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Scaffolding
Part 1
Self Inspection Checklist


Guidelines: This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under subpart L of the construction standards 29 CFR 1926.451. It applies to temporary scaffolding at worksites associated with construction, alteration, demolition, or repair work including painting and decorating. It covers general requirements regarding capacity, scaffold platform construction, criteria for supported scaffolds, and access. The checklist does not address criteria for suspension scaffolds, suspension ropes, and stairtowers. Please consult the OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.451 for these types of scaffold situations. The regulations cited apply only to private employers and their employees, unless adopted by a State agency and applied to other groups such as public employees. A yes answer to a question indicates that this portion of the inspection complies with the OSHA or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard, or with a nonregulatory recommendation. This checklist should be used with the Scaffolding-Part 2 checklist. Subpart L of the OSHA construction standards includes appendixes that provide useful information on scaffold specifications. Definitions of terms in bold type are provided at the end of the checklist.

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Construction

  1. Does each scaffold and scaffold component
    support (without failure) its own weight and
    at least 4 times the maximum intended load?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(1)]

    Note: The stall load of any scaffold hoist
    must not exceed 3 times its rated load
    [29 CFR 1926.451(a)(5)]. Appendix A of
    the OSHA regulations gives directions for
    constructing scaffolds.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all working levels on scaffolds fully
    planked or decked between the front uprights
    and the guardrail supports?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are scaffold platform spaces 1inch or less
    between adjacent units and the uprights?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(1)(i)]

    Note: Spaces up to 9 1/2 inches wide are
    permitted around uprights. If platforms are
    used only as walkways or during erecting or
    dismantling, the employer may establish
    the space between planking as necessary to
    provide safe working conditions.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all scaffold platforms at least
    18 inches wide?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(2)]

    Note: Scaffold platforms less than
    18 inches wide are permitted if wider
    platforms are not possible. However,
    students and employees who use these
    platforms must be protected by
    guardrails or personal fall arrest
    systems.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the distance between the front edge of
    the scaffold platform and the face of the
    work 14 inches or less, unless guardrail
    systems are put along the front edge, or
    personal fall arrest systems are used?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(3)]

    Note: Exceptions are permitted under
    special situations. Consult the OSHA
    regulations for details. The maximum
    distance from the face for plastering and
    lathing operations is 18 inches.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Does the end of each scaffold platform
    extend over the centerline of its support at
    least 6 inches unless cleated or otherwise
    restrained by hooks or equivalent means?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. If the scaffold platform is 10 feet or less in
    length, does the end of the scaffold platform
    extend 12 inches or less over its support?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(5)(i)]

    Note: The end of the scaffold platform may
    extend more than 12 inches over its support
    if the platform is designed and installed so
    that the cantilevered portion of the platform
    can support workers or materials without
    tipping, or a guardrail blocks worker access
    to the cantilevered end.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. On scaffolds where planks are abutted to form
    a long platform, does each plank end rest on
    a separate support surface?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(6)]

    Note: Common support members, such as
    "T" sections, may be used to support abutting
    planks. Hook-on platforms designed to rest
    on common supports may also be used.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. On scaffolds where platforms overlap to
    form a long platform, does the overlap
    occur over supports? Is the overlap at
    least 12 inches unless the platform is
    nailed together or otherwise restrained
    to prevent movement?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. At points of a scaffold where the platform
    changes direction, is this procedure followed?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(8)]

    Step 1: Lay the platform that rests on a
    bearer at an angle other than a right angle.

    Step 2: Lay the platform that rests at
    right angles over the same bearer, on
    top of the first platform.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is it prohibited to cover wood platforms
    on scaffolds with opaque finishes?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(9)]

    Note: Platform edges may be covered or
    marked for identification. Wood platforms
    may be coated periodically with wood
    preservatives, fire-retardant finishes,
    and slip-resistant finishes; however, the
    coating may not obscure the top or
    bottom wood surfaces.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do scaffold components from different
    manufacturers fit together without force and
    maintain the scaffold's structural integrity?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(10)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are scaffold components from different
    manufacturers modified ONLY if a
    competent person determines that the
    scaffold made of the 'mixed' parts is
    structurally sound?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(10)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are scaffold components made of dissimilar
    metals used together ONLY if a competent
    person has determined that galvanic action
    will not reduce the strength of any
    component to an unacceptable level?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(b)(11)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 


