Inspection of Welded Tubular Frame Scaffolding

OSHA requires visual inspection of scaffolding before every use. The following list gives an idea of the components of steel and aluminum frame scaffolding that need to be inspected. This is a general list and not comprehensive; the manufacturer or employer is responsible for providing guidelines specific to the scaffolding in use.

Frames, cross braces, screw jacks or base plates, and sidewall brackets should be inspected for the following, as applicable:

• Bent crossmembers or legs, including dents and dimples
• Cracked or broken welds
• Cracked or damaged adjusting nuts
• Damaged or excessively loose pivots
• Damaged threads
• Discoloration due to possible exposure to caustic chemicals
• Evidence of extreme heat
• Evidence of field welding or modification
• Excessive corrosion such as pitting or flaking
• Excessively loose adjusting nuts
• Extra or deformed holes
• Holes in legs, braces, or crossmembers due to cutting or cutting torch activity
• Missing connecting hardware, fasteners (rivets, bolts), members, legs, or crossmembers
• Missing or damaged hooks or connecting devices
• Missing or inoperable cross-brace lock devices
• Split or cracked tube
• Splits or cracks in braces or leg material
• Squareness or warp of brackets, frames, ledger frames, and major components
• Straightness of legs
• Tubular members out of round or deviations from normal cross section

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.