Verify outrigger beam and counterweight calculations for a suspended scaffold meet OSHA's tipping-moment and material requirements before hanging the rig
domain: osha.gov · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps
Confirm counterweights resist at least 4x the tipping moment at the hoist's rated load, or 1.5x the tipping moment at the hoist's stall load, whichever is greater, per 1926.451(a)(6)
Confirm counterweights are made of non-flowable, purpose-built material — sand, gravel, masonry units, and rolls of roofing felt are prohibited substitutes
Verify counterweights are secured to the outrigger beam by mechanical means to prevent accidental displacement, and are never removed until the scaffold is disassembled
For outrigger scaffolds under 1926.452(i), confirm the inboard beam length (fulcrum to anchorage) is at least 1.5x the outboard length, and the fulcrum bears on a support at least 6 inches in each horizontal dimension
Have a qualified or registered professional engineer review the calculation package where required, and keep it on site
Known gotchas
Using improvised counterweight materials such as sandbags or brick pallets is a frequent and citable violation — only purpose-designed counterweights qualify
The tipping-moment formula (4x rated load or 1.5x stall load, whichever is greater) is different math from the general 4-to-1 intended-load factor used elsewhere in 1926.451(a) — don't conflate the two
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