Criteria for Supported Scaffolds

  1. Are supported scaffolds with a height to
    base width ratio of more than 4 to 1
    restrained from tipping by guying, tying,
    bracing, or equivalents?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(1)]

    Note: Install guys, ties, and braces at
    locations where horizontal members
    support both inner and outer legs. Install
    Guys, ties, and braces according to the
    scaffold manufacturer's recommendations
    or at the closest horizontal member to
    the 4 to 1 height. Repeat vertically at
    locations of horizontal members every
    20 feet or less thereafter for scaffolds
    3 feet wide or less, and every 26 feet or
    less thereafter for scaffolds greater than
    3 feet wide. Place the top guy, tie, or
    brace of completed scaffolds no further
    than the 4 to 1 height from the top. Install
    guys, ties, and braces at each end of
    the scaffold and at horizontal intervals
    30 feet or less (measured from one end
    [not both] towards the other). Use ties,
    guys, braces, or outriggers to prevent
    tipping when there is an eccentric load,
    such as a cantilevered work platform.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are supported scaffold poles, legs, posts,
    frames, and uprights placed on base plates
    and mud sills or other firm foundation?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are footings level, sound, and rigid? Can they
    support the loaded scaffold without settling or
    displacement?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is it prohibited to use unstable objects for
    supporting scaffolds and platform units?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is it prohibited to use unstable objects as
    working platforms?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is it prohibited to use front-end loaders and
    similar pieces of equipment to support scaffold
    platforms, unless they were designed by the
    manufacturer for such use?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(2)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames,
    and uprights plum and braced to prevent
    swaying and displacement?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(c)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 


Access

  1. Are ladders, stairs, ramps, or walkways provided
    to access scaffold platforms more than 2 feet
    above or below a point of access?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(1)]

    Note: Cross-braces must not be used as a
    means of access.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are portable, hook-on, and attachable ladders
    positioned to prevent the scaffold from tipping?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are hook-on and attachable ladders positioned
    so the bottom rung is not more than 24 inches
    above the scaffold supporting level?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are hook-on and attachable ladders designed
    for the scaffold in use?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do hook-on and attachable ladders have rung
    length of at least 11 1/2 inches?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(v)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do hook-on and attachable ladders have
    uniformly spaced rungs with a maximum
    spacing between rungs of 16-3/4 inches?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(2)(vi)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the bottom step of stairway-type ladders
    24 inches or less above the scaffold supporting
    level?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do stairway-type ladders have rest platforms
    at 12-foot maximum vertical intervals?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do stairway-type ladders have a step width of
    at least 16 inches?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(iii)]

    Note: Mobile scaffold stairway-type ladders
    may have a minimum step width of 11 1/2 inches.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do stairway-type ladders have slip-resistant
    treads on all steps and landings?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(3)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do ramps and walkways 6 feet or more
    above lower levels have guardrails?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are ramps and walkways inclined with a
    slope less than 1 vertical to 3 horizontal
    20 degrees above the horizontal?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do ramps and walkways that are steeper than
    1 vertical in 8 horizontal have cleats 14 inches
    (or less) apart that are securely fastened to the
    planks to provide footing?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(5)(iii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are integral prefabricated scaffold access
    frames constructed for use as ladder rungs?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do integral prefabricated scaffold access
    frames have rung lengths of at least 8 inches?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do students and employees have fall protection
    if integral prefabricated scaffold access frames
    with rungs less than 11 1/2 inches are used
    as work platforms?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(iii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are integral prefabricated scaffold access frames
    uniformly spaced within each frame section?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do integral prefabricated scaffold access frames
    have a maximum spacing between rungs of
    16-3/4 inches?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(6)(v)]

