Scaffold Inspections and Safety Checks
Scaffolding must be inspected regularly to ensure it remains safe for use, particularly where there is a risk of a fall from height.
THSP provides competent scaffold inspections to help you meet your legal duties and maintain safe working conditions on site.
Why scaffold inspections are required
Under the Work at Height Regulations, scaffolding must be inspected:
- Before first use
- After alterations or adverse weather
- At regular intervals where risk exists
Scaffold inspections help detect issues before and during use, reducing the risk of falls, instability or unsafe working conditions.
Our inspection service
Your inspection will be carried out by a competent inspector who assesses the scaffold for safety, stability and suitability of use.
We review:
- Scaffold structure and design
- Ground conditions and environment
- Load and usage requirements
- Proximity to hazards
- Overall site safety considerations
All inspections are carried out by qualified personnel holding at least CISRS Basic Inspection certification.
What we need from you
Before booking, your account contact will confirm:
- Scaffold size and configuration
- Number of lifts
- Site conditions and access requirements
- Any special requirements
Book a scaffold inspection
Keep your site compliant and safe with regular scaffold inspections carried out by competent inspectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scaffold Inspection Services
Are scaffold inspections a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolding must be inspected before first use, after any event likely to have affected its stability such as adverse weather or alterations and at intervals not exceeding seven days where there is a risk of a person falling. Failure to carry out and record inspections is a breach of legal duty and could result in enforcement action by the HSE.
How often does scaffolding need to be inspected?
Scaffolding must be inspected at least every seven days where a risk of falling exists, as well as before first use and following any alterations or adverse weather conditions. On busy construction sites where the scaffold is in regular use or subject to frequent changes, inspections may need to be carried out more frequently. THSP can help you establish a schedule that meets your legal requirements and reflects the conditions on your site.
Who is qualified to carry out a scaffold inspection?
Scaffold inspections must be carried out by a competent person with the necessary knowledge, training and experience to identify defects and assess the safety of the structure. THSP’s inspectors hold at least CISRS Basic Inspection certification, which is the recognised industry standard for scaffold inspection competence in the UK.
What does a THSP scaffold inspection cover?
Your inspector will assess the scaffold for safety, stability and suitability for its intended use. This includes reviewing the scaffold structure and design, ground conditions, load and usage requirements, proximity to hazards and overall site safety considerations. Following the inspection, you will receive a clear report recording the findings and any actions required.
What records need to be kept after a scaffold inspection?
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that a record of each inspection is made before the end of the working period and that it remains available on site for inspection. The record must include the location of the scaffold, the date and time of the inspection, any matters identified that could give rise to a risk and any action taken. THSP provides written inspection records as a standard part of the service.
What happens if a defect is identified during a scaffold inspection?
If a defect is found that presents an immediate risk, the scaffold should be taken out of use until the issue is resolved. For less urgent findings, actions will be clearly recorded in the inspection report with recommendations for remediation. THSP’s approach is practical and constructive, focused on helping you resolve issues efficiently and get the scaffold back into safe use as quickly as possible.
What information do I need to provide when booking a scaffold inspection?
When booking, you will need to confirm the size and configuration of the scaffold, the number of lifts, site conditions and access requirements and any special considerations relevant to the structure or its use. Your THSP account contact will go through these details with you ahead of the inspection to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Can THSP carry out scaffold inspections alongside other site safety services?
Yes. Scaffold inspections can be arranged as a standalone service or carried out alongside regular site inspections, CDM support or other visiting services. Combining services is often a practical way to ensure consistent safety oversight across a project without requiring multiple separate visits.