Inspection, Tagging, and Maintenance
Inspection regime
Scaffolds must be inspected before first use, after modification, after adverse weather (high wind, storm), after impact, and at regular intervals (commonly every 7 days). Inspections are by a competent person and recorded. Scafftag or similar systems show status: green (safe), red (do not use), and incomplete/erection tags. Tags must be dated, signed, and located at access points.
Maintenance
Check for corrosion, damaged boards, missing couplers, loose ties, bent standards, and worn base plates. Defective components are quarantined and not reused. Boards are inspected for splits and rot.
Traps
- Assuming a tag means safe without checking the date.
- Reusing damaged tubes or boards.
- Failing to reinspect after wind or impact.
- Confusing red and green tag meanings.
- Inspecting only the platform, not ties, bracing, and foundations.
Rule of thumb
Inspect before use, after change, after weather, after impact, and weekly; tag it, date it, sign it, and put it at the access point.
Worked example
A storm passes overnight. Next morning the tag is still green from last week. Correct action: reinspect before use, then re-tag with the new date and signature.