Scaffolding inspection: what to check before and during use

Scaffolding is only as safe as its last inspection. Rules differ from country to country, but the principles are the same everywhere.

When is scaffolding inspected?

• Before first use after erection or alteration, by a competent person.
• At regular intervals while it is in use. In the UK, for example, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require scaffolds to be inspected at intervals of no more than seven days; in the United States, OSHA requires an inspection by a competent person before each work shift.
• After events that may affect its stability, such as storms, impact or partial dismantling.

Always check the rules that apply on your site; this guide gives an overview, not legal advice.

What is checked?

• Foundation: firm ground, base plates and sole boards, base jacks not over-extended.
• Structure: standards vertical, frames and ledgers correctly connected, diagonal braces in place.
• Ties and anchors: in the pattern required by the instructions, nothing removed.
• Platforms: decks complete and secured, no gaps, toe boards fitted.
• Side protection: guard rails and intermediate rails on all open sides and ends.
• Access: ladders or stairs secure, hatches closed.
• Loads: no more material stored than the scaffold class allows.

Inspecting used components

Before a used part goes into a scaffold it should be visually checked: no bent tubes or frames, no cracked welds, no deep corrosion, locks and wedges working. We do this before material enters our stock – see inspected used material – but your own check at erection remains mandatory.

Standards and guidance

In Europe, working scaffolds are designed to EN 12811-1 and prefabricated facade systems are tested to EN 12810. National guidance adds to this, for example TG20 for tube-and-fitting scaffolds in the UK. For system scaffolding, the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly and use are the basis of every inspection.