Anyone who works around scaffolding understands how vital safety is. If structures aren’t in good condition and erected adequately, they can be very dangerous. The best way to ensure that they stay in good working order is by performing regular inspections. So it is essential to understand how often checks should happen, who should perform them, and how they keep everyone safe.

Organisations have an obligation to protect their workers, stated in the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Most of the time, scaffolding carries the risk of workers potentially falling two or more metres, which is why this regulation governs it. Employers must comply with the guidance by ensuring that scaffolding is appropriately planned, supervised, and erected by competent people.

Scaffolding needs to be inspected before use and at regular intervals. In addition, inspections should occur every time an event occurs that could affect safety, such as weather, damage, or any question of stability. In addition, it should be inspected every seven days no matter what. Employers must keep a record of these inspections.

Inspections on scaffolding are designed to find any issues that could lead to incidents or injuries. Scaffolding inspectors must consider the design of the scaffolding, the environment where it is being used, how it is being used, and anything in the vicinity that could create a hazard. A checklist is outlined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

They require that a competent person carry out the inspection, and this person should have the proper knowledge, training, and experience for the job. The inspector needs to report any issues that are discovered, any concerns, and any actions taken.

What Makes Someone a Competent Person to Carry Out the Inspection?

The guidelines and regulations require that someone who inspects scaffolding is considered a “competent person.” A competent person will have the knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out an inspection safely and effectively.

There are training courses available that provide everything that someone who wants to inspect scaffolding needs to know. Upon completing this course, the person will receive an ESS certificate that is good for three years. This training is an excellent option for managers, health and safety advisors, site supervisors, and more, but people may want to go through more advanced training.

The regulations state that a scaffold must be inspected before its first use. Once it is deemed safe to use, workers may use it. Then, inspections must be performed at least once every seven days. However, if any conditions occur that could alter the scaffolding or create a problem, it must be inspected again. This could be from bad weather, or it may have suffered some damage.

The guidelines are outlined in the Working at Height Regulations 2005. It is imperative because bad weather can cause the scaffolding to become unstable or slippery, and any damage can change its stability.

CISRS is short for Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme. It is recognised as a qualification for scaffolding throughout the UK, and it has been used since the 1960s. They will offer proof to workers who want to perform inspections.

You can get a CISRS card by completing a CISRS course that is accredited. One course is the CISRS Scaffolding Inspection Training Scheme, which opens the door to applying for the CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection card. With this card, a person can inspect scaffolding. The certificate is valid for five years once it is issued.

When the scaffolding is inspected, they need to look at all of the following:

1. Any Records of User Reports: Most of the time, businesses hire the scaffolding from a scaffolding company. The inspector should ask if they have any records from other clients who have used the scaffolding for their projects. When they review these reports, they should note whether the scaffolding has had any issues in the past or if there has ever been any damage.

2. Consider Weight Limits: Every scaffolding structure has weight restrictions, and they must be followed. If the scaffolding is overloaded, it could damage the poles and possibly cause the scaffolding to collapse. Check the height and weight restrictions, and make a note that a scaffolding structure should be built to support four times the intended weight load.

3. Safety Rails: Safety rails, which includes guardrails and toe boards, are essential in scaffolding because they protect workers and prevent them from falling. They also ensure that equipment doesn’t fall. The inspection should include making sure that they are sturdy and secure and doing what they are designed to do.

4. Access Areas: Access areas are where people enter and exit the scaffolding. There are designated routes, and they should always be accessible and clear of any obstructions. Make sure that nobody is climbing on poles or using ladders incorrectly. Inspectors should look at how employees are entering and exiting the scaffolding, what type of PPE they are wearing, and the condition of the ground around the scaffolding.

5. Structure: The inspector will also make sure that the structure is sound by thoroughly examining it. If there has been any bad weather, it will be checked to make sure that everything is still in place and that there aren’t any slippery areas.

Inspecting the scaffolding is an essential part of scaffolding safety. Not only is it vital so that everyone using it will be safe, but it is legally required. Any competent person can perform the inspection, and the best way to make sure that someone is capable is by having certification. When you work with a professional scaffolding company, they will have certified inspectors who can ensure that your scaffolding is always safe and effective.