SAIA Competent Person — Suspended Scaffolds

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32(f), who qualifies as a "competent person" for suspended scaffold work?

• AAny worker with at least five years of swing-stage experience
• BA person capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authority to…
• CA licensed professional engineer who has stamped the suspended-scaffold drawings
• DA supervisor who has completed the OSHA 10-hour construction course

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) requires the competent person to inspect a suspended scaffold at which interval?

• AOnce before initial use and then weekly thereafter
• BBefore each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity
• CDaily at the end of each shift
• DOnly after weather events such as rain or high wind

OSHA 1926.451(a)(4) requires suspended-scaffold suspension ropes to support what multiple of their maximum intended load?

• A2 times the maximum intended load
• B4 times the maximum intended load
• C6 times the maximum intended load
• D10 times the maximum intended load

On a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold (swing stage), at what height above a lower level is fall protection required for each employee on the platform?

• AOnly when the platform is more than 6 feet above the lower level
• BOnly when the platform is more than 10 feet above the lower level
• CAt any height — fall protection is required regardless of platform height
• DOnly when the platform is more than 25 feet above the lower level

OSHA 1926.451(d)(3)(ii) prohibits which of the following from being used as suspended-scaffold outrigger counterweights?

• APre-cast concrete counterweights stamped with their weight
• BSteel plate counterweights bolted to the outrigger
• CSand, water, or other flowable materials, and masonry units
• DAny counterweight weighing more than 100 pounds per piece

What minimum width must a suspended-scaffold platform be under OSHA 1926.451(b)(2)?

• A12 inches
• B14 inches
• C18 inches
• D24 inches

What is the maximum platform width permitted for a two-point adjustable suspension scaffold under OSHA 1926.452(o)(1) unless a qualified person designs otherwise?

• A24 inches
• B30 inches
• C36 inches
• D48 inches

OSHA 1926.451(g)(3)(iii) prohibits which of the following arrangements on a suspended scaffold?

• AAnchoring the personal fall arrest lifeline to a structural member independent of the sca…
• BAttaching the lifeline to the same anchor point used to support the suspended scaffold
• CUsing a self-retracting lifeline rated for vertical use
• DTying the lifeline off above the worker's D-ring

What is the minimum stability factor required for outrigger beams used with suspended scaffolds under OSHA 1926.451(d)(3)(i)?

• A2 times the maximum intended load
• B3 times the maximum intended load
• C4 times the maximum intended load
• D6 times the maximum intended load

Which OSHA standard requires that wire rope on a suspended scaffold be inspected for visible defects each shift before use?

• AOSHA 1926.451(a)(5)
• BOSHA 1926.451(c)(1)
• COSHA 1926.452(o)(2)
• DOSHA 1926.454(a)

On a two-point swing stage, the platform must be attached to the hangers (stirrups) by what method under OSHA 1926.452(o)(2)?

• ALashed with manila or polypropylene rope
• BU-bolts or other means that satisfy 1926.451(a)
• CFriction from the platform's weight alone
• DTied with stainless-steel wire ties

Which of the following is a defining feature of a single-point adjustable suspension scaffold under OSHA 1926.452(p)?

• AA platform supported by a single suspension rope from one overhead support
• BA platform supported by two suspension ropes from two overhead supports
• CA platform that rides on a counterweighted mast attached to the building
• DA platform supported by four corner suspension ropes

A suspended scaffold is being rigged with a tieback to prevent outward movement of the outrigger. Which of the following is a key OSHA requirement for the tieback?

• AThe tieback may be anchored to a counterweight to provide a redundant attachment
• BThe tieback must be equivalent in strength to the suspension rope and secured to a struct…
• CThe tieback only needs to be installed when the outrigger has counterweights weighing les…
• DThe tieback may share an anchor with the personal fall arrest lifeline

What guardrail components are required on a two-point suspension scaffold platform under OSHA 1926.451(g)(4)?

• AA top rail only, between 38 and 45 inches high
• BA top rail, mid-rail, and toeboard along the open sides
• COnly chain or cable around the perimeter, with no rigid rail required
• DNo guardrail is required if every worker is in a personal fall arrest system

What is the minimum top-rail height range required on a suspended scaffold guardrail under OSHA 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)?

• A30 to 36 inches
• B32 to 38 inches
• C38 to 45 inches
• D42 to 50 inches

OSHA 1926.451(f)(6) requires what minimum clearance between a suspended scaffold and energized overhead power lines of 300 volts or less?

• A3 feet
• B5 feet
• C10 feet
• D20 feet

Which of the following hoists are permitted on a suspended scaffold under OSHA 1926.452(o)(7)?

• AGasoline-powered hoists used by trained operators
• BPowered or manually operated hoists that have been tested and listed by a qualified testi…
• CAny hoist of the operator's choice provided it has a load tag
• DOnly manually operated hoists; powered hoists are prohibited

A worker on a single-point boatswain's chair is descending the side of a building. What fall protection is required under OSHA 1926.451(g)(1)(iii)?

