Learn what the scaffold rule asks of the competent person: inspecting, supervising erection and dismantling, making the access and fall protection calls, and training the crew.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.450(b), 1926.451 and 1926.454 (Subpart L, scaffolds in construction) · about 6 min read
Need proof of training? The full course (30 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.
The rule defines a competent person as someone who is both:
CapableOf identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees.
AuthorizedTo take prompt corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.
For erecting, moving, dismantling or altering a scaffold, the rule asks for a competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling or alteration.
Why authority matters: a competent person who can spot a hazard but cannot stop the work or fix it does not meet this definition.
Before each work shiftThe competent person inspects the scaffold and its components for visible defects.
After any occurrenceInspect again after anything that could affect the scaffold's structural integrity.
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.
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.
Four kinds of work must be done only under the supervision and direction of a competent person qualified in them:
Erecting
Moving
Dismantling
Altering
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)
Supervising erection and dismantling
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.450(b), 1926.451 and 1926.454. It is not an OSHA card or license, it does not make anyone a competent person, and it does not by itself meet the training requirements of 29 CFR 1926.454. Your employer must still have each employee who performs work while on a scaffold trained by a person qualified in the subject matter, have each employee who is involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting a scaffold trained by a competent person, and retrain employees as 29 CFR 1926.454(c) requires.
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.