OSHA Scaffold Inspection Checklist

Are power lines near scaffolds de-energized or are scaffolds at least 10 feet away from energized power lines?

Are tools and materials at least 10 feet away from energized power lines?

Is the scaffold the correct type for the loads, materials, workers, and weather conditions?

Are the footings level, sound, rigid, and capable of supporting the loaded scaffold?

Are the legs, posts, frames, and uprights on baseplates and mudsills?

Are metal components free from bends, cracks, holes, rust, welding splatter, pits, broken welds, and non-compatible parts?

Is there safe access, and are the cross braces not being used as a ladder for access or exit?

Are wooden planks free from cracks, splits greater than 1/4 inch, long end splits, large loose knots, warps greater than 1/4 inch, gouges, mold, separated laminates, and excessive grain sloping (greater than 1 in 12 inches from the long edge), and are they scaffold grade lumber or equivalent?

If the planks deflect 1/60 of the span or 2 inches in a 10-foot wooden plank, are they considered damaged and must not be used?

Are the planks close together, with spaces no more than 1 inch around uprights?

Are 10-foot or shorter planks 6 to 12 inches over the center line of the support, and are 10-foot or longer planks no more than 18 inches over the end?

Is the platform 14 inches or less from the wall, or 18 inches or less away if plastering or stucco is involved?

Are guardrails and mid-rails present on platforms where work is being done?

Are workers under the platform protected by falling object protection, or is the area barricaded, and are hard hats being worn?

Are braces, tie-ins, and guying being used as described by the scaffold’s manufacturer at each end, vertically, and horizontally to prevent tipping?