Posted By andrew morris
Morning all,

I have come across a "permanent" outbuilding constructed of scaffold, with metal roofing sheets attached to provide cover & sides. Question is, would this need to go through the same regular inspections as a scaffold-proper...

There is no work at height, no storage on it... The scaffold merely forms the structure...

Posted By rees davies
Evening all, I would surely say yes to this. All structures whether that be working, access, egress platforms or racking that are built from scaffold components are required to have an inspection by a competent person every seven day's as you probably already know, including additional inspections after severe weather or high winds. Would this not if a place of work contravene HASWA section 2, responsibilities of employers to provide, amongst others, a safe place of work

Posted By Robert K Lewis
Actually this is not as clear cut as many believe. The structure does not fall within the definition of a scaffold and it is not a place of work as required to fall under the requirements of the work at height regulations. It is however a structure, whether permanent or temporary, and thus has to be properly designed for the purpose for which it is intended to be used.

There is thus no fixed 7 day or similar requirement but the designer must provide information on the safe maintenance of the structure. This could be anything from daily to X yearly inspections. It could be as little as 5+ years if the designer is confident of his calculations. But I doubt many will be so bold.

Ask for the design drawings and if they exist follow the inspection regime set out. No inspection regime or drawings then dismantle.

Easy isn't it:-)

Bob