General Scaffold Requirements
1. Is the scaffold capable of supporting its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load?
Yes
No
N/A
2. Are all scaffold components designed and constructed to meet their intended function?
Yes
No
N/A
3. Are platforms on scaffolds fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports?
Yes
No
N/A
4. Are all scaffold components inspected for visible damage such as cracks, bends, or corrosion?
Yes
No
N/A
5. Are scaffold platforms at least 18 inches wide unless otherwise specified?
Yes
No
N/A
Base and Foundation Requirements
6. Are scaffolds resting on sound, stable, and adequate foundations?
Yes
No
N/A
7. Are base plates or mud sills installed to distribute scaffold loads evenly?
Yes
No
N/A
8. Are scaffolds secured to prevent tipping or displacement?
Yes
No
N/A
Access Requirements
9. Are safe access points provided, such as ladders, ramps, or stairways?
Yes
No
N/A
10. Are cross braces prohibited from being used as a means of access?
Yes
No
N/A
Guardrails and Fall Protection
11. Are guardrails installed along all open sides and ends of platforms where the height exceeds 10 feet?
Yes
No
N/A
12. Are midrails installed halfway between the top edge of the guardrail and the platform?
Yes
No
N/A
13. Are toeboards installed on platforms where objects could fall and pose a risk to employees?
Yes
No
N/A
14. Are guardrails able to withstand a force of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction?
Yes
No
N/A
15. Is the top rail of the guardrail system installed between 38 and 45 inches above the platform?
Yes
No
N/A
16. Are personal fall arrest systems provided where guardrails are not feasible?
Yes
No
N/A
17. Are lifelines for suspended scaffolds independent of the scaffold's anchorage?
Yes
No
N/A
18. Are employees protected from falling objects by screens, mesh, or equivalent?
Yes
No
N/A
Load and Weight Requirements
19. Are scaffold components able to support at least four times the maximum intended load?
Yes
No
N/A
20. Are scaffold platforms not overloaded beyond their capacity?
Yes
No
N/A
21. Are load capacities of scaffolds clearly posted or otherwise communicated to employees?
Yes
No
N/A
Suspended Scaffolds
22. Are suspended scaffold ropes and hardware inspected before each use?
Yes
No
N/A
23. Are counterweights used for suspended scaffolds securely fastened and not made of materials such as sand or water?
Yes
No
N/A
24. Are suspension scaffold ropes able to support at least six times the maximum intended load?
Yes
No
N/A
25. Are hoist systems used for suspended scaffolds tested and maintained according to manufacturer specifications?
Yes
No
N/A
Weather and Environmental Considerations
Yes
No
N/A
26. Are scaffolds prohibited from use during storms or high winds unless deemed safe by a competent person?
Yes
No
N/A
27. Are proper clearances maintained between scaffolds and power lines?
Yes
No
N/A
28. Are scaffolds protected from adverse environmental conditions such as ice or heavy rain?
Yes
No
N/A
Inspection and Maintenance
29. Are scaffolds inspected by a competent person before each work shift?
Yes
No
N/A
30. Are damaged or weakened scaffold components removed from service immediately?
Yes
No
N/A
31. Are suspension ropes and hardware replaced when wear or damage is detected?
Yes
No
N/A
Training and Supervision
32. Are employees trained in the proper use of scaffolds and fall protection systems?
Yes
No
N/A
33. Are employees prohibited from climbing on unsafe parts of scaffolds, such as cross braces?
Yes
No
N/A
34. Is scaffold erection and dismantling supervised by a competent person?
Yes
No
N/A
Ladders and Access
35. Are portable ladders secured to prevent movement during use?
Yes
No
N/A
36. Are stairways installed between 30 and 50 degrees from the horizontal?
Yes
No
N/A
37. Are ladders and stairways capable of supporting at least four times their maximum intended load?
Yes
No
N/A
Fall Protection Specifics
Yes
No
N/A
38. Are personal fall arrest systems anchored to points capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds?
Yes
No
N/A
39. Are employees on scaffolds protected by guardrails or personal fall arrest systems when working at heights greater than 10 feet?
Yes
No
N/A
Miscellaneous
40. Are debris nets or other barriers installed to protect employees from falling objects?
Yes
No
N/A
41. Are materials and tools secured to prevent them from falling?
Yes
No
N/A
42. Are scaffolds and their components used only for their intended purposes?
Yes
No
N/A
Guardrails
43. Are guardrails installed at all open sides and ends of scaffolds, including at points where the scaffold changes direction?
Yes
No
N/A