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scaffold & access industry magazine JANUARY 2012
Industry collaboratIon leads to clarIfIcatIon on safe practIces when usIng mast clImbers
sImplIfyIng mcwp safety
INSIDE: SAIA Committee Week & IWCA Show Previews, Suspended Scaffolds, Masonry Issues
SAFETY • RELIABILITY • QUALITY BY DESIGN
World Headquarters: 5602 Armour Drive | Houston, TX 77020 | USA
Offices In: Hong Kong | China | India | Latin America | Canada | United Kingdom
713-673-7701 Phone | 800-720-6629 Toll Free | www.directscaffoldsupply.com
Our scaffold systems and accessories are engineered for safety & rigorously tested to meet or exceed all industry standards.
Visit our Booth (#N1343) at World of Concrete • Las Vegas Convention Center • January 24 - 27, 2012
All products meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI specifications.
For more information on Boiler System Scaffolding contact Direct Scaffold Supply.
BOILER SYSTEMSCAFFOLDING
Throat Header
Base Beam
Vee Chair
Steel Plank
Frame
made ingermany
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EG DIN EN ISO 9001:2008
GEDA USA opens Sales, Service and Distribution Office in Houston, Texas to support customers and distributors in the US, Canada and Mexico.
CONTACT INFORMATIONGEDA USA, LLCP.O. Box 752086Houston, Texas [email protected]
Office: 713-621-7272Toll Free: 866-973-4332Fax: 713-621-7279www.gedausa.com
GEDA GmbH
celebrates 80 years
of engineering and
manufacturing excellence!
GEDA USA looking for product distributors.
•Original Equipment Design•Superior Quality and Reliability•German Engineered and Manufactured•Engineering, Service and Installation Support•Equipment designed for Scaffolding•Custom Engineering•Increase Efficiency •Increase Productivity•Improve Safety
GEDA “MH 660 Collapsible Boiler Hoist”• Collapsible design ideal for temporary
installations• Durable, lightweight construction and
effortless breakdown • Narrow design for 18” manhole boiler openings• Extruded aluminum mast sections • Hot dipped galvanized and industrial powder
coated components
4 • january 2012
Simplifying MCWP Safety Industry collaboration leads to clarification on safe practices when using mast climbers. By Kevin O’Shea
18
scaffold & access industry magazine JANUARY 2012
20A Clear View of SafetyWindow cleaner show spotlights education and training. By Mandie Bannwarth
22 Mast-Climber Homerun! Iconic Camden Yards ballpark relies on mast-climber to maximize repair project’s efficiency. By Paula Manning
24 Top-Down Access Suspends Insecurity Client’s safety concerns inside smelting dome challenge access pros. By Joe Rizzo
26 Concert AccessSuspended-scaffold system allows musicians to reach new levels of performing. By Rudie Beverwijk
28 Make a StatementSAIA’s Annual Committee Week encourages attendees to voice opinions on association issues. By Lance Flandermeyer
30 The Business of Bricks Educating masons on safe scaffold use can eliminate misconceptions. By Henry Wollenzien.
32 Anatomy of an Accident: Part II The second of this three-part series dissects a scaffold accident so you can identify how to avoid similar situations. By James Cohen, P.E.
35 Check Your E-mail Are you missing important messages from SAIA? You could be if you don’t know how to identify SAIA as a ‘safe sender.’ By Greg Plough
table of contents
features
departments6 From the
President’s Desk Welcome to 2012 By Steve Smith
8 View From the GroundThe Art of HiringBy Gina Kellogg
10 Contractor’s CornerDiversification Aids Success
11 SAIA UDon’t Let Winter Winds Endanger AWP Users’ Safety
12 Powered-Access Pointers Stick to the Basics for Safety By Stefan Bright
14 Technically SpeakingThoughts for a New Year By David H. Glabe, P.E.
16 A Letter From the CouncilMast-Climbing Council Expanding By Kevin O’Shea and Greg Janda
36 Litigation NewsInsurance Versus LitigationBy Robert Zinselmeier
38 Accredited Training Institutes
40 Industry Briefs
41 New Members
42 New Equipment
43 International UpdateSouth America Making Strides By Grocio Paredes
44 SAIA Out and About
45 SAIA AnniversaryThis Month in SAIA History
46 Schedule of Events
46 Advertisers Index
6 • january 2012
appy New Year, and welcome to 2012! My resolution for 2012 is growth and expansion.
For most companies and associations, the last few years have been difficult, to say the least, but some bright spots are appearing, and confidence seems to be on the rise. Many companies have taken the opportunity to re-evaluate their strategy and make adjustments to their target market or product mix.
At Edge International, we made the decision last year to move the operation (and the family!) from Southern California to the heart of our customer base (Dayton, Ohio). No more bragging about 75 degrees in the middle of January! As a stocking distributor, we realized the need to be strategically located in order to react more quickly to customer requirements, something that is essential today. It may have been quite an ordeal (I’ll be happy to share a few stories with you over a drink at Committee Week), but the end result is that we have put ourselves in a position to grow and expand the business.
The same goes for the Scaffold & Access Industry Association. Three-and-a-half years ago, the operation was moved from Phoenix (sun/warmth) to Kansas City (four seasons), strategically located right in the middle of the country and its membership base. After employing the services of an association-management company to provide expertise and experience, the initial focus was on establishing a professional organization that is efficient, well-run and one that
projects the right image to the industry that it serves. For the SAIA, 2012 is going to be one of growth and expansion.
Membership. Due to the efforts of our management team and many member volunteers, we have been able to maintain a high retention rate during the recessionary years, but moving forward, we will expand our reach.
Five new affiliate focus groups have been formed to get a better understanding of what prospective members need from their membership. These will concentrate on: general and subcontractor safety professionals; industrial plant safety professionals; college and broadcast safety and risk professionals; aerial work platform users and renters; mast-climbing work platform users.
In conjunction with promoting the new name of the Association, new communication materials are being developed to promote the benefits of membership, and more specific emphasis will be made on these sectors in upcoming editions of Scaffold & Access.
Training. Individuals who have successfully completed one of SAIA’s training courses want their certificates as quickly as possible. To this end, a support team has been added to the training department to ensure a prompt turnaround on test grading.
A series of webinars will be offered in 2012 to complement the training programs.
Nothing beats hands-on training, especially in our industry, but general information on rules and regulations and hazard awareness can be provided online.
Aerial work platform training will be offered through the SAIA’s ATI (Accredited Training Institute) network.
Training programs are being updated and, working closely with OSHA, more will be offered in Spanish and other languages.
OSHA/ANSI. Teams of member volunteers have been created to work on the many new training projects that the SAIA will develop as part of the OSHA Alliance.
The SAIA/ANSI ASC A92 (standard for aerial work platforms) committee has created three new subcommittees to develop what will be the most significant change in format for the standard since its inception. Once implemented, the standard will be based on design, safe use and training, rather than being product-specific, as it is now.
There is much more on the agenda, so please join us at Committee Week in Weston, Fla., Feb. 19–22, to learn more.
It’s going to be a great and successful 2012, so participate and enjoy.
Cheers! Steve Smith
About the author Steve Smith is president of Edge International (Dayton, Ohio). Contact him at [email protected].•
Welcome to 2012By Steve Smith
2010–2012 saIa executive committeeSteve SmithPresident Edge International
Marty Coughlin President-Elect Waco Scaffolding & Equipment
Jeff Stachowiak Vice President Sunbelt Rentals
Mike Russell Secretary Power Climber Wind
Daryl Hare Treasurer Waco Scaffolding & Equipment
Marc WilsonPresidential Appointee Safway Services
Jay GordonBoard Appointee Klimer Manufacturing Inc.
Gene MorganBoard Appointee MDM Scaffolding Services
Bill Breault Immediate Past President Breault Industrial Group
from the president’s desk
8 • january 2012
The Art of HiringSA introduces the newest member of the team
diting is an art. Granted, we editors don’t wield a paintbrush when we work. We don’t require a pottery wheel, kiln or easel.
Instead, our tools are the pencil or keyboard. And just like a sculptor who pinches, pulls and pummels her clay to create a swirling shape or the painter who scrapes, scrawls and scratches his colors to create a laconic landscape, the editor tweaks, tunes and transforms words to create page-turning prose.
I never realized how innate the gift of editing was until I tried to instruct someone else in it. It’s one thing to explain how to fix a misplaced comma or repair a dangling participle. It’s another thing entirely to explain how to identify a lack of cohesiveness, recognize the need for a transition or delete distracting verbiage that adds nothing to the message.
It’s easy for someone outside of the writing world to mistake proofing for editing. Proofing is the reading of content to catch those misplaced commas and misspelled words. Editing, on the other hand, requires an eye for recognizing how to remove the obstacles that interfere with the message the author is trying to deliver.
With these types of subtle facets to consider, then, you can imagine the challenge we faced in choosing someone to replace Vince Brennan, the former editor of Scaffold & Access. When Vince decided to move back to his hometown of St. Louis to be closer to his family and take a position with the St. Louis Business Journal, we set a high bar in finding someone with the perfect mix of editing expertise, writing chops and business smarts.
We didn’t have to look far. It turns out, our new editor, Alicia McGarry, lives less than 10 miles from the SA office. Not only that, she grew up in the same nearby neighborhood as Ken Bowman, executive director of the Robstan Group, SAIA’s association-management company and the sister company that publishes SA magazine.
Alicia has an impressive history that includes numerous awards and expertise in communications, research and marketing, plus several years as a newspaper writer and copy editor for
the Chicago Tribune. Her experience has exposed her to a range of business sectors, from banking and manufacturing to construction and economic development.
Alicia describes herself as analytical, creative, driven, persuasive, resilient, tenacious, energetic, passionate and conscientious. We found her to be all of those (plus feisty!).
We’re excited to welcome Alicia to the magazine. We hope you’ll do the same.
Gina Kellogg Editorial Director•
We set a high bar in finding someone
with the perfect mix of editing expertise,
writing chops and business smarts.
view from the ground
Volume 40 Issue 1
Publisher Debra Nemec
Editorial DirectorGina Kellogg
(816) 595-4836 [email protected]
Director of Marketing and Sales Bryon Bowman
(816) 595-4838 [email protected]
Art Director Angela Sheehy
Graphic Designer David Avery
The mission of Scaffold & Access is to be the pre-eminent resource of news and trends that affect every individual practicing in the scaffold and access profession. We strive to elevate the standard of practice in the scaffold and access industry by educating professionals on safety issues, better business practices and innovative solutions to difficult problems.
Scaffold & Access provides a medium for expressing views and opinions without approving, disapproving or guaranteeing the validity or accuracy of any data, claim or opinion appearing under a byline or obtained or quoted from an acknowledged source. The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Scaffold & Access Industry Association. Also, the appearance of advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by SAIA of products featured.
Scaffold & Access is published monthly by Networx Communication Corp. for the Scaffold & Access Industry Association. © 2012 All rights reserved.
Annual subscriptions are $85.
Editorial, Advertising and Administrative Offices Networx Communication Corp. 400 Admiral Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 595-4860
Scaffold & Access is the official publication of the Scaffold & Access Industry Association.
scaffold & access industry magazine JANUARY 2012
10 • january 2012
f longevity is any sign of business success, then Bob Popp could put up a billboard to tout his business acumen. After all, this month, his firm,
Bob Popp Building Services Inc. (Denver), celebrates its 37th anniversary.
