Ask the Expert: Fall Protection and Scaffolds

Question: Is fall protection required for workers who are using scaffolding as a work platform – not erecting or dismantling scaffolds – just working from them?

Answer: Yes, fall protection of some sort is required for anyone who will be working from a scaffold. The fall protection can be the guardrail system of the scaffolding itself, or a personal fall arrest system – and in some cases both are required, it just depends on the type of scaffold. See the chart below for specific guidance.

In addition, though not part of your question, fall protection is required for those erecting and dismantling scaffolds.

Type of Scaffold Type of Fall Protection Required
Aerial lifts Personal fall arrest system
Boatswains’ chair Personal fall arrest system
Catenary scaffold Personal fall arrest system
Float scaffold Personal fall arrest system
Ladder jack scaffold Personal fall arrest system
Needle beam scaffold Personal fall arrest system
Self-contained scaffold Both a personal adjustable scaffold arrest
system and a guardrail system
Single-point and two-point suspension scaffolds Both a personal fall arrest system and a
guardrail system
Supported scaffold Personal fall arrest system or guardrail system
All other scaffolds not specified above Personal fall arrest system or guardrail systems
that meet the required criteria
Crawling board (chicken ladder) Personal fall arrest system, or a guardrail
system, or by a 3/4-inch (1.9 cm)
diameter grab-line or equivalent
handhold securely fastened beside each
crawling board

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