Posted By Ian Bruce I would be very interested to hear other colleagues views on an issue I am currently dealing with: A scaffold structure was erected a few years ago within a Community Centre, the structure supports an artifical ski slope used for tobogganing activities. The structure is inside a building and is not exposed to the weather at all. Risk assessments exist for the activity and in general it is in good order and well maintained; I have no real issues around the activity, it is the scaffold that concerns me. I am inclined to say that the structure be inspected for integrity on a regular basis - weekly, as you would on a construction site, by a competent person. On the other hand, the need to inspect and the frequency of such inspections could perhaps be determined by risk assessment. This is the direction I'm tending towards at the moment. Could any one provide me with guidance on what would determine competence for this inspection, bearing in mind the nature of the structure and it's environment? Thanks in advance.

Posted By Gerry Marchant 1) Is the structure a working platform or just for support? 2) The current Construction Regs state it should be formally inspected (written) every seven days. 3) Do you want to pay an organisation to do this or do you want to do it yourself? The CITB run specific courses to inspect scaffs. If it is designed thenthey aslo run courses for this also. Speak with your local authority or HSE who will give you guidance. All the best with it though!

Posted By Robert K Lewis Martin CDM is not relevant here as it would be the CHSW Regs that would apply in construction. On the general point why on earth was a scaffold system chosen in the first place? They are intended as temporary structures and as such are susceptible to deterioration at a faster rate than a permanent frame. The longer it is up the more likely it is to start to fail without regular checks and maintenance. The problem is ultimately the vulnerability to vandal damage especially with regard to the couplers. If it fails you will have to justify to somebody why it was not inspected on a regular basis. Fairground rides, I seem to remember are checked at least daily. The CHSW Regs provide a requirement of 7 days max, so you will need to show a full risk assessment by a competent person for anything less onerous. This should have a written scheme of examination attached. Bob

Posted By Ian Bruce Many thanks to all who have responded. In answer to a few queries raised within the responses: There are no design drawings or specifications. The structure has been in place for 12 years, the individual concerned who organised its construction is now employed elsewhere, all others who use the area are members of a voluntary organisation and have no records other than their own risk assessments, safe systems etc. I won't bore you with further scary details about competence to supervise, training in leading activities, sufficiency of risk assessment etc!!! There is no hand over certification or post construction/pre-use certification of inspection, if there ever was one, it's been lost in the sands of time! Why scaffold? I'v no idea! Probably someone had a job lot hanging around! I have recommended that all activity cease on the structure until all my areas of concern are addressed. I shall be insisting that the structure is inspected by a suitably trained (CITB?) competent person before it is put back into use. I'm hoping that this individual, as yet unidentified, will assist in formulation of a risk assessment detailing further inspection routines. Thank you all once again. What a great forum this is.

Posted By Geoff Burt Can you design in retrospect?

Posted By Keith Archer. Arran, Good point about this query being a diploma question. Just hope that everything is sorted out in this instance and prevents it from being the potential case study question. Keith

Posted By Ian Bruce I would like to thank all those that responded to my request. Just to keep you informed, the structure is now closed. I have instructed the organisation to arrange for inspection by a scaffold designer and to prepare an inspection routine based upon the findings of that inspection. As the structure is within a City Council property, the report has gone to the "land lord" who is considering permanent closure and removal of the structure as the prefferred route. Thanks again.