Code of Practice for Steel Tubular Scaffolding, Part II: Safety Regulations for Scaffolding

IS 4014 Part 2 - Scope Summary

• Scope: This part guides the construction and use of tubular scaffolding for construction, maintenance, repair, and demolition. It covers scaffolds enabling access for persons and materials.

• Purpose: To ensure safe, standardized scaffolding practices using tubular steel, suitable for various work environments.

• Rounding Off: Test results must be rounded as per IS 2-1960, maintaining the same number of significant digits as specified.

• Additional Requirements:

  • When scaffolding over traffic areas (pavements, streets), side protection (timber planks, tarpaulin, cloth, roofing sheets) is required to prevent dust/mortar disturbance.
  • For non-traffic areas (e.g., gables not above traffic), simple blocking is sufficient.

Key Points (No specific formulas or tables in scope clause)

flowchart TD
    A[Worksite] --> B[Scaffold Construction]
    B --> C{Location}
    C -->|Above Traffic| D[Side Protection Required]
    C -->|Non-Traffic| E[Blocking Sufficient]
    D --> F[Use Timber/Cloth/Tarpaulin]
    E --> G[Simple Block Ways]

For detailed structural design, load calculations, and component specifications, refer to other clauses/parts of IS 4014.

IS 4014 Part 2: General Safety Requirements for Steel Tubular Scaffolding

This part focuses on safety regulations ensuring scaffold stability, worker protection, and safe usage.

Key Safety Specifications:

• Load Capacity: Scaffolds must safely carry 1.5 times the maximum intended load.
• Platform Width: Minimum 450 mm clear working width.
• Guard Rails: Provide guard rails at 1.0 m height to prevent falls.
• Toe Boards: Minimum height 150 mm to prevent material fall.
• Foundation: Scaffold base must rest on firm, level ground or suitable base plates.
• Access: Safe ladders or stairways must be provided for scaffold access.
• Inspection: Scaffold must be inspected daily and after any alteration or severe weather.

Important Formulas:

• Safe Load (P_safe):
  [ P_{safe} = 1.5 \times P_{working} ] Where (P_{working}) = maximum working load.

• Spacing of Vertical Tubes: Typically 1.5 m centers to ensure stability.

Typical Safety Table (Excerpt):

graph TD
A[Scaffold Base] --> B[Vertical Tubes @ 1.5m c/c]
B --> C[Horizontal Tubes (Ledgers)]
C --> D[Platforms (≥450mm wide)]
D --> E[Guard Rails @ 1.0m]
D --> F[Toe Boards @ 150mm]

Summary: IS 4014 Part 2 mandates scaffold design with safety margins, proper dimensions, and regular inspections to ensure worker safety during construction activities.

IS 4014 Part 2: Supervision and Competency Key Points

1. Supervision Requirements (Clause 3.1)

• Scaffold erection, alteration, or dismantling must be done only under immediate supervision of a competent person.
• Competent person: Qualified and authorized safety engineer.
• Workmen must be experienced and competent in scaffolding tasks.

2. Material Inspection

• All scaffolding materials must be inspected by a competent person before use every time.

3. Competency Specifications

• Competent persons should have:
  • Adequate training in scaffold safety.
  • Knowledge of scaffold design and load-bearing capacity.
  • Authorization from site safety management.

4. Safety Provisions (Clause 2.1)

• Provide suitable and sufficient scaffolds for work not safely done from ground or ladders.
• Provide safe means of access to every working place.

Summary Table: Competency & Supervision

flowchart TD
    A[Scaffold Work] --> B{Is it erection/alteration/dismantling?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Immediate supervision by Competent Person]
    B -- No --> D[Standard supervision]
    C --> E[Use competent workmen]
    E --> F[Material inspection by Competent Person]
    F --> G[Safe scaffold & access provided]

Note: IS 4014 Part 2 emphasizes strict supervision and competency to ensure scaffold safety, minimizing accidents during construction activities.

IS 4014 Part 2: Scaffold Stability and Support – Key Points

Scaffold Support (Clause 7.6)

• Building parts as supports: Only sound, stable, and sufficiently strong parts of the building can be used.
• Prohibited supports: Overhanging eaves, gutters cannot be used unless specially designed as walkways with adequate strength.

