Scaffold Inspection Requirements: A Site Manager’s Guide

Understanding scaffold inspection requirements protects workers, ensures compliance, and avoids costly shutdowns.

Legal Framework

The Requirements

Under the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 and AS/NZS 4576, scaffold inspections are mandatory:

Initial Inspection:

Before first use
After any modification
Following any event that may affect stability

Regular Inspections:

Every 30 days for scaffolds under 4 metres
Every 7 days for scaffolds over 4 metres
After any significant weather event

Who Can Inspect?

Competent Person Definition

A competent inspector must have:

Recognized scaffolding qualifications
Experience with the scaffold type
Knowledge of relevant standards
Ability to identify hazards

Acceptable Qualifications:

Advanced Scaffolding Certificate (Level 4)
Site Safe Passport with scaffolding endorsement
Recognized trade qualification
Engineer with scaffolding experience

Inspector Responsibilities

The competent person must:

Systematically examine all components
Assess structural integrity
Verify safe access
Check safety equipment
Document findings
Apply status tag
Report defects

What Gets Inspected?

Structural Elements

Foundations:

Base plates and sole boards
Ground conditions
Level adjustment
Settlement indicators

Vertical Members:

Standards (uprights) plumb and straight
Joint connections
Bracing installation
Coupler tightness

Horizontal Members:

Ledgers level and secure
Transoms correctly positioned
Connections tight
No unapproved modifications

Access Elements

Ladders and Stairs:

Secure at top and bottom
Correct angle (75 degrees for ladders)
Extends 1 metre above platform
Secure and stable

Platforms:

Decking complete
No excessive gaps
Hatch access functional
Safe edges

Safety Features

Guardrails:

Top rail 900mm-1100mm
Mid-rail present
Toe boards where required
Secure connections

Edge Protection:

Complete around all edges
Secure attachment
No gaps over 470mm
Can withstand impact

The Tag System

Tag Colours and Meanings

Green Tag:

Scaffold passed inspection
Safe for use
Conditions documented
Valid for inspection period

Yellow Tag:

Scaffold usable with restrictions
Specific conditions apply
May require PPE
Extra precautions needed

Red Tag:

Do not use
Under modification
Failed inspection
Remove from service

Tag Information Required

Each tag must show:

Date of inspection
Inspector name and signature
Scaffold identification
Any restrictions
Next inspection due date

Documentation Requirements

Inspection Records

Maintain records including:

Inspection date and time
Inspector details
Scaffold location/identification
Findings and defects
Actions taken
Follow-up requirements
Sign-off

Record Retention

Keep inspection records for:

Project duration minimum
7 years after project completion
Available for WorkSafe review
Part of site safety file

Common Defects to Watch For

Critical (Immediate Action Required)

Missing or loose guardrails
Incomplete decking
Unstable foundations
Damaged components
Unauthorized modifications
Overloaded platforms

Moderate (Fix Within 24 Hours)

Loose couplers
Missing toe boards
Damaged ladder access
Minor deck gaps
Tag information missing

Minor (Monitor and Schedule)

Surface corrosion
Paint wear
Minor component wear
Documentation gaps

When to Call the Professionals

Contact your scaffolding provider immediately if inspection reveals:

Structural concerns
Movement or settlement
Component damage
Unauthorized modifications
Overload situations

Mana Scaffolding’s Inspection Services

We provide:

Pre-Use Inspections

Comprehensive documentation
Tag system implementation
Defect reporting
Safe use briefing

Periodic Inspections

Scheduled inspection service
Documentation management
Compliance verification
Modification assessment

Training

Inspector competency development
Site manager awareness
Tag system implementation
Documentation standards

Need inspection support? Contact Mana Scaffolding at 0508 626 272.