What indicates that a scaffold is unsafe for use?

A missing inspection tag is a clear indicator that a scaffold is unsafe for use. Inspection tags are crucial because they provide information regarding the safety and compliance status of a scaffold. This tag signifies that a competent person has evaluated the scaffold, ensuring that it meets all necessary safety standards for use. If the tag is missing, it implies that the required inspection may not have been conducted, introducing potential risks associated with structural integrity or other safety concerns.

While the presence of rust can suggest deterioration, not all rust impacts safety significantly, as it depends on the extent and location. Newly erected scaffolds do not inherently indicate safety issues, as these should be inspected before use according to standard protocols. Tags from competent persons serve as a key communication tool to indicate a scaffold's readiness for use; therefore, without such a tag, the scaffold cannot be considered safe.