Scaffolding Inspections (and What You Need to Know About Them)
Under the Work at Height Regulations act 2005, all scaffolding must be inspected by law to ensure its safety. Any equipment exposed to conditions that may cause it to deteriorate should be inspected. This falls under the responsibility of the scaffold users/those hiring the scaffolding so it’s important that you understand how scaffolding inspections work to ensure the safety of your workers and the compliance of your construction project.
What are Scaffolding Inspections?
A scaffolding inspection is a careful examination of any erected scaffolding. Any working platform used for construction work and from which a person could fall more than 2 metres must be inspected. These inspections must take place weekly (at least) after the scaffolding has been erected. These regular weekly inspections are to ensure that the scaffolding structure is safe for both construction workers and passers-by. If scaffolding hasn’t been formally inspected in the last 7 days, then it shouldn’t be used until an inspection has been carried out.
In the event of extreme stormy weather (which can be commonplace here in Cornwall!) or accidental damage which may affect the stability of the structure, scaffolding must be examined right away, even if a scaffolding inspection has only just taken place recently.
Where the scaffolding is a mobile platform, a new inspection and report is not required every time it is moved to a new location on the same site. As long as the regular timely inspections take place as usual and the structure remains safe, this will suffice. If however you are bringing in new equipment from another rental company or location, a clear inspection report for that part of the structure must be carried out and clearly displayed.
All scaffolding inspections should be carried out by a competent person whose knowledge, training and experience is appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold. Here at 7 Bays Scaffolding, we are SSIP accredited which shows our impeccable standards when it comes to health and safety. Complex structures should be inspected by a CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspection card holders. All our scaffolders hold CISRS accreditation and we are fully qualified to undertake all levels of scaffold inspection.
Scaffolding Inspection Reports
Following each scaffold inspection, a report should be written up and kept on site until the project is completed. The inspection and subsequent report must examine all types of work equipment including guard rails, toe-boards, barriers or similar collective means of protection, working platforms, gangways, and ladders. The report should include:
- Name and address of the person/organisation for whom the inspection was completed
- Name and position of the person who carried out the inspection
- Location, date and time of the scaffolding inspection
- Description of the place of work/where the work equipment was inspected
- Risk assessment and identification of any defects or potential risks
- Details of any further action considered necessary to remedy risks
The importance of scaffolding safety can never be underestimated which is why here at 7 Bays Scaffolding we do everything within our power to ensure that the scaffolding we erect adheres to all health and safety regulations, is soundly built and as safe as can be. We are a H&S Assessment organisation that takes great pride in our professionalism, customer service and efficiency and ensure that scaffolding inspections are carried out routinely to guarantee peace of mind. If you need a quotation for your next construction project please get in touch and Luke or Adam will be only too happy to answer any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!