NCCER/OSHA SCAFFOLD SG EXAM — 2026/2027
75 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+ | 100%
VERIFIED
Structure: 75 Multiple-choice questions. Single-best-answer format.
Content: OSHA regulations, load capacities, fall protection, and safety protocols for construction scaffolds.
OSHA SCAFFOLD REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE
Q1: According to OSHA standards, at what height is fall protection required
for employees working on a scaffold?
A. 4 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
Correct Answer: C. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA 1926.451(g)(1) specifically mandates that each employee on a scaffold more than
10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.
SCAFFOLD TYPES & COMPONENTS
Q2: What is the primary purpose of a 'mud sill' in scaffold erection?
A. To provide a handrail for workers.
B. To distribute the scaffold load over a larger ground area.
C. To prevent water from entering the scaffold pipes.
D. To hold the guardrails in place.
Correct Answer: B. To distribute the scaffold load over a larger ground area.
Rationale: Mud sills are used under the base plates of a scaffold to ensure structural stability by
distributing the weight across the soil or surface, preventing the scaffold from sinking or tipping.
Page 1 of 26
,LOAD CAPACITIES & STRUCTURAL STABILITY
Q3: OSHA requires that scaffolds and their components be able to support
their own weight and at least how many times the maximum intended load?
A. 2 times
B. 3 times
C. 4 times
D. 6 times
Correct Answer: C. 4 times
Rationale: This is known as the '4-to-1 safety factor.' OSHA 1926.451(a)(1) requires scaffolds to
support their own weight and 4x the maximum intended load to prevent structural failure.
INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE PROTOCOLS
Q4: Who is the only person authorized to inspect a scaffold for safety before
each work shift?
A. The Project Manager
B. Any worker on the site
C. A Competent Person
D. The Safety Clerk
Correct Answer: C. A Competent Person
Rationale: OSHA defines a competent person as someone capable of identifying hazards and who
has the authority to take prompt corrective measures. They must inspect scaffolds daily before use.
SAFE ERECTION & DISMANTLING PROCEDURES
Q5: Which component is required to be installed on all open sides and ends
of a scaffold platform before it is used by employees?
A. Cross-braces only
B. Falling object protection only
C. A complete guardrail system
D. Caution tape
Correct Answer: C. A complete guardrail system
Rationale: Guardrail systems (consisting of top rails, mid-rails, and posts) are essential for fall
prevention on all working levels of the scaffold.
Page 2 of 26
, HAZARD RECOGNITION & RISK ASSESSMENT
Q6: What is the minimum distance that a scaffold must be maintained from
uninsulated power lines carrying less than 50 kV?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 20 feet
Correct Answer: B. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA 1926.451(f)(6) states that the minimum clearance for power lines under 50 kV is 10
feet to prevent accidental electrocution or arcing.
SCAFFOLD TYPES & COMPONENTS
Q7: A 'toeboard' must be at least how high to effectively prevent tools from
falling off a scaffold platform?
A. 2 inches
B. 3.5 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 12 inches
Correct Answer: B. 3.5 inches
Rationale: Standard toeboards must be at least 3.5 inches high from the top edge to the level of the
walking/working surface to meet OSHA safety requirements for falling object protection.
WORKPLACE SAFETY CULTURE
Q8: What does a 'Green Tag' on a scaffold signify to workers?
A. The scaffold is under construction.
B. The scaffold is unsafe; do not use.
C. The scaffold has been inspected and is safe for use.
D. The scaffold is for heavy-duty loads only.
Correct Answer: C. The scaffold has been inspected and is safe for use.
Rationale: The tagging system is an industry-standard communication tool. Green indicates the
scaffold meets all safety requirements and is ready for use.
Page 3 of 26
75 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+ | 100%
VERIFIED
Structure: 75 Multiple-choice questions. Single-best-answer format.
Content: OSHA regulations, load capacities, fall protection, and safety protocols for construction scaffolds.
OSHA SCAFFOLD REGULATIONS & COMPLIANCE
Q1: According to OSHA standards, at what height is fall protection required
for employees working on a scaffold?
A. 4 feet
B. 6 feet
C. 10 feet
D. 15 feet
Correct Answer: C. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA 1926.451(g)(1) specifically mandates that each employee on a scaffold more than
10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.
SCAFFOLD TYPES & COMPONENTS
Q2: What is the primary purpose of a 'mud sill' in scaffold erection?
A. To provide a handrail for workers.
B. To distribute the scaffold load over a larger ground area.
C. To prevent water from entering the scaffold pipes.
D. To hold the guardrails in place.
Correct Answer: B. To distribute the scaffold load over a larger ground area.
Rationale: Mud sills are used under the base plates of a scaffold to ensure structural stability by
distributing the weight across the soil or surface, preventing the scaffold from sinking or tipping.
Page 1 of 26
,LOAD CAPACITIES & STRUCTURAL STABILITY
Q3: OSHA requires that scaffolds and their components be able to support
their own weight and at least how many times the maximum intended load?
A. 2 times
B. 3 times
C. 4 times
D. 6 times
Correct Answer: C. 4 times
Rationale: This is known as the '4-to-1 safety factor.' OSHA 1926.451(a)(1) requires scaffolds to
support their own weight and 4x the maximum intended load to prevent structural failure.
INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE PROTOCOLS
Q4: Who is the only person authorized to inspect a scaffold for safety before
each work shift?
A. The Project Manager
B. Any worker on the site
C. A Competent Person
D. The Safety Clerk
Correct Answer: C. A Competent Person
Rationale: OSHA defines a competent person as someone capable of identifying hazards and who
has the authority to take prompt corrective measures. They must inspect scaffolds daily before use.
SAFE ERECTION & DISMANTLING PROCEDURES
Q5: Which component is required to be installed on all open sides and ends
of a scaffold platform before it is used by employees?
A. Cross-braces only
B. Falling object protection only
C. A complete guardrail system
D. Caution tape
Correct Answer: C. A complete guardrail system
Rationale: Guardrail systems (consisting of top rails, mid-rails, and posts) are essential for fall
prevention on all working levels of the scaffold.
Page 2 of 26
, HAZARD RECOGNITION & RISK ASSESSMENT
Q6: What is the minimum distance that a scaffold must be maintained from
uninsulated power lines carrying less than 50 kV?
A. 5 feet
B. 10 feet
C. 15 feet
D. 20 feet
Correct Answer: B. 10 feet
Rationale: OSHA 1926.451(f)(6) states that the minimum clearance for power lines under 50 kV is 10
feet to prevent accidental electrocution or arcing.
SCAFFOLD TYPES & COMPONENTS
Q7: A 'toeboard' must be at least how high to effectively prevent tools from
falling off a scaffold platform?
A. 2 inches
B. 3.5 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 12 inches
Correct Answer: B. 3.5 inches
Rationale: Standard toeboards must be at least 3.5 inches high from the top edge to the level of the
walking/working surface to meet OSHA safety requirements for falling object protection.
WORKPLACE SAFETY CULTURE
Q8: What does a 'Green Tag' on a scaffold signify to workers?
A. The scaffold is under construction.
B. The scaffold is unsafe; do not use.
C. The scaffold has been inspected and is safe for use.
D. The scaffold is for heavy-duty loads only.
Correct Answer: C. The scaffold has been inspected and is safe for use.
Rationale: The tagging system is an industry-standard communication tool. Green indicates the
scaffold meets all safety requirements and is ready for use.
Page 3 of 26
