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Scaffold Inspection Checklist: Weekly and Pre-Use Checks

Frequency
Weekly
Completed by
Competent person
Approved by
Site manager
The checklist
25 checks · 5 sections

A scaffold inspection checklist is what a competent person uses to confirm a scaffold is safe before people work on it: footing and base plates, ties and bracing, fully decked platforms, guardrails and toe boards, safe access, load signs and the area around it. If a critical check fails, nobody uses the scaffold until it has been put right.

In the United States, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) requires a competent person to inspect scaffolds for visible defects before each work shift and after anything that could affect their structural integrity. In Türkiye, the Construction Work OHS Regulation requires an inspection by a competent person before first use, at least once a week, after any modification and after bad weather or an earthquake, with a written report.

This checklist covers those routine inspections. It does not replace the scaffold's erection plan or its periodic inspection by an authorised engineer. For the wider picture, see our working at height checklist.

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How to use this checklist

  1. Inspect before the scaffold is first used, then at the interval your site follows (every shift under OSHA, at least weekly in Türkiye), after any change to the scaffold, and after storms, strong wind or an earthquake.
  2. Walk the scaffold from the ground up: base and footing first, then the structure and ties, each platform level, access and the surroundings.
  3. Mark each check Pass, Fail or N/A and photograph every defect.
  4. If a critical check fails, close the scaffold: mark it not for use, block the access and tell the supervisor; it is reopened only after repair and re-inspection.
  5. Sign the form and keep it with the scaffold's inspection records.

The checklist: Scaffold Inspection Checklist: Weekly and Pre-Use Checks

Inspection details

Site / project: 
Scaffold ID or location: 
Scaffold type: 
Working height (m): 
Reason for inspection: 
Date and time: 

Documents and marking

  1. 1.

    An erection, use and dismantling plan is available for this scaffold

    Ref.: [2]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 2.

    The periodic inspection by an authorised person is in date

    In Türkiye: building scaffolds every 6 months, mobile towers every year, unless the standard sets another period.

    Ref.: [2]

    PassFailN/A
  3. 3.

    A sign showing the maximum permitted load is posted where it can be seen

    Ref.: [1] [2]

    PassFailN/A

Base, structure and ties

  1. 4.

    Ground under the scaffold is level and firm, with no settlement, washout or excavation nearbyCritical

    Ref.: [3] [2]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 5.

    Every standard sits on a base plate, with sole boards under them on soft groundCritical

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  3. 6.

    Standards are plumb and the scaffold shows no visible leaning, bending or distortionCritical

    Ref.: [3] [2]

    PassFailN/A
  4. 7.

    No components are missing, damaged or corroded, and couplers and locking pins are secureCritical

    Ref.: [3]

    PassFailN/A
  5. 8.

    Bracing is complete as designedCritical

    Ref.: [3] [2]

    PassFailN/A
  6. 9.

    Ties to the building are in place at the planned spacing and none have been removedCritical

    OSHA requires ties, guys or braces once the height-to-base ratio exceeds 4:1.

    Ref.: [3] [2]

    PassFailN/A
  7. 10.

    Mobile tower castors are locked and the tower is not moved with people on itCritical

    Mark N/A for fixed scaffolds.

    Ref.: [2]

    PassFailN/A

Working platforms and edge protection

  1. 11.

    Working platforms are fully decked with no dangerous gapsCritical

    OSHA allows gaps of no more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) between platform units.

    Ref.: [3] [2]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 12.

    Boards and decks are secured, undamaged and rest fully on their supportsCritical

    Ref.: [3] [2]

    PassFailN/A
  3. 13.

    Platforms are wide enough for the work and for people to pass safely

    Ref.: [2] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  4. 14.

    Every open side and end has a top rail and a mid railCritical

    Türkiye: top rail at least 1 m above the platform. OSHA: 38–45 in (0.97–1.2 m) on newer supported scaffolds.

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  5. 15.

    Toe boards are fitted on every working platform

    Türkiye: at least 15 cm high.

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  6. 16.

    Materials on platforms stay within the posted load and are stacked tidily

    Ref.: [1]

    PassFailN/A

Access and surroundings

  1. 17.

    Platforms are reached by a ladder, stair tower or other safe access, not by climbing the frameCritical

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A
  2. 18.

    Any part not ready for use is marked with warning signs and access to it is physically blockedCritical

    Ref.: [2]

    PassFailN/A
  3. 19.

    People below are protected from falling objects by barriers, netting or screens

    Ref.: [3]

    PassFailN/A
  4. 20.

    The scaffold keeps a safe distance from overhead power linesCritical

    OSHA: at least 10 ft (3 m) from uninsulated lines.

    Ref.: [3]

    PassFailN/A
  5. 21.

    Weather is safe for work, and the scaffold has been re-inspected after any storm, strong wind or earthquakeCritical

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    PassFailN/A

Result

  1. 22.

    Every defect found has been reported to the site manager

    Ref.: [1]

    YesNoN/A
  2. 23.

    If a critical check failed, the scaffold is marked not for use and its access is blockedCritical

    Ref.: [1] [3]

    YesNoN/A
  3. 24.

    The scaffold is safe for useCritical

    Ref.: [1]

    YesNo
  4. 25.

    Notes and defects found

    Note: ________

Critical check: if it fails, stop and correct it before work continues.

Sign-off

Competent person (inspector)

Name: 
Signature: 
Date: 

Site manager

Name: 
Signature: 
Date: 

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Legal basis and references

  1. [1] Türkiye: Yapı İşlerinde İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Yönetmeliği (Resmî Gazete, 05.10.2013, 28786) — Annex 4, Part II, Scaffolds items 25, 26, 33, 34; Annex 4 (A) item 6 on guardrails.
  2. [2] Türkiye: İş Ekipmanlarının Kullanımında Sağlık ve Güvenlik Şartları Yönetmeliği (Resmî Gazete, 25.04.2013; 23.12.2025 değişikliği dahil) — Annex II 4.3 (scaffold use) and Annex III (periodic inspection: building scaffolds 6 months, mobile towers 1 year; authorised persons).
  3. [3] United States: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, General requirements (scaffolds) — (f)(3) inspection before each shift; (f)(4) damaged components; (b) platforms; (c) footing and ties; (e) access; (g) guardrails; (h) falling objects; (f)(6) power lines; (f)(8) weather.

Version 1 · Updated October 24, 2026 · findrisk.net/checklists/scaffold-inspection-checklist/

Frequently asked questions

How often does a scaffold need to be inspected?

Under OSHA 1926.451(f)(3), before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect its structural integrity. In Türkiye, the Construction Work OHS Regulation requires an inspection before first use, at least once a week, after any modification and after bad weather or an earthquake. A building scaffold also needs a periodic inspection by an authorised person every six months unless the relevant standard sets another period.

Who is allowed to inspect a scaffold?

A competent person: OSHA uses that term, and the Turkish regulation requires a competent person (ehil kişi) appointed by the employer. The six-monthly periodic inspection in Türkiye is done by authorised people such as civil or mechanical engineers, relevant technical teachers or construction technicians.

What happens if a scaffold fails the inspection?

It must not be used until it is repaired. OSHA 1926.451(f)(4) says damaged or weakened components are repaired, replaced, braced or removed from service immediately, and the Turkish regulation allows work only on scaffolds the report finds safe. Mark the scaffold not for use and block the access.

What guardrail height does a scaffold need?

In Türkiye the top rail must be at least 1 metre above the platform, with an intermediate rail and a toe board at least 15 cm high. For newer supported scaffolds OSHA sets the top rail between 38 and 45 inches (0.97–1.2 m).

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