Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi, I have an issue with an independant scaffold that has been installed at one of my locations. The installers have inspected and tagged it as being safe for use. I just wanted a second opinion from someone knowledgeably to see if my issue and concern is warranted.
There is a run of scaffolding which has been erected so it runs along the front of one of our office buildings. There is a standard being supported by a base plate which is not on level ground. Due to a pavement that runs along the front of the building the baseplate has been positioned on a raised kerb stone (same height as a kerbstone in any typical street) so in effect only half of the base plate is supported, the other half is overhanging the kerb stone by about half the width of the actual baseplate. It seems solid enough and the rest of the baseplates are supported properly. Being a safety guy though my eyes were immediatley drawn to this and its made me uncomfortable. Do I have a point or am i overreacting?
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Rank: Forum user 
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I have never understood why scaffolders insist on putting standards where their tape measure says they should, irrespective of whether there is anything there to support it properly.
Should you be worried? In real terms that will depend on the loading and intensity of use of the scaffold and how well it has been tied. If it is just for access for one or two workers with hand tools then there is probably sufficient redundancy in the structure to share out the loads. However if the scaffold will be loaded out with materials and you have people walking around above the dodgy standard all day increasing the risk that it will "walk" off the edge of the kerb. Then it should be sorted.
In any case you might not want to encourage sloppy practice. It would be easy to resolve, the scaffolder could simply fit an additional standard next to the existing but actually standing on something decent.
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Rank: Forum user
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"The installers have inspected and tagged it as being safe for use"
Of course it passed muster, it would be like carrying out an MOT on your own car (would it pass?). If you are concerned with this it would be prudent to have it sorted out but do not suggest any options, just tell them you are not happy with it as it is load bearing and not fully supporting the intended loads.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks for the comments. I raised it with the installer and they actually agreed it should have been picked up during the inspection. They have affixed a secondary standard which now stands flush on level ground. My mind is now at rest :)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Have you had a handover certificate for this scaffold - if not it is not yet fit for use. The use of a tag is nice but not legally required. As ever inspection sheet must be completed at first installation and if the scaffolder will not sign then do not use tham again.
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Bob, yes the paperwork was in order, i.e provided, inspection sheet supported by a visible tag etc, (paperwork supplied to our facilities manager who is managing the project). Im a group advisor who just happened to be onsite and noticed the potential issue, so raised it with the site.
I think the individual who carried out the inspection either missed the baseplate issue or thought it was ok. They reacted quickly to my concern (the owner of the company came onto site to make the adjustments), but obviously I would have been happier and more confident in them as a compnay if there were no issues at all.
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