Scaffolds
A competent person must inspect all types of scaffolds and components immediately after they has been erected, before each shift, and after any event - including severe weather - that could cause damage.
If defects are found making the scaffold unsafe, a qualified person must ensure defects are corrected.
If any hazards or defects are found, the scaffold should be taken out of service until it can be corrected by a qualified person.
Supported Scaffolds
If any issues are found during an inspection, they should be rectified immediately, and the scaffold should not be used until it's safe.
Click the link below to see the steps typically taken during a supported scaffold inspection.
- Check for General Stability: The scaffold should be on a stable and solid base, and it should not wobble or sway. Make sure it is leveled and plumb.
- Inspect the Base/Foundation: Make sure the footing or anchorage is sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the maximum intended load without settling or displacement.
- Inspect Scaffold Components: This includes checking the condition of all scaffold parts like tubes, couplers, boards, ladders, etc. They should be in good condition without visible damage or corrosion.
- Check the Bracing: The scaffold should have proper diagonal, horizontal and vertical bracing, and they should be secured correctly.
- Inspect Guardrails and Toeboards: If the scaffold platform is elevated, it should have guardrails on all open sides and ends. Toeboards should be in place to prevent materials from falling off the platform.
- Check Planks: Inspect the condition and placement of planks. They should be secured and not slippery or damaged. There should be no large gaps between planks.
Make sure all components of the supported scaffold are inspected before work begins.
- Inspect Access Points: All scaffold platforms should have safe and secure access, such as stairways or ladders.
- Check for Overloading: Make sure the scaffold isn't overloaded with equipment or personnel. It should be designed to carry its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load.
- Inspect Fall Protection Equipment: If personal fall arrest systems are being used, they should be inspected as well, including harnesses, lanyards, and anchorage points.
- Look for Debris: The scaffold platform should be clean, free from debris, and not used for storage.
- Inspect after Changes or Severe Weather: Scaffolds should be inspected after any changes to the scaffold configuration or after severe weather which could affect its stability.
- Documentation: Document your findings during the inspection, noting any deficiencies and the measures taken to correct them.
Suspension Scaffolds
A competent person must inspect suspension ropes before each shift and after any event that could damage them. It's especially important to inspect and tighten wire rope clips and other components to the manufacturer's recommendations at the start of each shift.
Click the link below to see the steps typically taken during a supported scaffold inspection.
- Pre-Use Inspection: Each day before the scaffold is used, a competent person should visually inspect the system for obvious signs of damage or wear.
- Suspension Ropes and Hardware Inspection: Check the ropes, cables, pulleys, and hardware for any signs of wear, abrasion, or corrosion. Make sure all components are secure and in proper working order.
- Platform and Guardrails: Inspect the platform for any damage. It should be fully planked or decked, and guardrails should be in place and secure.
- Counterweights: Ensure that the counterweights are of the correct type and quantity, are secure, and are not made of inappropriate materials like sand or bricks.
- Anchorage Points: Inspect the anchorage points to ensure they are secure and capable of supporting the intended loads.
- Fall Protection Equipment: Check the condition of any personal fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards. Make sure they are correctly attached to the scaffold and in good condition.
- Hoist Inspection: Inspect hoists and their components to ensure they are operating properly and that their brakes are in good working condition.
Suspended Scaffold Safety
- Tiebacks: Check tiebacks for security and proper angle. They should be fastened to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure.
- Access: Make sure that safe access is provided to the scaffold, like a secured ladder or stair tower.
- Post-Incident Inspection: After any incident involving the scaffold, it should be inspected by a competent person to determine if it is still safe to use.
- Regular Scheduled Inspections: Beyond the daily pre-use inspections, regular, more comprehensive inspections should be carried out by a competent person, especially after alterations, prolonged periods of non-use, or adverse weather conditions.
- Documentation: Document all inspections, including any faults found and any repairs made. This record keeping is crucial for monitoring the scaffold's ongoing safety and for any future investigations or audits.
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8-6. When must a competent person inspect a scaffold and its components?
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