During his more than three decades of service as a contractor, Popp has managed to tweak the weaknesses and prop up the strengths so that his company could weather a variety of stormy economies. His secret? Diversification.
“We started out as a high-rise window-cleaning company. The second year, we
added snow removal and parking-lot sweeping. A few years after that, we added a caulking division,” Popp explained.
“They were all basic services for the same customers. If you had the building, you could plow their snow, sweep their lot, clean their windows and caulk their building. So it worked out well.”
Popp didn’t stop there, however. To ensure his firm truly offered customers a full range of services, he purchased a variety of boom lifts. With this equipment, Popp’s company can aid other trades, such as electricians and other contractors, who work on buildings with atriums and similar features and don’t have that type of specialty equipment.
Popp’s crews maintain control over the equipment throughout such jobs, ensuring that it isn’t used incorrectly or damaged.
“We deliver it, operate it, and they can do their thing. And whatever they need to do is fine,” he said.
This type of organized diversification has allowed Popp to maintain business even during rocky economies, he added.
“If one segment of business slows up, another one kicks in.”
Of course, being able to support such a variety of services requires a keen focus on safety. For the first 20 or so years, Popp handled the task of educating his crews on safety topics himself. But about 15 years ago, he hired a full-time safety director to take over the responsibility. That job is a busy one, as Popp mandates that every employee attends an in-house safety class every week.
Depending on the subject matter, courses last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and cover a variety of subjects. For example, people who perform snow removal or otherwise work in
winter’s harsh elements may learn about hypothermia. A major focus, however, is suspended platforms and boom lifts.
Aiding in that effort, Popp’s firm has relied on the Scaffold and Access Industry Association’s (SAIA’s) suspended-scaffold course. He also has invited outside experts to come in and certify all his employees as competent inspectors for fall-arrest equipment.
“We’ve tried to really go far beyond the norm,” Popp adds.
Just because crew members are certified doesn’t mean the task of checking their equipment falls squarely on their shoulders. Supervisors still perform inspections in the field. “They have forms they fill out every day,” Popp said,
“and they are responsible for enforcing [the rules] in the field.”
The results of Popp’s efforts have been an excellent safety record.
Asked what others can do to pursue the same level of success that Popp has achieved, he advised them to stay involved. “We’re members of most things that we can be that relate to our industry, like we’re in the International Window Cleaning Association and SAIA, and we just try to stay current in everything and in ways to improve.
“You just basically have to be proactive,” he added.•
Diversification Aids Success
contractor’s corner
Offering a variety of services has kept Bob Popp in business
Benefits Popp Promotes • A wide range of services with one
contact person.
• Local ownership with direct owner involvement.
• $10 million of general liability insurance.
• Mandatory employee uniform policy.
• Training and safety sessions in a classroom setting.
• Full-time safety director in-house.
• Safe equipment, well maintained by in-house certified mechanics.
Bob Popp Business Services Inc.Owner: Bob Popp
In business: 37 years
2100 S. Valentia St.
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 751-3113
www.bobpoppbuildingservices.com
He has invited outside experts to come in and
certify all his employees as competent inspectors for fall-arrest equipment.
scaffold & access • 11
saIa u
Don’t Let Winter Winds Endanger AWP Users’ Safety
oo many aerial work platform (AWP) users are unfamiliar and uneducated about safe AWP use. That lack of knowledge can lead
to devastating consequences, especially during windy conditions.
Wind speeds increase 50 percent with every 65 feet of elevation. Not only does height affect wind speed, however, but so does time of day and location. For example, wind speeds often are higher in downtown areas, where tall buildings create a “funneling” effect. And even on the same worksite, wind speeds can be greater along corners, within alleyways and at the tops of roofs.
To ensure your use of an AWP is as safe as possible, familiarize yourself with both
the designed and maximum wind speeds before you even start up your unit’s motor. Look for this info on a decal on the machine or in the operator’s manual. Then, compare those numbers to the current conditions—at platform working height—as indicated on your anemometer. If wind speeds are too high, then don’t go up.
Anemometers are simple-to-use tools. They aren’t expensive and are available as downloadable apps for your smart phone. They are also much more reliable than old-fashioned wind-measurement techniques, such as the Beaufort scale.
Another caution: Don’t rely on weather reports. Weather forecasters can’t identify wind speeds at all heights and locations, so
users need a tool that can read conditions in their specific location. Plus, wind speeds can change throughout the day.
Also, keep in mind that you can’t make indiscriminate changes to your AWP without first getting written permission from the manufacturer. Adding features such as an enclosure impact the platform’s wind resistance, which further limits use of your AWP to conditions with even lower wind speeds.
Finally, remember that the materials you take aboard the AWP can impact your unit’s wind resistance, too. Anything that has a large surface area can change your unit’s wind resistance in a negative way and, thus, affect your stability.•
12 • january 2012
powered-access pointers
ust as prevention has become a buzzword for the American healthcare system, it has also become a focal point to increase safety
standards in the window-cleaning and exterior-maintenance industries. In fact, incorporating “safety by design” seems to be gaining more popularity, especially with the advent of safety standards for suspended-access equipment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and other regulatory bodies mandate some safety precautions. Others aren’t required—they simply make sound business sense. Taking measures to prevent accidents can not only protect your employees (and others near your worksites) from injury, but they can also increase your business and decrease your insurance rates.
In many cases, it is simply a matter of taking advantage of the wide—and growing—range of safety-related equipment on the market. Below are some tips on products and concepts that can increase the safety of your workers and your worksites significantly.
Safe use of suspended equipment Suspended-access equipment is a popular choice for high-rise work. When first introduced, regulations regarding its use were minimal. Now OSHA and ANSI standards carefully regulate these systems.
With both rope-descending systems and suspended scaffolding, fall protection is a must. Workers must wear a body harness attached to a lifeline with a lanyard and rope grab. Remember to incorporate shock-absorbing features into your fall-
arrest equipment to reduce the physical impact on a falling person. New rope grabs are available that operate in the same manner as the brakes of your car. They actually provide a shock-absorbing feature in the same manner as a lanyard with extra webbing.
Proper use, inspection and maintenance of equipment for high-rise work are critical. Steel-wire suspension lines and fiber rope for safety lines can be particularly vulnerable areas, so you must inspect, maintain and replace them regularly. Electrical supplies and lines also need special attention.
Your transportable-rigging equipment and suspended platforms also need routine inspection and maintenance. Pay particular attention to the hoists and descending devices.
Ensuring the safety of those below The impact of a tool or object dropped in the course of aboveground work can cause considerable damage or injury to people or property below. It is essential to secure the area beneath high-rise work to prevent public access and raise awareness. A range of products is available for these purposes, including “Danger: People Working Above” signs and cones, portable barriers and safety barricade tape or rope, which alerts passersby to overhead dangers.
When using cones or pylons, it is wise to connect them with the tape or rope to outline at-risk areas. Using danger signs to signify work being performed overhead is a strict OSHA regulation.
You can take simple measures to reduce the risk of falling tools—and therefore to reduce your exposure to potential liability. Screen or netting on the platform
work well, but lanyards are available that attach easily to most hand tools.
Proper training, standards and documentation OSHA’s experience over the past 20 years indicates that individuals could have avoided most workplace accidents if they had taken sufficient preventive steps. Recent legislative reform now enables OSHA to issue substantial fines to companies that it finds to be in willful and serious violation in their workplaces. This means that even small companies can face fines running into tens of thousands of dollars. It, therefore, makes sound training procedures, comprehensive documentation and attention to safety and accident prevention all the more important to the success of your business.
Not only should you have copies of all OSHA requirements on hand, but all employees in supervisory roles should be exceedingly familiar with the regulations and required documentation and training procedures. In regular training sessions, you should ensure that you carefully and thoroughly train all employees in the OSHA requirements that are applicable to their jobs.
Equipment, regulations and documentation aside, the most important resource required for accident prevention and safety is your time and your attention. Make safety a priority—for yourself, your management team and your employees. You’ll see the results in fewer accidents, healthier and more productive employees, and in your bottom-line business.
About the author Stefan Bright is safety director for the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA). Contact him at [email protected].•
Stick to the Basics for SafetyRegulations, common sense needed for suspended-scaffold useBy Stefan Bright
14 • january 2012
his year will be an interesting one with the economy, presidential elections, wars and unemployment weighing heavily on our minds. Therefore, in an effort to keep
your mind off these depressing subjects, I thought it would be a good idea to focus on what you really enjoy—scaffolding! (Well, it beats thinking about the economy. And, besides, this is a magazine about scaffolding and access!)
Have you ever wondered what would happen if everybody was perfect? Scaffolds would be perfectly constructed and perfectly used by perfectly trained employees. Now there’s something to think about. Just imagine the ramifications: No angry jobsite safety monitors. No OSHA citations. No injuries. No deaths. I wonder what such a situation would do to the unemployment figures?
Why do people like to misuse and abuse scaffold components? Take knee-outs and brackets, as an example. Why do erectors think knee-outs will support 10 tiers of scaffold, and why do users think brackets will hold a mountain of block and brick?
What would happen if we had no Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards? Would injuries and deaths increase, stay the same or decrease? What would the industry do? What would you do? Would you do anything differently? What if there were no compliance officers? Would it make any difference to your behavior? Why don’t we have one set of standards for the scaffold and access industry in this country?
For example, are the situations from one state to another so unusual that we must
have different standards in California versus another set in Michigan? And why did Washington state rewrite the federal OSHA standards into a “friendly” prose for its workers? (Apparently nobody in Washington understands that standards are not instructions but, rather, are minimum, enforceable requirements.)
Why did the Army Corp of Engineers write a separate scaffold standard somewhat modeled after the federal regulations but yet sufficiently modified so that it is extra confusing?
It would almost seem that scaffolding and physics are starting to mutate into
strange creatures from state to state and agency to agency. (This is getting scary!)
Why do we equate longevity with expertise? You know, just because you have been doing something over and over doesn’t make it right. And the opposite is true, too—how can a person fresh out of school be a consultant? And then we have someone on TV who said:
“I’m not stupid, you know. I just don’t know stuff.” Is there a way in 2012 to get scaffold users to know more “stuff” and increase their expertise?
Why do general safety consultants who have never erected a scaffold think they
know more about an erection than a scaffold erector? Why do some scaffold erectors think they are exempt from the accepted safety practices? Why is everybody an expert in fall protection and scaffolding? How can a compliance officer, freshly graduated from college, understand the 28 subparts of the OSHA construction standards? Why do compliance officers get minimal training in scaffolding?
Why is the American Society of Safety Engineers the secretariat of the ANSI scaffolding standard and not the Scaffold and Access Industry Association? And
here’s something to really ponder: Has anyone measured the cost/benefit ratio regarding the extensive and—some may argue—oppressive government intervention in the scaffold industry?
What will 2012 bring for you? I wish for you a prosperous, enjoyable year and that you experience, as well, a lifetime of good health that is free of injury.
About the author David Glabe, P.E., is the president of D.H. Glabe & Associates Inc. (Denver). Glabe also serves as the SAIA’s regulatory liaison. Contact him at [email protected].•
Thoughts for a New YearBy David Glabe, P.E.
Need a distraction from today’s dismal news cycle? Glabe offers some questions to ponder.
