A contractor is installing scaffolding for a 45-foot high building project. The scaffolding will be 40 feet high with platforms every 10 feet. How many levels of guardrails are required according to OSHA standards?
Correct Answer
C) 4 levels
With platforms every 10 feet up to 40 feet high, there would be platforms at 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet. Each platform requires guardrails, so 4 levels of guardrails are needed.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
CORRECT_ANSWER - With scaffolding platforms positioned every 10 feet up to 40 feet high, platforms will be located at 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet elevations. OSHA standards require guardrails on each platform level for fall protection. Therefore, 4 levels of guardrails are required to protect workers on each of the 4 platform levels.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2 levels
2 levels would only account for guardrails at 20 and 40 feet, missing the required protection at the 10-foot and 30-foot platform levels, which violates OSHA fall protection requirements.
Option D: 5 levels
5 levels assumes an additional platform beyond the 40-foot height, but the scaffolding only goes to 40 feet with platforms every 10 feet, so only 4 platform levels exist.
Memory Technique
Use the formula: Scaffolding Height ÷ Platform Spacing = Number of Platforms = Number of Guardrail Levels (40 ÷ 10 = 4)
Reference Hint
OSHA Construction Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L - Scaffolds, specifically sections on guardrail requirements and fall protection
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