Ladder Jack Scaffolds

Ladder jack scaffolding is a supported scaffold consisting of a platform resting on brackets attached to ladders.

Specific requirements for ladder jack scaffolds are listed in 1926.452(k)

We are finding a lot of ladder jack scaffolds being used that don't meet the OSHA requirements. The following is a "quiz" you can take to check your knowledge of the OSHA requirements. The answers are located at the end of this article.

(1) Platforms on ladder jack scaffolds can not exceed a height of:

(a) 5 feet
(b) they can be any height you want them to be
(c) 20 feet

(2) Job-made ladders can be used to support ladder jack scaffolds:

(a) yes
(b) no

(3) Ladders used to support ladder jacks shall be placed, fastened, or equipped with devices to prevent:

(a) the ladder from cracking
(b) OSHA from inspecting you
(c) Slipping

(4) Each employee working on a ladder jack scaffold more than 10’ above a lower level must be protected by a personal fall arrest system:

(a) yes
(b) no

(5) Workers can use the support ladders to access the platform.

(a) yes
(b) no

(6) Each platform has to be at least:

(a) 18 inches wide
(b) 2 feet wide
(c) 12 inches wide

Answers:
(1) c - .452(k)(1)
(2) b -.452(k)(2)
(3) c -.452 (k)(4) (b)(15)
(4) a - .451(g)(1)(I)
(5) b - .451(e)(1) - when the platform is positioned on the "climb" side
(6) c - .451(b)(2)(I)