OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewScaffoldsMedium
A worker is setting up a two-point suspension scaffold (swing stage) for painting a building facade. What is the maximum distance the scaffold platform can be from the face of the building?
- A12 inches
- B18 inches
- C9 inches
- D6 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 18 inches
OSHA specifies that the platform of a two-point suspension scaffold must not be more than 18 inches from the face of the building or structure, to prevent workers from falling through the gap.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 12 inches is a common measurement for other scaffold aspects, but not the maximum for suspension scaffold distance from the building.
- C. 9 inches is too close as a maximum, OSHA allows for more space.
- D. While closer is generally better, 6 inches is not the maximum allowable distance.
Suspension Scaffold Distance from Structure
The maximum permissible gap between a suspension scaffold platform and the face of the building or structure.
- Maximum 18 inches
- Applies to suspension scaffolds
- Prevents workers from falling through gap
Memory trick: Eighteen inches max, or you'll fall through the cracks!