Scaffolding Inspection Checklist UK

Falls from height remain the leading cause of death on UK construction sites, and scaffolding is involved in a significant proportion of those incidents. Regular, thorough inspection of scaffolding is not just good practice - it is a legal requirement. This guide provides a comprehensive inspection checklist and explains the regulatory framework that governs scaffold inspections.

Legal Requirements

Scaffold inspections are governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (Regulation 12). These require that scaffolding is inspected:

• Before being used for the first time
• At intervals of not more than 7 days
• After any event likely to have affected its strength or stability (e.g. severe weather, impact damage)

The regulations also require that inspection results are recorded and that the report is kept on site (or readily available) until the scaffold is dismantled. Reports must be retained for at least 3 months after the inspection.

Additionally, the CDM 2015 regulations require the principal contractor to plan, manage, and monitor all working at height activities, which includes ensuring scaffold inspections are carried out properly.

Who Can Inspect Scaffolding?

Inspections must be carried out by a competent person. The regulations do not specify a particular qualification, but in practice, a competent scaffold inspector should have:

• Training in scaffold inspection (e.g. CISRS Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme - SITS)
• Knowledge of the TG20 guidance and relevant British Standards
• Understanding of the specific scaffold design and specification
• Experience in recognising defects and assessing their significance

On many sites, the scaffold inspection is carried out by a trained site manager or supervisor. On complex scaffolds, you may want a CISRS Advanced Scaffolder or an independent scaffold inspection company.

The person carrying out the inspection should not be the person who erected the scaffold, where this is practicable.

When to Inspect

• Before first use - after the scaffold has been erected and before anyone uses it. The scaffolding contractor should provide a handover certificate confirming it has been erected in accordance with the design.
• Every 7 days - regular inspections while the scaffold is in use. The 7-day clock starts from the last inspection, not from a fixed day of the week.
• After adverse weather - strong winds (above 40mph), heavy snow, or flooding that could affect the scaffold
• After any alteration - if the scaffold has been modified, extended, or partly dismantled
• After any incident - if the scaffold has been struck by a vehicle, had a load dropped on it, or been involved in any other event that could affect its integrity

The Inspection Checklist

Foundations and Base

• Base plates in position and bearing on adequate foundations
• Sole boards in place on soft ground
• No undermining of foundations from excavation or water
• Adjustable base plates not over-extended

Standards (Vertical Tubes)

• Plumb (vertical) and at correct spacing
• Properly connected at joints with internal couplers or external couplers as designed
• No damaged, bent, or corroded tubes

Ledgers (Horizontal Tubes)

• Level and at correct spacing
• Properly coupled to standards with right-angle couplers
• All couplers tight (check by attempting to rotate)

Bracing

• Diagonal bracing in place as designed
• Face bracing and plan bracing present
• All bracing couplers tight

Platforms (Working Decks)

• Boards in good condition (no splits, cracks, or excessive wear)
• Boards properly supported (max 150mm overhang at each end)
• No gaps greater than 25mm between boards
• Platforms fully boarded to the required width
• Trap doors for ladder access in good working order

Guard Rails and Toe Boards

• Top guard rail at minimum 950mm above platform
• Intermediate guard rail (or brick guard) in place
• Toe boards at minimum 150mm height
• No gaps greater than 470mm between guardrails and toe boards
• All guardrails secure and properly coupled

Access

• Internal ladders provided at proper angles (1:4 ratio)
• Ladders secured at top and bottom
• Ladder access points have adequate platforms
• Stairway towers in good condition if provided

Ties

• Ties in place as designed (typically every 4m horizontally, every 4m vertically minimum)
• All tie connections secure
• No ties have been removed without authorisation
• Reveal ties checked for security (push/pull test)

Loading

• No overloading of platforms
• Materials stored evenly, not concentrated
• Loading bays properly constructed if required

General

• Scaffold tag or status board showing current inspection status
• Warning signs and hazard boards in place
• Netting, sheeting, or brickguards as required
• No unauthorised alterations since last inspection
• Scaffold clear of debris

Recording Inspections

Every inspection must be recorded. The record should include:

• Name and signature of the person who inspected
• Date and time of inspection
• Location of the scaffold on site
• Whether it was a pre-use, 7-day, or post-event inspection
• Result: safe to use, restrictions, or do not use
• Any defects found and actions required
• Date defects were rectified

The report must be available on site. Many sites use a scaffold tag system - a traffic light tag (green/amber/red) attached to the scaffold indicating its status. Green means inspected and safe. Red means do not use.

Common Defects

• Missing toe boards - one of the most common findings. Operatives remove them for access and forget to replace them.
• Missing or loose couplers - vibration and use can loosen fittings over time
• Removed ties - trades sometimes remove ties to gain access. This is extremely dangerous and can cause scaffold collapse.
• Overloading - too many materials stored on platforms
• Gaps in boarding - boards removed and not replaced
• Damaged boards - split, cracked, or rotten boards that should be replaced
• Unauthorised alterations - sections modified without the scaffolding contractor's involvement
• Undermined foundations - excavation work near scaffold base plates without adequate precautions

Scaffold Management

Beyond individual inspections, good scaffold management includes:

• Design - ensure the scaffold is designed for its intended use, including any special loading requirements
• Handover - get a formal handover from the scaffolding contractor confirming the scaffold is erected to design
• Permit system - require a permit before anyone other than the scaffolding contractor can alter the scaffold
• Communication - make sure everyone on site knows they must not alter scaffolding and must report any damage

Final Thoughts

Scaffold inspections are not optional and they are not a formality. They are a critical safety control that prevents falls from height - the biggest killer on construction sites. Use this checklist, inspect thoroughly, record everything, and act immediately on any defects found. A few minutes of inspection can prevent a lifetime of consequences.