Scaffolding is one of the most common forms of access equipment for work at height, but it's also subject to strict legal requirements. Understanding what's required ensures safety and compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
When was your scaffolding last inspected?
Scaffold inspections are a legal requirement
Legal requirements for scaffolding
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, all scaffolding must:
- Be designed by a competent person with adequate structural integrity for the intended load
- Be erected, dismantled, and altered only by competent, trained persons
- Be inspected before first use, then every 7 days, and after any event that could affect stability
- Have inspection records kept and available on site
- Include edge protection to prevent falls (guardrails, toe boards, intermediate rails)
- Be suitable for the purpose, load, and working conditions
- Be maintained in a safe condition throughout its use
Scaffolding that hasn't been inspected within the last 7 days is not legally compliant and should not be used. The duty holder can be prosecuted, and in the event of an accident, liability is significantly increased.
Design requirements
Who can design scaffolding?
Simple scaffolding (independent access scaffolds up to certain heights and configurations) can be designed using:
- TG20:13 — industry guidance providing standard configurations that don't require individual calculations
- Must still be designed by someone competent in TG20:13 application
Complex or non-standard scaffolding requires:
- Design by a qualified scaffold designer or structural engineer
- Full structural calculations
- Design drawings and specifications
- Handover certificate confirming the design has been followed
TG20:13 is published by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). It provides standard configurations for common scaffold types that are pre-calculated and deemed compliant if followed correctly.
Design considerations
A competent designer must consider:
- Load requirements — weight of workers, materials, equipment
- Height and configuration — how high, how wide, access requirements
- Ground conditions — load-bearing capacity, levelness, stability
- Environmental factors — wind loading, weather exposure
- Tie locations — fixing to the building structure
- Access and egress — ladders, stairways, platforms
- Edge protection — guardrails, toe boards, netting
- Duration — temporary vs long-term installation
Never modify or alter scaffolding from its designed configuration without consulting the designer. Adding or removing components, changing tie positions, or increasing loads can make the structure unsafe.
Structural specifications
Edge protection requirements
All working platforms must have edge protection meeting these minimum specifications:
Top guardrail:
- Height: 950mm to 1150mm above the platform
- Capable of withstanding a horizontal force
Intermediate guardrail:
- Positioned to prevent a gap exceeding 470mm
- Typically midway between top rail and toe board
Toe board:
- Minimum height: 150mm
- Prevents tools and materials falling off the edge
- No gap between toe board and platform
Maximum gaps:
- Between toe board and intermediate rail: 470mm
- Above top guardrail: acceptable if total height is sufficient
Compliant vs Non-Compliant Edge Protection
Non-Compliant
- •Single guardrail only
- •Gaps larger than 470mm
- •No toe boards fitted
- •Guardrail below 950mm height
- •Loose or unsecured rails
- •Damaged or missing components
Compliant
Recommended- •Top, intermediate, and toe board present
- •All gaps 470mm or less
- •Toe boards minimum 150mm high
- •Top rail between 950-1150mm
- •All components secure and undamaged
- •Suitable for the working conditions
Bottom line: Edge protection is your primary fall prevention system on scaffolding. All three components (top rail, intermediate rail, toe board) are required unless a risk assessment demonstrates a specific exemption.
Platform requirements
Width:
- Minimum 600mm for access only
- 600mm-800mm for light work
- 800mm+ for heavy work or multiple workers
- Should be wide enough for safe working and passage
Boards:
- Scaffold boards to BS 2482 or equivalent
- Free from defects, splits, or rot
- Properly supported at intervals (typically 1.5m max)
- Overlaps at supports (minimum 50mm, maximum 150mm)
- Secured to prevent movement or tipping
Gaps:
- Maximum gap between boards: 25mm
- No gaps wide enough for feet or materials to fall through
Loading:
- Clearly marked with safe working load (SWL)
- Typically Bay Loading (distributed load) or Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL)
- Common ratings: 3, 4, 5, or 6 (measured in kN/m²)
Overloading scaffolding is a common cause of collapse. Never exceed the designed safe working load, and remember this includes workers, tools, materials, and any equipment. Stockpiling materials on scaffolding is particularly risky.
