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Scaffolding
Part 2
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, 1926.452, and 1926.454. It applies to erecting temporary scaffolding at worksites associated with construction, alteration, demolition, or repair work, including painting and decorating. It covers fall protection, falling object protection, pole scaffolds, tube and coupler scaffolds, fabricated frame scaffolds, horse scaffolds, ladder jack scaffolds, and training. This checklist does not cover additional requirements for plasterers', decorators', and large-area scaffolds; bricklayers' square scaffolds; form scaffolds and carpenters' bracket scaffolds; roof bracket scaffolds; outrigger scaffolds; pump jack scaffolds; window jack scaffolds; crawling boards (chicken ladders); step, platform, and trestle ladder scaffolds; single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds; two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds (swing stages); multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, stonesetters' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, and masons' multi-point adjustable suspension scaffolds; catenary scaffolds; float (ship) scaffolds; interior hung scaffolds; needle beam scaffolds; multi-level suspended scaffolds; mobile scaffolds; repair bracket scaffolds; stilts; and aerial lifts. Please consult the OSHA standards 29 CFR 1926.451, 1926.452 and 1926.453 for these types of scaffolds. 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 1 checklist. Subpart L of the OSHA construction standards includes appendixes that give useful information on scaffold specifications. Definitions of terms in bold type are provided at the end of the checklist.
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Fall Protection
  1. Are workers on scaffolds that are more than 10 feet

    2. above a lower level protected from falling by one
    of the following measures:
     
    1. a personal fall arrest system for workers

      2. on ladder jack scaffolds.
      [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(i)]
       
    2. a guardrail system installed within

      3. 9 1/2 inches of and along at least one
      side of the walkway for workers on a
      walkway located within a scaffold.
      [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(v)]
       
    3. a personal fall arrest system or guardrail

      4. system to protect workers doing overhand
      bricklaying from a supported scaffold
      from falling off open sides and ends of
      the scaffold (except at the side next to
      the wall being laid)?
      [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(vi)]
       
    4. a personal fall arrest system or guardrail

      5. system for workers on all other scaffolds.
      [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(1)(vii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Does a competent person determine the feasibility

    2. and safety of providing fall protection for workers
    erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Do workers erecting or dismantling supported

    2. scaffolds use fall protection when it is safe
    and feasible?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are personal fall arrest systems used on scaffolds

    2. attached by a lanyard to a vertical lifeline,
    horizontal lifeline, or scaffold structural
    member?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When vertical lifelines are used, are they

    2. fastened to a fixed safe point of anchorage,
    independent of the scaffold, and protected
    from sharp edges and abrasion?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(i)]

    Note: Safe points of anchorage include
    structural members of buildings, but do not
    include standpipes, vents, other piping
    systems, electrical conduit, outrigger
    beams, or counterweights.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When horizontal lifelines are used, are they

    2. secured to two or more structural members
    of the scaffold?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is it prohibited to attach vertical lifelines

    2. and independent support lines to one
    another, to the same point of anchorage,
    and to the same point on the scaffold or
    personal fall arrest system?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(3)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When guardrail systems are required, are

    2. they installed along all open sides and
    ends of platforms?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(i)]

    Note: Guardrails systems must be installed
    before the scaffold is used by workers
    other than erecting or dismantling crews.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If the scaffolds were manufactured or placed

    2. in service after January 1, 2000, is the top
    edge height of toprails (or equivalent
    member) on supported scaffolds between
    38 and 45 inches above the platform surface?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)]

    Note: When necessary, the height of the
    top edge may exceed 45 inches if the
    guardrail meets all OSHA requirements.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If scaffolds were manufactured or placed

    2. in service before January 1, 2000, is the
    top edge height of toprails (or equivalent
    member) on supported scaffolds between
    36 and 45 inches above the platform surface?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(ii)]

    Note: When necessary, the height of the
    top edge may exceed 45 inches if the
    guardrail meets all OSHA requirements.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate

    2. vertical members, and solid panels (or
    equivalent structural members) installed
    between the top edge of the guardrail
    system and the scaffold platform?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(iii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When midrails are used, are they installed

