Scaffolding Inspection checklist | Step by Step Guide |

 How to Conduct Scaffolding Inspection?

Scaffolding is an essential component of construction project, as it enables workers to access high areas. However, scaffolding can be dangerous and hazardous if it is not inspected and maintained properly. Therefore, it is important to conduct inspection of scaffolding and implement corrective actions to avoid accidents. In this blog post I will guide you about how to conduct a thorough inspection of scaffolding.

Why it is Important to Conduct Scaffolding Inspection?

Conducting Scaffolding inspection is an essential step of creating a safe work environment in the construction site. Scaffolding inspection ensures that the workers are working at height without the risk of fall. Conduction scaffolding inspection is a legal requirement of different regulatory authorities such as OSHA. 

Scaffolding inspection helps us to identify potential hazards and defects of the scaffolding structure which enables us to quickly repair and mitigate the hazards related to scaffolding. By conducting scaffolding inspections, we can protect our workers, we can reduce liabilities and maintain a safe working environment in the construction workplace.

Scaffolding terminology:

It is important to understand all the terms of scaffolding when we want to conduct it's thorough inspection. 

Here is an explanation of scaffolding terms:

• Standard or base: Standards or bases are made of general scaffolding pipes and are usually prepared using 48.3 mm steel pipes. These pipes are used as the main basis of scaffolding.
• Transom or handle: The transom is a pipe that is connected to the standards in depth and is used as a support for the work platform.
• Ledger: Ledger is a horizontal pipe that connects the standards across. The length of the ledger depends on the type and weight of the work that is done on the scaffolding.
• Base plate or shoe: The base plate is a square metal plate in which the standards are placed and is used to increase the strength of the scaffolding in soft and loose ground.
• Restraints: Restraints are connected to the adjacent structure to maintain the strength of the scaffold and prevent its longitudinal and transverse movements.
• Brace: These pipes are installed diagonally between the openings of the scaffold to increase its strength.
• Guardrail or protective rail: The guardrail or protective rail is installed in the outer part of the work platforms and its height should not be less than 150 cm.
• Working board: A working board is a wooden board that is used as a work surface in scaffolding.
• Lift: These joints connect the transom, ledger and boards to each other and create a horizontal surface on the scaffolding.
• Movable wheel (Castor): These wheels are installed under the foundations of the mobile scaffold and allow it to move.
• Connection (Coupler): These connections are used to connect vertical and horizontal bases and ledgers to each other.
• Four-bolt fasteners: These fasteners are used as a connection point between the base, transom, and ledgers.
• Masonry Wire: These wires are used to fasten masonry boards to transoms.
• Metal belt (Hoop Iron): Metal belt is used to prevent cracking of masonry boards.
• Connection point (Node Point): The connection point refers to the place where the bases, transom and ledgers connect to each other.
• Warning tags or Scaffolding tag: These tags are used to indicate the safety status of scaffolding and whether it has been inspected or not.

With these scaffolding terms, you can ensure the best safety conditions for working at height and perform scaffolding-related tasks carefully.

Scaffolding inspection and maintenance

Technically, inspection and maintenance is important to maintain the safety of any structure. Scaffold maintenance, review and safety instructions are also important to consider scaffold safety points due to maintaining and upgrading the structure. Scaffold inspection procedures include the following:

• Checking the scaffolding base for level, stability and proper support
• Inspect scaffolding components for signs of wear, damage or corrosion
• Ensuring the condition and strength of connections
• Check guardrails, boards and ensure proper implementation of other safety features
• Checking and ensuring the placement of anchor points and scaffolding connections for the stability of the structure

If you see the following in the scaffolding pipe, be sure to take the necessary measures to maintain the safety of the structure:

• If you see a damaged or defective part, replace it immediately.
• Keep the surface of the scaffolding pipes clean and free of any contamination.
• To ensure and maintain proper operation, regularly lubricate moving parts, such as wheels and fasteners.
• After disassembling the scaffolding components and when not in use, store them in a dry and protected area to prevent damage or corrosion to the pipes.

