UK Scaffolding Regulations
Scaffolding in the UK is governed by several key pieces of legislation. Understanding these is essential for anyone erecting, inspecting, or working from scaffolding.
Work at Height Regulations 2005
The primary legislation governing scaffolding. Key requirements include:
- Work at height must be properly planned and organised
- Those involved must be competent
- Equipment must be inspected and properly maintained
- Risks from fragile surfaces must be controlled
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
CDM 2015 requires principal contractors to ensure scaffolding is erected, altered, and dismantled only under supervision of a competent person. Scaffolding plans should be included in the Construction Phase Plan.
BS EN 12811 & TG20:21
The European standard for temporary works equipment and the NASC Technical Guidance TG20:21 provide detailed requirements for scaffold design, including load capacities, tie patterns, and board configurations.
Key Legal Point
Under the Work at Height Regulations, scaffolding must not be used unless it has been inspected and the inspection recorded. Failure to inspect is a criminal offence that can result in prosecution.
Types of Scaffolding
Different scaffolding systems suit different applications. Understanding the types helps you select the right system for your project.
Tube and Fitting
Traditional steel tubes connected with fittings. Most versatile system, can be configured for any building shape.
Best for: Complex structures, irregular buildings
System Scaffold
Pre-engineered modular systems (Layher, Cuplok, Kwikstage). Faster to erect with fewer components.
Best for: Standard facades, speed of erection
Mobile Scaffold Towers
Aluminium towers on wheels for access at height. Must comply with BS EN 1004 and be used per manufacturer's instructions.
Best for: Internal work, short duration tasks
Suspended Scaffolds
Platforms suspended from roof or structure above. Requires specialist design and additional safety measures.
Best for: Facade access on tall buildings
Competence Requirements
The Work at Height Regulations require that scaffolding is only erected, altered, or dismantled by competent persons. In the UK, competence is typically demonstrated through CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) qualifications.
CISRS Card Levels
Scaffolding Labourer
Can assist scaffolders but not erect independently
Trainee Scaffolder
Working towards Part 1 qualification, must be supervised
Scaffolder
Can erect basic and complex scaffolds to design
Advanced Scaffolder
Can erect suspended scaffolds, loading bays, complex structures
Scaffold Supervisor/Inspector
Can supervise erection and conduct statutory inspections
Mobile Tower Competence
For mobile scaffold towers, operatives need PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association) training. This is a separate qualification from CISRS tube and fitting scaffolding.
Inspection Requirements
Under Schedule 7 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolding must be inspected by a competent person at specific intervals.
Mandatory Inspection Points
Before first use
After erection and before anyone works from it
After any alteration
Including adding or removing sections, boards, or ties
After adverse weather
Strong winds, heavy rain, frost, or anything that could affect stability
At least every 7 days
Regular inspections while scaffold remains in place
What to Check During Inspection
Recording Inspections
Inspection reports must be kept on site until the scaffold is dismantled, then retained for 3 months. Reports must include:
- • Name and address of person for whom inspection was carried out
- • Location and description of scaffold
- • Date and time of inspection
- • Details of any matters identified that could give rise to risk
- • Details of any action taken
- • Name and position of person making the report
Scafftag Systems
Scaffold tagging systems provide immediate visual indication of a scaffold's status. While not a legal requirement, they're industry best practice and required on most major construction sites.
GREEN TAG
Scaffold complete and safe to use. Shows inspection date and next due.
AMBER TAG
Scaffold incomplete or restrictions apply. Check limitations before use.
RED TAG
DO NOT USE. Scaffold unsafe, under construction, or being dismantled.
Tag Placement
Tags should be placed at every access point to the scaffold. If a scaffold has multiple access points, each one needs a tag. Workers should never use an untagged scaffold or access via an untagged route.
Common Scaffolding Hazards
Falls from Height
The primary hazard. Causes include missing guardrails, gaps in boarding, unsecured access, and workers climbing outside the scaffold structure.
Control: Full guardrails, complete boarding, secure ladder access, edge protection
Scaffold Collapse
Can occur due to inadequate ties, overloading, poor foundations, missing bracing, or impact from vehicles/plant.
Control: Design to TG20, adequate ties, load management, vehicle barriers
Falling Objects
Tools, materials, and debris can fall from scaffold platforms, endangering workers and the public below.
Control: Toe boards, brick guards, fans, exclusion zones, tool lanyards
Electrocution
Scaffolding near overhead power lines creates serious electrocution risk. Metal scaffolding is an excellent conductor.
Control: DNO consultation, exclusion zones, goal posts, insulated barriers
Manual Handling
Scaffolders regularly lift and carry heavy tubes, fittings, and boards. Repetitive handling causes musculoskeletal injuries.
Control: Mechanical handling, gin wheels, team lifting, rotation of tasks
Safe Use Guidelines
Once scaffolding is erected and inspected, all workers using it must follow safe working practices.
Do
- Check the scaffold tag before use
- Use the designated access points
- Keep platforms clear and tidy
- Report any damage immediately
- Use three points of contact on ladders
- Distribute loads evenly
- Use tool lanyards at height
Don't
- Use scaffold with red tag or no tag
- Climb on the outside of scaffold
- Remove boards, guardrails, or ties
- Overload platforms or stack materials high
- Use in high winds (check site rules)
- Throw materials up or down
- Modify scaffold without authorisation
Loading Limits
Scaffold platforms have maximum load capacities. These should be displayed and must not be exceeded:
Handover Procedures
Proper handover between the scaffolding contractor and the user is essential. This ensures the client understands what they're receiving and their responsibilities.
Handover Documentation Should Include:
- Design drawings or TG20 compliance sheet
- Inspection report confirming scaffold complete
- Maximum loading capacity for each platform
- Any restrictions or limitations on use
- Tie locations and requirements
- Maintenance requirements and inspection schedule
- Contact details for scaffold contractor
- Procedure for requesting alterations
Alterations Warning
Once handed over, the client must not allow any alterations to the scaffold without involving the scaffolding contractor. Even removing a single board or tie can compromise the structural integrity. Any alterations require re-inspection before the scaffold can be used again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can inspect scaffolding?
A "competent person" - typically someone with CISRS Scaffold Inspection Training (formerly CISRS Part 1 + experience) or equivalent. They must have practical and theoretical knowledge to identify defects and assess risks.
Can I erect my own scaffold?
If you're competent (appropriately trained and experienced), yes. For basic tube and fitting scaffolds, CISRS Part 2 is the minimum. For mobile towers, PASMA training is required. You must also have someone competent to inspect it.
What is TG20:21?
Technical Guidance 20:21 is the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) operational guide for tube and fitting scaffolding. It provides standard configurations that don't require bespoke engineering design, simplifying compliance for common scaffolds.
How often do ties need to be checked?
Ties should be checked at every 7-day inspection. They're critical to scaffold stability and are often interfered with by other trades. Missing or inadequate ties are a common cause of scaffold collapse.
What's the minimum guardrail height?
The top guardrail must be at least 950mm above the platform. An intermediate guardrail should be positioned so the gap between it, the toe board, and top rail is no more than 470mm. Toe boards must be at least 150mm high.
Can scaffolding be used in bad weather?
It depends on the severity. Most sites stop scaffold work in winds above 23 mph (Beaufort scale 5). Sheeted scaffolds may have lower wind limits. After any adverse weather, the scaffold must be inspected before use.
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