2.2 Construction Safety Standards- Scaffolding Safety

Explanation
Setting up a scaffold out of plumb, even if it is only 5 frames tall or less, is not okay. Plumb refers to the vertical alignment of the scaffold, and it is crucial for safety and stability. If a scaffold is not plumb, it can pose a risk of collapse or instability, leading to accidents and injuries. Therefore, it is important to ensure that scaffolds are always set up plumb, regardless of their height.

Explanation
A cross brace can be installed at the appropriate height to act as the top rail or mid rail on a scaffold's handrail. This is because a cross brace is a horizontal support that helps stabilize the scaffold structure and prevent it from swaying or collapsing. By positioning the cross brace at the appropriate height, it can serve as a safety rail, ensuring that workers are protected and preventing falls from the scaffold.

Explanation
A screw jack should never extend more than 2-Jan (1/2) of its length because exceeding this limit can cause instability and potentially lead to the jack collapsing or failing to support the load properly. It is important to follow this guideline to ensure safety and prevent any accidents or damage.

Explanation
The statement is false because it is important to distribute the load evenly on a scaffold over the support. By doing so, the scaffold will be more stable and less likely to collapse or cause accidents. Failing to distribute the load properly can lead to uneven weight distribution, which can put excessive stress on certain parts of the scaffold and increase the risk of accidents. It is crucial to follow proper safety guidelines and distribute the load evenly to ensure the stability and integrity of the scaffold.

Explanation
The correct answer is that for scaffold platform construction, you must have platforms that are fully planked or decked, with not more than a 1-inch gap between planks. Additionally, scaffold platforms and walkways must be at least 20" wide. These requirements ensure the safety and stability of the scaffold, providing a solid and secure platform for workers to perform their tasks. The fully planked or decked platforms prevent any gaps that could pose a tripping hazard or cause tools or materials to fall through. The minimum width requirement ensures there is enough space for workers to move around and perform their tasks safely.

Explanation
When overlapping OSHA planks on a scaffold frame, the minimum and maximum overlap required is 6" and 12" respectively. This means that the planks must overlap by at least 6" but no more than 12" to ensure proper stability and safety of the scaffold structure. This range allows for a secure connection between the planks while also preventing excessive overlap that could lead to instability.

Explanation
At the start of each shift, conducting an inspection of the scaffolding is necessary to ensure its safety and stability. This inspection helps identify any potential hazards or defects that may have occurred since the last shift, allowing for timely repairs or adjustments to be made before workers start their tasks. By regularly inspecting the scaffolding, the risk of accidents or injuries due to faulty equipment or unstable structures is minimized. Therefore, it is important to conduct these inspections at the beginning of each shift.

Explanation
The correct answer includes the following requirements for scaffolding access: the scaffold must have safe access, the bottom access rung cannot be more than 24" high, rest platforms must be provided at 35-foot intervals, and only end frames with built-in ladders that have rungs 8" apart can be used for access. Additionally, the base plate or foot of the scaffold leg only needs to contact the ground on 3 of the 4 sides.

Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that the rated load capacity for three-person scaffolding is indeed 250 pounds placed at the center of the span and 250 pounds placed 18 inches to the left and right of the center span, which adds up to a total of 750 pounds. Therefore, the statement is true.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Daily with all other scaffold." This means that the stair tower should be inspected every day along with all other scaffolds. Inspecting the stair tower daily ensures that any potential issues or hazards can be identified and addressed promptly, maintaining safety for those using the tower.