What is the standard height requirement for guardrails on a scaffold?

Guardrails must be provided at a height between 900 mm and 1050 mm above the working platform.

What is the minimum required height for toe boards?

Toe boards must be at least 150 mm high to effectively prevent tools and materials from falling off the platform.

How frequently should a scaffold be inspected?

A scaffold must be inspected by a competent person before its first use, at least once a week thereafter, and following any severe weather or structural alteration.

What is the minimum platform width for storing materials?

When a platform is used for both personnel and material storage, the minimum width must be 600 mm.

IS 3696 Part 1

: 1987

Safety rules for scaffolds: Part 1 General requirements

CurrentEssentialSafety CodeGeneral · Construction Safety and Practices

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This standard prescribes the general safety requirements for the erection, use, dismantling, and maintenance of temporary scaffolds at construction sites. It specifies dimensional guidelines, load classifications, and mandatory safety features like guardrails and toe boards to prevent falls and structural failures.

Lays down general safety rules for the construction, erection, maintenance, and use of scaffolds.

Quick Reference Values

Guardrail height900 mm to 1050 mm above platform

Toe board minimum height150 mm

Minimum width of working platform (men only)425 mm

Minimum width of working platform (men and materials)600 mm

Light duty scaffold safe working load1.5 kN/m2

General purpose scaffold safe working load2.0 kN/m2

Heavy duty scaffold safe working load2.5 kN/m2 and above

Practical Notes

Always ensure scaffolds are erected, altered, or dismantled only under the supervision of a competent person.

Do not use cross-bracing as a ladder or primary means of access to the platform.

Scaffolds built on unpaved soil must use proper base plates and mudsills to distribute loads and prevent settling.