Scaffold Inspection Checklist
A Scaffold Inspection Checklist is a written verification that a competent person has inspected a scaffold structure to ensure it is safe and compliant with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and Australian Standards before use.
A record used to verify that scaffolding is safe to use and meets Australian safety standards before work starts.
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About this Document
A Scaffold Inspection Checklist is a vital document for any construction site or trade project in Australia where workers use scaffolding. This document serves as a formal record to prove that a competent person has inspected the scaffold structure. It verifies that the scaffold is safe to use, compliant with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and meets specific Australian Standards like AS 1576. This guide explains exactly what this document is, why you need it, and how to fill it out correctly to protect your workers and your business. In Australia, workplace safety is governed primarily by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. This law imposes a primary duty of care on persons conducting a business or undertaking or PCBUs. This means you must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace and the means of entering and leaving the workplace are safe and without risk to health. Scaffolding is classified as high risk construction work under the WHS Regulations. Because of this, specific control measures must be in place. One of the most critical control measures is the inspection of scaffolding. You cannot simply erect scaffolding and start working on it. You must ensure it has been checked by someone with the right knowledge, skills and experience. This person is often called a competent person. The Scaffold Inspection Checklist is the tool they use to perform this check. It acts as a checklist of visual and physical inspections to ensure every part of the structure is sound. You need a Scaffold Inspection Checklist whenever you erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding. You also need it if you use scaffolding that has been left unattended for a significant period. In most Australian jurisdictions, a scaffold must be inspected after it is installed, after any repairs or modifications, and after any event that might have affected its stability. This includes storms or strong winds. The checklist provides the evidence that these inspections happened. The checklist typically covers several key areas. It checks the foundations or sole boards to ensure the ground is stable. It checks the standards or vertical poles to ensure they are plumb and secure. It checks the ledgers or horizontal tubes. It looks at transoms which support the working platforms. It inspects the bracing to ensure the scaffold is rigid. It checks the planks themselves to ensure they are sound and secured. It also looks at edge protection like handrails and mid rails. Finally, it checks access points like ladders. For mobile scaffolds, the checklist includes inspecting the wheels, brakes and castors. For suspended scaffolds, the checks involve the ropes, winches and outriggers. You must keep the completed checklist on site. Safe Work Australia and state regulators like SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland expect to see this document during an inspection. If an inspector visits your site and you cannot produce a current inspection record for a scaffold over four meters high, you will likely face an improvement notice or a prohibition notice. These notices can stop work on your site immediately. This costs time and money. In serious cases, where a lack of inspection leads to an injury, you could face prosecution under the WHS Act. Fines for breaching the WHS Act can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars for corporations and tens of thousands for individuals. To complete the checklist, the competent person walks around the scaffold. They mark items as Pass or Fail. If an item fails, work on the scaffold must stop until it is fixed. Once fixed, the scaffold must be inspected again. The checklist must be signed and dated by the inspector. You should also record the time of inspection and the specific location or tag number of the scaffold. Many Australian businesses use the scaffold tagging system. This uses a colour coded tag. A green tag means the scaffold is safe to use. A yellow tag means there are specific hazards to be aware of. A red tag means the scaffold must not be used. The Scaffold Inspection Checklist links directly to this tagging system. The checklist provides the evidence that supports the decision to place a green tag on the scaffold. Common mistakes to avoid include filling out the checklist before the scaffold is fully erected. You must inspect the finished structure. Another mistake is having an unqualified person do the inspection. For complex scaffolds over four meters, the inspector often needs a High Risk Work License for scaffolding. A third mistake is not keeping the records. You must keep the inspection records for the duration of the project. If a worker falls, the first thing the regulator will ask for is the inspection record. If you do not have it, it is very difficult to prove you were meeting your duty of care. Australian Standards provide the technical specifications for scaffolding. AS 1576 is the series of standards for scaffolding. AS 1576.1 covers general requirements. This standard sets out the design loads and the materials you can use. Your checklist should reference these standards. It should verify that the scaffold meets the load requirements. For example, a light duty scaffold has a different load capacity to a heavy duty scaffold. The checklist helps you confirm you are using the right scaffold for the job. The Fair Work Act 2009 also relates indirectly to this document. If you fail to provide a safe workplace and a worker gets hurt, you may face claims under workers compensation laws. Having a rigorous inspection process helps you defend against these claims. It shows