When scaffolding is erected on a construction site, it needs to remain safe throughout the time it is in use. Scaffolding where there is a risk of a fall of more than 2 metres must be inspected before it is first used, at intervals of no more than seven days while it remains in use, and following any event that could have affected its stability.
In the UK, these responsibilities are covered under the The Work at Height Regulations 2005 and, as access equipment specialists, TopTower knows them inside out.
What is the purpose of a scaffolding inspection?
A scaffold can look perfectly sound from ground level while still having an issue that could compromise its safety. Regular inspections can identify problems before they become serious incidents, including:
Movement, settlement or instability of the scaffold
Damaged or missing components
Loose or missing ties and bracing
Defective scaffold boards or working platforms
Missing guardrails or toe boards
Unsafe access arrangements
Overloading of platforms
Damage caused by vehicles, plant or other site activity
Changes made to the scaffold without authorisation
Deterioration following adverse weather
How often does scaffolding need to be inspected?
As outlined in the Work at Height Regulations 2005 inspection requirements, scaffolding should be inspected:
Before first use: The scaffold should be inspected after erection and before workers begin using it.
Every seven days: While the scaffold remains in use and falls within the relevant inspection requirements, inspections should take place at intervals of no more than seven days.
After an event affecting stability: An additional inspection is required following circumstances such as severe weather, impact, significant alteration or damage that could affect the scaffold.
Weekly inspection is the maximum interval, rather than a suggestion that a scaffold only needs to be looked at once every seven days. If something happens that could affect the structure on day two of the inspection period, an additional inspection may be necessary immediately.
For example, imagine a scaffold was inspected on Monday. Strong winds then affect the site on Thursday. The fact that the next scheduled inspection is not due until the following Monday does not mean the scaffold should automatically continue to be used. It should be assessed following the weather event before work resumes.
What should be checked during a scaffolding inspection?
There isn't one single component that determines whether a scaffold is safe. The inspection needs to consider the structure as a whole, including its foundations, framework, platforms, access and edge protection.
A competent inspector must assess the condition and configuration of the scaffold and consider whether anything has changed since it was erected.
1. Foundations and ground conditions
If the foundations of the scaffolding tower are compromised, the rest of the structure can be affected. Foundation checks are particularly important after periods of heavy rain or when other construction work has changed the surrounding ground conditions.
The inspection should make sure that:
The scaffold is standing on firm, suitable ground
Base plates are correctly positioned
Sole boards are being used where required
Standards are properly supported
There are signs of settlement or movement
Ground has become soft, waterlogged or undermined
Nearby excavation or construction activity has affected the foundations
2. Standards, ledgers, transoms and bracing
During an inspection, the various structural components of scaffolding need to be checked for correct installation and stability.
The inspector should look for bent, damaged or displaced components and check that connections remain secure. Bracing is particularly important because removing or altering components can change the behaviour of the structure.
Any unauthorised modifications should be treated seriously. A scaffold should not be altered simply because a particular trade needs more room or wants to improve access. Changes should be made through the appropriate competent process and, where necessary, in accordance with the scaffold design or relevant guidance.
3. Scaffold ties
Ties help connect a scaffold to the building or structure and are an important part of maintaining stability. If a tie or other structural component has been changed, the scaffold should be assessed by someone competent before it is used again.
During inspection, ties should be checked for signs that they have:
Been removed
Become loose
Been damaged
Been altered
Been obstructed or compromised by other work
Particular attention is needed where other trades have been working around the scaffold. A tie may have been removed to install a window, cladding, pipework or other building component without anyone considering the effect on the scaffold.
4. Working platforms
Boards should be checked for damage, excessive wear, splitting, warping or other defects. The platform should also be correctly supported and arranged so that there are no unnecessary gaps or trip hazards.
The inspector should consider whether:
Boards are in good condition
Boards are properly supported
Platforms remain level and secure
There are no obvious gaps or trip hazards
Materials have not been stacked inappropriately
The platform is being used within its intended load capacity
A scaffold that was originally designed for a particular loading should not simply be treated as suitable for additional materials because there happens to be space available.
5. Guardrails and toe boards
Open edges on scaffolding should have appropriate guardrails and toe boards, with the exact configuration determined by the scaffold arrangement and applicable requirements.
An inspection should identify missing, loose, damaged or displaced edge protection components.
This is especially important on busy sites where materials are frequently moved around. Guardrails can be accidentally removed or disturbed by other trades, creating a hazard that may not be obvious to everyone using the scaffold.
Toe boards also help prevent tools and materials from falling from working platforms and potentially injuring people below.
6. Access to and around the scaffold
Workers need a suitable means of getting onto and between working levels without creating additional fall risks.
Access arrangements should be checked for security and condition, while ladders, stair systems and access points should remain clear of materials, waste and other obstructions.
Good housekeeping matters here. Mud, water, tools, packaging and building materials can all introduce additional slip or trip hazards.
The area around the scaffold should also be considered. Where scaffolding is positioned close to pedestrian routes, roads or entrances, suitable measures may be required to protect members of the public and other site users.
7. How is the scaffold being used?
An inspection should consider not only whether the scaffold is physically intact but also whether it is being used as intended. A perfectly assembled scaffold can become unsafe if it is overloaded or modified incorrectly.
Inspectors should look for excessive quantities of bricks, blocks, tools, equipment or other materials stored on platforms. They should also consider whether the current work activity has introduced loads that were not accounted for when the scaffold was designed or erected.
Where a project changes significantly, the scaffold may need to be reassessed rather than simply continuing under the original arrangement.
8. Weather conditions
Weather is one of the clearest reasons why an additional scaffold inspection may be necessary.
Strong winds, heavy rainfall, frost, snow, hail, storms, and other severe conditions can affect the surrounding ground, building connections, protective measures and general stability of the scaffold.
After significant weather, the scaffold should be assessed before workers return to it. This is particularly important for exposed structures, temporary roofs, sheeting, netting and other arrangements that may be affected by wind loading.
Who can carry out a scaffolding inspection?
A formal scaffold inspection must be undertaken by a competent person. Competence means having the appropriate knowledge, training and experience to identify relevant hazards and assess the particular type and complexity of scaffold involved.
The person carrying out the inspection needs to understand what they are looking for and be capable of recognising defects that could affect the scaffold's stability or safe use.
For straightforward scaffold arrangements, this may be a person with appropriate scaffold inspection training. More complicated structures may require a higher level of specialist knowledge.
What happens if a problem is found?
HSE guidance for tower scaffolds states that work should stop if an inspection identifies that the tower is unsafe and that faults should be rectified before it is used again.
Depending on the issue, this could mean repairing or replacing a component, reinstating a missing guardrail, correcting access arrangements, having the scaffold reassessed, or installing a new tower.
If you’re responsible for scaffolding and are unsure about the most appropriate access equipment or inspection requirements for your project, TopTower is happy to discuss the options available to you. We offer a wide selection of portable scaffold towers, ladders and steps, and ladder accessories, providing reliable access solutions for a range of working at height applications. You can browse our full selection of products on our website, or get in touch with the TopTower team to learn more about choosing the right equipment for your project.
