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Scaffold Inspection Checklist

Pre-use and periodic inspection record: complete before each use and at regular intervals

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Site & Scaffold Details
Inspection type:
Pre-use (daily) After modification After adverse weather Periodic (>30 days) Other

Inspection Items

Mark the applicable column for each item: P = Pass  |  F = Fail  |  N/A = Not applicable. Record notes for any F.

# Check P F N/A Notes / Action
Foundation & Base
1Ground / supporting surface: firm, stable, not undermined or waterlogged
2Sole boards / base plates: present, correctly sized, seated on firm bearing
3Screw jacks / base collars: correctly adjusted, not overextended (<300mm exposed thread)
4Scaffold level and plumb: no visible lean or settlement since last inspection
5No excavations, trenches or voids within the scaffold footprint that could cause movement
Standards, Ledgers & Transoms
6Standards (vertical tubes): plumb, undamaged, no corrosion, correct spacing
7Ledgers (horizontal tubes): level, undamaged, correctly connected at each lift
8Transoms: correctly placed, adequately supporting decking planks
9Couplers / fittings: right-angle and swivel couplers tight, no missing or cracked components
10Tube condition: no significant dents, bends, cracks, or corrosion that would reduce strength
11Joints / splices: correctly located (staggered), not at mid-span of bay
Bracing & Ties
12Diagonal bracing: present at required intervals, secure and undamaged
13Horizontal bracing: present at required lifts or intervals
14Ties to structure: present at required spacing, secure, not removed or damaged
15Tie anchors: in sound condition, embedment or fixing adequate, not cracked or loose
16No ties removed without authorisation and replacement plan in place
Scaffold Inspection Checklist - Page 2 of 2
Scaffold ID
Date
Inspector
# Check P F N/A Notes / Action
Decking & Working Platforms
17Planks / decking boards: adequate width (min 450mm), no gaps >25mm between boards
18Plank condition: no splits, rot, warping, excessive notching or damage
19Plank overhang: 150–300mm beyond support (or restrained with hook/clip)
20Planks secured / restrained: no movement under foot traffic or wind
21Platform free of debris, tools and excess materials that could cause trips or overloading
22Trap doors / hatches: secured when not in use, clearly marked
Guardrails & Toe Boards
23Top rail: present at all open edges, height 900–1100mm above platform surface
24Mid rail: present between top rail and toe board, height approximately 450–500mm
25Toe boards: present at all platform edges, minimum 150mm high, secure
26Guardrail components: no missing sections, gaps or makeshift substitutes
27Mesh / shade cloth / debris netting: intact, secured, not creating wind-load risk
Access & Egress
28Access ladder: correctly positioned, secured top and bottom, extending 1m above platform
29Stairway / ramp (if fitted): handrail both sides, non-slip surface, no damage
30Ladder gates / chain guards: present at each ladder opening, functioning
31Access route to scaffold base: clear of obstructions, not slippery
Load & Capacity
32Load rating sign: displayed and legible (class, max bay load in kg)
33Loading within rated capacity: no excessive stacking of materials or plant on platform
34Point loads: any concentrated loads (hoists, brick cages) adequately supported / designed
Safety, Signage & Exclusion
35Scaffold tag / inspection sticker: current, attached at main access point
36Exclusion / barricade zone at base: barriers and warning signs in place
37Overhead protection (if required): fans or catch platforms in place and secure
38PPE requirements signed: hard hat, safety footwear, harness (if required) signage displayed
Documentation & Compliance
39Scaffold erected / modified by licensed scaffolder (basic ≥4m, advanced ≥4m complex/suspended)
40Scaffold design / engineer certification available on site (if high-risk or non-standard)
41Scaffold register / log current and accessible
42Previous inspection records on file: no outstanding unresolved defects
Outcome
PASS: safe for use CONDITIONAL: safe with restrictions (see notes) FAIL: do not use, see defects below

Defects & Action Required  (list any item marked F: reference item # from checklist)

Item # Defect description Action taken / reported to Rectified by / date

Declaration

I declare that I have inspected this scaffold in accordance with the applicable Safe Work Australia Code of Practice for Scaffolding and my organisation's procedures. I have recorded all defects found and any scaffold found to be unsafe has been tagged out of service and barricaded. Workers must not use this scaffold until all safety-critical defects have been rectified and a re-inspection completed.

Inspector Sign-off
Signature
Print name
Date & time
Site Supervisor / Manager Acknowledgement
Signature
Print name
Date