    2. approximately midway between the top
    edge of the guardrail system and the
    platform surface?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When screens and mesh are used, do they

    2. extend from the top edge of the guardrail
    system to the scaffold platform, and along
    the entire opening between the supports?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(v)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When intermediate members (such as

    2. balusters or additional rails) are used, are
    they installed 19 inches or less apart?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(vi)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Can each toprail (or equivalent member)

    2. of a guardrail system withstand (without
    failure) a 200-pound force applied in any
    downward or horizontal direction at any
    point along its top edge?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(vii)]

    Note: Appendix A of subpart L of the OSHA
    regulations gives directions for constructing
    acceptable guardrail systems.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When a 200 pound force is applied in a

    2. downward direction on the toprail (or
    equivalent member) of a guardrail system,
    does the top edge still maintain the OSHA
    required height (see questions 9 and 10)?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(viii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ??
  1. Can midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate

    2. vertical members, solid panels, and equivalent
    structural members of a guardrail system
    withstand (without failure) a 150-pound force
    applied in any downward or horizontal
    direction at any point along the midrail
    or other member?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(ix)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are guardrails surfaced to prevent snagging

    2. of clothing and injury from punctures or
    lacerations?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xi)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is it prohibited for rails to overhang the

    2. terminal posts, except when such overhang
    does not constitute a projection hazard?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is the use of steel or plastic banding for

    2. toprails or midrails prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xiii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If manila, plastic, or other synthetic rope is

    2. used for toprails or midrails, is it inspected
    by a competent person as necessary to
    ensure that it continues to meet the OSHA
    strength requirements?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xiv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If crossbracing is used to replace a midrail, is

    2. the crossing point of the two braces between
    20 and 30 inches above the work platform?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If crossbracing is used to replace a toprail, is

    2. the crossing point of the two braces between
    38 and 48 inches above the work platform?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If crossbracing is used to replace a midrail or

    2. toprail, are the end points at each upright
    48 inches apart or less?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(g)(4)(xv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Falling Object Protection
  1. Do workers on scaffolds wear hardhats?

    2. [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are workers protected from falling hand tools,

    2. debris, and other small objects by toeboards,
    screens, guardrail systems, debris nets, catch
    platforms, or canopy structures that contain
    or deflect the falling objects?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If objects are too large, heavy, or massive to

    2. be contained or deflected, are they moved
    away from the edge of the surface from which
    they could fall and secured?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If tools, materials, or equipment could fall

    2. from a scaffold and strike workers, are one of
    the following protective measures used?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2)]
     
    1. The area below the scaffold to which

      2. objects can fall is barricaded, and
      workers are not permitted to enter
      the hazard area.
       
    2. A toeboard is erected along the edge

      3. of platforms more than 10 feet above
      lower levels for a distance sufficient
      to protect workers below.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If tools, materials, or equipment are piled higher

    2. than the top edge of the toeboard, are one of
    the following protective measures used?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(2)]
     
    1. Paneling or screening extending from

      2. the toeboard or platform to the top of the
      guardrail is erected for a distance
      sufficient to protect the workers below.
       
    2. A guardrail system is installed with

      3. openings small enough to prevent
      passage of falling objects.
       
    3. A canopy structure, debris net, or catch

      4. platform strong enough to withstand
      the impact forces of the falling objects
      is erected over the workers.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If canopies are used to protect workers, are

    2. they installed between the falling object
    hazard and the workers?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(3)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If toeboards are used to protect workers, can

    2. they withstand (without failure) a force of at
    least 50 pounds applied in any downward or
    horizontal direction at any point along the toeboard?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(4)(i)]

    Note: Appendix A of Subpart L of the OSHA
    regulations provides directions for constructing

    acceptable toeboards.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If toeboards are used to protect workers, are they

    2. at least 3-1/2 inches high from the top edge of the
    toeboard to the level of the walking/working surface?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(4)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If toeboards are used to protect workers, are they