you took all reasonable steps. ATO requirements do not directly dictate the content of a scaffold checklist, but record keeping is a general business requirement. ASIC rules also do not govern this specific document, but good corporate governance applies to larger construction companies. They must have safety systems in place. The checklist is a core part of that system. Mobile scaffolds are a common area of confusion. Many tradespeople think mobile scaffolds do not need inspection. However, under the WHS Regulations, any scaffold over two meters usually requires edge protection and often requires inspection. Even smaller mobile towers should be checked daily. A simple pre-start checklist is useful for mobile scaffolds. This checks the wheels are locked and the braces are engaged. Suspended scaffolds, or swing stages, have even stricter requirements. These are considered very high risk. The inspection checklist for these must be thorough. It must check the tie off points on the building. It must check the counterweights. It must check the safety harnesses and the ropes. Because the risk of falling is higher, the record keeping must be impeccable. In summary, the Scaffold Inspection Checklist is not just a piece of paper. It is a legal instrument that protects lives. It ensures the structure you are working on is stable. It forces you to look at every component before you put weight on it. It creates a culture of safety on site. For Australian businesses, ignoring this document is a risk you cannot afford to take. Use this guide to understand your obligations. Create a checklist that suits your specific work. Train your staff on how to use it. Review it regularly to ensure it remains current with changes to the law. By doing this, you comply with the WHS Act 2011. You keep your workers safe. You keep your business running.
Key Facts
- Scaffolding over 4 meters must be inspected by a competent person before use, after alteration and at regular intervals.— WHS Regulation 2011 (Cth) r 225
- The person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure the scaffold remains safe for the duration of the work.— Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) s 19
- Scaffolding design and construction must comply with the AS 1576 series of Australian Standards.— Safe Work Australia Code of Practice for Scaffolding
- A scaffold tagging system must be used to indicate the current safety status of the scaffold.— SafeWork NSW Guidance Material
- Inspection records must be kept until the scaffold is dismantled or for a specific period required by the regulator.— WHS Regulation 2011 (Cth) r 229
- Edge protection, including handrails and toe boards, is required for scaffolding where a person could fall.— Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction
Sources
Required Sections
Project Details
Identification of the site, scaffold type and date.
Project Details
Project Name Write the specific name of the job here. Use the exact name listed on your contract or work order. For larger construction sites, use the project title provided by the Principal Contractor. If you are a subcontractor, ensure this name matches the documentation provided by the site manager. This keeps your records aligned with the head contractor’s safety management system. Under the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act), the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure the workplace is safe. Accurate project identification is the first step in meeting that duty of care. If an incident occurs, regulators such as Safe Work NSW or WorkSafe Victoria will use this project name to track the history of the site.
Site Address Record the full street address, including suburb and state. If the work is happening at a specific location within a large site, such as a loading dock or a specific tower bay, note that here. Do not rely on nicknames or general descriptions. In the event of a compliance audit, inspectors will reference the exact location. Accurate address details are for emergency services. If the scaffold is located on a public footpath or road, note that distinction here, as this triggers specific requirements under local council laws and the Work Health and Safety Regulation (WHS Regulation) regarding public safety and traffic management.
Date Enter the date the inspection takes place. Use the format DD/MM/YYYY. This confirms the scaffold was safe for use on this specific day. Scaffold conditions change quickly due to weather, use by other trades, or unauthorised modifications. A scaffold compliant on Monday might be unsafe on Wednesday. The WHS Regulation requires inspection of scaffold where a person could fall. The inspection must occur before the scaffold is first used, after any repair or alteration, and at intervals not exceeding 30 days. The date on this form is your legal proof that the latest required inspection happened within that timeframe.
Scaffold ID Enter the unique registration tag number or licence plate attached to the structure. Australian Standards, specifically AS/NZS 1576.1 (Scaffolding General Requirements), stipulate that scaffolding must be tagged. A yellow tag means the scaffold is safe for use. A red tag means it must not be used. You must link this inspection record directly to that physical tag. If an inspector checks the site, they will look for the tag and then ask for the inspection record matching that ID. Never leave this field blank.
Scaffold Type Specify the classification of the scaffold. Common types include tube and coupler, system scaffold, or prefabricated frame scaffold. Also note if it is a mobile tower, hung scaffold, or cantilevered scaffold. You must state the maximum intended load class, such as Light Duty, Medium Duty, or Heavy Duty, as defined in AS/NZS 1576.1. This tells the user exactly how much weight the decks can hold. Different types have different assembly rules. For example, a cantilevered scaffold requires specific engineering design verification. Recording the wrong type can lead to workers overloading the structure, creating a risk of collapse and serious injury.
