Illustration of scaffold safety checklist with key reminders including board condition, load capacity, guard rails, and fall protection

Scaffold Safety Rules in Canada: What Contractors Must Know

Understanding Scaffold Regulations Across Canada: What You Need to Know

When working with scaffolding in Canada, compliance with federal and provincial safety regulations is critical. Whether you're a contractor, property manager, or restoration team, understanding the specific requirements can save you time, money—and potentially lives. Here's what you need to know.

🏗 Federal Guidelines (Canada Labour Code, Part II)

The Canada Labour Code governs federally regulated workplaces. While most construction projects fall under provincial jurisdiction, federal guidelines apply to:

  • Airports and seaports

  • Federal buildings

  • Interprovincial transportation or communications projects

Federal standards emphasize hazard prevention and fall protection, but provinces provide more specific scaffold requirements.

🛠 Provincial Scaffold Regulations: Know Your Region

Each province and territory has distinct legislation governing scaffolding. Here's a snapshot of key differences:

Ontario (OHSA)

  • Fall protection required above 3 m (approx. 10 ft)

  • Engineer-approved drawings needed for scaffold towers exceeding 15 m (approx. 50 ft)

  • Must comply with Construction Projects Regulation 213/91

British Columbia (OHS Regulation, WorkSafeBC)

  • Scaffold systems must meet CSA or ANSI standards

  • Fall protection mandatory above 3 m

  • Guardrails, toeboards, and access ladders required

Alberta (OHS Code)

  • Scaffold platform must support at least four times the maximum load

  • Fall protection required at 3 m

  • Scaffolders must be trained and competent

Quebec (Safety Code for the Construction Industry)

  • Scaffold inspections must be conducted daily

  • Must use certified parts and follow detailed setup procedures

🔍 Key Terms Explained

  • Working Height: Platform height plus approx. 6 ft (average user reach)

  • Platform Height: Actual standing level

  • Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint: Fall arrest allows for a fall and then stops it. Fall restraint prevents a fall entirely

🔧 Custers Aluminum Scaffold: A Safer, Smarter Choice

Custers aluminum scaffolding systems, available through Arclight Tool + Supply Co., meet or exceed all major safety certifications, including:

  • EN1004 (Europe)

  • ANSI A10.8 (USA)

  • CSA Z797 (Canada)

Benefits:

  • Lightweight and rust-resistant

  • Quick to assemble/disassemble

  • Ideal for restoration, drywall, painting, and maintenance

Whether you need a FoldyPro tower, a rolling mobile scaffold, or narrow-frame access for tight areas, we’ve got you covered.

👷♂️ Tip: Platform vs. Working Height

When assessing scaffold needs, remember:

  • A platform at 14 ft (4.2 m) means a working height of approx. 20 ft (6 m)

  • Scaffolding above 39 ft (12 m) in most provinces requires stamped engineering drawings

📄 Documentation and Training

  • Always maintain assembly instructions and safety labels onsite

  • Ensure workers are trained and competent

  • Use logbooks for inspections

📍 Your Local Regulations

For convenience, Arclight is developing a regulation reference page with links to provincial guidelines. In the meantime, contact your local safety authority or Arclight support for help.

✅ Need help selecting the right scaffold? Use our Visual Rental Selector or contact our team for a quote.

Behind every challenge is an opportunity—let’s find it.

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