Competence requirements
Scaffolders
Only competent persons should erect, dismantle, or substantially alter scaffolding.
Industry-recognized training:
- CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) — the UK's preferred scaffolder training scheme
- CISRS cards — demonstrate competence at different levels:
- Trainee Scaffolder — supervised work only
- Scaffolder — competent to erect standard scaffolds
- Advanced Scaffolder — complex scaffolds and supervision
- Scaffold Supervisor — oversee teams and sign handover certificates
What scaffolders must know:
- Scaffold design and configuration
- Component identification and assembly
- Load requirements and limitations
- Inspection and maintenance requirements
- Hazard recognition
- Emergency procedures
Hiring untrained or incompetent persons to erect scaffolding is illegal and extremely dangerous. Always check CISRS cards or equivalent qualifications before work begins.
Scaffold inspectors
Inspections must be carried out by a competent person who:
- Understands scaffold construction and standards
- Can identify defects and hazards
- Knows what makes scaffolding unsafe
- Can assess whether the scaffold is suitable for its intended use
- Has appropriate training and experience
Typical inspectors:
- CISRS Advanced Scaffolder or Supervisor
- CISRS Scaffold Inspector
- Qualified health and safety professional with scaffold knowledge
Inspectors must NOT:
- Be the same person who erected the scaffold (independent check required)
- Carry out inspections without adequate training
- Sign off scaffolding they're not competent to assess
Inspection requirements
When inspections are required
Scaffolding must be inspected:
1. Before first use
- After initial erection
- Before anyone works on it
- Confirms the scaffold is safe and complete
2. Every 7 days
- At least once every 7 days while in use
- Regular interval regardless of whether it's been used
- Cannot be extended beyond 7 days
3. After any event that could affect stability
- High winds or storms
- Heavy rain or snow
- Collision or impact (e.g., vehicle strike)
- Substantial addition or alteration
- Ground movement or subsidence
- Prolonged periods of freezing
4. After substantial alteration
- Significant changes to configuration
- Adding or removing levels
- Changing tie arrangements
Scaffold Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
Complete inspection after erection, before handover for use
Thorough inspection by competent person, recorded on TG20:13 or equivalent form
Inspect after high winds, heavy rain, snow, or any weather event
Full inspection after any substantial change to the scaffold
Immediate inspection if scaffold is struck, loaded abnormally, or involved in incident
Workers should visually check scaffold before use each day — report defects immediately
What inspections must check
A thorough inspection should cover:
Structural integrity:
- All components present and correctly positioned
- Standards (uprights) plumb and properly based
- Ledgers (horizontal tubes) level and secure
- Bracing in place and effective
- Couplers tight and undamaged
- No bent, corroded, or damaged tubes
Stability:
- Adequate ties to the structure
- Ties at correct intervals and positions
- Base plates on firm, level ground
- Sole boards or spreader plates where needed
- No evidence of ground settlement or movement
Working platforms:
- Boards in good condition (no splits, rot, damage)
- Properly supported and secured
- No excessive gaps or missing boards
- Safe working load not exceeded
- Free from trip hazards or debris
Edge protection:
- Top guardrail, intermediate rail, toe board present
- All at correct heights and positions
- Secure and capable of preventing falls
- No gaps exceeding 470mm
- Brick guards or netting if required
Access:
- Safe means of access and egress
- Ladders secure and properly positioned
- Stairways complete with handrails
- Internal access routes clear
Signage and documentation:
- Handover certificate displayed
- Safe working load clearly marked
- Inspection tag or record visible
- Any restrictions or prohibitions clear
Inspection reports must be completed on a suitable form (TG20:13 form or equivalent), signed by the inspector, and retained for the duration of the scaffold's use plus 3 months.
