HSE : IQA : Scaffolding

www.safetygoodwe.com

The Safety Interview Question & Answer

Topic: Scaffolding

1. What is scaffolding?
• Scaffolding is a temporary structure platform on an elevated area that provides safe access to employees to work safely OR
• It is a temporary platform constructed for supporting both men and materials and working safety at a construction site.
2. What are the components of scaffolding?
• Component of scaffolding:
• Sole boards.
• Base plates.
• Posts.
• Ledger (Runner).
• Transom (Bearer).
• Right angle or double couplers.
• Couplers (end-to-end coupler, adjustable couplers, girder coupler, single coupler).
• Braces (longitudinal brace, zigzag brace, transverse braces).
• Planks (LVL, solid sawn, metal plank, metal deck).
• Top rail, mid rail.
• Toe board.
3. What is the platform made of?
• Solid sawn wood planks, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) planks, fabricated planks, or fabricated platforms.
4. What are the common types of scaffolding?
• Tube and coupler Scaffolding (Dependent Scaffolding).
• System Scaffolding (independent scaffolding). 
• Mobile scaffolding.
• Bracket scaffolding.
• Suspension/Suspended scaffolding.
5. What is the tag system of scaffolding?
• A green tag means scaffolding is safe and can be used without a full-body harness.
• A yellow tag means scaffolding cables can be used only after using a fall arrest system (full body harness).
• A red tag means scaffolding is not allowed to be used except by scaffolders who erect or dismantle it.
6. What does Tag show?
• Inspection date and due date of scaffolding.
• Scaffolding type.
• Capacity (light duty, medium duty, or heavy duty).
• Name and signature of supervisor/inspector who signed it.
7. What are the hazards associated with scaffolding erection or dismantling?
• Working near a power line.
• Not using fall protection.
• Incompetent/untrained scaffold.
• Unstable ground.
• Working under/near the erecting and dismantling area.
8. List some precautions about scaffolding erection, alterations, or dismantling?
• Ensure 
• Permit to work is obtained.
• Trained/certified scaffolders are engaged in the job.
• Ground is level and stable.
• A competent person (supervisor) should supervise the job.
• Ensure fall protection is used where needed (such as full body harness requirements at or above 6 feet).
• Baricade the area to stop entry of unauthorized persons.
• Install signage (scaffolding erection is in progress; keep away).
• Safe distance should be maintained from the power line.
• Scaffolding shall not be used during erection, dismantling, or alteration.
• A red tag shall be used while erecting, dismantling, or making alterations to scaffolding.
9. What are hazards while using scaffolding?
• Slip, trip, and fall.
• Absence of fall protection (Guard rail system or fall arrest system).
• Overloading plate form.
• Worker near power line.
• Extreme weather (heavy wind, rain).
• Insufficient access/poor access.
10. Tell me some precautions for using scaffolding?
• Ensure the platform is free of slippery hazards.
• Do not overload the platform. (Use it as it is designed for: light, medium, or heavy duty).
• Ensure fall protection is used (guard rail system and PFAS).
• Workers should be trained (fall protection trained).
• Do not modify scaffolding.
• Use the access to climb up or down.
• Do not throw materials from scaffolding.
• Workers shall not stay on the platform of mobile scaffolding while shifting from place to place.
11. How to erect scaffolding?
• It should be erected on firm ground
• It is erected by a trained/skilled person
• It is constructed using metal pipes and wooden boards
• It should be designed and constructed from good and sound material
• Not to be erected on loose earth
• Clamps should be fixed
• Properly bracing
• A sole plate is necessary for the base of the vertical pipe
12. Safety precaution of scaffold?
• The wooden board is not to be painted
• The wooden board should not have any cracks
• Check for rust in pipes/clamps
• Clamps should be fixed and of good quality
• Board thickness should be 3.4 cm and no bending
• The construction must be rigid and properly based
• Use of good and sound materials
• The wooden bellies have no joints
• Vertical poles should not be more than 6 feet
• Chains and ropes used for the suspension of scaffoldings
• Never throw any materials from a height
• Use a safety harness while working above 6 feet
• Properly ties to the arrangement