Stability & Bracing (Clause 7.2)

• Scaffolds must be:
  • Securely supported or suspended.
  • Properly strutted or braced for stability.
  • Rigidly connected to the building unless independently designed.

Cantilever, Jib, Figure & Bracket Scaffolds (Clause 8.1)

• Must be:
  • Adequately supported, fixed, and anchored on the opposite side.
  • Equipped with outriggers of adequate length and cross-section.
  • Properly strutted/braced for rigidity and stability.

Typical Stability Checks & Formulas

Summary Diagram (Mermaid.js)

graph TD
  A[Scaffold] --> B[Support: Building/Independent]
  A --> C[Bracing & Strutting]
  A --> D[Cantilever/Jib Scaffold]
  D --> E[Outriggers]
  D --> F[Anchorage Opposite Side]
  B --> G[Sound & Stable Building Part]
  B --> H[No Gutters/Eaves unless Designed]

Note: Always verify outrigger sizing and anchorage capacity by structural calculations considering load, moment, and safety factors per IS 4014 guidelines.

IS 4014 Part 2: Prohibited Scaffold Types — Key Points

From the code clauses and common engineering practice:

Prohibited Scaffold Types and Conditions

• Use of Building Parts as Scaffold Support (Clause 7.6)

  • No scaffold shall rely on parts of a building unless:
    • The part is sound, stable, and strong enough to safely support the scaffold.
    • Overhanging eaves or gutters cannot be used unless specially designed for such loads.

• Figure or Bracket Scaffolds (Clause 9.4)

  • Scaffolds fixed by dogs, spikes, or similar fixings that may pull out from stone or brickwork are prohibited.
  • Such fixings pose a high risk of failure due to weak anchorage.

Summary Table: Prohibited Scaffold Types

Engineering Notes

• Always verify load capacity of supports per IS 456 or relevant standards.
• Use tube and coupler scaffolds or system scaffolds with proper anchorage.
• Avoid cantilever scaffolds unless designed by a qualified engineer.

flowchart TD
    A[Scaffold Support] --> B{Is support part of building?}
    B -- Yes --> C{Is it sound, stable, strong?}
    C -- No --> D[Prohibited Scaffold]
    C -- Yes --> E[Allowed Scaffold]
    B -- No --> E
    E --> F{Is scaffold fixed by dogs/spikes?}
    F -- Yes --> D
    F -- No --> G[Allowed Scaffold]

Always prioritize safety and compliance with IS 4014 Part 2 and related codes.

IS 4014 Part 2: Working Platforms and Stages Key Points

1. Platform Widths (Clause 10.1)

2. Special Case for Sloping Roofs (Clause 10.6)

• Temporary platforms between glazing bars can be minimum 500 mm wide if 700 mm is not possible.
• Only for work near glazing bars, not general use.

3. Platform Construction (Clause 10.1a)

• Platforms must be closely boarded, planked, or plated to prevent falls or material loss.

4. Bearer Support (Clause 8.2)

• Bearers let into walls must pass through and be securely fastened on the opposite side.
• Unsupported bearers on one end only are not allowed unless adequately strong.

Important Notes:

• No figure/bracket scaffolds fixed by dogs/spikes liable to pull out of masonry (Clause 9.4).
• Working platforms from which a fall >2 m is possible must comply with above widths and construction.

flowchart TD
    A[Working Platform] --> B{Usage Type}
    B --> C[Footing only: 700 mm]
    B --> D[Material deposit: 900 mm]
    B --> E[Support higher platform: 1100 mm]
    B --> F[Stone dressing: 1300 mm]
    B --> G[Support + Stone dressing: 1500 mm]
    A --> H[Closely boarded/planked/plated]
    A --> I[Bearer support: pass through wall & fastened]

This summary ensures safe, stable, and code-compliant working platforms per IS 4014 Part 2.

