Scaffolding inspection checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01People and paperwork

Scaffold built by an approved scaffold contractor (4 m and above, or any suspended, hanging or cantilever scaffold). Scaffolds Regs reg 4
Scaffold supervisor appointed and named on site. Scaffolds Regs reg 6
Inspection register on site, last entry within 7 days. Scaffolds Regs reg 26
PE design and drawings on site where the platform carries more than 2 persons or over 25 kgf per bay. Scaffolds Regs reg 20

02Base and structure

Ground firm and consolidated; no hollows under sole plates. Scaffolds Regs reg 10
Base plates on sole plates under every standard.
Standards plumb; metal scaffold standards no more than 2.5 m apart. Scaffolds Regs reg 14
All bracing and ties in place; none removed or loosened.
No part supported on gutters or weak structures. Scaffolds Regs reg 11

03Platforms and edges

Platforms fully boarded and at least 500 mm wide. Scaffolds Regs reg 18
Gap to building face no more than 300 mm. Scaffolds Regs reg 18
Two or more guard-rails, top rail at least 1 m high, gaps no more than 600 mm. Scaffolds Regs reg 22
Toe-boards at least 90 mm high on all open sides. Scaffolds Regs reg 22
Platforms clear of waste and debris. Scaffolds Regs reg 24

04Access

At least one designated access point, marked with a sign. Scaffolds Regs reg 12
Stairs or ladders between levels, secured and inside the scaffold where practicable. Scaffolds Regs reg 13
Nobody climbing cross braces or the outside of the frame. Scaffolds Regs reg 36

05Loads, signs and surroundings

Signboards show the maximum load and number of persons per bay. Scaffolds Regs reg 19
Materials spread evenly and within the posted limit.
Screening nets in place on scaffolds outside a building. Scaffolds Regs reg 23
Overhead power lines identified and protected or kept clear. Scaffolds Regs reg 25
Area below barricaded against falling objects.

06Tag and mobile towers

Safe-for-use label displayed at every access point after the latest inspection. Scaffolds Regs reg 27
Mobile tower casters locked; tower on a firm, level surface. Scaffolds Regs reg 51
Tower tied in if taller than 3 times its shortest base side. Scaffolds Regs reg 51

Legal requirement

Under Singapore's Scaffolds Regulations 2011, a scaffold supervisor must inspect each scaffold on completion, at least every 7 days and after bad weather. The results go in a register kept on site. The supervisor then posts a label at every access point saying whether the scaffold is safe. Nobody may use it without a safe label.

Sources and further reading

Workplace Safety and Health (Scaffolds) Regulations 2011, Singapore Statutes Online (AGC).
Code of Practice for Working Safely at Heights, WSH Council.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Scaffolding inspection checklist

01People and paperwork

02Base and structure

03Platforms and edges

04Access

05Loads, signs and surroundings

06Tag and mobile towers

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Scaffolding safety: what supervisors need to know

Toolbox talk: mobile scaffold towers

Toolbox talk: scaffolding