Here’s something to really ponder: Has anyone measured the cost/benefit ratio
regarding the extensive and—some may argue—oppressive government
intervention in the scaffold industry?
technically speaking
EXPERIENCED, PRACTICAL, RESPONSIVEENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
Providing specialty engineering consultation and solution services for unique construction projects since 1985
8753 YATES DR. SUITE 200, WESTMINSTER, CO 80031 | 303.301.2646 | www.glabe.com
SCAFFOLDING FORMWORKSHORING FALSEWORK
Supported ScaffoldingShoringFormworkFalseworkRe-shoring
Suspended ScaffoldConstruction PlansDemolition PlansRigging PlansStructural Analysis
Fall ProtectionProduct Analysis /DesignFoundations & FootingsExpert Witness Testimony
ENGINEERING & SUPPORT
Fall Protection Anchor Testing
Davit TestingScaffold Training
Fall Protection TrainingShoring / Forming Training
TESTING & TRAINING
• • •
DH GLABE & ASSOCIATES
16 • january 2012
Mast Climbing Council ExpandingBy Kevin O’Shea and Greg Janda
letter from the council
ast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs) continue to be an important product in the North American
construction market and also for Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) members. Attendance at MCWP meetings has been excellent, and committee work has been brisk. Work is going on to achieve further recognition for the product and to solidify best-practice and training standards.
SAIA/Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) AllianceSAIA’s Alliance with OSHA has been a huge success, mainly from the work done by SAIA members on the
MCWP committee and the ANSI A92.9 committee.
Three OSHA tip sheets on MCWP use, one tip sheet on transport-platform use and an “Awareness Course for Compliance Officers” highlight the Alliance process, but the most important part is the fact that the MCWP industry has provided the marketplace, the regulators and the industry with a comprehensive range of outreach materials, advice and safety information that has raised the construction and related industries’ awareness of the
product and its excellent safety and productivity benefits.
This work is still ongoing. The compliance officer awareness courses will run for about 18 months, and OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) continues to be informed on developments. That committee recently voted to create an MCWP Work Group, which will commence when one of the existing groups expires.
Alliance work continues in the shape of a proposed “General Familiarization and Safety Checklist” video for 2012 and the continuing translation of outreach materials into Central American Spanish and Portuguese.
World of Concrete 2012World of Concrete’s education program for 2012 has recognized MCWPs with the addition of the product to the event’s curriculum.
The presentation, titled “Mast-Climbing Work Platforms—Reaching Higher for Productivity and Safety,” will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, 1:30-3 p.m., and will be presented by Kevin O’Shea and Clint Bridges.
The aim is to introduce MCWPs to potential buyers and users on behalf of the industry.
Exhibitors already confirmed for WOC 2012 include Beta Max, EZ Scaffold, Fraco Products, Harsco, Hydro Mobile, Premier Scaffold Solutions and Scanclimber.
OSHA regulationsThe MCWP Committee presentation in Minneapolis, which focused on raising industry awareness of existing OSHA regulations that impact MCWP use, was a great success, and many members left the auditorium thinking about their own businesses and how they really comply—or don’t—with existing scaffold, fall-protection and training regulations.
Continuing this awareness is extremely important, and the article in this issue,
“Simplifying MCWP Safety” (page 18), pioneered by Mastclimbers LLC, sets out to provide members with more comprehensive information. The article—sponsored by SAIA, IPAF, Mastclimbers LLC, Bennu, Klimer, Safway and EZ Scaffold—contains important information for owners, rental companies and users of MCWPs.
The next meeting of the Mast Climbing Council will be during Committee Week at 9:15–10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, pending confirmation of the full Committee Week program.
About the authorsKevin O’Shea is chairman and Greg Janda is co-chair of the SAIA Mast Climbing Council. O’Shea is with Mastclimbers LLC (Grayson, Ga.). Contact him at 678.300.0444 or [email protected]. Janda is with Alimak Hek (Houston). Contact him at 678.402.1004 or [email protected].•
The presentation, titled “Mast-Climbing Work Platforms—Reaching Higher for Productivity and Safety,” will take place on Thursday, Jan. 26, 1:30-3 p.m., and will
be presented by Kevin O’Shea and Clint Bridges.
Feb. 20-22Hyatt Regency Bonaventure • Weston, Fla.
It’s that time of year again!The 2012 SAIA Committee Week will be taking over Weston
in February!
Situated just a short drive from the Florida coastline, our host
hotel, the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure, will provide a serene
backdrop for the meeting rooms where the 10 SAIA councils
will be hard at work setting out to advance the mission of SAIA
in their projects and initiatives for the upcoming year.
Register now at www.saiaonline.org/CommitteeWeek
18 • january 2012
uch has happened in the world of mast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs) in the last four years.
Only a short time ago, the industry was struggling to keep pace with the uptake of the product in North America. The design standard for the product (ANSI A92.9) had not been revised since its introduction in 1993. There were no safe-use guidance or training requirements from industry organizations, there was little recognition of the individuality of the product by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and several highly publicized accidents had occurred.
Luckily, most owners and users of MCWPs understand they have responsibilities under OSHA regulations. But, because the regulations—29 CFR 1926 (Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations 1926)—don’t specifically mention MCWPs, many individuals and organizations have developed the misconception that the Scaffold Regulations (Subpart L) Fall Protection (Subpart M), etc., don’t apply to MCWP use. The truth? They most definitely do!
This article identifies some of the main applicable regulations and explains their relevance.
sImplIfyIng mcwp safetyIndustry collaboratIon leads to clarIfIcatIon on safe practIces when usIng mast clImbers by KevIn o’shea
scaffold & access • 19
Use this information only as the first step, however. Continue your own research to ensure your staff is fully in compliance.
A great deal of industry best-practice information is also available. If you are an owner, user or rental company, make sure you take advantage of this advice before you begin the planning/installation process.
regulatIons you should follow OSHA sets forth a variety of regulations overseeing MCWP use. Specifically, you should know details about:
• When planning mast-climber use. 1926.451 (a) (6) states that scaffolds shall be designed by a qualified person and constructed and loaded according to that design.
• When installing, altering and dismantling a mast climber. OSHA states, in 1926.451(f)(7), that scaffolds shall be erected, moved, dismantled or altered only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration. Such activities shall be performed by experienced and trained employees selected for such work by the competent person.
When you require the erection of several MCWPs, a qualified person should visit the site, assess the hazards and compile, in conjunction with the users’ requirements, a job plan. The job plan should record details such as ground conditions, presence of overhead power lines, details of the structure, its shape, its complexity, its ability to hold loads, and the number of machine positions and configurations, which impact each platform’s maximum load capability.
traInIng and famIlIarIzatIon A proper survey and careful planning is only the beginning. Training and familiarization are critical, too. OSHA requires:
• Employee Training, 1926.454(a). The employer shall have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold
being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize those hazards. The training shall include the following areas, as applicable:
• 1926.454(a)(1). The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area.
• 1926.454(a)(2). The correct procedures for dealing with electrical hazards, and for erecting, maintaining and disassembling the fall protection systems, and falling object protection systems being used.
• 1926.454(a)(3). The proper use of the scaffold, and the proper handling of materials on the scaffold
• 1926.454(a)(4). The maximum intended load, and the load-carrying capacities of the scaffold.
• Installer Training, 1926.454(b). ‘The employer shall have each employee who is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person to recognize any hazards associated with the work in question. The training shall include the following topics, as applicable:
• 1926.454(b)(1). The nature of scaffold hazards.
• 1926.454(b)(2). The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting and maintaining the type of scaffold in question.
• 1926.454(b)(3). The design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity and intended use of the scaffold.
planKIng Planking rules for general scaffolds apply similarly to MCWPs. OSHA stipulates:
• 1926.451(b)(4). Each end of a platform, unless cleated or otherwise restrained by hooks or equivalent means, shall extend over the centerline of its support at least 6 inches.
• 1926.451(b)(5)(i). Each end of a platform 10 foot or less in length shall not extend
over its support more than 12 inches unless it is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees and/or materials without tipping or has guardrails that block employee access to the cantilevered end.
• 1926.451(b)(5)(ii). Each platform greater than 10 feet in length shall not extend over its support more than 18 inches unless it is designed and installed so that the cantilevered portion of the platform is able to support employees’ materials without tipping or has guardrails that block employee access to the cantilevered end.
• 1926.451(b)(7). On scaffolds where platforms are overlapped to create a long platform, the overlap shall occur only over supports and shall not be less than 12 inches unless the platforms are nailed together or otherwise restrained to prevent movement.
so, what are your responsIbIlItIes? Ensure that:
• A qualified person plans the MCWP installation.
• The installation is designed to abate all recognized hazards.
• The installation is constructed and loaded according to the plan.
• The units are erected and dismantled under a competent person’s supervision and carried out by experienced, trained employees selected by the competent person.
• No one uses the equipment unless he or she has been trained by a competent person.
• Crews follow all OSHA regulations first, then augment those regs with industry best practices (such as ANSI standards and IPAF/SAIA Safe-Use Guidelines).
about the author Kevin O’Shea is director of safety and training for Mastclimbers LLC (Grayson, Ga.) and chairman of SAIA’s Mast Climbing Council. Contact him at 678.300.0444 or [email protected].•
20 • january 2012
he International Window Cleaning Association’s
(IWCA’s) 2012 Education Forum & Showcase, Feb. 2-4 at
the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in New Orleans, is the beginning of opportunities to learn, grow and meet people invested in their careers who want to be the best in the window-cleaning industry.
Never attended? The show’s benefits are varied and generous:
• Educational sessions
• Networking opportunities
• Access to the IWCA Showcase trade show
• The convention binder
• Safety-training sessions.
You’ll find the IWCA Showcase particularly helpful. Learn about new products and services, discover tips and tricks on product use and talk with experts. Attendees will have other networking opportunities over breakfast at the roundtable discussions. Each table will have a specific topic and a moderator.
Daily educational sessions will cover a variety of topics
(read full descriptions at www.iwca.org/2012Conference). But learning opportunities don’t end there. Dive deep during two all-day training sessions:
Hands On-Safety Training Session (Saturday, Feb. 4, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Receive extensive classroom training and hands-on instruction on boom-lift safety, ladder safety and self-rescue techniques.
“Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) Suspended-Scaffold CPT Class” (Sunday, Feb. 5, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.) (Note: If your current Suspended Scaffold Competent Person Certification is older than three years, recertify at this course.) Learn how to set up, operate and inspect suspended- work platforms.
To get details on any aspect of the show or to register, call (816) 595-4860.
About the author Mandie Bannwarth is associate director of the International Window Cleaning Association. Contact her at 816.595.4860 or [email protected].•
Thursday, February 2 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
“Growth Through Diversification”
1:15-2:30 p.m. “Importance and Value of a Company Safety Audit”
3:00-4:15 p.m. “Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Alliance”
Friday, February 3 9:00-10:15 am.
“Keys for Profitability for the New Economy”
10:30-11:45 a.m. “Best Practices for a Safe Company”
3:00-4:15 p.m. “Leadership Psychology: Understanding the Application for Effective Leadership”
A Clear View
Window cleaner show spotlights education and training By Mandie Bannwarth
Thursday, February 2 • First-timers’ coffee • Women in the Industry
lunch roundtable • Cocktail party with exhibitors
Friday, February 3 • Cocktail reception • Awards Banquet • President’s Party
Don’t Miss These Sessions
Social Networking
of Safety
20 • january 2012
22 • january 2012
riole Park at Camden Yards is a Major League Baseball ballpark located in downtown Baltimore.