IS 4014 Part 2 (1967) - Guard-Rails, Toe-Boards, Hand-Rails Key Specs

1. Guard-Rails

• Height: 900 mm to 1200 mm above platform, gangway, ramp, or stair.
• Required on any side where a fall > 2 m is possible.
• Must be of adequate strength to prevent falls.

2. Toe-Boards

• Height:
  • Platforms: minimum 150 mm.
  • Gangways/ramps (except stairs): minimum 200 mm.
• Placement: On the inside of uprights.
• Maximum gap between toe-board and lowest guard-rail:
  • Platforms: 750 mm (Clause 12.2)
  • Gangways/ramps: 700 mm (Clause 15.2)

3. Spacing & Arrangement

• Toe-board to guard-rail gap ≤ 700-750 mm.
• Guard-rails and toe-boards must prevent falling of persons, materials, and tools.

4. Additional Notes

• Ramps max continuous length without landing: 7 m.
• Hand-rails generally coincide with guard-rails on stairs/ramps.

Summary Table

flowchart TB
    A[Working Platform Edge] --> B[Toe-Board (≥150 mm)]
    B --> C[Gap ≤ 750 mm]
    C --> D[Guard-Rail (900-1200 mm)]
    E[Gangway/Ramp Edge] --> F[Toe-Board (≥200 mm)]
    F --> G[Gap ≤ 700 mm]
    G --> H[Guard-Rail (

Key Specifications from IS 4014 Part 2 (1967) for Gangways, Ramps, and Stairs

• Clear Passage Width: Minimum 500 mm clearance between platform edge and obstructions (Clause 13.2).
• Slope of Gangways/Ramps: Maximum slope = 1 vertical : 1.5 horizontal (Clause 14.5).
• Minimum Width: Gangways/ramps with fall risk >2 m must be ≥ 500 mm wide (Clause 14.1).
• Boarding: Such gangways/ramps must be closely boarded, planked, or plated (Clause 14.1).
• Guard Rails:
  • Height: 900 mm to 1,200 mm above walking surface (Clause 15.2a).
  • Toe-boards: Minimum 200 mm height, with max 700 mm gap between toe-board and guard-rail (Clause 15.2b).
• Fall Distance: Guard rails and toe-boards required if fall distance > 2 m (Clause 15.2).

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Gangway/Ramp] --> B{Fall > 2 m?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Boarded/Planked/Plated]
    C --> D[Width ≥ 500 mm]
    D --> E[Guard Rails 900-1200 mm]
    E --> F[Toe-boards ≥ 200 mm]
    B -- No --> G[Minimum 500 mm passage width]
    G --> H[Max slope 1:1.5]

This ensures safe access and fall prevention on construction sites as per IS 4014 Part 2.

IS 4014 Part 2: Material Handling and Storage - Key Points

1. Material Handling & Storage (Clause 19.2)

• Loose materials must not block passage on platforms, gangways, floors, or other access areas.
• Materials should be removed, stacked, or stored to keep access routes clear.
• Stacking must be secure to avoid danger to workers.
• Avoid overloading any structural element (floor, roof) to prevent unsafe conditions.

2. General Specifications

• Materials should be stored on stable, level surfaces.
• Maximum stacking height and load must comply with floor load capacity.
• Use proper supports or racks to prevent shifting or collapse.

3. Safety Emphasis

• Ensure clear access for personnel and emergency egress.
• Regular inspection of stacks for stability.
• Avoid storing materials near edges or openings without barriers.

Summary Table: Material Storage Safety

flowchart TD
    A[Loose Materials] --> B{Obstruct Passage?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Remove or Restack]
    B -- No --> D[Securely Stack]
    D --> E{Load on Structure Safe?}
    E -- No --> F[Reduce Load or Reinforce Structure]
    E -- Yes --> G[Storage Accepted]

This ensures safe, unobstructed, and stable material storage per IS 4014 Part 2.

IS 4014 Part 2 (1967) – Lighting of Working Places: Key Points

• Clause 20.1:

  • All working places, approaches, and areas with lifting operations must be adequately and suitably lighted to ensure safety.
  • Openings dangerous to personnel must also be well illuminated.

