Scaffold Inspection FAQs — What You Need to Know
What is a scaffold inspection?
A scaffold inspection is a detailed check of a scaffold structure, carried out by a competent person, to confirm it's safe to use. It covers things like stability, guardrails, boards, ties, and access points, and results in a written report confirming the scaffold's condition.
Is a scaffold inspection a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolds must be inspected before first use, at intervals not exceeding seven days while in use, and after any event likely to have affected their strength or stability, such as adverse weather.
How often should a scaffold be inspected?
At minimum, every seven days. It should also be re-inspected after high winds, heavy rain, or any incident that could have affected the structure, and after any alteration.
Who can carry out a scaffold inspection?
The regulations require inspections to be carried out by a "competent person" — someone with the training, knowledge, and practical experience to identify defects and hazards. A CISRS Advanced Scaffold Inspector qualification is widely recognised as demonstrating this competence.
Does the scaffold inspector need to be independent of the scaffolding contractor?
It isn't currently a legal requirement, but it's increasingly seen as best practice. When the company that erects a scaffold also inspects it, that creates a conflict of interest. An independent inspection gives you an objective, unbiased assessment with no stake in the outcome.
What happens if a scaffold inspection is skipped or overdue?
An uninspected or overdue scaffold should not be used. The scaffold user or hirer is legally responsible for ensuring inspections happen on schedule, and failing to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, or the scaffold being taken out of use by the HSE.
What's included in a scaffold inspection report?
A proper report records the date and time of inspection, the location, the inspector's details, a check against key safety criteria, and confirmation of whether the scaffold is safe for continued use — with details of any defects and required remedial action.
Who is responsible for arranging scaffold inspections?
Legally, it's the duty of the scaffold user or hirer — not automatically the erecting contractor — to ensure inspections are carried out on schedule and properly documented.