Scaffold Inspections -- Who, When, How Often
Scaffold Inspections -- Who, When, How Often
A scaffold is only safe if it is built right and checked often. Construction Regulation 16 and SANS 10085 set who may touch it and how often it must be inspected. The intervals that keep a crew alive.
The rules (Construction Regulation 16 + SANS 10085)
| Governing standard | Construction Regulation 16 and SANS 10085 (SANS 10085:2024 is the latest edition) |
| Who may erect, alter or dismantle | Only trained, certified competent workers |
| Design | Scaffolds must be designed to structural class and checked against wind and access loads |
| Load ratings | Working platforms must display their maximum load rating |
Inspection intervals
| Before use | A daily visual inspection before the scaffold is used |
| Routine | A formal inspection weekly |
| After an event | A formal inspection after adverse weather, and after any alteration to the scaffold |
| By whom | A competent person, with the result recorded in an inspection register |
Reference only -- not legal advice. The post-storm and post-alteration inspections are the ones that get skipped when the programme is tight -- they are exactly when a scaffold fails. Verify against the Construction Regulations 2014 and SANS 10085:2024 at labour.gov.za and sabs.co.za.
Sources: Construction Regulations 2014, regulation 16 (OHS Act) · SANS 10085:2024 (SABS) · Department of Employment and Labour
SiteKiln provides general guidance only. This is not legal, tax, financial or professional advice. Always verify information and seek professional advice if unsure. © SiteKiln 2026