FactSheet

Narrow Frame Scaffolds

Narrow frame scaffolds, also known as Baker/Perry style scaffolds, are among 

the most popular pieces of construction equipment. Due to their versatility many 

contractors use them instead of ladders because they allow workers to maintain their 

balance and work more easily from the platform.

What is a narrow frame scaffold?

A narrow frame scaffold has wheels and is 

often used as a mobile scaffold with the end 

frame measuring 3 feet or less in width. (See 

Fig. 1.) Designed to be easily moved, they are 

used for operations such as painting, drywall 

installation, plastering, and other jobs where 

workers must frequently change position. 

Scaffolds can be adapted to stairs, ramps, and 

other uneven surfaces. 

In some instances scaffolds may be a better and 

safer choice than ladders.

Minimizing hazards

Some of the hazards associated with narrow 

frame scaffolds, can lead to personal injury or 

death; they include:

•	 Falls from an elevated level

•	 Tip-overs

•	 Electric shocks 

•	 Structural failures (collapse)

Training workers in scaffold safety

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 

employers are responsible for providing a safe 

workplace.

All training must be conducted in a manner and 

language which the worker is able to understand.

•	 Only trained and authorized persons should 

be allowed to use a scaffold. This training 

must be provided by a qualified person 

who recognizes the hazards associated with 

the type of scaffold being used and who 

understands the procedures to control or 

minimize those hazards. Training must include 

how to safely: 

− Use the scaffold and determine the 

maximum load limits when handling 

materials.

− Recognize and avoid scaffolding hazards 

such as electric shock, falls from heights, 

and being hit by falling objects.

− Erect, inspect, move, operate, maintain, and 

repair scaffolds.

For more information on scaffolding, see OSHA’s 

Safety and Health Topics page at www.osha.gov/

SLTC/scaffolding.

Top rail

Locking

wheels

Outrigger

Midrail

Toe board

Fabricated

end frame

with access

ladder

Figure 1
Scaffold Safety

Employers must ensure the following:

•	 Follow the manufacturer’s allowable load 

for the casters, scaffold components and 

platforms, along with recommended bracing to 

ensure a rigid and structurally sound scaffold.

•	 Assess the work area, site conditions, and 

work to be performed.

•	 Conduct a pre-operation inspection to verify 

that all scaffold components are functioning 

properly and/or are correctly assembled.

•	 Keep the platform free from tripping hazards 

such as hand tools, equipment, or materials.

•	 Lock scaffold wheels with positive wheel 

and/or wheel and swivel locks to prevent 

movement while in use.

•	 Use guardrails which include top rails, midrails, and toe boards, or fall protection at 

working platform heights of 10 feet or higher.

•	 Stay at least 10 feet away from energized 

power lines. 

•	 If outriggers are installed, deploy installed 

outriggers on both sides of the scaffold. All 

locking pins must be engaged before using 

the scaffold.

Employers must ensure that workers 

have been effectively trained in the 

following:

•	 Not to stand on the guardrail or use any 

components of the scaffold or other items 

(e.g., stepladders, buckets, boxes, barrels, 

etc.) inside the scaffold to gain additional 

standing height.

•	 Not to try to pull yourself from one location to 

another while standing on the platform.

•	 Not to use a scaffold if it is incomplete, 

broken or has missing or ill-fitting parts which 

need replacement. Contact your employer 

immediately.

•	 Not to move the scaffold with worker(s) on the 

scaffold when:

− The worker(s) on the scaffold is unaware 

of the move and/or the surface under the 

scaffold is not within 3 degrees of level and 

free of pits, holes or obstructions.

− The worker is on any part of the scaffold 

which extends outward beyond the wheels, 

casters, or other supports.

− Manual force is not being applied as close to 

the base as practicable. Manual force must 

be applied not more than 5 feet above the 

supporting surface (1926.452(w)(3)).

− The height to base width ratio of the scaffold 

during movement is greater than 2 to 1, unless 

the scaffold is designed and constructed to 

meet or exceed nationally recognized stability 

test requirements (such as ANSI/SIA A92.5 

and A92.6) (1926.452(w)(6)(ii)).

Retraining

Employers must retrain employees when 

inadequacies are observed, changes in worksite 

conditions occur or when it is believed that 

an employee lacks the skill or understanding 

needed for safe work involving the erection, use 

or dismantling of the scaffold.

DOC FS-3722 04/2014

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. 

It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance 

requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone 

is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.