CSLB General Building (B)SafetyMedium

A contractor is setting up a supported scaffold. According to Cal/OSHA regulations, what is the maximum permissible height of a supported scaffold before it must be secured against swaying or tipping?

  1. A3 times its minimum base dimension
  2. B4 times its minimum base dimension
  3. C5 times its minimum base dimension
  4. D2 times its minimum base dimension
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. 4 times its minimum base dimension

Cal/OSHA requires that a supported scaffold be restrained from swaying or tipping if its height exceeds four times its minimum base dimension. This ensures stability and prevents accidents.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This ratio is too small and does not meet Cal/OSHA requirements for scaffold stability.
  • C. This ratio is too large, indicating a scaffold that would already be dangerously unstable without securing.
  • D. This ratio is too small and does not meet Cal/OSHA requirements for scaffold stability.

Cal/OSHA Scaffold Stability (Supported)

Supported scaffolds must be secured against swaying or tipping when their height exceeds four times their minimum base dimension.

  • Applies to supported scaffolds
  • Ratio is height to minimum base dimension
  • Securing prevents swaying/tipping

Memory trick: Four-leaf clover for scaffold height, stability it will have.

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