Subsection 4: Characteristics and specific conditions of use of different categories of work equipment

Scaffolding may only be erected, dismantled or significantly altered under the supervision of a competent person and by workers who have received appropriate training specific to the operations envisaged. The content of this training is specified in articles R. 4141-13 and R. 4141-17. It includes, in particular: 1° Understanding the plan for erecting, dismantling or converting scaffolding; 2° Safety when erecting, dismantling or converting scaffolding; 3° Measures to prevent the…

The person supervising the erection, dismantling or alteration of a scaffold and the workers taking part have at their disposal the manufacturer’s instructions or the erection and dismantling plan, including any instructions they may contain. Where the scaffolding is erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it is erected in accordance with the calculation note referred to in those instructions. Where this calculation note is not available or the structural…

Appropriate protection against the risk of falls from a height and the risk of falling objects must be provided before access to any level of scaffolding during its assembly, dismantling or conversion.

The materials of which scaffolding components are made are of a strength and resistance appropriate to their use. Assemblies are made safely, using compatible components of the same origin and under the conditions for which they have been tested. These components are checked to ensure that they are in good condition before any scaffolding is erected.

The stability of the scaffolding must be ensured. All scaffolding shall be constructed and installed in such a way as to prevent, during use, the displacement of any of its constituent parts in relation to the whole.

Fixed scaffolding is constructed and installed in such a way as to withstand the forces to which it is subjected and to resist stresses resulting from atmospheric conditions, particularly the effects of wind. They are anchored or moored to any point offering sufficient strength or protected against the risk of slipping and tipping by any other means of equivalent effectiveness. The load-bearing surface has sufficient strength to resist any subsidence.

Rolling scaffolds must be prevented from moving or tipping over accidentally during assembly, dismantling and use by means of appropriate devices. No worker shall remain on a mobile scaffold when it is being moved.

The load-bearing capacity of a scaffold is clearly marked on the scaffold and on each of its decks.

Scaffolding is fitted on the outside with collective protection devices as provided for in Article R. 4323-59.

The dimensions, shape and arrangement of scaffolding decks are appropriate to the nature of the work to be carried out and to the loads to be supported. They allow safe working and movement. Scaffolding decks are assembled in such a way that their components cannot move during use. There must be no gap of more than 20 centimetres between the edge of the decks and the structure or equipment against…