SAFEWORK NSW
SCAFFOLD INSPECTION
CHECKLIST
This checklist can be used by principal contractors or scaffolders to
conduct a basic inspection to look for common scaffold deficiencies
and hazards.
Principal Contractors/builders have a duty to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe
and without risks to health and safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes the provision of
safe systems of work and plant that is adequately maintained.
On-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 may be issued to those placing workers lives at risk by not
adequately protecting them when working at heights, including working on unsafe scaffolding.
The following requirements help you to prepare and plan for a safe and effective scaffold on site.
ADMINISTRATION
Manage your scaffold safely by ensuring:
• the scaffold is only erected, altered and dismantled by a worker with the appropriate scaffolding high
risk work (HRW) licence. You can check a HRW licence is valid by visiting www.licencecheck.nsw.
gov.au. Site inductions and ongoing toolbox talks should clearly stipulate that unlicenced workers are
prohibited from altering a scaffold.
• workers, including contractors, need to be consulted about site rules, including the safe use of the
scaffold and who to contact if it needs altering or repair.
• the scaffold must be inspected and a handover certificate provided at the following intervals;
–– before first use,
–– prior to use after alterations or repairs,
–– after adverse weather (eg high winds or storms) that could affect scaffold integrity or stability, and
–– at regular intervals not exceeding 30 days
• the handover certificate should be kept on site until the scaffold has been dismantled
• the scaffolders have provided an adequate safe work method statement (SWMS) before starting any
high risk construction work
• work is undertaken in accordance with that SWMS provided
• the project is planned and sequenced to minimise trades working above others on the scaffold.
INSPECTING THE SCAFFOLD
The scoffold safety checklist is designed to help identify potential issues or risks with an erected
scaffold on site. It is NOT intended to be exhaustive and reference should be made to appropriate
legislation, standards, Codes and Guides.
Adequate safeguards have been provided to prevent contact with overhead power lines
The scaffold is erected on solid foundations and sole boards used where required
Vehicular protection is in place where required
If a ladder access is installed, edge protection or a hatch is provided to the void
A number of ties are installed, and are connected to two standards. The tie anchors are
suitable for purpose
There is adequate face bracing (zig zag)
All handrails, mid-rails, toe boards/brick guards are installed
All lap boards are lashed or secured
The working deck is clear of materials and debris (minimum safe access is 450mm wide)
The working decks are complete, with no missing ledgers, planks, toe boards/kickboards
or hop-ups
The gaps between the scaffold platforms and building edge/face are 225mm (horizontal) or less
The gaps between the hop-ups/decks and building floor are 300mm (vertical) or less
Tie bars are installed on each hop-up to prevent hop up brackets from moving or planks falling
Intermediate decks are in place (every 2 metres)
There is safe access to each working deck
The combined loads of materials and persons do not exceed the working load of the scaffold
Containment sheeting/netting has been installed, and wind loading has been accounted
for in the design
Containment netting has a flammability index of less than 25
MOBILE SCAFFOLD SAFETY
The work area is free of floor penetrations, electric leads and other slip or fall hazards
The supporting surface is hard and flat or boards or channels are being used on unstable
surfaces (on dirt, uneven ground, muddy or sloping surfaces)
Bracing is erected correctly and a plan brace is included at the base of the scaffold
The castor wheel locks are in good working order and locked when in use
Handrails, mid rails, kickplates are in place on all mobile scaffolds over 2m in height
Internal ladder access is provided and secured
The working deck is complete with no split decks
FURTHER INFORMATION
• SafeWork NSW Industry Safety Standard – Erect, alter and dismantle scaffold
• Safe Work Australia Scaffolds and scaffolding work general guide
• Safe Work Australia Guide for scaffold inspection and maintenance
Australian Standards
• AS/NZS1576: 2019 Part 1: Scaffolding – general requirements
• AS/NZS4576: Guidelines for scaffolding.
For further information see www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50
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