As you know, OSHA requires construction scaffold safety checklist and inspection and a competent person inspecting all scaffolds before each shift. This is to ensure that a scaffold is properly erected, used, and dismantled. It is crucial to job site safety—not just for the workers on the scaffold, but also for those below and all around it.

The following considerations should be used as a guide to scaffold inspection. It’s not an exhaustive list; each construction site has its own characteristics that necessitate other relevant considerations. But these general issues are the foundation of any reliable scaffold inspection.

What to Look for During Scaffold Inspections

• The most important part of any guide to scaffold inspection is emphasizing that it be performed by a competent person. OSHA defines a competent person as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”

• Confirm that the scaffold conforms to the engineering plans and design requirements.

• Are the base plates and sills the right size and placed properly on an appropriate surface?

• Is scaffold is level and plumb, and all screw jacks appropriately adjusted?

• Are enough bracing components properly attached to securely keep the scaffold in place and stable?

• Confirm that ties and/or guy systems (including outriggers or anchorages) meet requirements for height-to-base ratio.

• Are the planks and decking of an adequate grade and performance rating?

• All openings or gaps are safe and adequately protected by guardrails or other suitable methods.

Does the duty/load rating of the scaffold platform suffice?

Are you looking for construction scaffolding rentals in Washington, D.C.? Scaffold Resource can help you with all of your scaffolding needs, including sales, rentals, and safe scaffold erection. Call (301) 768-4684 today to learn more about renting scaffolding for your upcoming construction project.

To set up a scaffolding rental for your upcoming project in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, contact Scaffold Resource. For more information about the advantages of working with our scaffold and shoring company, be sure to give us a call at (301) 768-4684.

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