SAIA Journeyperson Scaffold Erector — Specialty (3rd Year)

On a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold (swing stage), what minimum safety factor must the suspension wire ropes provide?

• A4 times the rated load
• B6 times the rated load
• C8 times the rated load
• D10 times the rated load

Counterweights used to balance an adjustable suspension scaffold must be capable of resisting at least how much of the tipping moment at the rated load of the hoist?

• A1.5 times
• B2 times
• C4 times
• D6 times

Counterweights used on suspension scaffold outrigger beams must be:

• AFlowable materials such as sand or water that distribute evenly
• BMade of non-flowable material and secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beam
• CAny heavy material as long as the total weight is correct
• DRemoved during high winds and replaced afterward

Tiebacks on a suspended scaffold support system must be:

• AA single tieback installed at any convenient angle
• BInstalled perpendicular to the face of the building, or opposing angle tiebacks used
• CSecured to standpipes or vent piping when structural members are unavailable
• DOf lower strength than the suspension ropes to act as a fuse

Suspension scaffold support devices such as outrigger beams, cornice hooks, and parapet clamps must rest on surfaces capable of supporting at least how many times the load imposed by the scaffold?

• A2 times
• B3 times
• C4 times
• D6 times

What is the primary U.S. consensus standard that governs the design and manufacture of mast climbing work platforms (MCWPs)?

• AANSI/SAIA A92.9
• BASME B30.5
• CANSI A10.8
• DANSI/SAIA A92.20

When a mast climbing work platform exceeds the manufacturer's free-standing height, the erector must:

• AAdd counterweights to the base only
• BInstall tie-ins to the structure at the intervals specified in the manufacturer's manual
• CReduce the platform load to one-half of rating
• DOperate the platform only on windless days

On a single-point or two-point suspension scaffold, employees must be protected from falls by:

• AA guardrail system only
• BA personal fall arrest system only
• CBoth a guardrail system and a personal fall arrest system
• DEither a guardrail or fall arrest, at the erector's discretion

On a suspension scaffold, a vertical lifeline for a personal fall arrest system must be anchored to:

• AThe scaffold platform itself
• BThe suspension rope or hoist
• CA structural anchorage independent of the scaffold support and suspension ropes
• DThe outrigger beam counterweight

A heavy-duty scaffold platform is designed and constructed to carry a working load of at least:

• A25 pounds per square foot
• B50 pounds per square foot
• C75 pounds per square foot
• D100 pounds per square foot

Every scaffold and scaffold component must be capable of supporting its own weight plus at least how many times the maximum intended load?

• A2 times
• B3 times
• C4 times
• D6 times

A supported scaffold whose height exceeds four times its minimum base dimension must be:

• ARestricted to light-duty loading only
• BRestrained from tipping by guying, tying, or bracing
• CLimited to a single working level
• DEquipped with outrigger counterweights

For a supported scaffold more than 3 feet wide that exceeds the 4:1 ratio, ties must be installed at vertical intervals not to exceed:

• A16 feet
• B20 feet
• C26 feet
• D30 feet

Engineered scaffold drawings and design by a qualified engineer are specifically required by OSHA when a scaffold:

• AIs any tube-and-coupler scaffold
• BExceeds 125 feet in height above its base plates
• CIs used by more than four workers
• DIs erected indoors

Who must design scaffolds and their components, according to OSHA 1926.451(a)(6)?

• AThe scaffold user
• BA competent person
• CA qualified person
• DAny journeyperson erector

The distinction between a 'qualified person' and a 'competent person' under Subpart L is best described as:

• AThey are identical terms used interchangeably
• BA competent person identifies and corrects hazards with authority to take prompt action;…
• CA qualified person only supervises; a competent person only inspects ropes
• DA competent person designs the scaffold; a qualified person uses it

The erection, moving, dismantling, or altering of scaffolds must be performed under the supervision and direction of:

• AA registered professional engineer present on site at all times
• BA competent person qualified in scaffold erection
• CThe general contractor's safety officer
• DAny two journeyperson erectors working together

A scaffold must be inspected for visible defects by a competent person:

• AOnly when first erected
• BOnce per week regardless of conditions
• CBefore each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect its structural integrity
• DOnly after a load test

On supported scaffolds placed in service after January 1, 2000, the top edge of the toprail (or equivalent guardrail member) must be installed at a height of:

• A28 to 36 inches
• B36 to 42 inches
• C38 to 45 inches
• D42 to 50 inches

On a scaffold platform, a wood plank must not deflect more than what fraction of its span when loaded?

• A1/30 of the span
• B1/45 of the span
• C1/60 of the span
• D1/100 of the span

A scaffold plank that does not extend over its end support must be cleated or restrained, and the plank should generally extend over the centerline of its support by a minimum of:

• A3 inches
• B6 inches
• C12 inches
• D18 inches

To prevent a long scaffold plank from tipping when a worker steps on the unsupported overhanging end, OSHA limits platform overhang. For a platform 10 feet or less in length, the maximum overhang is:

• A6 inches
• B12 inches
• C18 inches
• D24 inches

Where toeboards are used to protect persons below from falling objects, the toeboard must be at least:

• A2.5 inches high
• B3.5 inches high
• C4 inches high
• D6 inches high

The minimum clearance between any part of a scaffold and an uninsulated power line carrying less than 50 kV is:

• A3 feet
• B6 feet
• C10 feet
• D15 feet

Fall protection is required for employees on a supported scaffold when they are working more than what height above a lower level?

