Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness

Accreditation:
ESS Certificate
Course Duration:
1 Day
Valid for:
3 years

Online Training

02/09/2026
Full Day Course
10 spaces left

£155

Book Now

To book by phone or make an enquiry call us on

0115 8970 529

This basic Scaffold Inspection course is for all personnel required to inspect scaffolds. Suitable for site supervisors, managers and Health and Safety Advisors of whom may have a responsibility for carrying out basic scaffold inspections on site in compliance with TG20:21 only.

Learners are able to inspect basic scaffolding in accordance with their company procedures. Initially, supervision and monitoring may be required whilst gaining further experience.

Online Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness

In addition to face-to-face instruction, we provide the option of Interactive Video Online Learning for individuals working remotely who seek to obtain their Basic Scaffold Inspection certification from the convenience of their home or office. This online course is led by one of our highly experienced tutors and offers an interactive classroom experience via Zoom video conferencing.

Please Note - The online scaffold inspection course does not include a practical session, so learners can expect a shorter course duration depending on learner experience and time given for questions at the end of the course.

Attendance - Full attendance of the course is mandatory to achieve a pass. Should your internet connection fail during the course for a prolonged period of time, or repeatedly, you may not be able to re-join as requested by the trainer, unless it can be re-established within 5 minutes. This is so general learning is not disturbed for other participants. 

Joining the Video Learning - Our courses are conducted via Zoom, and you will receive your personalised meeting link as part of your course enrolment instructions. We always recommend downloading the App in preparation of the course, you can find instructions here - https://zoom.us/downloadFurther support using Zoom can be found here – familiarise yourself with this prior to your course https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/p/zoom-meetings-guide 

SG4:22: Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations

Now available free to all!

NASC’s recently revised core scaffolding safety guidance – SG4:22: Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations – is now available as a free download to all.

SG4:22 Management Guide is available to download as a PDF from the NASC website (nasc.org.uk/shop/)

Basic Scaffold Inspection Course Overview

This course will give learners the awareness of legislative requirements, the knowledge of components of a scaffold, the purpose they serve in ensuring its stability and the requirements of a scaffold inspection. Ultimately it is the employer's responsibility to determine the competency of an individual to carry out a scaffold inspection dependant on their training and experience in relation to the type and complexity of the scaffold.

Basic Scaffold Inspection Course Content

Overview of current relevant legislation, standards, industry best practice

  • Scaffold components and structures
  • Requirements of NASC guidance SG4:22 and TG20:21
  • Access and egress (working at height hierarchy)
  • NASC e-guide and associated compliance sheets
  • Ratings of independent components
  • Inspection techniques - what to look for, typical problems
  • Miscellaneous issues e.g. hoists etc
  • Practical Scaffold Inspection or equivalent visual inspection (only if available for on-site courses)
  • Additional items for example hoists, rubbish chutes, gin wheels, fans

Knowledge

By the end of the training course delegates will be able to:

  • Understand the requirements of the relevant legislation including; BS EN 12811 part 1, TG20:21,  SG4:22 and HSE recommendations for inspecting scaffold systems.
  • Identify the safe working loads for working platforms.
  • Differentiate between various scaffold systems and for what purpose they should be used.
  • Adopt a safe working practice for the use of ladders for access and egress.
  • Appreciate the safe erection, alteration and dismantling procedures as laid out in SG4:22.

Learner Numbers

In order to ensure the interaction between the learners and the tutor is spread evenly and effectively, the maximum number of learners allowed on a course is twelve.

Assessment

Assessment

Delegates will be assessed by a series of theory exercises.

Certification

Certification

Successful learners will be awarded an Essential Site Skills Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness digital PDF certificate valid for 3 years.

More Details

More Details

A 1 or 2-day course option is available. Our 2-day course option has the same course criteria however learners will go into greater detail and have further time to consolidate their knowledge and practical inspection capability.

Delegates should provide their own personal protective clothing in a clean and working order, which includes safety helmets, protective gloves, hi vis and safety footwear (only if on-site practical is included).

For training held at your own location, please ensure that the classroom you make available has a 240v power supply and is a suitable size for the number of delegates attending. Please ensure that the practical area has been risk assessed, is free from harm and is suitable for training. A suitable scaffold and aluminium tower should also be available for the practical exercises (if applicable).

CISRS Basic and Advanced course options are also available for those learners looking to acquire a CISRS card.


SG4:22 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations

The key changes in SG4:22 are:

  • The removal of obsolete technology.
  • The inclusion of case studies highlighting accident and enforcement learning.
  • The embracing of new technology (e.g., drones and 3D modelling).
  • Updates to reflect changes brought in with TG20:21 (such a TG20 loading bays).
  • The inclusion of modular system scaffolding as well as traditional tube and fitting.
  • Additional safety guidance on working on beams.
  • Hazards, risks and control measures required when working on fragile roofs.
  • Improved Safe System of Work (SSOW) for temporary roofs and the prevention of falls.
FAQs

FAQs

Multiple times.

Scaffolding used for construction must be inspected by a competent person before it is used for the first time and at intervals of no more than seven days thereafter. An additional inspection is required after any substantial alteration or event that could affect its safety, such as high winds, severe weather or accidental damage.

The scaffold user or hirer is responsible for ensuring the required inspections take place. 

The inspection must be completed by someone whose training, knowledge and experience are appropriate for the type and complexity of the scaffold being inspected.

No. 

A visible scaffold tagging system is not a legal requirement, although it can provide a useful indication that a scaffold has been inspected. It does not replace the formal inspection report required under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

No. 

This is a one-day, ESS-certified Basic Scaffold Inspection Awareness course covering basic scaffolds that comply with TG20:21. The CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection course is a separate three-day course that leads towards a CISRS Scaffold Inspection Card and has specific experience and entry requirements. The appropriate course will depend on the learner’s responsibilities, experience and any employer or site requirements.