    Note: Non-uniform rung spacing caused by
    joining end frames together is allowed, provide
    the resulting spacing is 16-3/4 inches or less.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do steps and rungs of ladder and stairway-type
    access line up vertically with each other
    between rest platforms?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the horizontal distance 14 inches (or less)
    and the vertical distance 24 inches (or less)
    between two surfaces used to provide direct
    access between them?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(8)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. During erecting and dismantling of supported
    scaffolds, does a competent person provide
    and evaluate safe means of access?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. During erecting and dismantling of supported
    scaffolds, are hook-on or attachable ladders
    installed as soon as they can be used safely?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. During erecting and dismantling of supported
    scaffolds, are the ends of tubular welded frame
    scaffolds used as climbing devices for access
    only if the horizontal members are parallel, level,
    and 22 inches apart (or less) vertically?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. During erecting and dismantling of supported
    scaffolds, is it prohibited to use the cross braces
    on tubular welded frame scaffolds for access
    or exit?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(e)(9)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 


Use

  1. Are scaffolds and scaffold components loaded
    below their maximum intended loads or rated
    capacities (whichever is less)?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the use of shore or lean-to scaffolds prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Does a competent person inspect scaffolds
    and scaffold components for visible defects
    before each work shift, and after any occurrence
    that could affect a scaffold's structural integrity?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are parts of a scaffold that are damaged or
    weakened immediately repaired, replaced,
    braced, or removed from service until repaired?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the horizontal movement of a scaffold
    prohibited while workers are on the scaffold
    (unless the scaffold is designed for movement
    by a registered professional engineer, or is a
    mobile scaffold meeting OSHA standards)?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(5)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are proper clearances (as shown in Tables 1
    and 2) between scaffolds and power lines
    always maintained?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(6)]

    Note: Scaffolds and materials may be closer
    to power lines if such clearance is necessary,
    and only after the utility company or electrical
    system operator has been notified, and the
    utility company or electrical system operator
    has deenergized the lines, relocated the lines,
    or installed protective coverings to prevent
    contact with the lines.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Table 1: Insulated Power Lines
Insulated Lines
Voltage
Minimum
Distance
Alternative
Less than 300 volts

300 volts to 50 kv

More than 50 kv 		3 feet (0.9 m)

10 feet (3.1 m)

10 feet (3.1 m) plus
4.0 inches (10 cm)
for each 1 kv over
50 kv



2 times the length of
the line insulator,
but never less than
10 feet (3.1m)


Table 2: Uninsulated Power Lines
Uninsulated Line
Voltage
Minimum
Distance
Alternatives
Less than 50 kv

More than 50 kv 		10 feet (3.1 m)

10 feet (3.1 m) plus
4.0 inches (10 cm)
for each 1 kv over
50 kv

2 times the length
of the line insulator,
but never less than
10 feet (3.1 m)



  1. Are scaffolds erected, moved, dismantled,
    or altered only under the supervision and
    direction of a competent person qualified in
    scaffold erection, moving, dismantling,
    or alteration?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are scaffolds erected, moved, dismantled,
    or altered only by experienced and trained
    employees selected for such work by the
    competent person?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is it prohibited to work on scaffolds covered
    with snow, ice, or other slippery material,
    except as necessary to remove such materials?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(8)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. If swinging loads are hoisted onto or near
    scaffolds, are tag lines or equivalent measures
    used to control the loads?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(9)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is working on scaffolds during storms or
    high winds prohibited unless a competent
    person has determined that it is safe for
    workers to be on the scaffold and workers
    are protected by a personal fall arrest
    system or wind screens?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(12)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is debris removed from platforms?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(13)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are makeshift devices, such as boxes and
    barrels, prohibited on scaffold platforms
    for increasing the working level height?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(14)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is it prohibited to use ladders on scaffolds
    to increase the working level height?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(15)]

    Note: Ladders may be used on large area
    scaffolds if certain conditions are met.
    Consult the OSHA regulations for the
    required conditions.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are scaffold platforms used only if they deflect
    1/60 of the span (or less) when loaded?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(f)(16)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 




Definitions:

Competent person: one who can identify hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to workers, and who has authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

Lean-to scaffold: a supported scaffold that is kept erect by tilting it toward and resting it against a building or structure.

Personal fall arrest system: a system used to stop an employee's fall. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, a body belt or body harness, and may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or combinations of these.

Shore scaffold: a supported scaffold that is placed against a building or structure and held in place with props.

Supported scaffold: one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.



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