Who can inspect a scaffold?

A competent person: someone who can identify hazards on a scaffold and has the authority to take action to fix them. Your company decides who fits that role, and the rules that apply to you define it.

How often should a scaffold be inspected?

Before each work shift, and after anything that could affect its structure, such as weather, an impact or a change. OSHA's scaffold standard sets this for construction, so check the current rule.

What do scaffold tags mean?

Tags show a scaffold's status at a glance, usually that it was inspected and is safe to use, or that it isn't ready. Sites choose their own tag system, so use the one your site has set up.

Free template

A scaffold inspection checklist for the competent person.

Check the foundation, the frame, the platform and the way up before the shift starts. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledScaffold safety checklist, Daily scaffold inspection form, Scaffold tag inspection

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

Scaffold inspection checklist

Date

Time

Site or location

Scaffold location or ID

Scaffold type

Competent person

Foundation

PassFailN/A

Base plates and mudsills are in place and sound
Ground under the scaffold is firm, level and not undermined
Scaffold is plumb and level

Frame and structure

PassFailN/A

Frames, braces and couplers are present and undamaged
Cross-bracing is secure
Ties or anchors are in place where required
Load rating is posted and the scaffold is not overloaded

Platform and access

PassFailN/A

Planks or decks are fully in place, secure and undamaged
No gaps in the platform beyond what's allowed
Guardrails, midrails and toe boards are in place
A safe way up is provided: ladder, stair tower or ramp
Platforms are clear of debris and loose material

Hazards around the scaffold

PassFailN/A

Clearance from power lines is maintained
Overhead protection is in place where people work or walk below
Tag is posted and shows the current status
Nothing has been added, removed or moved since the last inspection

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Have a competent person check it
The person checking should know scaffolds well enough to spot a problem and be allowed to stop work.
Step 2
Check before each shift
Check before work starts each shift, and again after anything that could have affected the scaffold, like weather, an impact or a change to the structure.
Step 3
Keep people off a failed scaffold
If it fails, close it with a clear tag and a barrier, and don't reopen it until it's fixed and checked again.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

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Common questions

Who can inspect a scaffold?: A competent person: someone who can identify hazards on a scaffold and has the authority to take action to fix them. Your company decides who fits that role, and the rules that apply to you define it.
How often should a scaffold be inspected?: Before each work shift, and after anything that could affect its structure, such as weather, an impact or a change. OSHA's scaffold standard sets this for construction, so check the current rule.
What do scaffold tags mean?: Tags show a scaffold's status at a glance, usually that it was inspected and is safe to use, or that it isn't ready. Sites choose their own tag system, so use the one your site has set up.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A scaffold inspection checklist for the competent person.

Scaffold inspection checklist

Foundation

Frame and structure

Platform and access

Hazards around the scaffold

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Have a competent person check it

Check before each shift

Keep people off a failed scaffold

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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