Scaffold Inspection Checklist Calculator

Inspect frames, planks, access, and fall protection quickly onsite before every shift. Get a weighted score, clear status, and downloadable reports for crews today.

Enter Inspection Details

Choose Pass/Fail/NA for each checklist item. NA items do not affect the score.


Checklist Items

Critical items carry weight 2 and trigger FAIL when failed.
Tip: Use NA only when the item does not apply.
Item Category Critical Weight Result Notes
Base plates and sole boards installed, stable, and level Foundation Yes 2
Ground bearing capacity verified; no settlement signs Foundation Yes 2
Standards are plumb; scaffold is level and square Structure Yes 2
Ties/anchors installed per plan; secure and undamaged Structure Yes 2
Bracing installed correctly; no missing cross braces Structure Yes 2
Frames, ledgers, and couplers free from cracks or bends Structure Yes 2
Platforms fully planked; correct span and overlap Platforms Yes 2
Planks secured; no uplift, gaps, or excessive deflection Platforms Yes 2
Toe boards installed where required Platforms No 1
Top rails, mid rails, and ends installed where required Fall Protection Yes 2
Personal fall arrest or restraint used when required Fall Protection Yes 2
Openings protected; gates or chains in place Fall Protection Yes 2
Safe access provided; ladders/stairs secured and clear Access Yes 2
Landing areas clear; no trip hazards Access No 1
Load limits posted; material loads within rating Loading Yes 2
Materials secured; no overhanging loads Loading No 1
Clearance from power lines maintained or de-energized Site Hazards Yes 2
Wind/ice/rain evaluated; work restricted when unsafe Site Hazards Yes 2
Overhead protection in place where required Site Hazards No 1
Tagging/signage updated; inspection recorded for shift Administration No 1
Good housekeeping; debris removed and access maintained Administration No 1

This tool supports consistent documentation. Always follow your local safety rules and manufacturer guidance.

Example Data Table

Project Location Type Height (m) Critical Fails Score (%) Status
Warehouse Expansion North Elevation Frame 8.5 0 92.3 PASS
Office Retrofit Stair Core A System 6.0 0 84.6 CONDITIONAL
Facade Repairs West Side Tube and Coupler 12.0 1 78.1 FAIL

Scores depend on applicable items, weights, and critical outcomes.

Formula Used

This calculator uses a weighted compliance score. Each applicable item (Pass/Fail) contributes its weight. Standard items use weight 1, and critical items use weight 2.

Definitions
  • Total Applicable Weight = sum of weights for all non‑NA items
  • Passed Weight = sum of weights for items marked Pass
  • Score (%) = (Passed Weight ÷ Total Applicable Weight) × 100
Status Rules
  • FAIL if any critical item is failed, or score < 75%
  • CONDITIONAL if score is 75%–89.9% and no critical fails
  • PASS if score ≥ 90% and no critical fails

Adjust thresholds to match your company procedure or client requirements.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter project details, inspection date, and scaffold characteristics.
  2. For each checklist item, select Pass, Fail, or NA if not applicable.
  3. Add notes for any concern, damage, or missing component you observe.
  4. Click Calculate & Generate Report to view results above the form.
  5. Use the export buttons to download CSV or PDF for records.
  6. Correct failed items, then re-run the inspection to confirm compliance.

Professional Guidance Article

1) Why documented scaffold checks matter

Scaffolds change daily as materials move, weather shifts, and access routes evolve. A structured checklist reduces missed hazards by forcing consistent reviews of foundations, bracing, platforms, and fall protection. This calculator turns observations into a repeatable record with a clear outcome that crews can act on immediately.

2) What this calculator measures

The checklist uses weighted scoring. Standard items count as weight 1, while critical controls count as weight 2. Items marked NA are excluded. A higher weight reflects higher consequence failure modes such as instability, inadequate fall protection, or unsafe access.

3) Interpreting the score thresholds

Your score is calculated as (Passed Weight ÷ Total Applicable Weight) × 100. The calculator flags FAIL when any critical item is failed or the score drops below 75%. Results between 75% and 89.9% become CONDITIONAL, while 90% and above is PASS. These thresholds help prioritize fixes and communicate risk quickly.

4) Critical controls that drive outcomes

Critical items focus on stability and fall prevention: base plates and sole boards, verified ground support, plumb and level standards, correct ties and anchors, complete bracing, fully planked platforms, guardrails, protected openings, and safe access. One failure in these areas can outweigh many minor passes because the risk is immediate and severe.

5) Using notes to improve corrective action quality

Scores alone do not fix hazards. Notes add the “what and where” needed for rapid correction, such as “missing mid-rail at bay 3” or “uplift risk on plank edge near ladder landing.” Detailed notes also support trend tracking across shifts and subcontractors.

6) Shift-to-shift trend tracking with exports

CSV exports work well for dashboards: count critical fails per week, track average score by crew, and identify recurring categories like access or bracing. PDF exports suit site files and client audits. Pair each report with a quick re-inspection after corrections to demonstrate closure.

7) Weather and loading are common change drivers

Wind, rain, and ice can loosen components, reduce traction, and increase sway. Loading changes can overstress platforms or shift the center of gravity. Use the duty rating and weather fields to capture context and justify restrictions when conditions are not acceptable.

8) Implementation tips for better compliance

Standardize who inspects, when inspections occur, and how results are communicated. Keep the checklist short enough for field use, but strict on critical controls. Train crews to treat CONDITIONAL as “fix soon” and FAIL as “stop work,” then verify closure with a follow-up report.

FAQs

1) What does “NA” mean and how does it affect scoring?

NA means the item does not apply to this scaffold or task. NA items are excluded from the total applicable weight, so they do not reduce your percentage score.

2) Why do some items have higher weights?

Higher weights represent higher-consequence hazards. Failing stability, fall protection, or access controls can create immediate serious risk, so the score prioritizes those controls.

3) What triggers a FAIL result?

FAIL occurs if any critical item is marked Fail or if the overall score is below 75%. This encourages immediate correction before allowing continued use.

4) Can I change the thresholds for PASS and CONDITIONAL?

Yes. If your procedure or client requirements use different limits, adjust the threshold logic in the status section of the script to match your standard.

5) How should I use the “Recommended Actions” list?

Use it as a corrective-action checklist. Assign responsibility, fix the specific defects, and re-inspect. Export the updated report to document closure and maintain traceability.

6) Does this replace a competent-person inspection?

No. It supports consistent documentation and communication. A qualified and authorized person must still inspect and approve scaffolds per your local rules and manufacturer guidance.

7) What’s the best way to store reports long-term?

Use PDFs for site files and audits, and CSV files for tracking trends. Keep reports organized by project, location, and date so you can prove ongoing inspection activity.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.