    2. securely fastened in place at the outermost edge
    of the platform? Do they have 1/4-inch or less
    clearance above the walking or working surface?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(4)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If toeboards are used to protect workers, are they

    2. solid or with openings of 1inch or less in the
    greatest dimension?
    [29 CFR 1926.451(h)(4)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Pole Scaffolds
  1. When platforms are moved to the next level, are

    2. existing platforms left undisturbed until the new
    bearers have been set in place and braced?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is crossbracing installed between the inner and

    2. outer set of poles on double pole scaffolds?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is diagonal bracing that is installed in both

    2. directions across the entire inside face of
    double-pole scaffolds used to support loads
    equivalent to a uniformly distributed load of
    50 pounds or more per square foot?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is diagonal bracing installed in both directions

    2. across the entire outside face of all double- 
    and single-pole scaffolds?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are runners and bearers installed on edge?

    2. [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(5)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Do bearers extend at least 3 inches over the

    2. outside edges of the runners?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(6)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Do runners extend at least over two poles? Are

    2. they supported by bearing blocks that are
    securely attached to the poles?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is it prohibited to splice braces, bearers, and

    2. runners between poles?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(8)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If wooden poles are spliced, are they square? Does

    2. the upper section rest squarely on the lower section?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(a)(9)]

    Note: Wood splice plates must be on at least two
    adjacent sides, and must extend at least 2 feet
    on either side of the splice, overlap the abutted
    ends equally, and have at least the same
    cross-sectional areas as the pole. Splice plates of
    other materials of equivalent strength may be used.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Tube and Coupler Scaffolds
  1. When platforms are moved to the next level, are

    2. existing platforms left undisturbed until the new
    bearers have been set in place and braced?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are transverse braces that form an "X" across the

    2. width of the scaffold installed at the scaffold ends
    and at least at every 3rd set of posts horizontally
    (measured form one end) and every 4th runner
    vertically?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Dose bracing extend diagonally from the inner or

    2. outer posts or runners upward to the next outer
    or inner posts or runners?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are building ties installed at the bearer levels

    2. between the transverse bracing?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. On straight run scaffolds, is longitudinal bracing

    2. across the inner and outer rows of posts installed
    diagonally in both directions? Does bracing
    extend from the base of the end posts upward to
    the top of the scaffold at approximately a 45º angle?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(3)]

    Note: On scaffolds whose length is greater than
    their height, such bracing must be repeated
    beginning at least at every 5th post. On scaffolds
    whose length is less than their height, such
    bracing must be installed from the base of the
    end posts upward to the opposite end posts, and
    then in alternating directions until reaching the
    top of the scaffold. Bracing must be installed as
    close as possible to the intersection of the
    bearer and post or runner and post.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. If bracing cannot be attached to posts, is it

    2. attached to the runners as close to the post
    as possible?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are bearers installed transversely between posts?

    2. When coupled to the posts, does the inboard
    coupler bear directly on the runner coupler?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(5)]

    Note: When the bearers are coupled to the
    runners, the couplers must be as close to the
    posts as possible.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Do bearers extend beyond the posts and runners,

    2. and provide full contact with the coupler?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(6)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are runners installed along the length of the

    2. scaffold, on both the inside and outside
    posts at level heights?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(7)]

    Note: When tube and coupler guardrails and
    midrails are used on outside posts, they may be
    used in place of outside runners.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are runners interlocked on straight runs to form

    2. continuous lengths, and coupled to each post?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(8)]

    Note: Install bottom runners and bearers as
    close to the base as possible.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are couplers made of structural metal, such as

    2. drop-forged steel, malleable iron, or structural
    grade aluminum?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(b)(9)]

    Note: The use of gray case iron is prohibited.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Fabricated Frame Scaffolds
  1. When moving platforms to the next level, are

    2. existing platforms left undisturbed until the new
    end frames have been set in place and braced?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(c)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are frames and panels braced by cross, horizontal,

    2. or diagonal braces (or combinations thereof), to
    secure vertical members together laterally?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(c)(2)]

    Note: The cross braces shall be long enough to
    automatically square and align vertical members
    so that the erected scaffold is plumb, level, and
    square. All brace connections must be secured.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are frames and panels joined together vertically

