical or straight up and down. (Section B-3.1)
- overlap: The part where two sections of a ladder slide over each other to make the ladder longer and stronger. (Section B-3.1)
- plan brace (gooser bar): A metal support bar used on scaffolding to keep the scaffold frame square and stable. It connects parts of the scaffold to prevent the structure from twisting or shifting out of alignment. (Section B-3.2)
- pneumatic: A system that uses air pressure to move or lift things. (Section B-3.1)
- rungs: The round bars on a ladder that you step on when climbing. (Section B-3.1)
- scaffold: A temporary structure that allows workers to safely reach high work areas. (Section B-3.1)
- scissor lift: A machine that raises workers straight up using folding supports that move like scissors. (Section B-3.1)
- self-supporting: Able to stand on its own without leaning against another structure. (Section B-3.1)
- slip-resistant safety feet: Rubber or textured ends attached to the bottom of a ladder that help prevent it from sliding and keep it stable on the ground. (Section B-3.2)
- spreaders: Bars on a step ladder that hold the legs apart so the ladder stays stable. (Section B-3.1)
- sway brace: A support bar that helps keep a scaffold stable and prevents it from wobbling. (Section B-3.1)
- toe-board: A small board along the edge of a platform that prevents tools or materials from falling off. (Section B-3.1)
- tolerance: The small amount a measurement can vary from the exact value and still be acceptable. (Section B-3.1)
- tube-and-clamp system: A type of scaffold built from metal tubes connected with adjustable clamps. The tubes can be arranged in many different ways, allowing the scaffold to be built to fit different shapes and sizes of work areas. (Section B-3.1)
