CSCS Ireland Scaffolding Safety 2

Question 1

What is the minimum width for a scaffold working platform?

Accepted Answer

At least 600 mm wide (3 boards) for a working platform, and wider if materials need to be stacked or if there is heavy foot traffic

Answer

400 mm (one board wide)

Answer

Any width is acceptable if guardrails are present

Answer

200 mm is sufficient for access only

Question 2

What is bracing on a scaffold and why is it critical?

Accepted Answer

Diagonal tubes that provide lateral stability and rigidity to the scaffold structure, preventing it from swaying, racking, or collapsing — bracing must never be removed without engineering assessment

Answer

Decorative tubes added for appearance

Answer

Tubes used only to tie into the building

Answer

Extra tubes for hanging tools

Question 3

What are ties on a scaffold and how often must they be installed?

Accepted Answer

Physical connections between the scaffold and the building that prevent the scaffold from pulling away or being pushed toward the building; spacing depends on design but typically every 4 metres vertically and horizontally

Answer

Decorative ribbons

Answer

Ties are optional if the scaffold is heavy enough

Answer

Rope connections used only in high winds

Question 4

What hazards must be considered when scaffolding is erected near overhead power lines?

Accepted Answer

Risk of electrocution from scaffold tubes, metal fittings, or materials contacting or arcing to live power lines — minimum clearance distances must be maintained and ESB Networks must be contacted

Answer

Overhead power lines are not a hazard to scaffolding

Answer

Only wooden scaffolds are at risk

Answer

Power line hazards only exist above 33 kV

Question 5

What is a loading bay on a scaffold and what safety measures does it require?

Accepted Answer

A reinforced scaffold area for loading and unloading materials, requiring additional structural support, a gate that opens inward, guardrails on all other sides, and clearly marked maximum load limits

Answer

A parking area for delivery lorries

Answer

Any open area of scaffold platform

Answer

A bay is only needed on scaffolds over 30 metres

Question 6

What must happen before any alterations are made to a completed scaffold?

Accepted Answer

The competent person/scaffold supervisor must assess the proposed change, a RED tag must be applied, the alteration must be carried out by qualified scaffolders, and the scaffold must be re-inspected before use

Answer

Nothing — anyone can modify a scaffold

Answer

Only verbal approval from the site foreman is needed

Answer

Changes can be made as long as guardrails remain