Scaffolding Inspection Example and Checklist:

Step NO 1: Scaffolding Pre-Inspection:

• Review the structural design and specifications of the scaffolding.
• Check Weather condition, such as wind, rain etc.
• Verify the scaffolding tags, Whether it is RED, YELLOW or GREEN Tag?
• Ensure that the scaffolding is erected on a firm and levelled earth surface.

Step No 2: Structural Components:

2.1: Upright:

• Check whether the scaffolding is Properly erected and level?
• Check if the scaffolding is Securely tied to the building with appropriate anchors?
• Check if the scaffolding Spaced correctly (max 6-8 feet apart).
• Check if their is any signs of damage or corrosion?

2.2: Ledgers:

• Check if the ledgers are Properly attached to uprights with appropriate fittings?
• Check if the ledgers are Securely tied to the building with appropriate anchors?
• Check if the Spaced correctly (max 6-8 feet apart)?
• Check if their no sign of damage or corrosion?

2.3: Guard-rails:

• Check if the guard rails are Properly attached to ledgers with appropriate fittings?
• Check if the guard rails are Secure and tamper-free?
• Check if the guard rails At least 36 inches high?
• Check if the guard rails, Mid-rails and toe boards in place?

2.4: Toe Board:

• Check if the toe board is Properly attached to ledgers with appropriate fittings?
• Check if the toe board is Secure and tamper-free?
• Check if the toe board is At least 3.5 inches high?

Step No 3: Connections and Fittings:

• Check if the scaffolding connections and fittings (Couplers etc) is Properly attached and tightened?
• Check if their is No signs of damage or wear on the scaffolding fittings?
• Check if Correct type and size for scaffolding components are used in scaffolding erection?
• Check if the scaffolding fittings and connections are Regularly inspected and maintained?

Step No 4: Decking and Platforms:

• Check if the platform of the scaffolding is Properly installed and securely attached?
• Check if their is No gaps or openings in the scaffolding platforms?
• Check if the Decking material in good condition?
• Check if the platform is made up of Slip-resistant surface?

Step No 5: Access and Egress:

• Check if the scaffolding has Safe and secure access points?
• Check if  the ladders or stairs are properly installed?
• Check if Handrails and guardrails in place?
• Check if access and Egress of the scaffolding is Regularly inspected and maintained?

Step No 6: Safety Features:

• Check if Proper fall protection equipment (harnesses, lanyards, etc.)?
• Check if Safety nets or catch platforms in place (if necessary)?
• Check if Warning signs and caution tape (if necessary)?
• Check if safety features Regularly inspected and maintained?

Additionally:

• No overloading or excessive weight?
• No signs of damage or wear on scaffolding components?
• Proper storage of materials and tools?
• Regular inspections and maintenance records?
• Scaffolding tags and certifications up-to-date?

Last Step: Post-Inspection

• Document findings and recommendations
• Address any defects or issues
• Verify scaffolding is safe for use
• Schedule next inspection (before next use or as required)

Download Scaffolding Inspection Checklist PDF:

Caution:

Remember to always follow local regulations and guidelines, and consult a qualified scaffolding professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the inspection.

Disclaimer: 

This article contains general information for scaffolding inspection guidelines and checklists which are provided in this article, are not applicable to any specific situation or jurisdiction. Scaffolding inspections should be performed in accordance with local law, industrial standards and site-specific requirements. All the information given in this article is intended to provide general information only and should not be used to replace professional judgement or advice. Properly trained and qualified scaffolding professionals must be addressed with relevant authorities and legislation to ensure legal compliance. The author and the publisher of this article will not be responsible for any personal or commercial damages or injuries to these guidelines that may result.

This blog is written by HSEWALA.

Hope this blog finds you well and informative.

Thanks for visiting HSEWALA.

Regards: Rehan Waseem.