Inspector Details
Information about the qualified person performing the check.
Inspector Details
Full Name Print the full legal name of the person performing the inspection. This record establishes who is personally responsible for verifying the safety of the scaffold at the time of the audit. Under the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act), this individual is accountable for identifying hazards and ensuring the control measures are effective.
Qualifications and Competency Record specific licences, tickets, or training credentials held by the inspector. In Australia, scaffolding work is classified as high risk work. The inspector must hold the appropriate class of High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) issued by SafeWork or the relevant state regulator.
For basic scaffolding (up to 4 metres), a person may be deemed an appropriately qualified officer if they have completed the requisite training unit, such as CPCCCM2010B or CPCCLSF2001A. However, for advanced, cantilevered, or hung scaffolding, the inspector must hold an Advanced Scaffolding (SB) or Intermediate Scaffolding (SI) High Risk Work Licence. Verify the licence is current and valid for the type of scaffold being inspected.
Position or Role State the person's job title. This typically includes roles such as Site Supervisor, Scaffold Supervisor, or a Competent Person. A competent person is defined in the WHS Regulations as someone who has acquired through training, qualification or experience the knowledge and skills to carry out the task safely. For tag validation, this role usually requires a HRWL.
Signature The inspector must sign and date this section to formally authorise the scaffold for use. A signature confirms that the structure has been inspected against the requirements of AS/NZS 1576.1 (Scaffolding General Requirements) and relevant AS/NZS 1576 series standards. It signifies that all scaffolding tubes, couplers, and fittings are in sound condition, bracing is adequate, and fall protection measures are in place. Do not use a signature stamp unless accompanied by a handwritten initial or date to validate the specific time of inspection.
Date Record the specific date and time of the inspection. A scaffold tag is generally valid for a maximum of 7 days from this date, after which the scaffold requires a new inspection by a competent person. If the scaffold is modified, altered, or exposed to extreme weather events, this inspection record becomes void, and a new inspection is mandatory before work resumes.
Foundations Check
Verification that the base of the scaffold is stable.
Foundations Check
Is the ground level and compact? Has it been assessed for its ability to carry the scaffold loads?
You must check the ground condition before starting work. The soil must be firm enough to support the scaffold, the workers, and the materials. If the ground is soft, sandy, or recently filled, it requires preparation or other support measures. Never assume the ground is safe just because it looks solid. Refer to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 regarding the specific management of risks to falls and falling objects. The ground must sustain the load without shifting or sinking.
Are sole boards provided where necessary?
Sole boards distribute the load from the scaffold to the ground. They are mandatory when the ground cannot support the load directly or when the ground is uneven. Use timber sole boards that are in good condition. They must be long enough to support the base plates adequately. The timber must comply with relevant Australian Standards for structural timber. Do not use rotten, warped, or split timber. Ensure the sole boards sit flat on the ground to prevent the scaffold from leaning.
Are base plates used on all standards?
Base plates must be fixed to the base of every standard. A base plate provides a flat surface for the standard to bear on. You must use them on hard surfaces like concrete as well as on sole boards. This ensures the load is transferred evenly. The AS/NZS 1576.1 Scaffolding General Requirements sets out the specific design requirements for base plates. Ensure the shank of the standard is located centrally in the base plate. Do not weld standards directly to base plates unless designed specifically for that purpose.
Are base plates secured to sole boards or the ground?
The standards must be prevented from slipping. You can achieve this by nailing the base plate to the sole board or using a base plate with a spigot that digs into the timber. On concrete, ensure the surface is clean and free of oil or grease to reduce the risk of sliding. If the scaffold is on a slope, you need extra precautions such as screw jacks or tying the scaffold to the structure immediately to prevent movement.
Have screw jacks been adjusted correctly?
Screw jacks are used to level the scaffold. They must have the base plate fitted. Check that the adjustment screw is not extended beyond its safe working limit. Most manufacturers mark the maximum extension on the stem. Do not extend the jack so high that it becomes unstable. Ensure the screw is clean and free of concrete or mud so it threads correctly.
Is the foundation area free from obstructions and hazards?
Check the area for trenches, excavations, or services. Do not erect scaffolding too close to the edge of an excavation unless shoring is in place to prevent collapse. Keep the area clear of loose materials that could cause a trip hazard or interfere with the base plates.
