Scaffold checklist

This guide explains when a scaffold design is needed and outlines the required training and competence for those erecting, dismantling, modifying, inspecting, and supervising scaffolding operations.

Scaffold design

It is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 that unless a scaffold is assembled to a generally recognised standard configuration, eg NASC Technical Guidance TG20 for tube and fitting scaffolds or similar guidance from manufacturers of system scaffolds, the scaffold should be designed by bespoke calculation, by a competent person, to ensure it will have adequate strength, rigidity and stability while it is erected, used and dismantled.

At the start of the planning process, the user should supply relevant information to the scaffold contractor to ensure an accurate and proper design process is followed. Typically this information should include:

site location
period of time the scaffold is required to be in place
intended use
height and length and any critical dimensions which may affect the scaffold
number of boarded lifts
maximum working loads to be imposed and maximum number of people using the scaffold at any one time
type of access onto the scaffold eg staircase, ladder bay, external ladders
whether there is a requirement for sheeting, netting or brickguards
any specific requirements or provisions eg pedestrian walkway, restriction on tie locations, inclusion/provision for mechanical handling plant eg hoist)
nature of the ground conditions or supporting structure
information on the structure/building the scaffold will be erected against together with any relevant dimensions and drawings
any restrictions that may affect the erection, alteration or dismantling process

Prior to installation, the scaffold contractor or scaffold designer can then provide relevant information about the scaffold. This should include:

type of scaffold required (tube & fitting or system)
maximum bay lengths
maximum lift heights
platform boarding arrangement (ie 5 + 2) and the number of boarded lifts that can be used at any one time
safe working load / load class
maximum leg loads
maximum tie spacing both horizontal and vertical and tie duty
details of additional elements such as beamed bridges, fans, loading bays etc, which may be a standard configuration (see note 1 ref TG20:13) or specifically designed
information can be included in relevant drawings if appropriate
any other information relevant to the design, installation or use of the scaffold
reference number, date etc. to enable recording, referencing and checking

Scaffolding erected by UK PR Scaffolding for commercial customer in London, UK.

All scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered in a safe manner. This is achieved by following the guidance provided by the NASC in document SG4 ‘Preventing falls in scaffolding’ for tube and fitting scaffolds or by following similar guidance provided by the manufacturers of system scaffolding.

For scaffolds that fall outside the scope of a generally recognised standard configuration the design must be such that safe erection and dismantling techniques can also be employed throughout the duration of the works. To ensure stability for more complex scaffolds, drawings should be produced and, where necessary, these may need to be supplemented with specific instructions.

Any proposed modification or alteration that takes a scaffold outside the scope of a generally recognised standard configuration should be designed by a competent person and proven by calculation.

Scaffold structures that normally require bespoke design

Includes:

all shoring scaffolds (dead, raking, flying)
cantilevered scaffolds
truss-out Scaffolds
façade retention
access scaffolds with more than the 2 working lifts
buttressed free-standing scaffolds
temporary roofs and temporary buildings
support scaffolds
complex loading bays
mobile and static towers
free standing scaffolds
temporary ramps and elevated roadways
staircases and fire escapes (unless covered by manufacturers instructions)
spectator terraces and seating stands
bridge scaffolds
towers requiring guys or ground anchors
offshore scaffolds
pedestrian footbridges or walkways
slung and suspended scaffolds
protection fans
pavement gantries
marine scaffolds
boiler scaffolds
power line crossings
lifting gantries and towers
steeple scaffolds
radial / splayed scaffolds on contoured facades
system scaffolds outside manufacturers guidance
sign board supports
sealing end structures (such as temporary screens)
temporary storage on site
masts, lighting towers and transmission towers
advertising hoardings/banners
rubbish chute
any scaffold structure not mentioned above that falls outside the ‘compliant scaffold’ criteria in TG20 or similar guidance from manufacturers of system scaffolds.

The above list is not exhaustive and any scaffold that is not a standard configuration or does not comply with published manufacturers’ guidelines will require a specific design produced by a competent person.

Note

1. TG20:13 provides compliant scaffolds for a limited range of cantilever scaffolds, loading bays, static towers, use of rakers, bridges and protection fans.

2. TG20:13 provides a range of compliant scaffolds, which can be boarded at any number of lifts, but only two platforms can be used as working platforms at any one time.

Scaffolding erected by UK PR Scaffolding for commercial customer in London, UK.

Competence and supervision of scaffolding operatives

All employees must be competent for the type of scaffolding work they undertake and should receive training appropriate to the type and complexity of the scaffold they are working on.

Employers are responsible for providing suitable levels of supervision, taking into account both the complexity of the work and the training and competence of the scaffolders involved.

As a minimum standard, each scaffold team should include at least one competent scaffolder who has been trained for the specific type and complexity of the structure being erected, altered, or dismantled.

Trainee scaffolders must always work under the direct supervision of a trained and competent scaffolder. Operatives remain classed as ‘trainees’ until they have completed the approved training and assessment necessary to be recognised as competent.

The erection, alteration, and dismantling of all scaffolding—whether basic or complex—must be carried out under the direct supervision of a competent person. For complex scaffolds, this will typically be an Advanced Scaffolder or someone who has received specialist training for the specific system and configuration in use.

Scaffolding operatives should also stay up to date with the latest safety guidance and best practices in the industry. Providing job-specific pre-start briefings and regular refresher training helps ensure continued competence and safe working conditions.

toolbox talks is a good way of keeping them informed.

Guidance on the relevant expertise of Scaffolders and Advanced scaffolders including details of which structures they are deemed competent to erect can be obtained from the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) website.

Scaffolding erected by UK PR Scaffolding for residential customer in London, UK.

Scaffold inspection

It is the scaffold users / hirers responsibility to ensure that all scaffolding has been inspected as follows:

following installation / before first use
at an interval of no more than every 7 days thereafter
following any circumstances liable to jeopardise the safety of the installation eg high winds.

All scaffolding inspections should be carried out by a competent person with the appropriate combination of knowledge, training, and experience for the type and complexity of the scaffold. Competence may be demonstrated through CISRS assessment or by completing manufacturer or supplier training specific to a particular system scaffold.

A non-scaffolder who has completed a recognised scaffold inspection course (for example, a site manager) may also be considered competent to inspect a basic scaffold structure.

The scaffold inspection report should record any defects or issues that could present a risk to health and safety, along with any corrective actions taken. Even when issues are resolved promptly, documenting them helps identify and prevent recurring problems.