These hazards include falls from an elevated level, scaffolds tipping over, and scaffold failures or collapses which can result in a worker becoming seriously injured. Like other types of scaffolds used on construction sites, the use of baker scaffolds can present potential safety hazards to workers. When a second level or tier of the scaffold is installed, with a significantly elevated work platform, manufacturers typically require that outriggers be installed at the base to help stabilize the scaffold and that guardrails be installed to help protect workers on an upper platform from falls.
The additional end frames are used to either provide a hand hold for workers climbing onto a work platform installed near the top of the first level, or to install additional work platforms with side rails at a higher level. Then the work platform is placed on the side rails, with the side rails typically having spring loaded latching pins to hold the platform in place.Īdditional end frames can be installed on top of the first level or tier of the scaffold, with the open socket like base of the upper end frames slid over an engaging rod or stem at the top of the lower end frames, and which are often secured with swivel lock pins or snap pins. Two side braces are then attached to the end frames at the desired height, with the side braces having spring loaded locking pins to hold them in place. An engaging rod or stem on the wheel assembly is inserted into the base of the end frames and then a pin with a retention device, or snap pin, is used to secure each of the wheels to the end frames. SetupĪ baker scaffold is assembled by first installing the wheels to the end frames. The outriggers and guardrails are typically installed when a second level or tier of scaffolding is being used with a significantly elevated work platform. The wheels should have a mechanism to lock them in place and help prevent the scaffold from moving around while workers are on the platform.īaker scaffolds can also be supplied with other components such as additional end frames and platforms, “outriggers” which are side extensions at the base of the end frames used to help stabilize the scaffold, as well as “guardrails” or safety railings which can be installed around the work platform to help protect workers from falls. The side braces are attached to narrow fabricated metal frames at the ends of the scaffold, which have horizontal bars for stability and to facilitate access to the work platform, with the end frames typically having wheels or casters at the base which are installed for moving the scaffold around. ComponentsĪ basic baker scaffold configuration with a single level or tier consists of a wood work platform, typically plywood with metal edges, which is placed on and supported by metal braces on each of the longer sides of the scaffold. However, just like other types of scaffolds used on construction sites, the use of a baker scaffold can present potential safety hazards to workers if not properly set up and utilized. They are also limited in height, with the scaffold typically consisting of either one or two levels or tiers, with each level being about 5 feet to 6 feet tall. They also have work platforms which can be readily repositioned at various heights.Ī baker scaffold is relatively smaller than other types of scaffolds used on construction sites, with a length of about 6 feet and a width of less than 3 feet. This type of scaffold is intended to be quickly assembled using matching manufactured components, and easily moved around using wheels at the base of the scaffold.
They are particularly useful when working at the interior of buildings for accessing higher ceilings or upper portions of walls, painting larger ceiling areas where ladders would need to be repeatedly repositioned, and where workers are handling larger materials such as full sheets of drywall or long sections of ductwork. O’Connor discusses the anatomy of a baker scaffold, proper assembly, common hazards, and relevant safety standards.Ĭonstruction Safety: Baker Scaffolds - Expert Overview Applicationsīaker scaffolds are a prefabricated manually propelled mobile scaffold commonly used on construction sites for performing overhead work tasks. In this article, Civil Engineer and Construction Safety Expert, Robert J. Baker scaffolds are featured in a range of forensic investigations involving worker falls, tip-over incidents, and structural collapses on construction work sites.