Structure and Bracing
Ensuring vertical and horizontal members are secure.
Standards and Compliance
All scaffolding must comply with the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and relevant Australian Standards. The primary standard for scaffolding is AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding. Specifically, refer to AS/NZS 1576.1 for general requirements regarding tube and coupler scaffolds, and AS/NZS 1576.2 for prefabricated scaffolds. Before any work begins, verify the scaffolding is rated for the intended duty. Check the load rating plate to ensure it matches the required Live Load class (Light, Medium, or Heavy) as defined in AS 1576.1. Inspect all components for damage. Do not use tubes with significant rust, bends, or crushing, and reject couplers with worn threads or distorted bodies. Ensure a valid scaffolding tag is attached and visible, confirming the most recent inspection date.
Ledgers and Transoms
Ledgers run horizontally along the length of the scaffold to tie the standards together. Transoms run across the width of the scaffold, supporting the working platforms. Check that every ledger is properly secured to the standards using the right couplers. For prefabricated systems, ensure the ledgers are locked firmly into the standards. Measure the spacing between ledgers and transoms to ensure it matches the scaffolding plan or the manufacturers specifications. Standard spacing is often consistent, but it must support the planks without causing them to deflect or bounce. Ensure transoms are installed in a way that prevents planks from dislodging, particularly at the ends of the bay. Check that ledger and transom connections are tight. There should be no loose bolts or joints that allow movement. In tube and coupler scaffolding, check that couplers are tightened to the correct torque using a torque wrench if required by the safety plan.
Bracing
Bracing provides rigidity and prevents the scaffold from collapsing or swaying. Inspect all longitudinal and ledger bracing. These must run in a continuous zigzag pattern from the base to the top of the scaffold. Ensure that brace connections are as close to the standards as possible. Check that the braces are not loose and that the angle of the brace is generally between 30 and 60 degrees to the horizontal. Verify that plan bracing is installed on every lift to maintain the square shape of the bay. For bay lengths exceeding standard limits, usually 2.4 metres, additional bracing or strengthening may be required under AS 1576. Check the façade bracing if the scaffold is tied to the building using light duty ties. Ensure the bracing is secure and not interfering with the building structure. If the scaffold is a mobile tower, check the diagonal and horizontal outriggers are deployed and locked in position before use. Do not use the scaffold if any bracing is missing, loose, or disconnected.
Platform and Edge Protection
Checking the deck and fall protection measures.
Platform and Decking
Inspect all scaffold planks and modular decks to ensure they are secure, undamaged, and capable of supporting the intended loads. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation), the scaffold structure with its working platforms must maintain the required safe working load limit. Check every timber plank for splits, decay, or large knots. Hook-on steel planks must be free of significant deformation, rust, or missing end latches. Verify that all planks are closely boarded or plated to eliminate gaps wider than 25mm. This prevents tools or materials from falling through. If using timber planks, ensure they are seasoned to AS 1577 and tagged as scaff plank. All platforms must be tied to the scaffold frame unless specifically designed to be untied, and they must never overhang the support past the limits specified in AS 1576 Scaffolding General Requirements.
Guardrails and Handrails
Edge protection is mandatory on the open sides of all working platforms. Verify that guardrails comply with AS 1576 or the specific manufacturer instructions for the scaffold system in use. A compliant guardrail system must consist of a top rail, a mid-rail, and a toe board. The top rail must be located between 900mm and 1150mm above the platform surface. The mid-rail must be positioned halfway between the top rail and the platform. Check all fixtures, including swivel clamps and press joins, to ensure they are tight and the rails are rigid. Guardrails must withstand the impact forces defined in the WHS Regulation. Never use guardrails as a method for accessing the platform or for raising materials. If there is a gap in the guardrail for loading materials, it must have a controlled access zone, and the gap must be closed off immediately when loading is finished.
Toe Boards
Inspect toe boards along every edge where a person could fall or where materials could drop onto workers below. Toe boards must be , rigid, and securely fixed to the standards. They must have a minimum height of 150mm above the platform surface. Check for any rot in timber toe boards or damage in steel equivalents. Ensure there are no significant gaps between the bottom of the toe board and the platform. If brick guards or mesh are used in conjunction with toe boards to prevent debris falling, ensure the mesh is intact and properly clipped to the scaffold. Compliance with these controls is critical to meeting the primary duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety.