• AA personal fall arrest system attached to an independent vertical lifeline
• BOnly a positioning belt — fall arrest is not needed on single-point scaffolds
• CTwo-point lanyard system attached to the chair's suspension rope
• DNo fall protection if the chair is descending continuously

Which of the following wire-rope conditions requires the rope to be removed from service under OSHA 1926.451(f)(11)?

• AAny kink that has straightened during use
• BMore than six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or more than three broke…
• CA small amount of loose lubrication on the rope's surface
• DOriginal manufacturer markings still visible after one year of use

Under SAIA's Code of Safe Practices for suspended scaffolds, what should be done before the very first use of any suspended scaffold on a project?

• AA test run is unnecessary if the rigging looks correct
• BThe scaffold should be raised a few feet off the ground, loaded to its rated capacity, an…
• CThe competent person should ride the scaffold to maximum height to feel for vibration bef…
• DThe scaffold should be left raised overnight to allow the rigging to settle

What does the term 'secondary brake' refer to on a powered suspended scaffold hoist?

• AA second hoist motor used as a backup power source
• BAn automatic device that engages the wire rope to stop the platform if the primary hoist…
• CA friction brake the operator engages by hand when stopping at each floor
• DA counterweight attached to the platform to slow the descent

Under OSHA 1926.451(a)(6), what is the minimum strength required for personal fall arrest system anchorages used on suspended scaffolds?

• ACapable of supporting at least 500 pounds per attached employee
• BCapable of supporting at least 1,000 pounds per attached employee
• CCapable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per attached employee or designed as part of…
• DNo specific anchorage strength is required for suspended-scaffold lifelines

Workers want to bridge two two-point swing stages together to move materials between them. Under OSHA 1926.452(o)(8), this is:

• APermitted at any time if the platforms are at the same elevation
• BPermitted only during raising and lowering operations
• CProhibited during raising or lowering operations unless the bridge connections are articu…
• DPermitted with no restrictions if both scaffolds are from the same manufacturer

A suspended scaffold worker must access the platform from a building floor. Which of the following is the safest approach under OSHA and SAIA guidance?

• AStep over the guardrail at the level the platform happens to be sitting
• BPosition the platform so it is level with and as close as practical to the floor; transfe…
• CClimb down the suspension rope hand-over-hand to reach the platform
• DHave a co-worker lower the platform while the worker is partially over the edge

OSHA 1926.451(c)(1) requires that suspended-scaffold support devices and components be capable of supporting at least how many times their maximum intended load?

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

Under SAIA's Code of Safe Practices, workers using a swing stage should NOT do which of the following?

• ARide a powered hoist with all controls within the operator's reach
• BUse the suspension rope as a body lifeline or to climb between elevations
• CConnect a personal fall arrest system to an independent overhead anchor
• DInspect the rope, hoist, and rigging before each work shift

Which of the following describes a multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold under OSHA 1926.452(q)?

• AA platform suspended by more than two suspension ropes from overhead supports, with one h…
• BA scaffold that uses both a primary and secondary hoist on the same wire rope
• CA platform attached to a counterweighted mast climber
• DA scaffold supported at a single fixed elevation by two overhead supports

On a stone-setters' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold, what does OSHA 1926.452(r) require regarding the rated load?

• AThe scaffold must be designed for a working load not to exceed 25 pounds per square foot
• BThe scaffold must support a working load of at least 50 pounds per square foot
• CThe scaffold must be specifically designed to support the stone, mortar, and workers anti…
• DThe scaffold has no rated load — it is set by the foreman each day

What does OSHA 1926.451(g)(3)(iv) require regarding vertical lifelines for suspended-scaffold workers?

• AEach worker must have their own independent vertical lifeline
• BAll workers on one platform may share a single vertical lifeline
• CVertical lifelines are not required if a horizontal lifeline is installed
• DLifelines must be tied off to the same anchor as the suspension rope

Which OSHA section requires that scaffold users be trained by a qualified person to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and the procedures to control or minimize those hazards?

• AOSHA 1926.450
• BOSHA 1926.451
• COSHA 1926.452
• DOSHA 1926.454

A competent person discovers a kinked suspension rope on a swing stage that is otherwise visually intact. The correct action is:

• AApply lubricant to relax the kink and continue using the rope
• BTag the scaffold out of service and replace the rope before further use
• CCut off the kinked section and reuse the remaining rope length
• DContinue use if the kink straightens when the platform is loaded

Under OSHA 1926.451(e)(8), employees must not be allowed to work on scaffolds covered with snow, ice, or other slippery material, except for:

• ARepainting work, because paint adheres better to cold surfaces
• BRemoval of those materials, with appropriate fall protection in place
• CAny work as long as workers wear ice cleats
• DInspection work between 0700 and sunset

Wind gusts on the day's forecast are predicted to reach 35 mph. Under typical SAIA/ANSI A10.8 and manufacturer guidance, what is the appropriate action for a two-point swing stage?

