SECTION 7

1. Suitable scaffolds shall be provided for workmen for all work that cannot be safely done from a ladder or by other means. 2. A scaffold shall not be constructed, taken down, or substantially altered, except-- o (a) under the supervision of a competent and responsible person; and o (b) as far as possible by competent workers possessing adequate experience in this kind of work. 3. All scaffolds and appliances connected therewith and all ladders shall-- o (a) be of sound material; o (b) be of adequate strength having regard to the loads and strains to which they will be subjected; and o (c) be maintained in proper condition. 4. Scaffolds shall be so constructed that no part thereof can be displaced in consequence of normal use. 5. Scaffolds shall not be overloaded and so far as practicable the load shall be evenly distributed. 6. Before installing lifting gear on scaffolds special precautions shall be taken to ensure the strength and stability of the scaffolds. 7. Scaffolds shall be periodically inspected by a competent person. 8. Before allowing a scaffold to be used by his workmen every employer shall, whether the scaffold has been erected by his workmen or not, take steps to ensure that it complies fully with the requirements of this Article.