Verify whether OSHA federally mandates a color-coded scaffold tagging system (e.g., green/yellow/red) before telling a contractor it's a legal requirement.

Steps

1. Pull 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3): scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity — this is the actual federal text.
2. Confirm the CFR text does NOT prescribe a specific tag format, color scheme, or physical tagging device — tagging is an industry best-practice inspection-documentation method, not an OSHA-mandated system.
3. Note the common industry convention (green = safe to use, yellow = restricted use, red = do not use) as described by scaffold-safety vendors and trade publications, clearly labeled as industry practice rather than regulatory text.
4. Check whether a specific state-plan state (e.g., Cal/OSHA) or a specific general contractor's site safety plan imposes a tagging requirement beyond the federal floor — this varies by jurisdiction and by contract.
5. If a client asks for 'the OSHA-required tag,' correct the premise and point them to the actual inspection-documentation duty instead.