• A4 feet
• B6 feet
• C10 feet
• D15 feet

An adjustable suspension scaffold hoist (powered or manual) must have a positive means to prevent the platform from descending uncontrolled, commonly provided by:

• AA friction brake that releases automatically
• BA primary brake plus a secondary or emergency brake
• CA single overspeed brake only
• DCounterweights that arrest descent

When a swing-stage platform is supported by two independent suspension ropes at each end (a primary and a secondary/safety line), the purpose of the secondary line is to:

• ADouble the working load capacity
• BProvide an independent backup that arrests the platform if the primary rope fails
• CAllow faster ascent and descent
• DEliminate the need for personal fall arrest

Wire rope used on a suspension scaffold must be replaced when inspection reveals which condition?

• AAny single broken wire across the entire rope
• BKinking, crushing, birdcaging, heat damage, or 6 randomly distributed broken wires in one…
• CLight surface rust only
• DThe rope has been in service longer than 30 days

On a mast climbing work platform, the manufacturer's manual specifies a maximum permitted out-of-plumb (verticality) tolerance for the mast. Erecting outside this tolerance primarily risks:

• AFaster motor wear only
• BIncreased bending stress on the mast and rack-and-pinion drive, leading to overturning or…
• CReduced platform width
• DVoiding the wind rating only

When two mast climbing work platforms are bridged together to span between masts, the bridge unit must be:

• ALoaded only at its center
• BRated and installed per the manufacturer's engineered bridging configuration and load lim…
• CTwice as wide as a single platform
• DOperated independently on each mast at different heights

Shoring towers used to support formwork and fresh concrete loads differ from access scaffolds primarily because they:

• ANever require base plates
• BCarry large vertical compressive loads and must be designed to the formwork/shoring load,…
• CAre exempt from inspection
• DUse the same 25 psf light-duty rating

On a frame-type shoring tower, screw jacks (adjustment screws) used for leveling should not be extended beyond:

• AAny length, since the jack is rated full-out
• BThe manufacturer's maximum extension limit, because excessive extension reduces capacity…
• CHalf the frame height
• D12 inches in all cases

A cantilevered scaffold platform (one supported only at one end by needle beams or outriggers) requires special attention to:

• AToeboard color
• BThe counterbalancing/anchoring of the inboard end and the moment created at the support
• CPlank species only
• DThe number of access ladders

On a tube-and-coupler scaffold, right-angle (load-bearing) couplers are used to connect bearers and runners to posts because they:

• AAllow the tubes to swivel freely
• BTransfer load between perpendicular tubes by friction grip and resist slipping
• CAre decorative only
• DReplace the need for base plates

A scaffold post (leg) must bear on a base plate, and on soft or uneven ground the base plate must additionally rest on:

• AA single brick
• BA sound, rigid mudsill or other firm foundation capable of distributing the load
• CLoose gravel
• DThe bare soil if compacted by foot

A system (modular) scaffold's connection nodes (rosettes/cups) primarily provide which advantage over tube-and-coupler for complex erections?

• ALower load capacity
• BFixed, repeatable connection points that speed erection and ensure consistent geometry an…
• CElimination of all bracing
• DNo need for fall protection

When erecting a hanging (suspended) scaffold from outrigger beams over a building parapet, the inboard length of the outrigger beam relative to the outboard cantilever is set so that:

• AThe outboard cantilever is longer than the inboard length
• BThe inboard (back) length provides sufficient counterbalance against the outboard tipping…
• CBoth ends are exactly equal in all cases
• DThe beam can be placed anywhere along the parapet without anchoring

Before a crew member is permitted to work on a scaffold, OSHA 1926.454 requires they be trained by a qualified person to recognize hazards including:

• AOnly the use of the company time clock
• BThe nature of electrical, fall, and falling-object hazards and the correct procedures for…
• COnly first aid
• DMarketing of scaffold services

Retraining of a scaffold user is required when:

• AEvery six months without exception
• BChanges in the worksite, scaffold type, or fall-protection systems, or inadequacies in th…
• COnly after an OSHA citation
• DNever, once initial training is complete

During erection and dismantling, when guardrails are not yet (or no longer) in place, the competent person must determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection. The erectors should:

• AAlways work without any fall protection during erection
• BUse personal fall arrest or other feasible protection as determined by the competent pers…
• CWait until the scaffold is fully complete before any worker climbs it
• DRely solely on the buddy system

Cross braces alone may serve as a guardrail only if:

• AThey are painted yellow
• BThe crossing point is between 20 and 30 inches above the platform (as a midrail) or betwe…
• CThey are doubled up
• DCross braces may never serve as any guardrail member

An employee must NOT work on a scaffold during which condition unless a competent person determines it is safe and fall/wind protection is provided?

• ALight overcast skies
• BStorms or high winds, or when snow or ice covers the platform
• CAmbient temperatures above 70 degrees F
• DAny time after noon

Synthetic (manila/nylon) or wire suspension ropes near hot work must be protected because:

• AThey conduct sound
• BHeat from welding, cutting, or acids can degrade rope strength, and OSHA requires protect…
• CThey change color only
• DThey become magnetic

On a multi-point or interior hung scaffold, the supporting steel or wire ropes and their connections to the overhead structure must be:

• ASized only for the platform dead weight
• BCapable of supporting at least 6 times the rated load, with connections to a structurally…
• CTied to sprinkler piping for convenience
• DReplaced after every use

A scaffold platform must be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports, with any gap not exceeding:

• A1 inch
• B3 inches
• C6 inches
• D9.5 inches

The front edge of a scaffold platform should generally be no more than what distance from the face of the work, unless a guardrail or PFAS is used or the work requires reaching?

• A6 inches
• B10 inches
• C14 inches
• D24 inches

When dismantling a scaffold, the safest sequence and key principle is to:

• ARemove ties first to free the structure, then the platforms
• BDismantle from the top down, removing components in the reverse order of erection and kee…
• CDrop components to the ground to save time
• DRemove all guardrails before any platforms