When is a competent person required for scaffolding?
OSHA’s scaffolding standard defines a competent person as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, which are unsanitary, hazardous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” The standard requires a competent person to perform the following duties under these circumstances:
• In General: - To select and direct employees who erect, dis- mantle, move, or alter scaffolds. 1926.451(f)(7) - To determine if it is safe for employees to work on or from a scaffold during storms or high winds and to ensure that a personal fall arrest system or wind screens protect these employees. (Note: Windscreens should not be used unless the scaffold is secured against the anticipated wind forces imposed.) 1926.451(f)(12)
• For Training: - To train employees involved in erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting scaffolds to recognize associated work hazards. 1926.454(b)
• For Inspections: - To inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects before each work shift and after any occurrence which could affect the structural integrity and to authorize prompt corrective actions. 1926.451(f)(3)
- To inspect ropes on suspended scaffolds prior to each work-shift and after every occurrence which could affect the structural integrity and to authorize prompt corrective actions. 1926.451(d)(10) - To inspect manila or plastic (or other synthetic) rope being used for top rails or mid-rails. 1926.451(g)(4)(xiv)
• For Suspension Scaffolds: - To evaluate direct connections to support the load. 1926.451 (d)(3)(i) - To evaluate the need to secure two-point and multi-point scaffolds to prevent swaying. 1926.451(d)(18)
• For Erectors and Dismantlers: - To determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection and access. 1926.451(e)(9) and 1926.451(g)(2) - To train erectors and dismantlers (effective September 2, 1997) to recognize associated work hazards. 1926.454(b)
• For Scaffold Components: - To determine if a scaffold will be structurally sound when intermixing components from different manufacturers. 1926.451(b)(10) - To determine if galvanic action has affected the capacity when using components of dissimilar metals. 1926.451(b)(11)
When is a qualified person required for scaffolding?
The standard defines a qualified person as “one who—by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience—has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.” The qualified person must perform the following duties in these circumstances:
• In General: - To design and load scaffolds in accordance with that design. 1926.451(a)(6)
• For Training: - To train employees working on the scaffolds to recognize the associated hazards and understand procedures to control or minimize those hazards. 1926.454(a)
• For Suspension Scaffolds: - To design the rigging for single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds. 1926.452(o)(2)(i) - To design platforms on two-point adjustable suspension types that are less than 36 inches (0.9 m) wide to prevent instability. 1926.452(p)(1) - To make swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire suspension ropes. 1926.451(d)(11)
• For Components and Design: - To design scaffold components construction in accordance with the design. 1926.451(a)(6)
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