Industry News » HSG 150 'Health & Safety in Construction' (1996)

11-11-2005

Page 21 of the above publication states:

PLACE OF WORK REQUIRING INSPECTIONS

Working platforms etc

Where it is possible for a person to fall 2m or more from a working platform, the platform and associated parts need to be inspected by a competent person:

before first use;

after substantial alteration;

after any event likely to have affected its stability, for example, following strong winds; and

at regular intervals not exceeding seven days.

The person in control must have the inspections carried out by a competent person. Whoever controls the activites of others who use the scaffold also needs to ensure it is safe before they use it for the first time.

If the competent person is not satisfied that work can be carried out safely, they should advise the person for whom the inspection was carried out as soon as possible. The workplace should not be used until the defects have been put right.

A written report should be made following most inspections.