Handover procedures
When scaffolding erection is complete, a formal handover must take place:
Handover certificate requirements
Must include:
- Date of completion
- Scaffold location and identification
- Design standard or reference (e.g., TG20:13 sheet number)
- Safe working load classification
- Intended use and any restrictions
- Name and signature of the scaffolder
- CISRS card number or equivalent
- Name of the company erecting the scaffold
Handover process:
- Scaffold inspected by competent person
- Defects or incomplete work identified and rectified
- Certificate completed and signed
- Certificate displayed prominently at access point
- Site user briefed on any restrictions or limitations
- Certificate remains in place until scaffold is dismantled
Never use scaffolding without a valid handover certificate. If modifications are made, a new handover is required. The certificate is your assurance that the scaffold has been erected correctly and safely.
Scaffold ties and stability
Scaffold ties secure the scaffold to the building structure and are critical for stability.
Tie requirements
Frequency:
- Determined by design calculations or TG20:13 guidance
- Typically every 4m horizontally and every 4m vertically
- First tie at or near base level
- Closer spacing may be needed for tall scaffolds or exposed locations
Types of ties:
- Through ties — passing through window openings (strongest)
- Box ties — around structural elements
- Reveal ties — expanding into openings
- Anchor ties — fixed to masonry or structure
Tie strength:
- Must resist horizontal and vertical forces
- Calculated based on wind loading and scaffold weight
- Typically rated in kN (kilonewtons)
- Should not rely on weak or unsuitable fixing points
Never remove or alter scaffold ties without consulting the designer. Removing even one tie can significantly reduce stability and cause collapse, especially in high winds.
Base stability
Ground conditions:
- Must be firm, level, and load-bearing
- Free from underground voids or services
- Adequate drainage (water pooling undermines stability)
- Compacted or stable surface
Base plates and sole boards:
- All standards must have base plates
- Sole boards or spreader plates on soft or uneven ground
- Base plates centered on sole boards
- Sole boards must be strong enough and adequately supported
Common base failures:
- Soft ground (especially after rain)
- Inadequate sole boards
- Base plates not properly positioned
- Ground settlement or erosion
- Proximity to excavations
Loading and use restrictions
Safe working loads
Scaffolding is classified by its safe working load (SWL):
Bay Loading (per bay):
- Measured in kN per bay (e.g., 15kN)
- Total load includes everything within that bay section
Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL):
- Measured in kN/m²
- Load spread evenly across the platform
Typical load classes:
- Class 3: Light duty (up to 2.0 kN/m²) — inspection and very light work
- Class 4: General purpose (up to 3.0 kN/m²) — most common for general building work
- Class 5: Heavy duty (up to 4.5 kN/m²) — brickwork, blockwork, heavy materials
- Class 6: Very heavy duty (up to 6.0 kN/m²) — masonry, mass storage
For reference, one person with tools typically weighs around 1.0 kN. Materials stockpiled on scaffolding add up quickly — a pallet of bricks can weigh 10kN or more. Always check the load class before stockpiling materials.
Prohibited practices
Never:
- Overload the scaffold beyond its design load
- Stockpile large quantities of materials (distribute loads or store at ground level)
- Use scaffold as a crane lifting point unless designed for it
- Remove or modify components without authorization
- Climb or access the scaffold structure (use designated access)
- Use scaffold boards that are damaged or unsuitable
- Work on scaffolding during high winds or adverse weather
Always:
- Check the handover certificate and safe working load
- Distribute materials evenly across bays
- Keep platforms clear of unnecessary materials
- Report damage or defects immediately
- Follow any restrictions noted on the handover certificate
Scaffold collapse due to overloading kills worker
A construction site was using scaffolding for brickwork. To save time, workers stockpiled multiple pallets of bricks on a single bay rather than moving materials as needed from ground level.
