OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewScaffoldsMedium
A worker is erecting a supported scaffold. When must the scaffold be inspected by a competent person?
- AAt least once a week during use
- BBefore each work shift and after any event that could affect its integrity
- CAnnually, regardless of usage frequency
- DOnly after a major modification
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Before each work shift and after any event that could affect its integrity
OSHA requires that scaffolds be inspected by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect their structural integrity, such as a storm or impact.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Weekly inspections are insufficient; more frequent inspections are required by OSHA.
- C. Annual inspections are far too infrequent for scaffold safety; daily and event-based inspections are critical.
- D. While major modifications require inspection, this is not the only time an inspection is needed.
Scaffold Competent Person Inspection
The frequency and triggering events for a mandatory inspection of a scaffold by a competent person.
- Before each work shift
- After any event affecting integrity (e.g., storm, impact)
- Performed by a competent person
Memory trick: Shift start, integrity chart, competent person plays the part!