One of the complex’s most striking features is its incorporation of the B&O Warehouse, an iconic structure just beyond the playing field.
Built in 1899 by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), the warehouse is supposedly the longest brick building on the East Coast; the 1,116-feet-long, eight-story brick structure boasts greater than 430,000 square feet of space.
The warehouse is now home to the Oriole’s front office, as well as various businesses. But time has taken a
toll. The current edifice is in need of significant maintenance, including a new roof, various repairs to the façade and waterproofing at grade and roof levels.
Putting someone in charge The Maryland Stadium Authority tasked Coakley & Williams Construction (Gaithersburg, Md.) to oversee the work. Factors that the firm faced in planning the project were challenging weather issues, along with strictly binding facets related to the site’s use. Specifically, crews must complete most work during baseball’s off-season. This means workers must fulfill the bulk of the technical work during winter’s less-than-desirable conditions.
Thinking through these aspects, Coakley & Williams’s managers had to determine the most efficient and economical way to complete the project. Project leaders needed to account for weather conditions that could very possibly affect not only the method by which to achieve the work but materials that require a nonfreezing environment in which to develop.
Enter J.D. Belfield Enterprises, a scaffold company in Washington, D.C., which offered solutions to each challenge. After inspecting the project, J.D. Belfield’s managers determined that crews would need to perform work on the roof, at the roof level, at various and inconsistent
Iconic Camden Yards ballpark relies on mast-climber to maximize repair project’s efficiency
By Paula Manning
Homerun
scaffold & access • 23
elevations and at grade level. Two options, thus, presented themselves. One was to use full-height scaffolding on the entire building to allow the trades to access the façade and provide secondary fall protection. The second was to complete the work in four phases using mast-climbing work platforms (MCWPs).
mast-climbers make for economic, efficient choice David Woodyard, vice president of Coakley & Williams, said, “The decision was to use the mast climbers instead of conventional scaffolding because they were the most economical and efficient way to complete the project at hand.”
Joel Ross, director of business development for J.D. Belfield, concurred.
“From a labor standpoint, cost of erection, and ease of moving men and material, mast climbers were the right choice,” he said. Additionally, a single-level platform is easier to enclose, thus protecting crews and allowing for fewer work stoppages. Plus, it is more cost-effective to construct a high-quality
enclosure once, rather than moving the enclosure from level to level along with any necessary heating equipment.
Hek Mast-Climbing Work Platforms, provided by Victor Marcantoni of Northeast Mast Climbers (NEMC) (Oakford, Pa.), was decided on as the type of mast climber to use.
Marcantoni broke the process into four phases. “Phases one and two are in operation at this time and running concurrently,” he explained. Phase One includes four twin-mast MCWPs with 106-foot-long Mega Decks and two single-mast units with 33-foot-long platforms. The project also includes three 60-foot MS-5000s.
Joel Ross, J.D. Belfield’s director of business development, said he chose NEMC because the firm used HEK mast climbers. Ross said, “Modern technology, ease of installation and the faster vertical travel speed allow movement of the workers from grade with their required tools and materials to the worksite elevation with efficiency.” With a mast
climber that moves at 24 feet per minute, project managers didn’t need to incur the costs of an additional hoisting device to move materials vertically on the façade of the building. Plus, with a mast climber, crews have emergency egress in the event of a site accident or medical incident.
additional benefits enhance mast-climbing choice A major benefit to the choice of mast-climbers is that they act as secondary fall protection for crews working at the roof level. (Primary fall protection is via tie-off mounts on the roof itself.)
Plus, in view of the age and design of the building, the mast climbers require significantly fewer wall-tie attachment locations compared to traditional supported scaffolding. This feature was critical because the masonry wall exterior of the warehouse is an interlocking multi-wythe system. Thus, NEMC chose a three-part-epoxy anchor wall-tie system to secure the units to the building. This option would have little effect on the façade and would allow workers to remove and repair the ties as they go to move each mast-climber to another position further down the building.
On this specific project, with its unique challenges—potential weather delays, strict project-schedule time frame and the age and type of building structure—mast climbers were the obvious choice by the construction manager and the scaffolding company. The mobile-platform technology provided the solution with the best economic results, while providing increased efficiency and a higher level of safety.
about the author Paula Manning is an independent marketing strategist and author specializing in the construction equipment industry. She is the chair of the National Construction Hoist Council, chair of SAIA’s Construction Hoist Council and sits on ANSI A92.9 and ANSI 92.10 subcommittees for standards development. Contact her at [email protected].•
Crews at Camden Yards are using mast climbers to repair the facade of the eight-story structure.
24 • january 2012
any times, renovation projects present unique challenges. When Nyrstar (Balen, Belgium), a leading
global multi-metals company, approached Safway Services LLC (Waukesha, Wis.) about providing access to a 43-foot-wide-by-71-foot-tall zinc-smelting roaster dome in Tennessee, the company’s primary concern was worker safety.
“We were challenged with trying to provide access to an overhead area, without working from below,” explained Shawn Mills, Safway’s Nashville branch manager. “Typically, on a project like this, we would just build up scaffold to the access area, but because the customer did not want workers directly under the brick, we needed to come up with another solution.”
Nyrstar’s facility in Clarksville, Tenn., produces about 125,000 tons of zinc per year. In the zinc-smelting process, workers transport materials, composed of about 60-percent zinc, into a large furnace (or roaster). During this oxidation process, the sulphur burns away resulting in zinc oxide (or calcine).
Craig Petersen, superintendent of engineering, said the life span of most roasting domes was about 30 years; the Clarksville unit is 33. At that age, and
with signs of deterioration, it was time for renovations.
To make the necessary renovations, crews needed to replace the dome’s refractory brick. This brick can withstand fierce heat. But after 33 years of temperatures as high as 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit, the 65-pound brick was unstable. Thus, Nyrstar safety officials didn’t want crews working directly under the areas they would be renovating. To accommodate this need, Safway suggested using its QuikDeck Suspended Access System, a modular platform system that would allow crews to work alongside the brick rather than below it.
Safway’s solution involved cutting a
hole in the top of the structure and lowering in a starter platform. From there, workers could remove bricks around the leading edge. As they cleared away these materials, they could expand the platform to provide additional access.
“Throughout the project, the deck was extremely versatile, allowing us to easily maneuver it,” said Dave Joskowitz, Safway field service representative. “It was almost like I would walk in the door every morning and ask the contractor,
‘Where do you need to go today?’ And we would get them there.”
As the deck expanded, stability became an issue. Project managers were concerned that, as weight shifted, the platform would become unbalanced. As a remedy, Safway built scaffold up to the platform to provide stability and
Accessing the domed interior of a zinc-smelting roaster in Tennessee required coming in from above and then providing support access from below.
scaffold & access • 25
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Ad-SIA-half-horiz-2012-01.pdf 12/5/2011 11:12:00 AM
immobility. In total, the platform grew to 40 feet in diameter, using more than 22,000 pounds of QuikDeck supplies.
With the project’s access challenges, engineering experience played a key role in making the project a success. Joskowitz said, “I was trying to stay one step ahead of the progress. I’ve had experience in a number of different
situations with QuikDeck. Because of that, I can pretty much visualize the different potential routes and figure out which is the best way to go.”
Despite a tight schedule and stringent safety expectations, Safway completed its work two days earlier than planned without an accident or incident.
“The project went very, very well,” Petersen said. “Using QuikDeck enabled us to effectively and safely perform the necessary demolition and made the installation work more efficient, too.”
Joe Rizzo is the product manager of the Bridge Division at Safway (Waukesha, Wis.). Contact him at [email protected].•
Crews cut a hole in the top of a smelting dome and then lowered a small, circular starter platform inside to provide trade crews with access.
Crews were able to work alongside—rather than below—the high-temperature brick tiles they needed to replace by using a suspended platform.
26 • january 2012
asons, construction crews, window washers and a
host of other tradespersons rely on suspended scaffolds to aid them in performing their jobs. But rock stars?
At the biggest musical event in the Netherlands, bands and singers were the ones taking advantage of these access products to perform during Vrienden van Amstel LIVE (translated as Friends of Amstel LIVE). This annual concert brings together the biggest names in Dutch music for more than a week of performances.
Immediately after 2011’s show, fans had already purchased tickets for the 2012 event (this month, Jan. 20-28) before even knowing what bands and singers would be performing. By the following November, several nights of the eight-show series had already sold out—a full two months before the event was to take place.
And while the performers are the main attraction, this show got much of its drama from the “structures” that fans typicially would never notice. In this case, it was some unique suspended scaffolds that Altrex (Zwolle, the Netherlands) installed in the event’s home venue, the Ahoy Arena Rotterdam.
Altrex built scaffolds to form a rectangle along the first row of seats at the second-floor balcony level
throughout the arena. Totalling 918 feet in length, the scaffolds descended from the roof from 45 special suspension points. Musicians reached the scaffolds via a lift that rose 49 feet high.
As the show started, four separate sections of the scaffolds descended 2 meters. These four sections connected via a unique bridge-construction design. When musicians performed on the platforms, they were at the same level as the audience levels in the balcony.
The majority of the system’s construction consisted of standard components from the Altrex Modular suspended-platform system. Altrex custom-designed the 45 suspension points, the corner sections, the bridge constructions and the lift.
The project’s primary challenges were the length of the scaffold and assembling the equipment inside the arena. Plus, working with the event’s organizers, Altrex was under an extremely tight turnaround time in creating the project. Nevertheless, the engineers worked out, drew and tested the entire construction in accordance with all regulations.
Rudie Beverwijk is export manager for Altrex (Zwolle, the Netherlands). Contact him at [email protected].•
Suspended scaffolds gave Dutch singers another level on which to perform.
What’s next for your masonry business? What could you do with more knowledge and certifi cation? What new opportunities are ripe for the seizing? How far could you go with the right suppliers, right connections, the right tools and the right timing? Spend time at World of Masonry and check out the latest resources in mast-climbing, scaffolding, grout pumps, mortar mixes, masonry tools and more. It’s everything you need to build a stronger, more competitive business. GET HERE—GET IT DONE.
JANUARY 24 - 27, 2012 • SEMINARS: JANUARY 23 - 27 • LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
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f temperatures are tumbling, it must mean the Scaffold and Access
Industry Association’s (SAIA’s) Committee Week is quickly approaching. Committee Week—Feb. 18-22—is the second-largest annual SAIA event. This year, the association has chosen to warm up in the Florida Everglades at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center and Spa in Weston, Fla. Beyond the SAIA’s Annual Convention and Exposition, this event is your best opportunity to learn what’s happening right now in the industry, as well as find out where the industry is headed.
Committee Week offers a great opportunity to network with the top scaffolding and access professionals. Plus, you can meet industry leaders, such as manufacturers, suppliers, rental houses and company executives.
And, of course, SAIA will offer plenty of chances for attendees to educate themselves on the current and most effective training and leadership programs.
The SAIA sessions at Committee Week comprise the 10 councils that represent the SAIA and the different sectors of the scaffold and access industry. Each council’s assembly will provide an
inside look at what’s happening in that segment, offer a training presentation to educate attendees and describe the committee’s goals. (See boxed information at right to review the complete 2012 Committee Week schedule.)
