Scaffolding Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers
1. What is scaffolding?
Answer: Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction, maintenance, or repair of buildings and other structures.
2. What are the types of scaffolding?
Answer: The main types of scaffolding include:
- Single scaffolding (bricklayer’s scaffolding)
- Double scaffolding (mason’s scaffolding)
- Cantilever scaffolding
- Suspended scaffolding
- Trestle scaffolding
- Steel scaffolding
3. Why is scaffolding safety important?
Answer: Scaffolding safety prevents falls, collapses, and injuries by ensuring the structure is stable, secure, and properly used.
4. What are the main hazards associated with scaffolding?
Answer: – Falls from height
- Scaffold collapse
- Falling objects
- Electrocution (contact with power lines)
- Slipping or tripping hazards
5. What are the basic safety rules for working on scaffolding?
Answer: – Inspect scaffolding before use
- Ensure proper guardrails and toe boards
- Use fall protection if required
- Keep the scaffold free of debris
6. Who is responsible for scaffolding safety?
Answer: Employers, site supervisors, scaffold erectors, and workers all share responsibility for scaffolding safety.
7. What is a competent person in scaffolding?
Answer: A competent person is someone trained and experienced who can identify scaffolding hazards and take corrective actions.
8. What should be checked during scaffolding inspection?
Answer: – Proper erection and stability
- Plank condition
- Guardrails and toe boards
- Load capacity
9. How often should scaffolding be inspected?
Answer: Before each work shift, after any modifications, and after severe weather conditions.
10. What is the maximum allowable height for scaffolding without bracing?
Answer: It depends on local regulations, but generally, scaffolds higher than four times their base width require bracing.
11. What are the components of scaffolding?
Answer: – Standards (uprights)
- Ledgers (horizontal tubes)
- Transoms (cross members)
- Planks (working platforms)
- Bracing (for stability)
12. What is the purpose of toe boards on scaffolding?
Answer: Toe boards prevent tools and materials from falling and injuring workers below.
13. What materials are commonly used for scaffolding?
Answer: – Steel (most common)
- Aluminum (lightweight)
- Wood (for planks)
14. What is the purpose of guardrails on scaffolding?
Answer: Guardrails prevent falls by providing a protective barrier at exposed edges.
15. What is the load capacity of scaffolding?
Answer: Scaffolding must be able to support at least four times the intended load without failure.
16. How should scaffold planks be positioned?
Answer: Planks should fully overlap supports and extend at least 6 inches beyond the platform.
17. What is the minimum width of a scaffolding platform?
Answer: Typically 18 inches (45 cm), but it depends on regulations.
18. What is mobile scaffolding?
Answer: A scaffold with wheels or casters that allows easy movement.
19. What safety precautions must be followed with mobile scaffolds?
Answer: – Lock wheels before use
- Move only on level surfaces
- No workers on scaffold while moving
20. What is suspended scaffolding?
Answer: A scaffold hanging from ropes or chains, often used for window cleaning and painting.
21. What are the requirements for working on suspended scaffolding?
Answer: – Proper anchoring
- Secure hoisting system
- Personal fall protection
22. What is a cantilever scaffold?
Answer: A scaffold supported at one end only, extending out from a structure.
23. How should scaffolding be secured?
Answer: Bracing, tie-ins, and outriggers must be used to prevent tipping.
24. Can scaffolding be used in high winds?
Answer: No, work should be stopped if wind speeds exceed safety limits.
25. What is the purpose of base plates in scaffolding?
Answer: Base plates distribute weight evenly and prevent sinking into the ground.
26. What are the requirements for scaffolding access?
Answer: Workers must use ladders, stairs, or ramps—not climb the scaffold frame.
27. What PPE is required for scaffolding work?
Answer: – Hard hats
- Safety harnesses (if required)
- Non-slip footwear
- Gloves
28. Can scaffolding be overloaded?
Answer: No, exceeding weight limits can cause collapse.
29. What is the required distance between scaffolding and power lines?
Answer: At least 10 feet (3 meters) to prevent electrocution risks.
30. What should be done if a scaffold is damaged?
Answer: Stop work immediately and report it for repair or replacement.
31. What is shoring in scaffolding?
Answer: Temporary support used to stabilize structures during repairs or construction.
32. What should workers do before climbing scaffolding?
Answer: Inspect the structure and ensure handholds and platforms are secure.
33. Can workers use makeshift platforms on scaffolding?
Answer: No, only approved scaffold planks should be used.
34. What should be done before dismantling scaffolding?
Answer: – Remove all tools and materials
- Follow a step-by-step disassembly process
- Ensure workers wear PPE
35. What is the purpose of cross-bracing?
Answer: Cross-bracing prevents scaffold sway and increases stability.
36. What is an access scaffold?
Answer: A scaffold used to provide safe access to elevated work areas.
37. What should be done if scaffolding becomes unstable?
Answer: Evacuate the area, secure the scaffold, and report the hazard.
38. What is a putlog scaffold?
Answer: A scaffold with one side attached to a wall, used in bricklaying.
39. Why should scaffolding be kept clean and free of debris?
Answer: To prevent slips, trips, and falls.
40. Can scaffolding be erected on soft ground?
Answer: Only if it is properly supported with base plates or mud sills.
41. What is the maximum height for scaffolding without fall protection?
Answer: Typically 6 feet (1.8 meters) in construction, but local laws apply.
42. What should workers do if they feel unsafe on scaffolding?
Answer: Stop work and report concerns to a supervisor immediately.
43. What should be done if a scaffold starts swaying?
Answer: Stop work, inspect bracing, and secure the structure.
44. What are common causes of scaffold collapses?
Answer: – Overloading
- Poor assembly
- Weak foundation
45. What training is required for scaffold workers?
Answer: Workers must be trained in scaffold erection, hazard identification, and fall protection.
46. Can scaffolding be used at night?
Answer: Yes, but adequate lighting must be provided.
47. What is rolling scaffolding?
Answer: A mobile scaffold with casters for easy movement.
48. Why is scaffolding tagged?
Answer: Tags indicate if scaffolding is safe (green) or unsafe (red) for use.
49. What is the first step in erecting scaffolding?
Answer: Inspect the work area and ensure a stable foundation.
50. What is the golden rule of scaffolding safety?
Answer: Never work on a scaffold that is incomplete, unstable, or uninspected.
Scaffolding Work JSA (Job safety Analysis) | Free Download
Scaffold Safety: Inspection and Fall Protection Measures
