How Often Should Scaffolding Be Inspected?
19 Dec 2024
Working at height poses extraordinary risks, meaning if something were to go wrong, the consequences could be catastrophic. As a result, the UK government’s Work at Height Regulations 2005 act sets strict guidelines around scaffolding inspections and when they should take place.
In this article, we’ll outline the timeline of mandated inspections, as well as other factors that will result in inspections being required.
Article in Brief
Scaffolding inspections are essential for worker safety, with strict guidelines set out in the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Scaffolding must be inspected before first use, every seven days while in place, and after any exceptional events like severe weather or modifications. Key checks include structural integrity, guardrails, toe boards, ladders, and weight capacity.
Failure to carry out inspections can lead to accidents, liability claims, or even legal action. To ensure compliance, The Metal Store provides high-quality scaffolding supplies with free delivery on qualifying orders.
Why scaffolding needs to be inspected
Inspections are a major part of a scaffolding project as they help to eradicate unnecessary risks posed to those working at height. These include:
Poor assembly: If the erection of the scaffolding hasn’t been done to a high standard, it risks full or partial collapse.
Damaged components: Scaffolding components aren’t immune to damage, which if unnoticed, poses risks to the integrity of the structure.
Missing parts: If there is a single component of the scaffolding setup missing, it can have a serious effect on the structure.
If scaffolding hasn’t been fully inspected and an accident occurs, the company fronting the project may be liable to pay substantial compensation to those affected. It can also result in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pressing criminal charges and/or having the company shut down.
How often should scaffolding be inspected?
In short, there are three occasions in which scaffolding requires inspection, set out by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These are:
After it has been erected and before its first use
Every seven days after it has been erected until it is removed
After any exceptional events that may affect the scaffolding
After the scaffolding has been erected
When the scaffolding has first been erected, it will require an initial inspection to make sure everything is in order. After this inspection, a scaffolding handover certificate is often completed by the contractor to certify that the scaffolding has been checked and cleared for use.
Scaffolding handover certificates will contain preparational details about weight capacity, load limits and usage restrictions. They serve as confirmation that the 2005 Work at Height Regulations have been met.
Handover certificates aren’t required by law, although they are beneficial to those in charge of the project. This is why:
Confirmation of safety: The certificate shows that inspection checks have taken place and been recorded, meaning work can commence.
Liability: In case of an accident, handover certificates can protect the contractor against subsequent liability claims.
Compliance: The certificate is a confirmation of the quality of the scaffolding, showing that it meets requirements and safety standards.
After this initial inspection has been completed, tags will be applied to the scaffolding demonstrating that it has been checked and approved for use.
Weekly scaffolding inspections
After the initial inspection, another inspection will need to be carried out within seven days. This must be repeated every seven days until the scaffolding is taken down.
These weekly inspections are mandated by the Work at Height Regulations Act of 2005. They must be carried out with the same rigorous approach as the initial inspection and cannot take place while the scaffolding is in use.
Inspections after exceptional events
It’s rare that a construction job will be completed without an unforeseen issue somewhere along the line. If any exceptional circumstance should arise, the scaffolding should once again be inspected.
These circumstances could include:
Severe weather conditions: If the area you’re working in has been subject to severe weather conditions overnight, the scaffolding will need to be checked. This is to make sure that it was unaffected by strong winds, rain, or lightning strikes.
After modifications: Sometimes scaffolding will need to be modified during a job, with extra parts being added to the structure. If this is the case, the scaffolding will need to be reinspected to make sure it is safe.
Signs of external influence: If there are any suspicions that the scaffolding has been tampered with by unauthorised individuals, an inspection should take place to remove all doubt.
Impact damage: If any part of the scaffolding has been the subject of heavy impact, it will require an inspection. This can include being knocked by vehicles or heavy machinery.
What needs to be inspected?
While it may seem overcautious, every aspect of the scaffolding must be thoroughly inspected before it’s cleared for use. To ensure that no stone is left unturned, scaffolding inspectors will use checklists, outlined by the HSE. This includes:
Main components: All of the scaffolding’s main components, such as frames, joints, and decking, should all be checked for damage or wear and tear. Failure to do so could result in injuries or fatalities.
Access points: Safe entry and exit points for workers need to be guaranteed before work gets underway.
Guardrailing: Inspectors must make sure that guardrails have been placed along all open sides of the scaffolding to help prevent falls.
Toe boards and other safety measures: Toe boards should be included on all sides of the scaffolding to prevent tools from being knocked over the edge. Other safety measures such as netting should also be in place.
Ladders: Ladders must be securely attached, otherwise they could slip while being used.
Weight capacity: Inspectors must check the maximum weight capacity of the scaffolding to ensure it doesn’t become overloaded.
Level ground: Scaffolding must be erected on level ground to ensure stability and worker safety.
Leg bracing: Scaffolding legs should be properly attached to braces, as they shift the load from the scaffolding structure to the ground.
Placement: The scaffolding shouldn’t be erected within three metres of overhead power cables.
Secure your scaffolding supplies with The Metal Store
At The Metal Store, we stock everything you need to create a safe scaffolding structure that will pass inspections with flying colours. From beams and base jacks to safety netting, we have it all – at affordable prices.
We also offer free shipping on goods to the value of £150 exc. VAT to England, Wales, and Central Scotland. So wherever you are, we’ve got you covered. For more information, get in touch on 01274 875 479 or email [email protected].