By attending these sessions, you have an opportunity to voice your opinions directly to council chairs and the rest of the council. Have your voice heard on improvements you would like to see in training, safety and the challenges that you face on a daily basis.
SAIA members also have the opportunity to attend educational training sessions at Committee Week 2012. SAIA Director of Training and Education Granville Loar will lead several classes on improving safety within the scaffold and access industry. Loar will conduct “Train the Trainer Facilitator Skills Workshops” to keep training professionals up to date on the most effective training and presentation techniques. Classes will also be available for “Competent Person Training” in frame scaffolds and suspended scaffolds, as well as “Mast-Climber User Training.” These classes are available to all interested Committee Week attendees.
The SAIA has also put together several social events for Committee Week. The fun will begin with a golf outing on Sunday at the Bonaventure Country Club. On Monday night, the Hyatt Regency will treat attendees to a welcome reception, and the President’s Party will close out Tuesday’s schedule. You will also have a chance to converse with other attendees during several meeting breaks in the SAIA Café.
Spouses and guests won’t be left to simply wander the halls of the hotel while attendees are at work. They’ll have some enticing options in which to indulge, such as being treated to the luxurious Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa and taking an airboat tour through the beautiful Everglades.
For more details about the event, contact SAIA headquarters at (816) 595-4860 or visit www.saiaonline.org/CommitteeWeek.asp.
About the Author Lance Flandermeyer is director of operations and outreach for the Scaffold and Access Industry Association and A92 Secretariat. Contact him at 816.595.4860 or [email protected].•
SAIA’s Annual Committee Week encourages attendees to voice opinions on association issuesBy Lance Flandermeyer
Make a Statement
28 • january 2012
Feb. 20–22Hyatt Regency Bonaventure • Weston, Fla.
scaFFold & access industRy association
Registration Fees and OptionsMember attendee ............................................... $450
Nonmember attendee ........................................ $525
extrA/optionAl events: Spouse/Guest (includes all outings) ................. $295
“Train-the-Trainer Facilitator Skills” Workshop ....... $545 ($645 for nonmember)
“CPT: Frame Scaffolds” .......................................... $350 ($450 for nonmember)
“CPT: Suspended Scaffolds” ................................. $350 ($450 for nonmember)
“Mast-Climber User” .............................................. $350 ($450 for nonmember)
Golf tournament... ............................................... $160 ($50 for rental clubs)
sAturdAy, FebruAry 18 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m ........ “Train-the-Trainer Facilitator Skills”
Workshop
sundAy, FebruAry 19 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ....... “Train-the-Trainer Facilitator
Skills” Workshop
10:45 a.m. ....................... Buses leave for SAIA Golf Outing at Bonaventure Country Club
12:00–6:00 p.m. ..............SAIA Golf Outing
MondAy, FebruAry 20 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.........SAIA Information Desk open
7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.........SAIA Café open
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m......... “CPT Training: Frame Scaffolds”
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m......... “CPT Training: Suspended Scaffolds”
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m......... “Mast-Climber User Training”
8:00–10:00 a.m. .............. SIAEF Board of Directors (board members only)
9:30–10:30 a.m. ..............Support Group Rendezvous
10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. .... Accredited Training Institute (ATI) workshop & Training Program Committee
11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m. ....Executive Committee meeting
1:00–6:00 p.m. ................ Board of Directors meeting (board members only)
6:30–7:30 p.m. ................ Welcome Reception
tuesdAy, FebruAry 21 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m......... SAIA Information Desk open
7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m......... SAIA Café open
7:30–9:00 a.m. ................ Supported Council meeting
9:15–10:45 a.m. .............. Plank & Platform Council meeting
9:30–10:30 a.m. .............. Support Group rendezvous
11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ...... Support Group outing
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. .... Suspended Scaffold Council meeting
12:00–1:30 p.m. .............. Lunch (boxed)
1:30–3:00 p.m. ................ P.I. Council meeting
3:15–4:45 p.m. ................ International Council meeting
5:30–7:30 p.m. ................ President’s Party
WednesdAy, FebruAry 22 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m......... SAIA Information Desk open
7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m......... SAIA Café open
7:30–9:00 a.m. ................ Fall–Protection Council meeting
9:15–10:45 a.m. .............. Mast–Climber Council meeting
9:30–10:30 a.m. .............. Support Group rendezvous
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. .... AWP Council meeting
12:30–1:30 p.m. .............. “State of the SAIA” industry luncheon
1:30–3:00 p.m. ................ Construction Hoist Council meeting
3:15–4:45 p.m. ................ Industrial Council meeting
Committee Week Schedule
scaffold & access • 29
t is difficult to imagine masonry construction without scaffolding.
Prior to the advent of steel-frame scaffolding, masons used “bricklayers’ square scaffolding”—a supported scaffold composed of wood-framed squares that support a platform—to
provide an elevated work platform on which to work.
Starting in the 1930s, steel scaffold frames slowly replaced
the wood scaffolds that masons commonly used. Adjustable scaffolds, specifically designed for masons, became available in the 1970s, and the evolution continues today with masons using mast climbers and other powered platforms.
In spite of the variety of equipment that masons use, several issues have persisted regarding the proper use and safety of scaffolds within this segment of the industry. Let’s discuss each.
Issue 1: Fall exposureThe first issue involves the fall exposure that masons have during brick-wall construction. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards recognize this issue and, in 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(vi), specify that “each employee performing overhand bricklaying operations from a supported scaffold shall be protected from falling from all open sides and ends of the scaffold (except at the side next to the wall being laid) by the use of a
personal fall-arrest system or guardrail system.”
While clear in its intent, some people still don’t
understand the rule; simply stated, we allow masons to be exposed to fall hazards. Any reasonable mason understands that if he leans over too far, he will fall over the wall. But, typically, because masons like to lay brick waist high, the wall acts as the guardrail. When the wall is lower, a fall hazard does exist. But the hazard of trying to lay brick by working through a guardrail system is a greater hazard.
Issue 2: sIde/end brackets The normal use of side and end brackets is on the front of the scaffold, between the wall being constructed and the scaffold’s front leg. These brackets support the plank and are moved up in increments as the wall increases in height. Problems occur when masons install these brackets on the back of the scaffold and then use them as a landing or storage platform. OSHA addresses this issue in 29 CFR 1926.452(c)(5)(iii) by emphatically stating that you should use these brackets only to support personnel “unless the scaffold has been designed for other loads by a qualified engineer.” The reason? It is easy to overload the brackets and cause the scaffold to tip over.
Note: The standard doesn’t restrict you from using the brackets in this manner. You simply need to hire a qualified engineer to do so.
Issue 3: MaterIal storageOSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.250(b)(5) states, “Materials shall not be stored on scaffolds or runways in excess of supplies needed for immediate operations.” A quick read of this standard suggests that a mason can have no more than a few bricks or blocks on the scaffold
at any given time. In fact, OSHA has issued a Letter of Interpretation stating that crews must remove all materials from the scaffold at the end of the day.
Fortunately, OSHA clarified this letter and stated that the hazards being addressed by this standard included falling objects and scaffold overload. OSHA concluded that, because the scaffold standards specifically address these potential hazards, and while leaving materials stored on a scaffold may be a violation of
29 CFR 1926.250(b)(5), the agency considered the issue to be a de minimis violation (one that carries no fines).
Of course, it is assumed that the mason would make sure all bricks and blocks won’t fall off his scaffold nor overload the scaffold. This particular issue has come up recently at jobsites enforced by the Army Corps of Engineers regulations, EM 385. As with all standards, it is important to know what the intent of a particular standard is and what hazard the standard is addressing. Knowing those two aspects, it is much easier to resolve issues regarding materials storage.
about the authorHenry Wollenzien is a Western U.S.-based freelance writer who writes on construction and scaffold issues.•
the busIness oF brIckseducatIng Masons on saFe scaFFold use can elIMInate MIsconceptIons by henry WollenzIen
30 • january 2012
as WIth all standards, It Is IMportant to knoW What the Intent oF a partIcular standard Is and What hazard the standard Is addressIng.
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uring the summer of 2005, work was underway on the construction of a medical building in New Jersey. A general contractor (G.C.)
was building the structure as a design/build project. The G.C. engaged a subcontractor to “furnish labor, material and equipment to install concrete and masonry.”
The subcontractor engaged a sub-subcontractor to construct the brick masonry. As such, the sub-subcontractor was responsible for erection of “scaffold as needed.” The subcontractor supplied the scaffold through an independent supplier.
Near midday one weekend, work was underway to complete brick masonry on the building’s south wall when a laborer employed by the sub-subcontractor claimed to have fallen, suffering various injuries. The attorney for the
subcontractor retained my firm, Arup (Edison, N.J.), to investigate the accident in regards to allegations concerning the scaffolding installation. As part of the investigation, we reviewed police and ambulance reports, witness statements and depositions.
The previous article discussed statements made by the parties involved. As part of the evidence provided were several photographs, which showed the scaffolding shortly after the accident had occurred. We’ll discuss these in this article.
photographs provIde InsIght Photographs show scaffolding extending the length of the building’s south wall, including three sections with two expansion joints. Two distinct types of scaffold are seen: the “walk-through” type and the “ladder” type, consistent
The second of this three-part series dissects a scaffold accident so you can identify how to avoid similar situationsby James cohen, p.e.
of anaccIdentIn this series, professional engineer James cohen, of arup (edison, n.J.)—an independent firm of more than 10,000 designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists—provides details of a specific accident in which a new Jersey construction crewmember fell from a scaffold. the incidents leading up to the event, and how crews and management handled safety aspects, may provide the insight you need to circumvent similar situations from arising on your projects. following is part II of this series.
anatomypart II
32 • december 2011
with the subcontractor’s testimony. The “ladder” type, which the sub-subcontractor allegedly supplied, was on the lower sections. At the time the photos were shot, there was no indication work was underway on the wall (that is, the work area was in the process of being prepared).
The photographs also show guardrails and toe boards were not installed, nor were six planks present on the working platforms. However, with regard to the allegation that movement of the wood platform caused the fall, the board edges are still aligned with each other. They are also overlapped at the edges, and bricks are still visible on the upper working platform. It is, therefore, unlikely that movement of wood arose from movement of the planks.
The possible presence of an empty wooden pallet on the upper platform, which the plaintiff indicated was the spot from where he fell, suggested a more plausible explanation for the accident—namely movement of the unladen wooden pallet, which would be a light, and easily displaced, object. However, this scenario still does not explain how the plaintiff was able to fall from the location indicated.
protectIon from a fall?The photographs of the site show that the cross-bracing obstructed a clear fall from the upper platform. For the plaintiff to fall from the location indicated, then, he would need to pass around the scaffold frame leg and go between the cross-bracing. Another aspect that was unclear
was why the plaintiff would have been providing mortar to a location where bricks were not in the process of being laid—that is, the top level of completed brick is at the third-level platform, not the fourth level. Additionally, the presence of the broken bucket below the platform, behind the scaffold leg, with the mortar spill not apparent beyond the line of the scaffold, also appears to be inconsistent with the stated mechanism of fall—namely, over the edge of the platform and straight down landing on his feet.
