How often does a scaffold have to be inspected?
Inspect a scaffold after it is erected and before anyone uses it, then at intervals of no more than 7 days, and again after anything that could have affected its safety, such as high winds or a substantial alteration. A competent person must do the inspection and write it up.
When to inspect
HSE says the law requires scaffolding to be inspected where a fall of 2 metres or more is possible. In practice that means:
- After installation and before first use.
- At intervals of no more than 7 days after that, until the scaffold comes down.
- After anything that could jeopardise its safety, such as high winds or other adverse weather.
- Whenever it is substantially altered.
Your risk assessment may call for checks more often than every 7 days. The rules sit in regulation 12 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Who can inspect
The inspection must be done by a competent person, meaning someone whose knowledge, training and experience suit the type and complexity of the scaffold. That can come from CISRS assessment, or from experience plus manufacturer or supplier training on a particular system scaffold.
HSE says a non-scaffolder, such as a site manager who has done a suitable inspection course, could be competent to inspect a basic scaffold. It also says the scaffold user or hirer is responsible for making sure the inspections happen, so a site manager cannot assume the scaffolding contractor has it covered.
What the report must contain
Schedule 7 of the regulations lists what the written report must include:
- The name and address of the person the inspection was done for.
- Where the scaffold is, and a description of it.
- The date and time of the inspection.
- Any matter that could put someone's health or safety at risk.
- What was done about that matter.
- Any further action thought necessary.
- The name and position of the person who wrote the report.
HSE adds that recording defects and the fixes, even quick ones, helps show up problems that keep coming back.
Report timing and how long to keep it
For a working platform used in construction work from which a person could fall 2 metres or more, the inspector must write the report before the end of the working period in which the inspection is finished. A copy must reach the person who asked for the inspection within 24 hours of completing it.
The employer who receives the report keeps it, or a copy, at the site until the construction work is completed. After that it goes to the employer's office for 3 months.
Tags, plans and reporting a collapse
A tagging system is not a legal requirement, but a visible tag can support the inspection records by showing the scaffold has been checked and is safe to use. It does not replace the written report.
The plan for assembling, using and dismantling the scaffold must stay available to anyone working on it until it is taken down. Check with your scaffolding contractor how they hand the scaffold over and what paperwork they give you.
If a substantial part of a scaffold more than 5 metres high collapses, that is a dangerous occurrence you must report to HSE under RIDDOR.