• Lighting Specifications:

  • Illumination should prevent accidents by ensuring visibility of hazards and safe navigation.
  • No explicit lux values are given in IS 4014 Part 2; however, typical recommended lighting levels for construction sites are:

    Area Type	Recommended Illumination (lux)
    General working areas	100 – 200
    Areas with lifting operations	200 – 300
    Approaches and walkways	50 – 100

• Additional Safety Measures:

  • Lighting must cover all habitual work areas (Clause 23.1) to protect workers from falling materials.
  • Loose materials should not obstruct light or passage (Clause 19.2).

Summary Diagram of Lighting Zones

graph TD
    A[Working Places] --> B[General Work Area: 100-200 lux]
    A --> C[Lifting Operation Zones: 200-300 lux]
    A --> D[Approaches & Walkways: 50-100 lux]
    B --> E[Ensure no obstructions]
    C --> F[Protect from falling materials]

Note: For detailed illumination design, refer to IS 3646 (Code of Practice for Lighting of Work Places) or relevant national standards.

Electrical Wiring Safety - IS 4014 Part 2 (1967)

Key Safety Provisions:

• Clause 21.1:

  • Scaffold erection near unprotected live wires is only allowed after disconnection of the electrical supply by skilled personnel.
  • Alternatively, wires must be adequately insulated or guarded to prevent accidental contact.
  • Current can be restored only after sufficient safety measures are in place.

• Clause 20.1:

  • Workplaces and approaches, especially near lifting operations or dangerous openings, must be adequately illuminated to avoid accidents.

• Clause 22.5:

  • Access to fire alarms, cable tunnels, hydrants, and underground cables must remain unobstructed during scaffolding.
  • Special care is needed when fastening scaffolds into the ground to avoid damaging underground electrical installations.

Summary Table: Electrical Safety in Scaffold Work

Additional Notes:

• Always follow lockout/tagout procedures when disconnecting power.
• Use insulated tools and PPE when working near electrical installations.
• Maintain minimum clearance distances from live conductors as per electrical safety standards (typically 3m for low voltage, more for high voltage).

flowchart LR
    A[Start Scaffold Setup] --> B{Are live wires nearby?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Disconnect power or insulate wires]
    B -- No --> D[Proceed with scaffold erection]
    C --> D
    D --> E[Ensure adequate lighting]
    E --> F[Maintain access to emergency equipment]
    F --> G[Complete scaffold setup safely]

This ensures compliance with IS 4014 Part 2 for electrical wiring safety during scaffolding.

IS 4014 Part 2 - Protection from Falling Materials: Key Points

1. Protection of Workers from Falling Materials (Clause 23.1)

• Any habitual work area must be covered to protect workers from falling materials.
• Covers can be catching nets, strong fabrics, or scaffoldings designed to stop falling objects.

2. Guard-Rails and Toe-Boards on Platforms (Clause 12.1)

• Guard-rails height: 900 mm to 1200 mm above platform.
• Toe-boards: minimum 150 mm height to prevent materials/tools falling.
• Applies to any platform edge where fall risk > 2 m.

3. Catching Nets and Safety Belts (Clause 23.4)

• Catching nets or strong fabric can replace scaffold catching if perfectly fixed and secured.
• Individual safety belts allowed for fall prevention.
• Traffic below nets must be stopped to avoid injuries from falling debris.

4. Protection of Trees and Poles (Clause 22.6)

• Trees and street poles must be cordoned off to prevent damage.

Summary Table: Guard-Rail and Toe-Board Dimensions

flowchart TD
    A[Working Platform Edge > 2m] --> B[Guard-Rail 900-1200mm]
    A --> C[Toe-board ≥ 150mm]
    D[Falling Materials Risk] --> E[Cover with Nets/Scaffold]
    E --> F[Stop Traffic Below]
    G[Workers Falling Risk] --> H[Safety Belt or Catching Net]

Ensure all protective measures are securely fixed and regularly inspected.

Protection of Workers from Falls — IS 4014 Part 2 Key Points

1. Guard-Rails & Toe-Boards (Clause 12.1)

• Height of guard-rails: Minimum 900 mm, maximum 1200 mm above platform.
• Toe-boards: Minimum height 150 mm to prevent falling materials/tools.
• Applicability: On any platform side where a fall > 2 m is possible.

