What exactly should be checked during a visual inspection of scaffolding?

To safely work on scaffolding, it is necessary to plan everything in detail and pay attention to each stage. One of the most important conditions for the safe operation of scaffolding is a visual inspection of the structure before work. This approach will help to work safely at height, protect the health and lives of workers, and not harm the environment.

The importance of visual inspection of scaffolding

Before starting work on scaffolding, you need to carefully examine it. This simple method helps to detect structural defects and prevent accidents.

What defects can be detected during a visual inspection of scaffolding?

• Damage to or lack of decking;
• Cracks, deformations, and other damage to frames and other scaffolding elements;
• Wobbly ladders for climbing to tiers;
• Missing bolts or loose fasteners.

What parts of the scaffolding should be inspected?

Visual inspection should cover all parts of the scaffolding, check for any visible defects:

• Frame tubes,
• Flag locks,
• Fence ties,
• Floating platforms,
• Ascent ladders.

If damage to scaffolding elements is not noticed, this may lead to a violation of the scaffolding stability, its collapse, and a threat to the health and lives of workers.

What should be taken into account when visually inspecting the scaffolding?

• Make sure that the scaffolding is on a level, solid surface, does not wobble, and is not at risk of tipping over.
• Check that the protective nets, fences, and necessary personal protective equipment are in place.
• Make sure that the frames, ties, crossbars, and other elements are securely connected.
• Make sure that the scaffolding can be accessed without hindrance, and the ascent ladders are securely fixed.

If damage or defects are detected, access to the scaffolding should be immediately closed and it should be repaired immediately, and only then used again.

Who should inspect the scaffolding?

Before starting work, the scaffolding should be inspected by an employee from among:

• Builders,
• Workers,
• Fitters,
• Foremen,
• Construction managers.

Frequency of visual inspection of scaffolding

For safe use, the scaffolding should be inspected at least once a day. Additionally, it is necessary to carry out visual inspection after:

• Long-term downtime of the scaffolding,
• Storm or strong wind,
• Scaffold repair,
• Impacts on the decking.

What happens if the scaffolding is not carefully inspected?

• Workers can be injured on broken or unstable scaffolding.
• Scaffold instability or falling elements can lead to damage to buildings.
• A construction company can be fined for failure to comply with safety measures.

Inspecting the scaffolding before work is not a recommendation, but a requirement for the safety of work on the construction site. By detecting and correcting the breakdown, you can avoid an accident. Workers and contractors are required to always take the time to carefully visually inspect the scaffolding to ensure safety at the site.

You can buy wedge-clamp or frame scaffolding from us with a manufacturer's warranty.

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We invite you to read the Blog "How to erect scaffolding near power lines?"