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Birdcage scaffold: inspection checklist

A grid of standards carrying one deck, often for soffits and ceilings. 21 checks in total.

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Inspection record

Scaffold tag no.
Location / area
Inspected by
Date
Next inspection due
Result:Safe to use (green tag)Do not use (red tag)

Checks for this type

  1. 1
    Standards spacing as the design for the deck loadBay sizes match the drawing; no standard missing
  2. 2
    Bracing in both directions and on planLongitudinal, transverse and plan bracing as designed
  3. 3
    Deck fully boarded with edge protectionGuardrails on every open edge and around openings
  4. 4
    The floor below can carry the loadSole boards spread the load; on slabs, check with the engineer
  5. 5
    Access to the deck protectedStair or ladder with a self-closing gate at the top

Foundations

  1. 6
    Ground firm and level; base plates on sole boardsNo undermining, soft spots or water pooling
  2. 7
    Standards plumb; joints staggeredNo two adjacent joints in the same lift

Structure

  1. 8
    Ledgers level; joints staggeredJoints made with sleeve couplers or as designed
  2. 9
    Transoms at every standard and at spacing for the boardCheck board span for the thickness used
  3. 10
    Façade and ledger bracing completeAs TG20 compliance sheet or design
  4. 11
    Ties in place to the tie patternNone removed or altered without approval
  5. 12
    Couplers tight and correct typeRight-angle or swivel for load-bearing; none missing

Working platform

  1. 13
    Fully boarded; boards soundNo gaps, splits, rot or trip hazards; overhang 50 mm to 4 × thickness
  2. 14
    Guardrails completeMain rail ≥ 950 mm; gap between rails ≤ 470 mm
  3. 15
    Toe boards fitted and secure≥ 150 mm; brick guards or netting where materials are stored
  4. 16
    Not overloadedMaterials within the load class on the tag

Access

  1. 17
    Ladder secured at the right angleAbout 75°, extends ≈ 1 m above the landing
  2. 18
    Access openings protectedSelf-closing gate or equivalent; no climbing the frame

Site & records

  1. 19
    Clear of hazardsOverhead power lines, hot surfaces, live lines, traffic as per permit
  2. 20
    Tag fitted at every access pointStatus and load class match the register
  3. 21
    Design or compliance sheet availableFor any configuration outside standard guidance

Any “No” means the scaffold is not handed over: red tag it, fix it, then inspect again.

Based on TG20:21, TG30, SG35-style inspection practice, BS EN 12811-1 and the Saudi Aramco Construction Safety Manual. Not endorsed by any of them. Verify against the latest edition and the scaffold’s own design.

AL-YASSIN · alyassinscaffold.com/checklists/birdcage-scaffold/ · Check the latest editions and the scaffold design.

Do it on your phone

The same checks in the free field app, with photos, the tag status and a PDF report. In the app, pick scaffold type: Birdcage.

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Other scaffold types

Independent tied scaffoldTwo lines of standards along a building, plant or tank, tied to it.Mobile or static towerA free-standing tower, on castors or base plates.Cantilever scaffoldA scaffold carried on beams that project from the structure.Hanging or suspended scaffoldA scaffold hung from the structure above, for example under a pipe rack.Loading bayA bay built to land and store materials on the scaffold.Stair access towerA stair tower giving access to the working levels.System scaffold (Ringlock / Cuplok type)Modular scaffold built from one manufacturer's components.

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