What is required for scaffold inspections prior to use?

For scaffold inspections prior to use, the requirement is that they must be documented and tagged by a competent person. This ensures that a qualified individual who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience conducts a thorough inspection of the scaffold setup. The competent person is responsible for evaluating the structural integrity, safety measures, and general compliance with safety regulations. This documentation serves as verification that the scaffold is safe for use, providing a clear reference for workers regarding its condition.

In environments where scaffolding is utilized, it is crucial to have a reliable and systematic approach to safety checks. While visual checks by any employee can help identify obvious safety issues, they do not carry the same accountability or thoroughness as an inspection carried out by a competent person. Similarly, a verbal warning or daily certification from workers, while useful for communication, does not replace the formalized and documented inspection process that confirms safety standards have been met. Thus, having the inspection conducted by a competent person with proper documentation and tagging is the most effective way to ensure safety before the use of scaffolding.