Photographs show the third-level platform board edges were not aligned. The planks nearer the outside of the scaffold were pushed outward from the others. Additionally, the second scaffold bay did not contain a working platform but appeared to have a two-plank walkway. The photographs show a load of bricks present on the working platform, at the level where bricks were to be laid, and another bucket—similar to the broken bucket on the ground—present near the bricks.
Had the plaintiff fallen from the walkway, these factors would be consistent with the allegations regarding plank movement, as well as the presence of the broken bucket under the platform and a clear drop enabling him to land on his feet. However, the presence of guardrails, or lack thereof,
had the plaIntIff fallen from the walKway, these factors would be consIstent wIth the allegatIons regardIng planK movement.
scaffold & access • 33
would then have no material effect on the fall, as these would be remote from the accident location and have no effect on preventing a drop from the walkway.
With respect to the allegations raised about a lack of tie-ins of the scaffolding to the building, these were clearly evident in the photographs.
more photos refute the testImonyEarlier photographs taken during construction showed six planks being used for the working platform. No photographs were provided during work in progress; hence, allegations that the supplied guardrails were not used could not be substantiated.
Evidence did show unused scaffolding materials, in addition to scaffold frames, stockpiled and leaning against the scaffold. These included possible planks and guardrails. Photos of the tower base and its legs, including materials on which they were placed, indicated no movement, including subsidence, shifting, buckling, rotation or other movement.
One concrete block on which the end scaffold frame rests was filled with mortar/concrete and oriented on its side. The other concrete block nearer to the building was not filled and was oriented with the hollow core vertical. Photos show the scaffold legs resting on the concrete blocks are unextended. The opposing legs may have been fully extended. The difference in treatment of the extensions suggests a problem with the leg extensions in the scaffolds that the sub-subcontractor supplied.
Next month we’ll review the final aspects of the case and how it concluded.
about the authorJames Cohen, P.E., is an associate principal and America’s region expert witness leader and global contact for expert witness work for Arup. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Manhattan College where he teaches a graduate course on engineering investigations. Contact him at 732.623.7402 or [email protected].•
facts of the case fIle • scaffolding was erected in excess of the minimum of two
wall sections intended by the subcontractor.
• tie-ins were present.
• photographic evidence did not show base movement.
• unused scaffold supplies were present, including guardrails and planks.
• two distinct types of scaffold were evident—the “walk-through” type and the “ladder” type—consistent with subcontractor’s testimony. the subcontractor supplied only one of the two.
• photographs did not show work underway. thus, the lack of guardrails and toe boards in the photographs did not indicate that these were not being used when required. similarly, six planks were not evident in the photographs allegedly taken of the accident scene; however, six planks were seen at other times.
• photographic evidence did not seem to show movement of the boards at the top level, where the plaintiff alleged he was walking and that caused his fall.
• the location and mechanism of the fall was inconsistent with the photographic evidence.
• other possible explanations of the cause of the fall were possible, consistent with the photographic evidence.
why would the plaIntIff have been provIdIng mortar to a locatIon where brIcKs were not In the process of beIng laId?
34 • january 2012
scaffold & access • 35
what is a safe-senders list? (also known as a whitelist, an approved senders list or a similar moniker) This list is a registry of all e-mail addresses or domain names that an e-mail blocking program will allow to be delivered to your in-box.
why should you care? Due to the growing problem of unsolicited and unwanted commercial e-mails, many web-mail services and e-mail applications are automatically filtering bulk e-mails. Unfortunately, these filters can block legitimate newsletters and e-mails, too. The Scaffold and Access Industry Association’s (SAIA’s) various newsletters and updates are not immune to this problem.
Determining the best solution for your in-box can be tricky. Usually, however, you can master it within 10 minutes.
To get specific instructions for adding someone to your safe-senders list, go to www.google.com and search for, “How do I add someone to my whitelist using [name of your email program].” Even if your software doesn’t use the term whitelist, Google will usually point you in the right direction.
domain-level whitelisting Some programs and services will allow you to add the sender’s domain name to a whitelist, as opposed to his or her specific e-mail address. This situation is ideal. In the case of SAIA, for example, you can whitelist anyone at SAIA by adding “@saiaonline.org” to your whitelist. Domain-level whitelisting is the best way to ensure you receive mail from the SAIA or other companies you do business with.
online resources For more specifics on how to whitelist saiaonline.org in some of the most popular e-mail programs, visit www.saiaonline.org/whitelistus.htm.
Other links you may find useful include: Gmail: http://mail.google.com/support • Yahoo Mail: http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/mail • Windows Live/Hotmail: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-hotmail-how-do-i-faq • AOL Email: http://help.aol.com/help/product/aol_webmail • Mac Mail: http://www.apple.com/support/tiger/mail • MS Outlook: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help.
about the author Greg Plough is I.T. Manager of the Robstan Group (Kansas City, Mo.). Contact him at [email protected].•
Id saIa as a ‘safe sender” so you don’t miss important messages by greg plough
36 • january 2012
Insurance Versus LitigationBy Robert Zinselmeier
s aggressively defending litigation the proper thing to do?
We can answer this rhetorical question in many different ways and
look at it from a variety of perspectives. So let’s use this month’s column to do just that. After all, our primary intent here is to suggest that the defense of scaffold and lift litigation can be very successful—provided, that is, you are willing to pay the price.
Price is the best place to start this discussion, in fact. That’s because, over the years, it has become clear to me that many in the industry look at this issue strictly from the perspective of money—as in, “Why should I mess with this problem? Isn’t that why I have insurance?” And, logically, taking that thought one step further, those people are apt to think, “If my insurance goes up because I have to make a payment on a claim, then I can simply put it on the books as another cost of doing business.”
Those maintaining such a mentality must have two things in common:
1. They do not have many claims.
2. They have no qualms about searching out new coverage once their premiums reach a level they can no longer tolerate.
Perhaps these business owners believe that the effort required to work with an insurance carrier is simply too time-consuming. But do they imagine the time required to put together a file to defend their interests?
Several years ago, in an effort to illustrate how much time is involved in handling a major piece of litigation, a questionnaire was sent to dealers. The survey asked
them to specify the amount of time they thought would be necessary to complete all the steps in handling a litigious matter, from receiving the lawsuit and finding the records, to attending trial, to all the tasks in between.
What was the correct answer? Our firm’s experience says total hours typically equal more than one month’s time. Think of it—that is 1/12th of your year devoted to a nonmoney-making venture! Does it make more sense to work with your insurance company now?
Besides, imagine what will happen if you lose the case. Bye-bye business.
Manufacturers: Even more to lose So far, our discussion has been of primary interest to dealers. But no doubt the issues being discussed here should make anyone in the manufacturing sector squirm uncomfortably. After all, a variety of factors make the likelihood of claims against these firms even more compelling than against a dealer. And if you compare the detail a dealer must produce for discovery—rental contracts and maintenance records—versus the info a manufacturer must produce—all details regarding every aspect of the engineering, development and manufacture of their products—well, that, in and of itself, should encourage all manufacturers to
have very well-organized recordkeeping programs.
Frankly, when analyzing the factors with which manufacturers must contend in responding to litigation, they really don’t have much of an alternative but to stoutly defend their interests, no matter what type of insurance they carry. After all, in some instances, the manufacturer is more vulnerable because a plaintiff’s expert testimony could allege that the manufacturer should have designed the proverbial “better mousetrap.” Thus, not only does the manufacturer have to debunk any alleged “facts” by the plaintiff, but it has to debunk the “better design” theory while also affirming the validity of its design.
One more aspect to consider: While many states have modified the issues of strict liability as they pertain to product cases, the fact is that some jurisdictions still exist wherein, if the product is found to be defective, the conduct of the injured party becomes inconsequential.
So, because our industry is one in which workers are always going to be either lifted off the ground or climbing to a location above terra firma—notwithstanding advances made in training, education, etc.—accidents will more than likely continue to occur. The question really becomes, then, what do you do to ensure the industry is viewed in a favorable light? Perhaps it’s simply to make the industry less vulnerable to attack by being more diligent in aggressively defending any litigation filed against you.
About the author Robert Zinselmeier is a senior litigation specialist with Specialty Claims Management (St. Louis). Contact him at [email protected].•
Why worry about litigation when you have insurance? Because insurance alone isn’t the answer.
Perhaps these business owners believe that
the effort required to work with an insurance
carrier is simply too time-consuming.
