Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor Practice Exam

What is the purpose of using lockable wheels on scaffolding?

1. To allow easy maneuvering

2. To ensure stability during use

3. To conform to safety regulations

4. To prevent unauthorized movement

The correct answer is: To prevent unauthorized movement

The use of lockable wheels on scaffolding primarily serves to prevent unauthorized movement. When scaffolding is in place, particularly at heights, it is essential that it remains stationary to ensure the safety of workers. Locking the wheels helps secure the scaffold in position, preventing it from rolling or shifting unexpectedly, which could lead to accidents or falls. This feature provides an extra level of safety, as it mitigates risks associated with the scaffold being moved by unauthorized personnel or during periods of inactivity. While maneuverability and stability are important aspects of scaffolding, the key purpose of lockable wheels specifically relates to security against unintended movement. Conformance to safety regulations may also be a consideration, but fundamentally, the locks on the wheels are there to ensure the scaffold remains where it is intended to be during use, safeguarding those working on or around it.