First, describe the work and worksite
A masonry crew will use a handed-over twin-mast climbing work platform to build a released exterior masonry wall. The equipment supplier’s approved configuration governs platform loads and travel. This fictional learning example describes planned controls; it records no actual inspection or work authorization.
- The foundation, mast ties, platform arrangement, load chart and emergency descent method are established for this installation.
- Authorized operators and users work within the approved guardrail and loading arrangement.
- Erection, dismantling, mast-tie alteration and rescue by untrained personnel are excluded.
Questions before work
- Where does the configuration-specific chart permit masonry stock and people?
- Who inspects the platform before each shift and after relevant changes?
- How will a fault, power loss or medical emergency be managed at height?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Accept the platform handover
Hazard: An incomplete installation or unsuitable support can cause collapse.
Control: Masonry lead and competent person confirm the configuration, support, mast ties and handover documentation. Obtain the supplier’s operating and load instructions; keep use on hold for unresolved installation findings.
Verification: Competent person records the pre-use inspection for the actual configuration.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A standard frame-scaffold handover does not describe a powered mast platform.
2. Load within the chart
Hazard: Concentrated block or mortar loads can overload the platform or its extensions.
Control: Place stock only in the chart’s permitted zones and account for workers, tools and mortar. Coordinate loading with the operator; do not infer equal capacity across platform sections.
Verification: Operator checks total load and its distribution before movement.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Load placement matters as well as total weight.
3. Check gates and travel clearance
Hazard: An open loading gate or obstruction can cause a fall or crushing during travel.
Control: Close required protection, clear the complete travel path and use the specified gate and interlock arrangement. Keep workers away from the building/platform pinch zone and retain protection during loading transitions.
Verification: Operator verifies gates, travel route and people’s positions before motion.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A stationary working gap becomes a moving crush zone.
4. Raise and work at the selected level
Hazard: Unexpected motion, dropped stock or reaching beyond protection can injure workers.
Control: Authorized operator moves the platform under its instructions and agreed communication. Work at the suitable height with protection intact; restrain materials and maintain the exclusion zone below.
Verification: Operator and masonry lead monitor platform response and work positions.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Positioning the platform can reduce reaching without changing its approved configuration.
5. Respond to faults and weather
Hazard: A stalled platform, failed control or excessive wind can strand or expose the crew.
Control: Stop for abnormal movement or limits exceeded. Use the prescribed emergency lowering and rescue arrangements with trained roles; do not defeat interlocks, improvise climbing or alter mast ties to restore use.
Verification: Operator communicates the fault and competent person determines the release needed.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Fault recovery is a separate equipment procedure.
6. Park and hand over
Hazard: Unsecured stock or unreported faults can expose another shift.
Control: Park in the instructed position, secure against unauthorized use and weather, and transfer load and defect status. Keep defective equipment unavailable pending proper correction and release.
Verification: Outgoing lead confirms platform and stock condition at handover.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Shift close must preserve the next crew’s configuration knowledge.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Work carefully and wear PPE. | Close required protection, clear the complete travel path and use the specified gate and interlock arrangement. Keep workers away from the building/platform pinch zone and retain protection during loading transitions. |
| Check that everything is ready. | Masonry lead and competent person confirm the configuration, support, mast ties and handover documentation. Obtain the supplier’s operating and load instructions; keep use on hold for unresolved installation findings. |
Decisions that change the analysis
May the crew shift a mast tie to reach a wall detail?
No. Mast ties are part of the installation’s stability system. Any alteration requires the authorized design, specialist procedure, inspection and new use release; this user-work analysis does not cover that change.
What must the crew record for actual use?
Identify the actual equipment and work boundaries, responsible people, applicable criteria, inspection findings and open actions. Resolve changes with affected crews and obtain required project authorization before work.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Missing handover, damaged mast/tie or uncertain load distribution.
- Open protection, travel obstruction or abnormal controls.
- Weather limits, fault response or emergency descent arrangements change.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Mast-climber model and installation-specific operator/user instruction, including emergency descent.
- Scaffold role training, chart-based masonry loading and falling-object controls.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support crew discussion; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this example be used as a JSA?
Adapt its Task | Hazard | Control analysis to the employer’s format and actual conditions. The example is a teaching aid, not evidence that controls were checked.
What changes if the project requires an AHA?
Use the governing AHA format, risk method, supporting records and acceptance process. The published formwork AHA demonstrates that additional structure; changing a JHA title does not supply it.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA Mast climbers scaffold guidance
- OSHA 1926.451 Scaffold requirements
- OSHA 1926.454 Scaffold training
Original instructional scenario with planned controls. Primary references support hazard planning. Use actual equipment and product instructions, project design and employer requirements to establish field criteria. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.