http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm

Scroll down to the bottom of the page. The frequency is listed under 'Scaffold Inspection'.

The scaffold should be inspected at an interval of no more than every 7 days.

Hi Shaky,

Just bear in mind that it is not only the people who use the scaffold who are at risk from a scaffold collapse. The scaffold is there for a reason and if that reason is structural support then this is definitely not a lower risk.

There is no reason why these inspection needs to be too exhaustive (depending on the size and complexity of the scafold construction). However, the person will need to be competent.

Edited by user 04 January 2017 13:09:10(UTC)  | Reason: Spelling error

I suggest you get shot of  the company who advises more than 7 days.

The work at height regs, which is what mandates 7-day inspection periods for scaffolds, are explicit that it is working platforms used for construction work from which a person could fall trhat need inspecting every 7 days.  If no-one is going onto the platform, there is not a statutory duty to inspect on 7-day intervals.  (Unless I've missed something in another piece of legislation, if so, someone please point it out).

If no-one is going onto the scaffold, and it's not a working platform, it would then be covered by normal workplace-type risk assesment processes, and depending upon what this scaffold is actually supporting, a 21 day inspection interval may be apparopriate.

The inspection of this type of temporary works is usually specified by the temporary works designer working with the temporary works coordinator (TWC). It is difficult to comment further because of the endless scenarios but you can start by making enquiries about the design and who (if anyone!) is the TWC.

It should have been inspected during erection but the on-going frequency of inspection will be dictated by the risks, for example being damaged by plant or weather, degrading, altered etc.

This type of temporary works can be complex and I would not advise the inspection be the sole responsibility of a scaffolder. Further information is available on www.twforum.org.uk

Hello Shaky, If the scaffoldings are designed (basic scaffolding) and erected to TG20:13 Operational Guide, then frequency of inspection specified in this guide is that inspection should not exceed 7 days’ intervals. If you are able to get a copy of this Guide pages 212-213 - Handover certs and Inspection will provide further guidance. In some instance a basic TG20:13 scaffoldings may require ‘designed element’ which requires calculations and design checks– loading bay, hoist etc, and will fall under Temporary Works. In either case it is generally good practice to inspect the scaffolding a least every 7 days.  Hope this provides some clarification.