Access and Egress
Ensuring safe entry and exit from the scaffold.
Is there a safe way to get to and from every working platform?
Ladders Are portable ladders industrial grade with a load rating of at least 120kg? Are single ladders tied off at the top or secured by a second person to prevent movement? Does the ladder extend at least one metre above the scaffold landing to provide a safe handhold? Is the ladder placed on a firm and level surface to stop it from slipping? Is the ladder positioned at a slope ratio of approximately 4 to 1? Are the rungs free of mud, grease, oil or other slippery substances? Is the ladder clear of overhead power lines? Are timber ladders free of splits, shakes or distortion? Are the stiles and rungs of metal ladders free of dents, bends or corrosion?
Stairs and Access Towers Are temporary stairs installed where the height of the scaffold exceeds four metres? Do the stairs have handrails on both open sides? Are the stair treads slip-resistant and fixed securely to prevent movement? Are the gaps between guardrails and the stair treads small enough to stop a person falling through? Is there adequate lighting on the stairway?
Ladder Security Is the ladder base secured against slipping outwards? Is the top of the ladder tied to a rigid structure to prevent sideways movement? If tying off is not possible, is an effective anti-slip device used? Are the ladders inspected by a competent person before use?
Why this matters Safe access and egress are non-negotiable. Under the Work Health and Safety Act (model WHS legislation), a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers. This includes providing safe access to and from the workplace. You cannot expect workers to climb scaffold frames or brace tubes. This is dangerous and illegal.
You must meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1576.1 (Scaffolding - General Requirements) and AS/NZS 1892.1 (Portable ladders). These standards set out specific rules for ladders and stairways. For example, AS/NZS 1576.1 requires a specific stair or ladder access system for scaffolds.
The Code of Practice: Managing the risks of falls in housing construction provides practical guidance. It states that ladders should generally only be used for short duration work. If you are on the scaffold for a long time or carrying heavy tools, you need proper stairs or a ladder access tower.
Check these controls every time you use the scaffold. A ladder that was secure yesterday might have moved. Regular checks ensure you stay compliant and keep your crew safe.
Result and Declaration
Final status and signature authorising use.
Inspection Result
Select the result of this inspection based on the findings detailed in the checklist.
FAIL You must select Fail if the scaffold does not comply with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 or AS/NZS 1576: Scaffolding. If a Tag is not attached to the scaffold, the status is automatically a Fail. Do not use the scaffold. Tag the structure with a DANGER DO NOT USE tag. Immediately notify the site supervisor and the person in control of the scaffold. You must restrict access to the bay, lift, or zone using physical barriers such as hazard tape or bunting. Rectify all identified defects before conducting a re-inspection.
PASS Select Pass only when all inspection items are fully compliant and the structure is safe for use. Tag the structure with a green SCAFFOLD SAFE TO USE tag. Ensure the tag clearly displays the date of the inspection, the expiry date, and your signature or identification number. A handover to the principal contractor is required before work commences. Remember that a Pass status is temporary. High wind, rain, or alterations can change the condition of the scaffold, requiring a new inspection.
Defect Details and rectification
List every defect identified during the inspection. Be specific. Do not write general notes like "fix bracing". You must state the exact issue, such as "Missing ledger in bay 4, level 2" or "Damaged standard on northern elevation". Record the exact location and the nature of the non-compliance.
If the scaffold is tagged as Fail, detail the specific actions required to bring it up to code. Reference specific sections of AS/NZS 1576.1 or AS/NZS 1576.3 where applicable. This record creates a clear audit trail for Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and helps the erection team fix the problem efficiently. If the scaffold passes, note any minor maintenance required for the next inspection period.
Declaration
I declare that I have inspected the scaffold described above. I confirm that I hold the required High Risk Work Licence (Class SA, SB, or SC) as required by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. I verify that the equipment is compliant with the manufacturer’s specifications and Australian Standards.
Inspector Name: Signature: Licence Number: Date:
Received By (Principal Contractor/Site Supervisor): Signature: Date:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Scaffold Inspection Checklist?
When do I need a Scaffold Inspection Checklist?
Is a Scaffold Inspection Checklist legally required in Australia?
Who can fill out a Scaffold Inspection Checklist?
How long must I keep the Scaffold Inspection Checklist?
Do I need a checklist for mobile scaffolds?
What happens if I fail an inspection?
Does the checklist need to be available to workers?
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