litigation news
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• Limit Switches
• Motor Controllers
• Pendant Assemblies
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• Pin & Sleeve WiringDevices
• Power AnalysisEquipment
• Power Cords
• Programmable LogicControllers
• Push Buttons
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• Variable FrequencyDrives
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120611_ACCESS_SAIA-AD2012_ACCESS_SAIA-AD_120711_v 12/15/11 11:46 AM Page 1
Supported Scaffolds
Suspended Scaffolds
Primary Access (PAT)
Journeyman Scaffolder Challenge Program
User Hazard Awareness
Competent Person (CPT)
Scaffold Erector Apprenticeship
Mast Clim
ber Operator
Accredited trAining institutesUNITED STATES
Alabama Brock Group (Theodore) • Michael Hickenbottom • 228.324.1740 • [email protected] • • • •
ArizonaAction Equipment & Scaffold Co. Inc. (Phoenix) • Howard Schapira • 602.252.3417 • [email protected] • • • • •
Integrity Scaffolding LLC (Phoenix) • Noe Vallejo • 602.393.5458 • [email protected] • • • • •
California
Harold Gidish (Calabasas) • Harold Gidish • 818.321.4540 • [email protected] • •
Skyline Scaffold (Sacramento) • David Johnson • 916.391.8929 • [email protected] • • • • •
Performance Swing Stage Inc. (Sacramento) • Linda McCurdy • 415.716.0800 • [email protected] • •
Elevator LLC (San Francisco/Los Angeles) • Joe Aujay • 415.798.0021 • [email protected] • • •
Safety Management Services (San Diego) • J. Robert Harrell • 858.259.0591 • [email protected] • • • • • •
Scaffolding Professionals Corp. (San Marcos) • Dave Cave • 760.744.8105 • [email protected] • • • •
Imperial Scaffolding Inc. (Anaheim) • Richard Martinez • 714.996.5040 • [email protected] • • • •
Pinnacle Plastering (Riverside) • Alicia Zack • 951.685.9922 • [email protected] • • • •
Connecticut American Ladders & Scaffold Inc. (Glastonbury) • Jamie Prior • 860.657.9252 • [email protected] • • •
Colorado DH Glabe & Associates (Denver) • David Glabe • 303.301.2646 • [email protected] • • • • •
FloridaCrom Equipment Rentals (Gainesville) • James Holcomb • 866.454.2766 • [email protected] • • • •
Spectrum Contracting (Naples) • Ivan Figueroa • 239.643.2772 • [email protected] • • •
HawaiiSky Climber of Hawaii (Honolulu) • Eddie Yamauchi • 808.845.1777 • [email protected] • • • •
Atlas Sales Co. Inc. (Honolulu) • Ronald Camp • 808.841.1111 • [email protected] • • • •
Iowa
All American Scaffold Inc. (Des Moines) • Chris Lang • 515.282.9633 • [email protected] • • • •
Larry’s Window Service Inc. (Des Moines) • Travis Herman • 515.244.0560 • [email protected] • • •
Andrew Weber (DeWitt) • Andrew Weber • 563.320.3219 • [email protected] • • • • •
Illinois
Safety Partners (Godfrey) • Dave Volentine • 618.467.0480 • [email protected] • • • •
Designed Equipment Corp. (Niles) • Chuck Nash • 847.647.5000 • [email protected] • • • •
Chicago Scaffolding Inc. (Chicago) • Suhaib Quadri • 773.287.8787 • [email protected] • • • • •
MaineSeacoast Scaffold & Equipment (Portland) • William Thomas • 888.701.1119 • [email protected] • • • • • •
Brock Group (Portland) • Don Cloutier • 207.797.8458 • [email protected] • • • •
Maryland
Millstone Corp. (Upper Marlboro) • John Miller • 301.599.7500 • [email protected] • • • •
Scaffold Resource LLC (Temple Hills) • George Vincent • 301.924.7223 • [email protected] • • •
OPCMIA (Landover) • James Lee • 202.251.5328 • [email protected] •
Approved Equipment (Forestville) • John Parkerson • 301.736.0085 • [email protected] • • •
Brock Group (Elkridge) • Mike Simonsen • 443.737.1012 • [email protected] • • • •
Massachusetts
National Elevator Industry Educational Program (Attleboro Falls) • Lester White • 508.699.2200 • [email protected] • • • •
Tractel (Norwood) • Cliff Theve • 781.401.3288 • [email protected] • • •
Lynn Ladder & Scaffolding (Lynn) • Alan Kline • 800.225.2510 • [email protected] • • • •
Harsco Infrastructure Americas (Medford) • Bill Halkovitch • 781.396.3727 • [email protected] • •
Michigan FRG Corp. (Monroe) • Bernard Brewer • 734.457.9131 • [email protected] • • • •
MinnesotaInfinity Scaffold Inc. (St. Paul) • Mike Erlandsen • 651.646.4525 • [email protected] • • • • •
Scaffold Services Inc. (St. Paul) • Micki Hentges • 651.646.4600 • [email protected] • • • •
Montana Environmental Contractors (Billings) • Ben Wagner • 406.652.6337 • [email protected] • • • •
Nebraska Midwest Scaffold (Omaha) • Tim Weber • 402.597.9100 • [email protected] • • • • •
NevadaNevada Scaffold Rental & Sales (Las Vegas) • Jerry Peck • 702.262.9197 • [email protected] • • •
Leonardo Campos (Las Vegas) • Leonardo Campos • 702.624.2970 • [email protected] • • • •
neW
neW
New Hampshire Seacoast Scaffold & Equipment (Concord) • Mark Harless • 888.701.1119 • [email protected] • • •
New Jersey R & R Scaffolding Ltd. (Moonachie) • Christer Hogne • 201.438.3020 • [email protected] • • •
New Mexico Territorial Scaffold Inc. (Albuquerque) • Sean Johnson • 505.242.1892 • [email protected] • • • • •
New York Tri-City Scaffold Inc. (Delanson) • John James • 518.895.2587 • [email protected] • • • •
North CarolinaBrewer Equipment Co. (Greensboro) • Tom Brewer • 336.292.6737 • [email protected] • • • •
The Scaffolding & Fall Protection Training Institute • James Bruce • 919.749.4937 • [email protected] • • • • •
Oregon Waco Scaffolding (Portland) • Daryl Hare • 503.232.9226 • [email protected] • • • •
PennsylvaniaSafety Hawk Compliance Service (Glenside) • James Marasco • 610.513.1900 • [email protected] • • • • •
Universal Manufacturing Corp. (Zelienople) • Chris Lindquist • 724.452.3100 • [email protected] • • • •
Tennessee EZ Scaffold (Columbia) • James Hinton • 931.381.7157 • [email protected] • • • • •
Texas
John R. Jordan - Consultant (San Antonio) • John Jordan • 830.980.7244 • [email protected] • • • •
Big City Access (Houston) • Barbara Roberts • 713.690.1032 • [email protected] • • • • • •
Brock Group (La Porte) • David Coleman • 888.253.9235 • [email protected] • • • •
Virginia Anchor Scaffolding & Ladder Co. (Chesapeake) • Vinny Culcasi • 757.545.2800 • [email protected] •
Washington Elevator LLC (Seattle) • Joe Aujay • 415.798.0021 • [email protected] • • •
WisconsinBird Scaffolding Rentals (Milwaukee) • Charles Cain • 414.645.8502 • [email protected] • • • •
Central Wisconsin Window Cleaning (Wautoma) • Jeff Ausprung • 920.229.9667 • [email protected] • • • • •
INTERNATIONAL
CANADA
Alberta
CLAC (Edmonton) • Frank Zee • 780.454.6181 • [email protected] • • • • •
Pinnacle Scaffold Training (Red Deer) • Geoff Lagoutte • 403.358.6948 • [email protected] • • • • • •
Skyway Canada Ltd. (Edmonton) • Trevor Haisan • 780.413.8007 • [email protected] • • • • • • •
Summit Swingstage (Sherwood Park) • Blake McGrath • 780.406.2099 •
Quinn Contracting Ltd. (Blackfalds) • Rick Beaulieu • 403.885.8906 • [email protected] • • • • • •
Critical Safety (Calgary) • Stewart VanDyke • 403.291.2293 • [email protected] • • • •
Urban Scaffolding Ltd. (Edmonton) • Wendy Larison • 780.452.5950 • [email protected] •
Link Scaffold (Edmonton) • Johnny Simoes • 780.449.6111 • [email protected] • • • • • •
Standard Scaffold Inc. (Sherwood Park) • Jon Hokanson • 780.278.4304 • [email protected] • • • • • •
J.V. Driver University (Leduc) • Brian Delman • 780.612.2269 • [email protected] • • • • • •
OntarioEtobicoke Ironworks Ltd. (Weston) • John Brasil • 416.742.7111 • [email protected] •
Dunn-Wright Engineering Inc. (Alliston) • John Rosenthal • 705.435.1890 • [email protected] • • • • • • •
Newfoundland Hightek Fall Protection (St. John’s) • Stephen Pike • 709.682.2104 • [email protected] • • • •
PERU Climber S.A.C. (Lima) • Grocio Paredes Maibach • 511.715.8666 • [email protected] • • • • •
THAILAND Marine & Shore Group (Leamchabong) • Sangthong Lapaphan • (+66) 38493897 • [email protected] • • • •
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Scaffold Man T&T (Longdenville) • Sean Nedd • 868.678.7155 • [email protected] • • • • • •
COLOMBIACimbra & M S.A.S. (Bogota) • Carolina Osorio • 00.571.6603579 • [email protected] • • •
SAMM Colombia S.A.S. (Bogota) • Martha Rojas • 00.571.2866199 • [email protected] • • •
MEXICO Andamios Atlas, S.A. de C.V. (Mexico City) • Jorge Larrea • (+5255) 5093.5621 • [email protected] • • •
UAE Gulf Test Safety Consultancies (Dubai) • Anees Ahamed Kagalkar • 00971.4.2734038 • [email protected] • • • •
URUGUAY Andamios Tubulares - Atenko (Montevideo) • Gerardo Silva • 00542.2222.2121 • [email protected] • • • •
Supported Scaffolds
Suspended Scaffolds
Primary Access (PAT)
Journeyman Scaffolder Challenge Program
User Hazard Awareness
Competent Person (CPT)
Scaffold Erector Apprenticeship
Mast Clim
ber Operator
REV 12–14–11
40 • january 2012
Industry Mourns Loss of Kenny YamamotoThe Scaffold and Access Industry Association sends condolences to the family of Kenny Yamamoto, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 29 of a heart attack at his home. Yamamoto joined Nihon Bisoh (Tokyo) in Japan in 1996 after working in New York for a popular camera magazine. Yamamoto became the face of the company to many in the industry. He worked on the Zmac project with Spider Staging (Seattle) and then the introduction of Bisomac 210 in the United States with Bee Access Products (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and in Europe with Altrex (Zwolle, the Netherlands).
Yamamoto patiently and proudly represented Nihon Bisoh’s hoist and was rewarded with successful distribution in the United States, Canada and Europe. He also brought ideas and products from his many trips back to Japan. In fact, he brought Altrex to Nihon Bisoh’s rental operations throughout Japan.
Yamamoto is survived by his wife, Megumi; daughter, Haruna; and son, Ryoichi.•
Klimer Platforms Acquires Valco ScaffoldKlimer Platforms Inc. (Milton, Ontario, Canada) confirmed last month that it had acquired Valco Scaffold (Canton, Ohio) last May. Valco Scaffold is now operating under the name of Klimer Platforms Ltd. Klimer is maintaining
Valco’s Ohio and North Carolina operations, along with keeping key management and staff the same.
Valco will continue to sell and support existing product lines with the addition
of a full range of Klimer mast-climbing and transport-platform products.
Klimer previously worked with Valco as a distributor for Klimer’s mast-climbing work platforms.•
United Rentals Purchases RSCUnited Rentals Inc. (Greenwich, Conn.), the world’s largest equipment rental company, has agreed to buy rival equipment rental company RSC Holdings Inc. (Scottsdale, Ariz.) for about $1.9 billion in cash and stock. RSC services the industrial, maintenance and nonresidential construction markets; United serves construction and industrial customers, utilities and municipalities, among others.
United said it expected the deal to accelerate its growth with industrial customers, lower costs and provide a less volatile revenue stream. It said it had already identified $200 million in potential cost savings. The deal was approved by both companies’ boards and was expected to be completed in the first six months of 2012, though it is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approval and clearance of any antitrust hurdles.•
Sky Man Wins Belgian Railway Station BidSky Man International (Boom, Belgium) has been awarded the contract to supply the building-maintenance unit (BMU) installations for the renovation of the Railway Station of Gent Sint-Pieters, the main railway station in Ghent, Belgium. Infrabel, the Belgian railway infrastructure manager, is investing about €40 million (nearly $54 million) in refurbishing the station and its surroundings.
The project will include extending existing platforms using new construction techniques that won’t disrupt rail traffic and will allow the station to remain operational.
Sky Man will design, manufacture and install the full scope of the project, which will consist of climbing monorail systems, a roof trolley, permanent powered platforms, traveling ladders and life-line systems. The project is expected to be completed by 2015.•
industry briefs
Kenny Yamamoto
scaffold & access • 41
New Members
Branch Memberships
Vertical Access Ltd.Darcy Silverthorn244033 – Range Rd., No. 31Calgary, AlbertaT3Z 3L8Canada(403) 242-6776
Haag Engineering Co.Anthony Bond625 Industrial Blvd.Sugar Land, TX 77478(281) 313-9700
JNJ Installations LLCJohn Cavelli74 Figurea Ave.New York, NY 10312(347) 308-2653
Modern Lumber Technology Ltd.Roman Chechulin14 Bolshaya Morskaya St.St. PetersburgRussia+7-921-300-7600
Midwest Scaffold Service Joe Kinzie3975 E. 56 Ave.Commerce City, CO 80022(303) 382-5000
Safway Partners With Brazilian Firm to Expand Reach in South AmericaIn an effort to grow business internationally and expand in Brazil’s burgeoning market, Safway Services LLC (Waukesha, Wis.) announced an agreement with Mecan, the largest producer and renter of scaffold in Brazil. Mecan will manufacture and distribute Safway’s QuikDeck
Suspended Access System in Brazil and in other parts of South America.