• AContinue work as long as workers are tied off
• BContinue work but reduce the platform load to 50% of rated capacity
• CStop work, secure the platform to the building (or lower and tie down), and re-evaluate w…
• DContinue work but install an additional mid-rail

OSHA 1926.451(h) requires falling-object protection. On a suspended scaffold, which of the following best protects workers and pedestrians below from falling objects?

• AToeboards along open sides plus barricades or screens depending on the height of material…
• BA single rope tied across the front of the platform
• CHard hats only — falling-object protection on the platform itself is not required
• DReflective vests worn by ground workers

How does OSHA define a 'qualified person' under 29 CFR 1926.32(m), and how is this role different from a competent person on a suspended scaffold project?

• AQualified person and competent person mean the same thing under OSHA
• BA qualified person has a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing and has…
• CA qualified person is appointed by OSHA; a competent person is appointed by the employer
• DA qualified person must always be on the platform during operations; the competent person…

Which of the following accurately describes a parapet clamp used in suspended-scaffold rigging?

• AA clamp that grips the building's parapet wall to provide an anchor for outriggers and ti…
• BA clamp used inside the building to secure carpet during scaffold work
• CA clamp used to attach the platform stirrups to the suspension rope
• DA clamp that holds workers' tool belts in place during transit

Two-point swing-stage outriggers are being set up on a building roof. The competent person identifies that the roof is sloped 15 degrees and slippery from morning dew. The correct response is to:

• ASet the outriggers and proceed because the sloped roof is normal for the building
• BStop the rigging operation, evaluate roof anchorage and worker fall protection, and only…
• CHave workers move quickly across the roof while carrying the outriggers
• DAdd additional counterweights to make up for the slope

Under OSHA 1926.451(b)(1), platform planks and decking on a suspended scaffold must be installed so that gaps between adjacent units, or between the platform and uprights, are not greater than:

• A1 inch wide
• B2 inches wide
• C3 inches wide
• D6 inches wide

OSHA 1926.451(g)(4)(vii) requires top rails on suspended-scaffold guardrails to be able to withstand a force of at least:

• A100 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction
• B150 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction
• C200 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction
• D500 pounds applied in any direction

What does the term 'free-fall distance' mean in the context of a suspended-scaffold worker using a personal fall arrest system?

• AThe total distance the worker would travel after a fall, including all rope stretch and h…
• BThe vertical distance the worker falls before the PFAS begins to apply arresting force
• CThe distance from the suspended platform down to the ground
• DThe horizontal distance the platform swings during a fall

Under OSHA 1926.451(d)(10), suspension ropes shall be shielded from contact with:

• ADirect sunlight at all times
• BHeat-producing processes such as welding or burning, and corrosive chemicals
• CAny moisture, including rain
• DAny worker handling them with bare hands

What does the SAIA Code of Safe Practices for Suspended Scaffolds say about the maximum number of employees on a two-point swing stage?

• ANo more than one worker per platform regardless of platform length
• BThe number of workers must not exceed the platform's rated load or the manufacturer's max…
• CAny number of workers may ride as long as everyone is tied off
• DMaximum of six workers per swing stage in all cases

A two-point swing-stage has hoists rated at 1,000 pounds each. The competent person calculates the platform weight at 500 pounds, two workers and tools at 600 pounds, and stored materials at 200 pounds. Are the hoists adequately rated?

• AYes — total load is 1,300 lb shared by two hoists (650 lb each), well below the 1,000-lb…
• BNo — total load 1,300 lb exceeds one hoist's 1,000-lb rating, so the platform cannot be u…
• CYes — only worker weight counts against the hoist rating
• DInsufficient information — wind load must be calculated

OSHA 1926.451(g)(3)(ii) prohibits vertical lifelines from being used on which of the following?

• AA two-point scaffold equipped with overhead protection (overhead components such as addit…
• BAny swing stage longer than 24 feet
• CAny single-point scaffold with a wood platform
• DAny scaffold operated more than 100 feet above grade

When a horizontal lifeline or structural attachment is used in place of vertical lifelines, OSHA 1926.451(g)(3)(ii) requires:

• ANo additional independent support lines are needed
• BAdditional independent support lines, equal in number and strength to the suspension rope…
• CA single backup suspension rope, regardless of the original suspension configuration
• DOnly secondary brakes on hoists, with no additional ropes

Which of the following is the minimum requirement for cable/rope storage on a suspended-scaffold project, per ANSI A10.8 and SAIA Code of Safe Practices?

• ARopes may be left in a pile on the roof between uses
• BRopes must be stored in a dry, ventilated area off the ground, away from chemicals and tr…
• CRopes can be stored coiled inside any plastic bag
• DRopes must be stored only inside a heated indoor space at all times

An operator notices that the powered hoist on a two-point swing stage continues to descend a few inches after the operator releases the descent control. What does this indicate?

• ANormal hoist 'coast' behavior — no action needed
• BA brake malfunction; the platform must be safely returned to a landing or roof level and…
• CLow battery voltage — operator should continue and recharge after the shift
• DWire rope is too long for the platform's intended drop