FactSheet

Tube and Coupler Scaffolds — 

Erection and Use

Workers building scaffolds risk serious injury from falls and tip-overs, being struck by 

falling tools and other hazards, and electrocution from energized power lines. Before 

starting any scaffold project, the employer should conduct a hazard assessment to 

ensure the safety of workers. 

A tube and coupler scaffold has a platform(s) 

supported by tubing, and is erected with 

coupling devices connecting uprights, braces, 

bearers, and runners (see Fig. 1). Due to their 

strength, these scaffolds are frequently used 

where heavy loads need to be carried, or where 

multiple platforms must reach several stories 

high. These scaffolds can be assembled in 

multiple directions, making them the preferred 

option for work surfaces with irregular 

dimensions and/or contours. 

When Erecting a Scaffold

•	 Use footings that are level, sound, rigid 

and capable of supporting the load without 

settlement or displacement.

•	 Plumb and brace poles, legs, posts, frames, 

and uprights to prevent swaying and 

displacement.

•	 Position the first level of bracing as close to 

the base as possible. 

•	 Plumb and level the scaffold as it is being 

erected.

•	 Fasten all couplers and/or connections 

securely before assembling the next level.

•	 Install guys, ties, and braces according to the 

manufacturer’s recommendations.

•	 Do not intermix scaffold components from 

different manufacturers, unless you can do 

so while maintaining the scaffold’s structural 

integrity.

•	 When platform units are abutted together to 

create a long platform, each abutted end must 

rest on a separate support surface.

•	 Once erected, provide toeboards on all railed 

sides to prevent falling object hazards.

When Using a Scaffold

•	 Make sure that a competent person inspects 

the scaffold before each work shift.

•	 If during the inspection a defect or damage to 

the scaffold is discovered, the scaffold must be 

tagged out and not used until repairs are made. 

Attach tags at the access point to the scaffold.

One common tagging system uses the 

following tags:

Red tag indicates: unsafe, do not use.

Green tag indicates: ready to use.

•	 Use scaffolds according to the manufacturer’s 

instructions.

•	 Never load a scaffold beyond its maximum 

intended load or rated capacity.

•	 Do not use makeshift methods to increase the 

working height of the scaffold platform, such 

as with ladders, buckets or blocks. 

Figure 1: Tube and Coupler Scaffold
•	 Employees must not work on platforms covered 

with snow, ice, or other slippery material.

•	 The employer must provide suitable access 

to and between scaffolds, such as portable 

ladders, hook-on ladders, attachable ladders 

and stairway-type ladders.

When Dismantling a Scaffold

Check to ensure that the scaffold has not been 

structurally altered in a way which would 

make it unsafe. Before beginning dismantling 

procedures, reconstruct and/or stabilize the 

scaffold as necessary.

Training Workers

Only trained and authorized persons should be 

allowed to use a scaffold. This training must be 

provided by a qualified person who understands 

the hazards associated with the type of scaffold 

being used and who knows the procedures to 

control or minimize those hazards. Training must 

include how to safely:

•	 Use the scaffold, handle materials on 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, maintain and disassemble fall and 

falling object protection systems.

Erectors and dismantlers of tube and coupler 

scaffolds are at particular risk because their work 

starts before ladders, guardrails and platforms 

are completely installed. These workers must 

also be trained to: 

•	 Recognize scaffold hazards.

•	 Properly erect, move, operate, repair, inspect, 

maintain and disassemble the scaffold;

•	 Identify the maximum load-carrying capacity 

and intended use of the scaffold.

Employers should train workers on the following 

safety factors:

•	 The shape and structure of the building to 

be scaffolded.

•	 Distinctive site conditions and any special 

features of the building structure in relation to 

the scaffold (i.e., overhead electric power lines 

or storage tanks). Also consider the proximity 

and condition of surrounding buildings.

•	 Weather and environmental conditions.

•	 Fall protection requirements for workers 

using scaffolds, such as guardrail systems or 

personal fall arrest systems.

•	 The type and amount of scaffold equipment 

needed to access all areas to be worked on.

•	 Proper storage and transporting of scaffolding 

components, materials and equipment. 

•	 How to access the scaffold, (i.e., via ladders, 

stair rail systems, etc.).

Workers building scaffolds risk serious injury 

from falls and tip-overs, being struck by falling 

tools and other hazards, and electrocution from 

energized power lines.

To avoid scaffold hazards, employers must:

•	 Ensure that a competent person supervises 

and directs workers erecting, moving, 

dismantling, or altering a scaffold.

•	 Provide a safe means of access for each worker 

erecting or dismantling the scaffold. As early as 

possible, install hook-on or attachable ladders. 

•	 Ensure that workers do not climb diagonal 

braces to reach the scaffold platform.

•	 Provide fall protection for workers erecting or 

dismantling the scaffold.

•	 Secure scaffolds to the structure during 

erection and dismantling.

For more information on scaffolding, see OSHA’s 

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

SLTC/scaffolding.

Contact OSHA

For more information, to report an emergency, 

fatality or catastrophe, to order publications, 

to file a confidential complaint, or to request 

OSHA’s free on-site consultation service, contact 

your nearest OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov, 

or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 

1-877-889-5627.
DOC FS-3759 11/2014

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: 1-877-889-5627.

Worker Rights

Workers have the right to:

•	 Working conditions that do not pose a risk of 

serious harm. 

•	 Receive information and training (in a 

language and vocabulary the worker 

understands) about workplace hazards, 

methods to prevent them, and the OSHA 

standards that apply to their workplace. 

•	 Review records of work-related injuries and 

illnesses. 

•	 File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their 

workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard 

or that their employer is not following OSHA’s 

rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.

•	 Exercise their rights under the law without 

retaliation, including reporting an injury 

or raising health and safety concerns with 

their employer or OSHA. If a worker has 

been retaliated against for using their rights, 

they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon 

as possible, but no later than 30 days. 

For more information, see OSHA’s Workers page.