2. Use of Catching Nets / Safety Belts (Clause 23.4)

• Instead of full scaffolding, catching nets, strong fabric, or individual safety belts can be used.
• Must be fixed and secured perfectly.
• Traffic below must be stopped to avoid injury from falling materials.

3. Protection from Falling Materials (Clause 23.1)

• Workplaces must be covered to protect workers from falling objects.

Summary Table for Fall Protection Measures

flowchart TD
    A[Working Platform Edge] -->|Fall risk > 2m| B[Guard Rails (900-1200 mm)]
    B --> C[Toe Boards (≥150 mm)]
    A -->|Alternative| D[Catch Nets / Safety Belts]
    D --> E[Secure Fixing & Traffic Control Below]

Note: Always ensure compliance with IS 4014 Part 2 for worker safety and site-specific conditions.

IS 4014 Part 2: Scaffold Maintenance & Inspection - Key Points

The code emphasizes safety in scaffold design, construction, and use, with specific clauses on inspection and maintenance:

1. Inspection Frequency & Responsibility

• Scaffolds must be inspected:
  • Before first use.
  • After any alteration or repair.
  • After any event that could affect stability (e.g., storms).
  • Periodically during use (daily or weekly depending on conditions).
• Inspections must be carried out by a competent person.

2. Inspection Criteria

• Check for:
  • Structural integrity (no loose or damaged tubes, fittings).
  • Stability and proper anchorage.
  • Proper assembly as per design.
  • Safe access and working platforms.
  • Warning notices on partially dismantled or unsafe scaffolds.

3. Maintenance & Dismantling

• No scaffold or part should remain partly dismantled if it can be used unless:
  • It still complies with safety regulations.
  • Or it is clearly marked with a warning notice prohibiting use.

4. Key Specification Summary

Diagram: Scaffold Inspection Cycle

flowchart TD
    A[Scaffold Erected] --> B[Initial Inspection]
    B --> C{Safe to Use?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Use Scaffold]
    C -- No --> E[Rectify Issues]
    D --> F[Periodic Inspection]
    F --> G{Issues Found?}
    G -- Yes --> E
    G -- No --> D
    E --> B

Note: IS 4014 Part 2 does not provide explicit formulas but focuses on procedural safety and inspection protocols. For load and design calculations, refer to IS 4014 Part 1 or relevant structural codes.

IS 4014 Part 2: Special Provisions for Moving Scaffolds

The code primarily focuses on safety regulations but does not explicitly list detailed formulas or tables for moving scaffolds. However, based on general engineering practice and scaffold safety principles, here are key points and formulas relevant to moving scaffolds:

Key Specifications:

• Clearance Height: Minimum 2.5 m clearance over pedestrian traffic.
• Setback from Curb: Scaffold parts must be at least 0.8 m behind curb edge up to 4.5 m height.
• Protection: Scaffold must be protected against accidental collisions (e.g., by barriers or warning signs).

Structural Stability for Moving Scaffolds:

• Base Width (b): Should be sufficient to prevent tipping.
• Height to Base Width Ratio (H/b): Typically ≤ 4 for stability.
• Wind Load (W): Consider lateral loads during movement.

Basic Stability Check Formula:

[ \text{Overturning moment} \leq \text{Resisting moment} ]

[ W \times h_w \leq W_b \times \frac{b}{2} ]

Where:

• (W) = wind load or lateral force (N)
• (h_w) = height at which lateral load acts (m)
• (W_b) = weight of scaffold and load (N)
• (b) = base width (m)

Recommended Practices:

• Use lockable wheels with brakes.
• Ensure even ground and level base.
• Avoid overloading and sudden movements.
• Regular inspection of moving parts and structural members.

flowchart TD
    A[Moving Scaffold] --> B[Base Width (b)]
    A --> C[Height (H)]
    A --> D[Wind Load (W)]
    B & C & D --> E[Stability Check: H/b ≤ 4]
    E --> F[Safe Movement]

For detailed design, refer to IS 4014 Part 1 for structural design and IS 3696 for scaffolding safety.