803 Scaffold Safety Program Management

Qualified Person Duties

A qualified person is someone who, by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has the ability to solve or resolve problems related to the design, construction, and use of scaffolds. According to OSHA, this individual must ensure that all scaffolding systems are safe, properly designed, and used correctly. The duties of a qualified person cover several key areas, including design, training, suspension scaffolds, and component construction.

In General

The qualified person must design scaffolds and determine their load capacity in accordance with that design. This means calculating how much weight the scaffold can safely support, including workers, tools, and materials. For example, a qualified person designing a masonry scaffold must consider the weight of bricks, mortar, and multiple workers at once. If scaffolds are not designed correctly, overloading can lead to collapse and serious injuries.

For Training

The qualified person is responsible for training all employees who work on or around scaffolds. This training must help workers recognize common scaffold hazards such as falls, electrocution, collapsing platforms, and falling objects. It must also include procedures to control or minimize these hazards.

Examples include:

• Teaching workers how to properly secure guardrails and toe boards to prevent falls and dropped tools.
• Demonstrating the correct method for inspecting scaffold planks for cracks, splits, or rot before use.
• Explaining safe access methods, such as using ladders or stair towers instead of climbing scaffold frames.

Effective training not only protects workers but also ensures compliance with OSHA requirements.

For Suspension Scaffolds

Suspension scaffolds are platforms that hang from overhead supports using ropes or cables. The qualified person must design the rigging and support system to ensure the scaffold is stable and secure. Specific duties include:

• Designing rigging for single-point adjustable suspension scaffolds: These are often used for window washing or exterior wall repairs. The qualified person must calculate the proper rope strength and anchor locations to prevent tipping or falling.
• Designing platforms on two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds less than 36 inches (0.9 m) wide: The design must prevent the platform from rolling or becoming unstable during use. This may involve adding stabilizer ties or counterweights.
• Making swaged attachments or spliced eyes on wire suspension ropes: The qualified person must ensure that these connections are secure and capable of supporting the full intended load without failure. Improper splicing or weak fittings can lead to catastrophic accidents.

For Components and Design

The qualified person must design and oversee the construction of all scaffold components to ensure they meet the intended specifications. Every tube, brace, plank, and connection must match the design to prevent structural weaknesses.

Examples include:

• Ensuring metal tubes and couplers meet strength requirements and are free from cracks or corrosion.
• Specifying the correct type of scaffold plank—such as solid-sawn wood or engineered plank—and verifying it has no defects.
• Designing bracing and tie-ins that prevent the scaffold from swaying or tipping in high winds or uneven loads.

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