Metal scaffolds and wood scaffolds require different safe work practices.

Metal Scaffold Safe Work Practices
Each type of metal scaffold has a particular method of assembly. Every worker who constructs a metal scaffold should be competent and know the manufacturer’s specifications for that type of scaffold.
The scaffold type best suited for the job and its required load capacity must be determined before the job begins.

• Ensure that the scaffold is the correct one for the job
• Do not intermix frames and components from different manufacturers
• Inspect all scaffold parts and locking devices before use
• Inspect all scaffold parts and locking devices regularly during use
• Make sure the location where the scaffold will be constructed is level or is capable of presenting secure footing by use of proper mudsills (the mudsill must cross at least 2 separate supports) or other devices
• A competent worker must erect the scaffold 
• The scaffold must comply with provincial legislative and regulatory requirements and the manufacturer’s requirements
• Safe access and egress to both the scaffold and the general work area must be provided
• Do not climb cross braces
• Do not over-extend levelling adjustment screws
• Tower scaffolds must have outriggers or be guyed
• Tower scaffolds must have all component parts secured in place (cross braces, pins, and lateral braces)
• Scaffold work platforms must have perimeter guardrails designed to withstand 90.75 kg (200 lb) in any direction applied to any point of the top rail
• The following specifications must be adhered to:
  • Horizontal rail – 107 cm (42”) above the platform
  • Intermediate rail – a horizontal rail midway between scaffold platform and top rail
  • Toe board – a horizontal member at platform level no less than 14 cm (5½”) in height or no more than 6 mm (1/4”) clear from the lower edge and the platform.
• For workers employed on stilts or platforms above the scaffold floor, the guard rail must be increased to a minimum effective height of 1.06 m (42”) or safety belts and lifelines must be used
• Do not use ladders or other devices on top of scaffold
• Do not overload the scaffold platform with material
• Scaffold planks must be made of number one grade materials with the maximum span of 3.1 m (10.17 ft) on light duty and a maximum span of 2.3 m (7.55 ft) on heavy duty with a maximum
  projection beyond the ledger of no more than 300 mm (12 in)
• Rolling scaffolds must only be used on hard, level surfaces
• No one may ride on a rolling scaffold when it is being moved if the height of the work platform exceeds twice the shortest base dimension of the scaffold
• All tools or material must be removed from a scaffold or secured before moving the scaffold
• All wheels must be locked in place while in use

Wood Scaffold Safe Work Practices
The construction of wood scaffolds is closely regulated by legislation. Materials and material dimensions are specified in detail in provincial regulations.
Care must be taken not to build wood scaffolds haphazardly. 

• Only competent workers may design, construct, alter, or remove wood scaffolds
• The wooden material used to construct wood scaffolds must be sound, close grained, and finished on all 4 sides
• A wood scaffold must be able to support 4 times the load that might be imposed on it
• All component parts of a wood scaffold must fit tight together and properly fixed to each other
• Proper perimeter railing that includes a top rail, an intermediate rail, and a toe board must
  be set in place
• Scaffold work platforms must be 500 mm (1.64 ft) wide for light duty and one 1 m (3.28 ft) wide for heavy-duty scaffolds
• When used as a scaffold work platform, the planks of a wood scaffold must be secured from movement by cleats or by being wired in place
• Scaffold access and egress must be provided to all work platforms by the use of ladders
• Scaffold work platforms must not span more than 2.3 m (7.55 ft) on light duty scaffolds or 3.1 m (10.17 ft) on heavy-duty scaffolds

* This information does not take precedence over current OH&S legislation with which all employees should be familiar