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How often a scaffold must be inspected, compared
Quick answer: OSHA: before each work shift. UK: before first use, then at least every 7 days, and after any alteration or event such as high wind. Saudi Aramco: tags last 2 weeks at most, plus a pre-use check each shift.
Side by side
Each value with the document it comes from.
| Requirement | OSHA 1926 Subpart L USA | BS EN 12811-1 · TG20 UK and Europe | Saudi Aramco CSM · GI 8.001 Saudi Aramco sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often | Before each work shiftAnd after anything that could affect the structure, such as a storm or an impact. A night shift is a new shift.29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) | Before first use, then every 7 daysAnd after any alteration or event that could affect safety, such as high wind. The 7-day count restarts after an alteration.Work at Height Regulations 2005 reg. 12; NASC TG20:13 Operational Guide 18.3 | At least every 2 weeksScaffold tags are valid for two weeks at most; re-inspect with the field checklist within each two-week period.GI 8.001 §9.3.2, §9.4.3, §9.8 |
| Who inspects | A competent personSomeone able to spot the hazards and authorised to correct them on the spot.29 CFR 1926.450(b), 1926.451(f)(3) | A competent personThe result is recorded in an inspection report.Work at Height Regulations 2005 reg. 12 | Supervisor; certified Inspector over 6 mOver 6 m the Supervisor hands the signed tag to a certified Inspector, who inspects, signs, dates and inserts it.GI 8.001 (2025) §9.3.3, §9.4 |
| Before use on the day | Covered by the shift inspection29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3) | Proof of the last inspectionScaffolds from another company must come with physical evidence, such as a tag or record, that the last inspection was done.Work at Height Regulations 2005 reg. 12(5) | Pre-use check each shiftBy the immediate supervisor of the workers who will use the scaffold, before first use on each shift.GI 8.001 §9.9 |
| Records | — | Inspection report and handoverLoading bays get their own handover certificate stating the safe working load.NASC TG20:13 Operational Guide 12.1, 12.3 (check TG20:21) | Bi-weekly tracking systemThe erector keeps a register of all active scaffolds: tag colour, type, location and next inspection date.GI 8.001 §5.5.2 |
Summary for learning, checked on 24 October 2026. Values as written in the documents named, as used in the AL-YASSIN question banks. TG20 values are from TG20:13; check TG20:21. Verify against the latest edition and your project's own rules before you use any figure. AL-YASSIN is independent and is not endorsed by OSHA, BSI, NASC or Saudi Aramco. — means the document does not give it as one figure here.
Mistakes we see in our exams
- Skipping the night-shift inspection under OSHA because the day shift already checked it. Each shift is a new inspection.
- Counting 7 days from the first inspection after an alteration. Under UK rules the count restarts after the alteration.
- Using the scaffold the morning after high wind without a fresh inspection.
- On Saudi Aramco sites, letting the scaffold builder do the users' pre-use check: it is the users' own immediate supervisor.
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Questions
How often does OSHA require scaffold inspections?
Before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity, by a competent person. 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3). Verify against the current eCFR.
How often must scaffolds be inspected in the UK?
Before first use, at intervals of no more than 7 days, and after any alteration or event liable to jeopardise safety, such as high wind. Work at Height Regulations 2005 reg. 12. Verify against the latest edition.
How long is a Saudi Aramco scaffold tag valid?
Two weeks at most. A documented re-inspection with the field inspection checklist must take place within each two-week period. GI 8.001 §9.3.2, §9.4.3, §9.8. Verify against the latest edition.