Scaffold Safety Inspection

6 tips for scaffolding inspection

Before performing an inspection on scaffolding, every company should be aware of its responsibilities to its employees and passersby. Thorough safety plans and regular inspections help manage and control potential hazards and risks. This includes a marking system to identify both safe and unsafe equipment, and training from staff so they are aware of regulations and hazards.

1. Setting up the scaffold
   The erection of the scaffold should be done by a competent person under the supervision of a person experienced in scaffolding. This means that the design of the scaffold should be by a licensed professional engineer who will ensure that the recommended safety regulations are followed.


2. Stability of the scaffold
   Never overload the scaffold with equipment or other materials. All planks used in the construction of the scaffold must be capable of supporting the load applied to them on site. The scaffold shall be braced and secured, and braces, posts, and supports shall not be removed unless suitable replacements are used.


3. Scaffold Access
   Access to all scaffold platforms shall be safe and unobstructed. Any ladders or stairs used for access must be located so that the scaffold will not become unstable. If a ladder is used for access, it must be securely attached to the scaffold and extend at least 3 meters above the platform.


4. Materials and Coverings
   Materials and decking used in scaffold construction should be load-bearing wood or metal such as aluminium. Planking should be a minimum of 2" x 10" boards suitable for scaffolding. It should be no longer than 3 meters for light-duty, 2.5 meters for medium-duty and 1.8 meters for heavy-duty. Planks should extend at least 6 meters but less than 10 meters beyond their supports. The poles, legs and posts must be plumb and securely braced to prevent sway.


5. Railings and toeboards
   Any scaffold that exceeds the height requirement must have guardrails on all open sides or ends. Scaffolds between 1 and 2 meters in height with a horizontal dimension of less than 1 meter must also have guardrails on the open sides and ends. Guardrail posts shall not be more than 2 meters apart and shall be 2" x 4" and approximately 1 meter high. Scaffolds taller than 10 meters must also have toe boards on all open sides and ends.


6. Working on Scaffolds
   Any scaffolding on a job site must always be protected from hazards above. Slippery conditions must be removed as soon as possible. Work should not be performed on scaffolds during continuous rain or high winds. In addition, scaffolding must be kept free of all tools, materials and other debris that pose a potential work hazard.