Scaffold Inspection Checklist

The scaffold has been erected, altered or dismantled only by trained and competent personnel.

A valid scaffold inspection tag is securely attached at the access point.

The scaffold inspection remains valid for the current date, shift and site requirements.

The scaffold is suitable for the intended work activity and required working height.

The scaffold load class or permitted loading is identified and understood.

The safe working load is displayed where required and has not been exceeded.

No unauthorized modification, removal or relocation of scaffold components is observed.

The supporting ground or structure is firm, stable and capable of carrying the scaffold load.

Base plates are installed beneath all scaffold standards.

Suitable sole boards are installed where required to distribute the load.

Adjustable base jacks are correctly installed and remain within their permitted extension.

No settlement, sinking, tilting or movement is visible at the scaffold base.

There is no standing water, erosion or loss of support around the scaffold foundation.

Excavation, vehicle movement or nearby work has not undermined the scaffold foundation.

Standards are vertical, correctly spaced and free from significant damage.

Ledgers are complete, level and securely connected.

Transoms and platform supports are correctly positioned and secured.

Couplers, clamps and connection devices are correctly installed and tightened.

Scaffold tubes and frames are free from cracks, severe corrosion, bending or deformation.

No standards, ledgers, transoms or other essential structural components are missing.

Scaffold components are compatible and have not been improvised with unsuitable materials.

Facade or longitudinal bracing is installed in the required locations.

Cross bracing is complete, correctly connected and undamaged.

Plan or horizontal bracing is installed where required by the scaffold design.

Scaffold ties are installed at the required spacing and locations.

Anchors and tie points are secure, suitable and free from visible damage.

No scaffold tie, anchor or brace has been removed without authorization and replacement control.

Free-standing or mobile scaffold height and base dimensions remain within the approved limits.

Working platforms are fully decked for the intended activity.

No dangerous gaps exist between platform units, the scaffold structure or the work face.

Platform boards and metal decks are free from cracks, severe damage, deformation or contamination.

Platform units are secured against movement, uplift or displacement.

The platform provides sufficient working width for workers, tools and materials.

Platform board overhang is controlled and does not create instability or a trip hazard.

Materials are distributed safely and the platform is not overloaded.

Platform openings, hatches and penetrations are closed or adequately protected.

Top guardrails are installed on all exposed platform sides and ends.

Midrails or equivalent intermediate protection are installed.

Toe boards are installed and complete on exposed platform edges.

Platform ends, returns and access openings are adequately protected.

Guardrails and toe boards are secure and free from significant damage.

The gap between the working platform and structure is minimized or otherwise protected.

A safe and designated means of access and egress is provided.

Access ladders or stair towers are installed inside the scaffold where practicable.

Access ladders are free from damage, contamination and missing rungs.

Access ladders are securely fixed against slipping or displacement.

Ladder landings and rest platforms are provided where required.

Self-closing gates or equivalent protection are installed at access openings.

Access routes, ladders, stairways and landings are unobstructed.

Workers are not required to climb scaffold frames, braces or guardrails.

Tools and loose equipment are secured where they could fall from the scaffold.

Materials are stored away from platform edges and cannot roll or slide.

Debris netting, brick guards or equivalent protection are installed where required.

An exclusion zone is established below and around the scaffold where falling-object risk exists.

Barricades and warning signs are visible and suitable for the level of risk.

Simultaneous work above and below has been eliminated or properly controlled.

Safe clearance is maintained from overhead lines and other energized equipment.

Temporary electrical cables are protected against damage and do not create trip hazards.

Lighting is sufficient for safe access, work and emergency evacuation.

The scaffold is protected from vehicle, crane and mobile-equipment impact.

Nearby process, pressure, heat, chemical and operational hazards have been controlled.

Working platforms are free from unnecessary waste, loose materials and obstructions.

Access ways, ladders, stairs and landing areas are clean and clear.

Oil, mud, ice, water and other slip hazards have been removed or controlled.

No sharp edges, protruding tubes or exposed components create injury hazards.

Scaffold materials and work equipment are stored in an orderly and stable manner.

Wind conditions are within the permitted limits for scaffold use.

Rain, snow and ice conditions have been evaluated and controlled.

Scaffold use has been stopped where lightning or severe weather creates unacceptable risk.

Visibility is sufficient for safe work and access.

Sheeting, netting and temporary coverings have not created excessive wind loading.

Castors and wheels are suitable, undamaged and securely attached.

All wheel brakes are engaged before workers access or use the scaffold.

Outriggers or stabilizers are correctly installed where required.

The mobile scaffold is positioned on a level, firm and obstruction-free surface.

No person remains on the scaffold while it is being moved.

No unresolved critical defect remains before the scaffold is released for use.

Identified defects have been recorded, assigned and controlled.

The scaffold inspection tag has been updated to reflect the current status.

Unsafe or incomplete scaffolds are tagged, barricaded and prevented from use.

The scaffold is formally accepted and released for its intended use.