Template Library > Construction Inspections > Scaffold Inspections
With our free scaffold inspection checklist, you can maintain compliance with safety regulations while proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks. It covers key aspects such as foundation stability, structural integrity, platforms, bracing, access points, fall protection, load capacity, and proper documentation for thorough inspections.
With these scaffold inspection templates, you can:
With the GoAudits Construction Inspection App, you can:
Save Time with Digital Inspections
A scaffold inspection checklist is a structured document used to identify installation oversights and defects in scaffolds before and after usage. It is used to evaluate the scaffolding systems for safety, stability, and rigidity to make sure they adhere to important regulatory standards.
According to OSHA, 2.3 million (or 65%) construction workers frequently work on scaffolds, and ensuring their protection can prevent 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year. A thorough inspection using a scaffold inspection sheet helps spot potential and immediate hazards, which, if addressed promptly, can save thousands of lives.
Moreover, a scaffolding checklist streamlines the inspection process to save time and money and to improve construction safety and quality dimensions at your job sites.
The type of scaffolding dictates its specific safety requirements.
Supported Scaffolding: This is the most common type, built from the ground up. Its primary safety concern is a stable foundation and proper bracing to prevent collapse.
Suspended Scaffolding: Used on high-rise buildings, this type is hung from above by ropes or cables. The critical safety focus is the secure attachment points, wire rope integrity, and the proper functioning of motors and brakes.
Mobile Scaffolding: Mounted on wheels or casters, this type is used for tasks that require frequent movement. The main safety rule is to never ride a moving mobile scaffold and to ensure the casters are locked before use.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom have established comprehensive regulatory standards to govern scaffold use, primarily through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the U.K.
OSHA’s scaffolding standards are detailed in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L, focusing on construction-related scaffolding requirements. Key aspects include:
In the U.K., the HSE enforces scaffold safety under the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Essential elements include:
👉 HSE Checklist for Construction Site: Use the template to ensure health and safety compliance, covering hazards, PPE, housekeeping, and more.
Construction Inspection Checklists: Explore our library of free construction templates.
A typical scaffold inspection form has the following sections:
👉 Learn More: How Woodside Homes leverages digital checklists to ensure safety and quality for their construction projects.
Scaffolds should be inspected at different intervals to ensure safety and compliance. Pre-use inspections must be conducted before each work shift to identify immediate hazards such as missing planks, loose connections, or structural damage. These checks ensure the scaffold is safe and stable before workers begin their tasks.
In addition to daily checks using a daily scaffold inspection checklist, periodic inspections should be performed regularly and scheduled, such as weekly or as required by site regulations. These inspections assess wear and tear, environmental impacts, and overall compliance with safety standards. The frequency of periodic inspections may vary depending on factors like scaffold type, site conditions, and intensity of use.
Scaffolding inspections are a continuous process, not a one-time event. They must be performed at key stages of the project to ensure ongoing safety.
Pre-Assembly Inspection: Before a single tube is erected, a competent person must inspect all components (tubes, couplers, platforms) for any signs of damage, rust, or defects.
Post-Assembly/Handover Inspection: After the scaffold is fully erected, it must be thoroughly inspected before being put into service. This initial inspection is critical as it formally “hands over” the structure for use.
Routine Inspections: A daily visual check is recommended, with a more detailed inspection required at least every seven days or as required by national regulations.
Post-Incident Inspection: The scaffold must be inspected immediately after any incident that could affect its structural integrity, such as a severe storm, high winds, or a vehicle collision.
Tagging systems are a universal and effective way to communicate a scaffold’s status at a glance.
Green Tag: Indicates the scaffold has been inspected, is safe for use, and is ready for work.
Yellow Tag: Warns of specific conditions or limitations, such as a section with incomplete guardrails, requiring a personal fall arrest system.
Red Tag: Indicates the scaffold is incomplete, under construction, or unsafe. It is not to be used for any reason.
Start by selecting reliable construction inspection software like GoAudits, which allows for custom scaffolding risk assessment checklists, real-time reporting, photo capture, and compliance tracking. Before starting the inspection, customize the digital safety checklist for scaffolding to include key areas such as foundation stability, structural integrity, access points, fall protection, and load capacity.
During the inspection, use the mobile app or tablet to systematically check each component, recording findings directly into the system. If any issues that require urgent attention are identified, assign them to qualified personnel right away.
Once you have completed the inspection, generate and share instant inspection reports to notify the team about the identified hazards and implemented corrective actions.
For efficient management, store scaffold inspection reports digitally using cloud-based inspection software to ensure accessibility, security, and easy retrieval when needed.
Besides conventional inspection data, good construction inspection software, like GoAudits, allows users to document defect photos, descriptions, corrective actions, suggested corrective measures, and resolution status and access them when needed.
By maintaining well-organized scaffold inspection records, companies improve worksite safety, regulatory compliance, and accountability, ensuring a safer working environment.
Digitize your Site Inspections