How does Subpart L define "competent person" for scaffold work?
A. One capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them
B. One who holds a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing in engineering
C. One who has personally erected at least 100 scaffolds
D. One who is designated in writing by the scaffold manufacturer
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. One capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them
- B: That description matches the standard's separate "qualified person" definition, which is credential-based rather than authority-based.
- C: A raw erection count is not the definitional criterion the standard uses.
- D: Manufacturer designation plays no role in this regulatory definition.
Source: 1926.450(b): Competent person, definition
How does the standard distinguish a "qualified person" from a "competent person"?
A. A qualified person is defined by degree, certificate, or demonstrated knowledge/training/experience solving problems in the subject matter, while a competent person is defined by hazard-identification ability plus corrective authority
B. There is no distinction; the terms are used interchangeably throughout Subpart L
C. A qualified person always outranks a competent person on an organizational chart
D. A competent person must always also be a qualified person, with no separate criteria
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. A qualified person is defined by degree, certificate, or demonstrated knowledge/training/experience solving problems in the subject matter, while a competent person is defined by hazard-identification ability plus corrective authority
- B: The standard defines and uses each term for a distinct purpose, such as design (qualified person) versus erection supervision (competent person).
- C: Organizational rank is not how the standard distinguishes the roles.
- D: The two definitions are separate; meeting one does not automatically satisfy the other.
Source: 1926.450(b): Qualified person, definition
How often must a competent person inspect scaffolds and scaffold components for visible defects?
A. Before each work shift, and after any occurrence that could affect the scaffold's structural integrity
B. Once, at the time the scaffold is first assembled, with no further inspection
C. Once per month, regardless of use or weather events
D. Only when an employee specifically requests an inspection
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. Before each work shift, and after any occurrence that could affect the scaffold's structural integrity
- B: A single inspection at assembly does not account for changes over the life of the scaffold's use.
- C: A fixed monthly interval ignores shift-to-shift and event-driven risk.
- D: Inspection is an employer/competent-person obligation, not something contingent on an employee request.
Source: 1926.451(f)(3)
When an inspection finds a damaged or weakened scaffold component, what must happen to it?
A. It must be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet the provisions, or removed from service until repaired
B. It may remain in use until the end of the current project phase
C. It should be flagged with tape but can stay in service
D. It only needs to be addressed if it is load-bearing
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. It must be immediately repaired or replaced, braced to meet the provisions, or removed from service until repaired
- B: Waiting until a project phase ends leaves a known defect in service in the meantime.
- C: Tape alone does not address the physical defect or remove the hazard.
- D: The requirement applies to damaged components generally, not only ones the inspector judges to be load-bearing.
Source: 1926.451(f)(4)
Under whose supervision must scaffolds be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered?
A. A competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration
B. Any employee who has watched the process before
C. The scaffold rental company's delivery driver
D. No supervision is required if the scaffold is under 10 feet tall
Show answer and reasoning
Correct answer: A. A competent person qualified in scaffold erection, moving, dismantling, or alteration
- B: Having merely watched before does not meet the competent-person qualification standard.
- C: A delivery driver's role is logistics, not erection supervision.
- D: No height-based exemption from supervision exists in the standard.
Source: 1926.451(f)(7)
