What is the minimum platform width on scaffolding before fall protection must be used?

What is the minimum platform width on scaffolding before fall protection must be used?

• A. 16 inches
• B. 18 inches
• C. 24 inches
• D. 30 inches

Answer: (A)

The fact being tested is how safe measures kick in based on how wide the work surface is. When a scaffold platform is 16 inches wide or more, fall protection must be provided because there’s enough edge exposure that a fall could occur during movement or work near the edge. This minimum width triggers the requirement to use guardrails or a personal fall arrest system, helping prevent a fall to a lower level. The other numbers would push the trigger to protection at wider platforms, which isn’t what this item tests for. In practice, always follow the project’s plan and applicable codes, but for this question the threshold is 16 inches.

The fact being tested is how safe measures kick in based on how wide the work surface is. When a scaffold platform is 16 inches wide or more, fall protection must be provided because there’s enough edge exposure that a fall could occur during movement or work near the edge. This minimum width triggers the requirement to use guardrails or a personal fall arrest system, helping prevent a fall to a lower level. The other numbers would push the trigger to protection at wider platforms, which isn’t what this item tests for. In practice, always follow the project’s plan and applicable codes, but for this question the threshold is 16 inches.