Scaffold Inspection Checklist Template

Scaffolding is involved in a high proportion of working-at-height incidents, which is why scaffold inspection is both a legal requirement and a critical safety control. A scaffold inspection checklist template gives the competent person a consistent structure to check the scaffold thoroughly and record the inspection as required.

This article sets out what a scaffold inspection checklist template should cover. Scaffold inspections must be carried out by a competent person, and the legal frequency and requirements vary by jurisdiction — always work to the regulations and standards that apply to you.

When scaffolds must be inspected

In many jurisdictions, scaffolds must be inspected before first use, then at regular intervals (commonly not exceeding every 7 days), and after any event likely to have affected their stability — such as high winds, alteration, or impact. The checklist below supports these inspections; confirm the exact legal frequency for your location.

Header and identification

Scaffold location/reference.
Date and time of inspection.
Inspector name and competence.
Reason for inspection (pre-use, periodic, after event).

Foundations and base

Firm, level ground or adequate sole boards/base plates.
No signs of settlement or undermining.
Base plates and adjustable bases correct.

Standards, ledgers, and bracing

Standards (uprights) plumb and on correct centres.
Ledgers and transoms level and correctly spaced.
Bracing (façade and ledger) in place as designed.
Joints and couplers secure and correct type.

Ties

Ties present, secure, and at the correct frequency/pattern.
No missing or removed ties.
Tie connections sound.

Platforms and boards

Fully boarded working platforms with no gaps or traps.
Boards in good condition, not damaged or split.
Boards adequately supported and secured against displacement.

Edge protection

Guard rails (top and intermediate) at correct heights.
Toe boards in place.
No missing components.

Access

Safe access (ladders, stair towers) provided and secured.
Ladders correctly positioned, tied, and extending as required.

Loading and signage

Scaffold not overloaded; materials distributed sensibly.
Load class/safe working load known and not exceeded.
"Scaffold incomplete / do not use" signage where appropriate.
Scaftag or status tag updated.

General condition

No unauthorised alterations.
No damage or missing components.
Debris netting/sheeting secure where fitted.

Record and act

Inspection recorded as required by regulation (this is a legal record).
Any defect found recorded with detail and photo.
Scaffold taken out of use if unsafe, until rectified.
Defects reported to the scaffold contractor and tracked.

The inspection record is a legal document

A key point: the scaffold inspection isn't just good practice — the record is typically a legal requirement, and an unsafe scaffold found unrecorded or unactioned is a serious matter. The checklist exists to make the inspection thorough and to produce that required record. If a scaffold is unsafe, it must be taken out of use until corrected.

Paper template vs app

A printed scaffold inspection record works, but managing the 7-day cycle, keeping records for every scaffold, and tracking defects across a site is easier digitally. An app prompts the inspection when due, captures defects with photos, lets you flag a scaffold out of use, and keeps the legally required records organised and retrievable.

Key takeaways

A scaffold inspection checklist template covers foundations, standards and bracing, ties, platforms and boards, edge protection, access, loading, signage, and general condition — carried out by a competent person before use, at regular intervals, and after any event affecting stability. Record every inspection (it's a legal requirement), photograph defects, and take any unsafe scaffold out of use until it's corrected.