Scaffold Inspection and Tagging

Scaffold inspections are a legal requirement under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 for all scaffolds on site.
Scaffolds must be inspected before first use, at intervals not exceeding seven days, and after any adverse event.
An adverse event includes high winds, heavy rain, impact from plant, alteration to the scaffold, or any structural concern.
Inspections must be carried out by a competent person with sufficient knowledge and experience of scaffold systems.
The scaffold tag system uses coloured tags to communicate the inspection status: green for safe, red for do not use.
A green tag confirms the scaffold has passed inspection and is safe for use within the stated loading limits.
A red tag means the scaffold is incomplete, damaged, or has failed inspection — no one may use it.
The inspection record must include the date, inspector name, scaffold location, and any defects found or remedial actions.
Scaffold users should carry out a basic visual check before stepping onto any scaffold, even one with a green tag.
Inspection records must be kept on site and available for review by the HSE, client, or scaffold contractor at any time.

Prevent falls	Regular inspection catches loose boards, missing guardrails, and damaged ties before they cause a fatal fall.
Legal requirement	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require seven-day inspections with written records — non-compliance triggers prohibition notices.
Clear communication	The tag system gives every worker an instant, visual confirmation of whether a scaffold is safe to use or not.

Do

Don't

Check the scaffold tag before stepping onto any scaffold — green means safe to use.
Verify the inspection date on the tag is within the last seven days.
Carry out a visual check of boards, guardrails, toe boards, and ties before use.
Report any defects you notice to your supervisor or the scaffold contractor immediately.
Ensure adverse events such as high winds trigger an additional inspection before re-use.
Only allow competent persons with appropriate qualifications to carry out formal inspections.
Record inspection findings including defects and actions in the scaffold inspection register.
Keep all inspection records on site and available for review at all times.
Remove or change the tag to red if you discover a serious defect during use.
Re-inspect any scaffold that has been altered, extended, or partially dismantled.

DON'T use any scaffold displaying a red tag or no tag — it is not confirmed safe.
DON'T use a scaffold if the inspection date is more than seven days old.
DON'T assume a green tag means everything is perfect — do your own visual check.
DON'T ignore loose boards, missing guardrails, or wobbly handrails — report them immediately.
DON'T use a scaffold after a storm or high winds until it has been re-inspected.
DON'T allow unqualified persons to carry out or sign off scaffold inspections.
DON'T fail to record defects found — verbal reports are not sufficient under the regulations.
DON'T lose or discard inspection records — they must be kept on site for review.
DON'T leave a defective scaffold tagged green — change it to red and report the defect.
DON'T use scaffolds that have been altered without a subsequent formal inspection.

See also: Scaffold Safety Awareness | Scaffold Ties & Stability

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