- ✗Scaffold loaded beyond its design capacity (Class 5 exceeded)
- ✗Materials concentrated in one area rather than distributed
- ✗No monitoring of loading by supervisor
- ✗Handover certificate did not specify loading restrictions clearly
- ✗Workers not trained on load limits and consequences
The overloaded bay collapsed, killing one worker and seriously injuring two others. HSE prosecution resulted in £200,000 fine. Company director personally prosecuted for gross negligence.
Scaffold loading limits exist for a reason. Distribute materials across bays, never stockpile excessively, and always know the safe working load. Convenience is never worth a life.
Common scaffold defects
Defects that require immediate action
Stop work immediately if:
- Edge protection is missing or incomplete
- Scaffold ties have been removed or are damaged
- Standards are not plumb (leaning)
- Base plates or sole boards have moved or failed
- Platforms have gaps or missing boards
- Components are bent, croded, or damaged
- Scaffold has been struck by a vehicle or equipment
- Ground has subsided or become unstable
Report and rectify:
- All defects must be reported immediately to the scaffold contractor
- Do not attempt repairs unless you're a qualified scaffolder
- Tag or barrier off unsafe scaffold sections
- Do not use until repaired and re-inspected
Using defective scaffolding puts lives at risk. If you see a problem, stop work and report it. Many scaffold collapses happen because defects were noticed but not acted upon.
Documentation and record keeping
Required records
Scaffold register:
- Location and identification of each scaffold
- Erection date and scaffold contractor
- Design reference (TG20:13 sheet or calculation reference)
- Safe working load
- Date of last inspection
- Scheduled dismantling date
Inspection reports:
- Completed after every statutory inspection
- Retain for duration of use plus 3 months
- Must be available on site for HSE inspection
Handover certificates:
- Original displayed at scaffold access point
- Copy retained in project records
- Reissued after substantial alterations
Design documentation:
- For complex scaffolds, retain full design calculations
- Design drawings and specifications
- Structural engineer's certification if applicable
Frequently asked questions
Scaffolding must be inspected before first use, then at least every 7 days while in use, and after any event that could affect its stability (such as high winds, alterations, or impacts). Inspections must be conducted by a competent person and recorded.
Only competent, trained persons should erect, dismantle, or substantially alter scaffolding. In the UK, CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) certification is the industry-recognized standard. Always check scaffolders hold appropriate qualifications.
TG20:13 is technical guidance published by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). It provides standard scaffold configurations that are pre-calculated and can be used without individual structural calculations for common scaffold types. Scaffolders must be trained in TG20:13 to use it.
No. Only qualified scaffolders should modify scaffolding. Even seemingly minor changes like removing a board or tie can compromise structural integrity and stability. Always contact the scaffold contractor for any alterations.
A handover certificate is a document completed by the scaffolder confirming the scaffold has been erected correctly, is safe for use, and specifies the safe working load and any restrictions. It must be displayed at the access point and must not be used without one.
This depends on the scaffold's load class, which should be marked on the handover certificate. Class 4 (most common) is 3.0 kN/m². As a guide, one person with tools is approximately 1.0 kN. Never stockpile heavy materials without checking the load rating.
Yes, unless one side is against a building facade with no gap wide enough to fall through. All open edges must have top guardrail, intermediate rail, and toe board. There are very limited exceptions, and these must be justified by risk assessment.
No. Damaged, bent, corroded, or weakened components must not be used. They should be marked, removed from service, and either repaired by the scaffold company or scrapped. Using damaged components risks structural failure.
Stop work immediately, report the defect to your supervisor and the scaffold contractor, and do not use the affected area until it has been repaired and re-inspected by a competent person. Barrier or tag the area if possible.
There's no legal time limit, but scaffolding must be inspected every 7 days regardless of duration. For long-term scaffolding, increased maintenance and monitoring may be needed due to weather exposure and component deterioration.
Next steps
Ensure your scaffolding meets all legal requirements and is safe for use:
Understand the broader legal framework for work at height:
Work at Height Regulations 2005 Explained →
Need expert advice on scaffold design, inspection, or compliance? A qualified health and safety consultant or scaffold designer can review your specific requirements and ensure full compliance.
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