Who is responsible for designing a scaffold?

A scaffold must be designed by a qualified person, which means that the individual has the necessary training, experience, and knowledge in scaffold design to ensure that it is structurally sound and safe for use. This design process includes calculating loads, selecting materials, and understanding local safety regulations. A qualified person is also familiar with standards set forth by OSHA and other governing bodies regarding scaffolding.

This designation ensures that the scaffold can support anticipated loads and stresses, minimizing the risk of accidents or failures during construction or maintenance activities. In contrast, those who are being trained or have less responsibility, such as a competent person, safety manager, or the construction worker using it, do not possess the same level of expertise required to safely design a scaffold. A competent person may oversee the use and inspection of the scaffold but is not tasked with its design. Therefore, the responsibility for creating a safe scaffold clearly lies with the qualified person.