Scaffold Competent Person (Construction)

Capable and authorized

The rule defines a competent person as someone who is both:

For erecting, moving, dismantling or altering a scaffold, the rule asks for a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.450(b) · 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)

When to inspect

If any part is damaged or weakened so its strength is less than the rule requires, it must be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet the provisions, or removed from service until repaired.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(4)

Suspension ropes and rope rails

On suspension scaffolds, ropes are inspected for defects by a competent person prior to each workshift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope's integrity. Ropes shall be replaced if any of these conditions exist:

• Any physical damage that impairs the function and strength of the rope
• Kinks that might impair the tracking or wrapping of rope around the drum(s) or sheave(s)
• Six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay
• Abrasion, corrosion, scrubbing, flattening or peening causing loss of more than one-third of the original diameter of the outside wires
• Heat damage caused by a torch, or any damage caused by contact with electrical wires
• Evidence that the secondary brake has been activated during an overspeed condition and has engaged the suspension rope

Manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope used for toprails or midrails must be inspected by a competent person as frequently as necessary to make sure it still meets the strength requirements.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10) · 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xiv) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)(ii) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)(iii) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)(iv) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)(v) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(10)(vi)

Under your supervision and direction

Four kinds of work must be done only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in them:

The people doing that work must be experienced and trained employees selected for the work by the competent person. Choosing the crew is part of the job.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)

Safe access for erectors and dismantlers

For people erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds, the employer provides safe access where that is feasible and does not create a greater hazard. The competent person determines whether it is feasible or would pose a greater hazard, and employees use the safe means of access. The decision is based on site conditions and the type of scaffold.

• Hook-on or attachable ladders are installed as soon as erection has progressed to a point that permits safe installation and use
• On tubular welded frame scaffolds, end frames with horizontal members that are parallel, level and not more than 22 inches apart vertically may be used as climbing devices, if erected to make a usable ladder with good hand hold and foot space
• Cross braces on tubular welded frame scaffolds must not be used as a means of access or egress

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9) · 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(ii) · 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iii) · 29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iv)

Fall protection for erectors and dismantlers

The general rule is that each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above a lower level must be protected from falling to that lower level.

For employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds, the employer must have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection. The employer must provide it where installation and use are feasible and do not create a greater hazard.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)

Wind, snow and ice

• Storms or high winds: work on or from scaffolds is prohibited unless a competent person has determined it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and they are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens
• Wind screens may not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces
• Snow, ice or other slippery material: employees are prohibited from working on a scaffold covered with it, except as necessary to remove it

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(12) · 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(8)

Mixed components and suspension connections

• Modified components from different manufacturers: they shall not be modified in order to intermix them unless a competent person determines the resulting scaffold is structurally sound
• Dissimilar metals: not used together unless a competent person has determined that galvanic action will not reduce the strength of any component below the required level
• Direct connections on suspension scaffold outrigger beams: before the scaffold is used, a competent person evaluates them and confirms the supporting surfaces can support the loads to be imposed
• Two-point and multi-point suspension scaffolds: tied or secured against swaying as determined necessary by a competent person's evaluation

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.451(b)(10) · 29 CFR 1926.451(b)(11) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(3)(i) · 29 CFR 1926.451(d)(18)

Training for erectors and others

Employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining or inspecting a scaffold must be trained by a competent person to recognize hazards associated with the work in question. The training includes, as applicable:

• The nature of scaffold hazards
• The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting and maintaining the type of scaffold in question
• The design criteria, maximum intended load-carrying capacity and intended use of the scaffold
• Any other pertinent requirements of the scaffold subpart

Separately, each employee who works while on a scaffold must be trained by a person qualified in the subject matter to recognize the hazards of the scaffold type being used and to understand the procedures to control or minimize them.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.454(a) · 29 CFR 1926.454(b) · 29 CFR 1926.454(b)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.454(b)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.454(b)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.454(b)(4)

Retraining

When the employer has reason to believe an employee lacks the skill or understanding needed for safe work erecting, using or dismantling scaffolds, the employer must retrain that employee until the proficiency is regained. Retraining is required in at least these situations:

• Changes at the worksite present a hazard the employee was not trained on
• Changes in types of scaffolds, fall protection, falling object protection or other equipment present a hazard the employee was not trained on
• Inadequacies in the employee's work with scaffolds indicate the employee has not retained the proficiency

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.454(c) · 29 CFR 1926.454(c)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.454(c)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.454(c)(3)

Common test questions

Who directs scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration?

A competent person qualified in that work.

Rule: 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)

Who selects the employees who erect or dismantle scaffolds?

The competent person - only experienced and trained employees picked by them.

Rule: 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)

Practice these in the course