Scaffolds must be erected, moved, dismantled, or altered under the supervision of a competent person who is qualified in these operations. These activities must be performed by experienced and trained employees selected by the competent person. Scaffold components made by different manufacturers should not be intermixed unless they fit together without force and maintain the scaffold's structural integrity, as determined by a competent person. Dissimilar metals in scaffold components should also be evaluated by a competent person to ensure galvanic action does not compromise the strength of any component.

Key safety guidelines include:

• Regular Inspections: Scaffolds and their components must be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect the scaffold's structural integrity [1926.451(f)(3)].
• Fall Protection: Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falling [1926.451(g)(1)]. The employer must have a competent person determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection for employees erecting or dismantling supported scaffolds [1926.451(g)(2)].
• Load Limits: Scaffolds and scaffold components shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities [1926.451(f)(1)].
• Access: The employer shall provide safe means of access for each employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold where the provision of safe access is feasible and does not create a greater hazard [1926.451(e)(9)(i)].
• Weather Conditions: Work on or from scaffolds is prohibited during storms or high winds unless a competent person has determined that it is safe for employees to be on the scaffold and those employees are protected by a personal fall arrest system or wind screens [1926.451(f)(12)].
• Welding Safety: When welding from suspended scaffolds, specific precautions must be taken to reduce the possibility of welding current arcing through the suspension wire rope [1926.451(f)(17)].
• Guardrails: Guardrail systems must be installed along all open sides and ends of platforms [1926.451(g)(4)(i)].
• Training: Employees erecting or dismantling scaffolds should be trained in a general overview of scaffolding, specific regulations and standards, erection/dismantling planning, PPE and proper procedures, fall protection, materials handling, and access [Subpart L App D].

Regulatory compliance involves adhering to standards such as those set by OSHA, including 29 CFR 1926.451, which outlines general requirements for scaffolds, and 29 CFR 1926.452, which provides additional requirements for specific types of scaffolds. [1] [2] [2] [1] [5] [5] [3] [2] [1] [5] [6] [4]