Which scaffolding practice is NOT recommended?

• A. The platform should completely cover the staging work area
• B. There must be a hole for climbing up to get on the platform
• C. The platform should be accessible from the ground with a ladder
• D. The scaffolding must be level and stable

Answer: (D)

Safe scaffold access and stability are essential for preventing falls and collapses. The practice that is not recommended is creating a hole in the platform to climb onto it. Holes in the working surface introduce a real fall hazard and can let feet or tools slip, which is why access to the platform must come from a safe, designed method such as a ladder or built-in stairs. A proper ladder or access means allows you to reach the platform with hands free and to maintain three points of contact, which is a basic safety rule when climbing.

Being able to reach the platform from the ground with a ladder aligns with safe practices, and ensuring the scaffolding is level and stable is fundamental to preventing tipping or failure. Those elements—proper access and a stable, level base—are what keep the scaffold safe to work on.