New scaffold inspection guide sets benchmark for site safety

The Scaffolding Association has launched new guidance on scaffold inspections, aiming to raise safety standards and promote best practice across the UK construction sector.

The guide is the first in a series of planned resources and offers clear, practical advice for scaffolding professionals, site managers and contractors. It highlights the legal and procedural requirements for inspecting scaffolding, whether used as a working platform or temporary structural support.

Robert Candy, chief executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “We are committed to supporting our members with clear, practical resources that help maintain safe working environments and uphold the highest levels of professionalism. Scaffold inspections are fundamental to reducing risk and ensuring compliance, and we are proud to offer this guidance as part of our mission to promote best practice across the sector.”

The publication offers detailed information on inspection duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, including the requirement for scaffolds used as working platforms to be inspected at least every seven days — or after adverse weather or unauthorised modifications. It also outlines inspection protocols for scaffolding that is no longer in service, or being returned to use, along with separate guidance on non-working platform structures such as façade retention or shoring scaffolds.

The guide is designed to help companies integrate inspection routines into wider safety programmes, toolbox talks and staff training. It also references BS 5975-1:2024 for temporary works and underlines the importance of risk assessments when determining inspection schedules.

Future guidance documents from the Scaffolding Association will cover other key areas of operations, contributing to continuous improvement and safer practice across the industry.

The full scaffold inspection guidance is available for free download via the Scaffolding Association’s website.