Sounds pretty much like the auditor knows what is needed.

If this is scaffold is used for construction work and more than 2metres then the legal references you need to look at are - Work at Height Regulations 2005 - Regulation 12 and Schedule 7.

The duties in short  include:

1. The employer must ensure that the scaffold is not  used unless inspected within the previous 7 days.

2. The person who does the inspection must make a report and give it to the person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out.

3. A copy of the report should be kept on site

4. A competent person should carry out the inspection.

Further information is at the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm

and at

http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-height.htm#scaffolding

I found by experience that with regards to substantial scaffolding that it is better to have it inspected regularly by the erecting company.

They put it up so they know the full contents and associated methodology.

Yes they do charge extra for it but it is worthwhile as,in my mind, you have better evidence of compliance.

In between their inspections your site competent management team would carryout daily visual inspections before using it and throughout the working shift.

 Cheers

Andy

Originally Posted by: Hsquared14

Originally Posted by: nickpatience1

Sounds pretty much like the auditor knows what is needed.

If this is scaffold is used for construction work and more than 2metres then the legal references you need to look at are - Work at Height Regulations 2005 - Regulation 12 and Schedule 7.

The duties in short  include:

1. The employer must ensure that the scaffold is not  used unless inspected within the previous 7 days.

2. The person who does the inspection must make a report and give it to the person on whose behalf the inspection was carried out.

3. A copy of the report should be kept on site

4. A competent person should carry out the inspection.

Further information is at the HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/scaffoldinginfo.htm

and at

http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/faq-height.htm#scaffolding

 I would say that the auditor has it absolutely spot on - the above is what I learnt on my course.

I agree, but as i beleive this doesnt shift the requirement to the scaffold installers. A competent person could be someone who works for the company that has sat the apprpraite course and is qualifed to do so. I think all i wanted to prove was that it is not the scaffolding companies responsibility after the initial sign off.

Good Practice in terms of inspection means: 

• After assembly and before first use – you should receive a handover certificate;
• Exposed to conditions causing deterioration;
• Ensure conditions are maintained;
• Remedied in good time;
• Use for Construction; and where;
• A person could fall 2m or more;
• Not used unless it has been inspected within 7 days;
• Evidence of inspection.

Any inspection report should be provided before the end of the working period; issued within 24hrs; available on site until construction work is completed and retained at an office for 3 months.

A scaffold inspection is to now identify hazards and risks to to the health and safety of personnel.  Your inspection reprot should state:

• Name & Address of the person for whom the inspection was carried out;
• Location of the work equipment inspected;
• Description of the work equipment inspected;
• Date & Time of inspection;
• Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk to the health and safety of any person;
• Details of any action taken as a result of the above;
• Details of any further action considered necessary;
• Name & Position of person making report (this doesn't mean the scaffold company, but does mean a competent person - usually a CISRS trained persone).

Hope this helps.

Waz