Scaffolding Risk Assessment (UK)

Scaffolding keeps thousands of workers safe at height, but erecting, using and striking it carries its own serious risks. A scaffolding risk assessment covers both the people putting it up and everyone who later works from it, and it is expected on any job where a scaffold is used.

The law and standards

Scaffolding work falls under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, with technical standards set by industry guidance such as TG20 for tube and fitting scaffolds and SG4 for preventing falls during erection. Scaffolds must be designed, erected, altered and dismantled by competent people and to a recognised configuration or a bespoke design.

The main hazards

1. Falls during erection and dismantling, before edge protection is complete.
2. Falls of materials onto people below.
3. Collapse from poor foundations, overloading, or missing ties and bracing.
4. Contact with overhead power lines.
5. Unauthorised alteration by other trades.

The inspection duty

A scaffold must be inspected by a competent person before first use, then at intervals not exceeding seven days, and again after anything that could affect its stability such as high winds or an alteration. The inspection is recorded. A clear tag system showing the scaffold is safe to use, or not, helps everyone on site.

Controls to record

Firm level base plates and sole boards, full edge protection and toe boards, brick guards or netting where materials could fall, exclusion zones during erection, trained operatives, and a rule that only scaffolders alter the scaffold. Working at height generally is covered in our working at height guide.

Record it

Our risk assessment template gives you the format to set out the scaffolding hazards and controls for your job. The method is in our risk assessment guide.