    2. by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(c)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are frames and panels locked together vertically

    2. by pins or equivalent means at points where uplift
    could displace scaffold end frames or panels?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(c)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Bricklayers' Square Scaffolds
  1. Are wood scaffolds reinforced with gussets on

    2. both sides of each corner?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(e)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are diagonal braces installed on all sides of

    2. each square?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(e)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are diagonal braces installed between squares on

    2. the rear and front sides of the scaffold, and do they
    extend from the bottom of each square to the top
    of the next square?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(e)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are scaffolds three tiers or less in height? Are they

    2. constructed so that one square rests directly above
    the other?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(e)(4)]

    Note: The upper tiers shall stand on a continuous
    row of planks laid across the next lower tier, and
    shall be nailed down or otherwise secured to
    prevent displacement.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Horse Scaffolds
  1. Are scaffolds less than 10 high? Are they two tiers

    2. high or less?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(f)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When horses are arranged in tiers, is each horse

    2. place directly over the horse in the tier below?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(f)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When horses are arranged in tiers, are the legs of

    2. each horse nailed down or otherwise secured to
    prevent displacement?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(f)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. When horses are arranged in tiers, is each tier

    2. crossbraced?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(f)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Ladder Jack Scaffolds
  1. Are all ladder jack scaffolds 20 feet or less above

    2. the ground?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(k)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are ladders that are used to support ladder jack

    2. scaffolds in compliance with OSHA regulations (see
    subpart X of this part)? - Stairways and Ladders.
    [29 CFR 1926.452(k)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are ladder jacks designed and constructed so that

    2. they will bear on the side rails in addition to
    the ladder rungs?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(k)(3)]

    Note: If bearing on rungs only, the bearing area
    shall be at least 10 inches on each rung.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are ladders that are used to support ladder jacks

    2. placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to
    prevent slipping?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(k)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Is it prohibited to bridge scaffold platforms one

    2. to another?
    [29 CFR 1926.452(k)(5)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
Training Requirements
  1. Are workers trained to recognize the hazards associated

    2. with the type of scaffold used and to understand the
    procedures to control or minimize those hazards?
    [29 CFR 1926.454(a)]

    Note: Consult the OSHA regulations for the specific
    training areas that must be covered.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are trainers qualified in the subject matter?

    2. [29 CFR 1926.454(a)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are workers who erect, disassemble, move, operate,

    2. repair, maintain, or inspect a scaffold trained to
    recognize hazards associated with the work?
    [29 CFR 1926.454(b)]

    Note: Consult the OSHA regulations for the
    specific training areas that must be covered.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are trainers who train the workers mentioned in

    2. question 74 competent?
    [29 CFR 1926.454(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  1. Are workers retrained when they show a lack of skills

    2. or understanding needed for safe work involving
    erecting, using or dismantling scaffolds?
    [29 CFR 1926.454(c)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

 
Definitions:
 
Bearer (putlog): a horizontal transverse scaffold member supported by ledgers or runners. The scaffold platform rests on the bearer, and the bearer joins scaffold uprights, posts, poles, and similar members.
Brace: a rigid connection that holds one scaffold member in a fixed position with respect to another member, or to a building or structure.
Competent person: one who can identify hazards in the work area or conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous, and who has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
Coupler: a device for locking together the tubes of a tube and coupler scaffold.
Gusset: a metal plate used for connections.
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.
Lifeline: a component consisting of a flexible line that connects to an anchorage at one end to hang vertically (vertical lifeline), or that connects to anchorages at both ends to stretch horizontally (horizontal lifeline). The lifeline serves connects other components of a personal fall arrest system to the anchorage.
Qualified: a person who, by a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing; or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated an ability to solve problems related to a subject matter, work, or project.
Runner (ledger or ribbon): the lengthwise horizontal spacing or bracing member that support the bearers.
Supported scaffold: one or more platforms supported by outrigger beams, brackets, poles, legs, uprights, posts, frames, or similar rigid support.
Comments/Corrective action:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health