The newly signed agreement gives Safway access to Brazil’s rapidly developing offshore market, in addition to its commercial and industrial markets.
Mecan is one of 10 companies that is part of the Grupo Orguel Corp., a firm that services the commercial and industrial markets. Grupo Orguel has been in business for more than 40 years, and the Mecan Co. is involved in manufacturing, distribution, rental and installation of scaffold.•
U.K. Association Scrutinizes Scaffold PermitsThe United Kingdom’s National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) recently issued a report that was highly critical of the country’s standard for issuing local scaffold permits.
The association said “rogue” scaffolders were common in the country despite tough European regulations and standards and the requirement of a “pavement” [sidewalk] license from local/public authorities when scaffolds were built on sidewalks or streets.
The NASC developed the survey to determine with what criteria authorities expected scaffold companies to comply when erecting scaffold in these locations.
The survey revealed that almost every authority adopted different criteria. Some were as minimal as requiring only evidence of adequate insurance. Many did not require any proof of competence in scaffold construction or efforts of protecting the public during erection or dismantling. Many also did not mandate any safety equipment.
Some authorities did request some evidence of competence, but almost all of those surveyed—more than 50—failed to meet legal requirements, such as the Health Safety at Work Act 1974, Working at Height Regulations 2005 and the Construction Design Management Regulations 2007.
As a result of the findings, the NASC has developed and distributed detailed criteria and guidance to every authority in the UK to help them demand a consistent standard for scaffolding companies to comply with industry best practice and legal requirements.
The document can be viewed and downloaded from the NASC’s website www.nasc.org.uk.•
industry briefs
42 • january 2012
new equipment
Scanclimber Mast-Climbing Work Platform Sc8000
Scanclimber (Pirkkala, Finland) recently introduced its Model SC8000 mast-climbing work platform. Features of the unit include:
Flexible modular design. Users can customize the units with interchangeable main components, such as a wheeled chassis, mini chassis and mast sections.
Up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) of lifting height with heavy duty rack-and-pinion mechanism. Masts connect via 4-foot, 1-inch (1.25-meter), hot-dip galvanized sections with bolted joints and a square profile.
Drive unit with two 4.6-kW motors running on 30-amp power supply. Weighing 850 pounds (385 kilograms), the drive unit incorporates a secondary support frame attached to the top of the drive unit.
Extreme deck length—more than 150 feet (46 meters) with twin masts. Deck modules are available in lengths of 1 foot, 8 inches (0.5 meters); 2 foot, 7 inches (0.8 m); or 5 foot, 3 inches (1.6 m). In single-mast arrangements, the work platform can be up to 55 feet (16.9 meters) long with a payload of 6,100 lbs (2,800 kilograms). Twin-mast
configurations can reach a platform length of 151 feet, 6 inches (46.2 meters), with a payload of 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms).
Extreme loading capacity—up to 17,600 pounds (8,000 kilograms) with twin masts. The maximum-loading capacity for single-mast arrangements is 9,900 pounds (4,500 kilograms) and 17,600 pounds (8,000 kilograms) for a 51-foot, 10-inch (15.8-meter)-long twin-mast arrangement. High-strength, lightweight, tubular-steel handrail modules allow any angle of extension.
Standard weather protection system to shield workers and work in progress from weather extremes.
For more information on the Model SC8000, visit www.scanclimber.com.•
MOVEABLE CUP-LOCK COUPLER CLAMP • Allows the erectors to set the scaffold deck exactly where it needs
to be eliminating all the unnecessary reaching, stooping, and over-extending – conditions that not only can lead to injuries, but also slow productivity and cost man hours
• Allows the erectors to set handrails and knee-rails in the location required by OSHA, using your own bars
• Allows knee-outs to be set at the required deck heights
• Allows erectors to use their own gating systems
• Allows erectors to build stair towers at required elevation
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SIMPLE SCAFFOLD
scaffold & access • 43
international update
South America Making StridesSome South American countries are considered to be emerging economies and are beginning to be important for foreign investment. A visible reflection of their development is the sustained growth of the industry and construction, which is forcing them to improve their productivity. Projects that were unthinkable 10 years ago are now real and require solutions with complete access that is different than those methods traditionally used in the past. However, what are the regulations used for the different types of scaffolding in South American countries?
Currently, these countries are drafting their first laws and regulations, but the lack of knowledge on scaffolding prevents these regulations from being consistent. As a result, in many cases, individuals are making foolish and unsafe decisions.
Many people believe that only system scaffolds are safe for use and disregard the use of frame scaffolds. Some even want frame scaffolds to be banned. On the other hand, we see absurdities in
the use of suspended scaffolds, such as the use of table platforms with ropes and pulleys and no safety devices, as well as extremely heavy platforms and 100-percent steel anchors. These situations can be very dangerous, because so few understand the importance of necessary safety factors, such as steel cables in suspension systems and the calculation of balances in support systems.
Many users experience major confusion when switching between equipment that complies with the American versus European regulations. Few understand the differences (such as the use of double cable/rope, safety factors, etc.). In many cases, the equipment suppliers regulate the job sites, not government entities.
Today, we don’t have good enough levels of safety. Only industries such as mining or oil and gas follow American and European safety standards. But it is time to consolidate standards to have the same criteria for all areas of business and allow all involved to have the opportunity to learn in a responsible manner.
Members of the Scaffold and Access Industry Association and its ATIs in South America are doing an important job. More than ever, those doing business in South America need the association’s support in developing a complete training program in Spanish that will allow businesses to offer courses and promote the American OSHA standards. The result, no doubt, will be favorable
for future business between the United States and these countries and contribute to saving lives.
About the author Grocio Paredes is with Climber S.A.C. (Lima, Peru). Contact him at [email protected].•
Safety efforts are inconsistent but improving By Grocio Paredes
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Many users experience major confusion when switching
between equipment that complies with the American
versus European regulations. Few understand the differences.
44 • january 2012
SAIA Member Educates Arizona Boom-Lift UsersJeff Stachowiak, director of safety training at Sunbelt Rentals Inc. (St. Johns, Fla.), presented a seminar on the topic of “How to Prevent a Catapult Event in a Boom Lift” to about 100 attendees in Tucson, Ariz., last November. The hour-long presentation included a discussion on problems within Arizona regarding
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) interpretation letter of January 2009, which OSHA rescinded last August.
Stachowiak provided the “best practices” industry document to all attendees, and a link from which they could download
additional copies from the Scaffold and Access Industry Association’s website, as well as a copy of the presentation.
The session was followed by a question-and-answer period and comments from attendees about the positive benefits the event had provided to them.•
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SIA 2011_SIA directory v5.qxd 11-01-12 10:44 PM Page 1
CTI Approves SAIA Technical PaperThe Cooling Technology Institute (CTI) recently approved the submission of a technical paper by the Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) for presentation at its 2012 CTI Annual Conference, Feb. 5-9 in Houston. SAIA Mast Climber Council Chair Kevin O’Shea will present the paper, which
will focus on the use of mast-climbing work platforms and the benefits of this popular method of access in the demolition and repair of cooling towers and stacks throughout the United States. O’Shea’s presentation will be on Tuesday, Feb. 7. For details on attending, visit www.cti.org/meeting.shtml.•
scaffold & access • 45
This Month in SAIA History
saIa anniversary
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Forming Accessories
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877-890-8490www.stvaonline.com • [email protected]
Hablanos Espanol˜
In honor of SAIA’s 40th anniversary this year, Scaffold & Access magazine will include tidbits of historical events from the association’s past in each issue of the magazine during 2012.
1986: Question raised at Board Meeting about plaintiffs’ expert witnesses attending meetings; matter is referred to Executive Committee.
1987: Motion passes to make warning labels available to members.
1990: Two new awards are introduced: Council Chair and Hall of Fame.
1991: P.I. Council reports on intention to develop liaison with International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).
1997: SIA opens its wholly owned claims-management company, International Managers Inc.
1997: SIA begins reviewing new OSHA standards regulating construction/use of scaffolds.
1998: Suspended Scaffolds Council announces more than 2,500 students trained since 1990.
1998: Technical Council name changed to Supported Scaffolds Council.
2002: Association offers Scaffold Survival Kit.
2005: SIA reps meet with OSHA to lay foundation to form SIA/OSHA alliance.
2006: SIA announces six chapters had formed to date as part of reorganization of regions and chapters.
2007: Application on file with Department of Labor to form alliance with OSHA awaiting DoL personnel changes.
2008: SIA officially exits the insurance business.•
46 • january 2012
Coming in FebruaryLook for articles in the next issue of Scaffold and Access on:
For details, or to submit an article of your own, contact Gina Kellogg at [email protected].
For advertising specials, contact Bryon Bowman at [email protected].
• Planks and platforms
• Fall protection
• SWRInstitute 2012 Winter Technical Meeting Preview
January 2012 Advertisers Index
SAIA 2012 Committee WeekFeb. 18–22Weston, Fla.
SAIA 2012 40th Anniversary Convention and ExpositionJuly 15–18Huntington Beach, Calif.
SAIA Events
Industry Events
Access Innovators ..........................................................37(770) 396-2100, www.accessinnovators.com
Bee Access .......................................................................25(561) 616-9003, www.beeaccess.com
Beta Max Hoist ................................................................13(800) 644-6478, www.betamaxhoist.com
D H Glabe and Associates ............................................15(303) 301-2646, www.glabe.com
Direct Scaffold Supply .....................Inside Front Cover(800) 720-6629, www.directscaffoldsupply.com
Eagle Enclosures .............................................................. 5(888) 692-2490, www.eagleencl.com
Etobicoke .........................................................................21(416) 742-7111, www.eiw.ca
Geda USA ........................................................................... 3(866) 973-4332, www.geda.us
Hydro-Mobile .................................................................... 7(888) 484-9376, www.hydro-mobile.com
Klimer ...............................................................................11(888) 526-3262, www.klimer.com
Layher ...............................................................................31(713) 947-1444, www.layherusa.com
MDM Scaffolding Services ...........................................42(800) 339-2390, www.mdmscaffolding.com
Safway ..............................................................................47www.safway.com
Scaffolding Today ..........................................................35(866) 318-7900, www.scaffoldingtoday.com
Simple Scaffold ..............................................................42(888) 442-8889, www.simplescaffold.com
StepUp ................................................................................ 9(888) StepUp-1, www.stepupscaffold.com
Strong Man Building Products .................... Back Cover(800) 950-6999, www.strongman.com
STVA Scaffold and Shoring ..........................................45(877) 890-8490, www.stvascaffold.com
Tractel ...............................................................................44www.tractel.com
Winsafe Corp. .................................................................43(905) 474-9340, www.winsafe.com
World of Concrete .........................................................27www.worldofconcrete.com
World of Concrete 2012 Jan. 24–27 Las Vegas
International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) Educational Forum & Showcase Feb. 2–4 New Orleans
Association of Builders & Contractors—EdCon Expo April 24–26 San Antonio
CSVA—Collegiate Sports Video Expo May 14–18 Indianapolis
USA Nuclear Generator & Supplier Executive Conference June 12–15 Colorado Springs, Colo.
SWRI Fall Tech Sept. 30–Oct. 2 Seattle
Please register at www.saiaonline.org or contact headquarters at 816.595.4860 for more information.
Ad4C_SIA-75thAnniversary_02-11.indd 1 2/4/2011 4:11:40 PM
