SCF/General/TBT-SCF-013

Scaffold Alteration Prohibition

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Only CISRS-qualified scaffolders may alter, modify, or adjust any part of a scaffold on a construction site.
Unauthorised scaffold alterations include removing boards, loosening ties, moving braces, and adding loads.
Even minor changes to a scaffold affect its structural integrity and can cause partial or total collapse.
Trades frequently remove boards, guardrails, or toe boards to create access for their work, then fail to reinstate.
Removing a single tie from a scaffold can reduce the wind resistance to below the safe design threshold.
Adding materials, hop-ups, or equipment to a scaffold without checking the safe working load overloads it.
Scaffold tags should be checked before use; any unauthorised change should change the tag to red.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 make it an offence to alter a scaffold without competent authorisation.
If a scaffold does not suit your work needs, request a modification through the scaffold supervisor.
Reporting the need for changes rather than making them yourself protects you and everyone else using it.

Scaffold collapse	Unauthorised alterations have directly caused scaffold collapses killing workers on the scaffold and people below.
Legal offence	Altering a scaffold without authorisation breaches the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and can result in prosecution.
Cumulative damage	Multiple small unauthorised changes by different trades compound until the scaffold can no longer support its loads.

Don't

Check the scaffold tag is green before accessing and using the scaffold.
Request any changes you need through the scaffold supervisor, not directly.
Report missing boards, guardrails, ties, or toe boards to the supervisor immediately.
Leave all scaffold components in the positions set by the qualified scaffolders.
Tag the scaffold red and restrict access if you find unauthorised alterations.
Use the scaffold within the safe working load displayed on the tag or design.
Wait for a CISRS scaffolder to make any modification before continuing your work.
Brief your team that scaffold alteration by non-scaffolders is strictly prohibited.
Photograph and report any unauthorised changes you discover during your work.
Understand that even small changes can have serious structural consequences.

DON'T remove scaffold boards to pass materials through the platform.
DON'T loosen, remove, or reposition scaffold ties for any reason.
DON'T remove guardrails or toe boards to improve access for your trade.
DON'T add extra materials or equipment that overload the scaffold design.
DON'T move or remove bracing members from the scaffold framework.
DON'T attach ropes, pulleys, or hoists to the scaffold without design approval.
DON'T use a scaffold that has clearly been altered since the last inspection.
DON'T assume your change is minor enough not to affect scaffold stability.
DON'T sheet, net, or cover a scaffold without checking the tie design allows it.
DON'T reinstall components yourself after removal; call a qualified scaffolder.

See also: Scaffold Safety Awareness | Scaffold Inspection and Tagging

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