Proper Scaffolding Inspection: Your Guide to Scaffolding Tags

Safety is paramount when it comes to scaffolding. As with any large construction project where scaffolding is involved, there are various safety procedures and inspections that must take place before any work is carried out.

Following the installation of scaffolding and before first use, it is integral that the scaffold users or hirers ensure that all scaffolding has been inspected properly. The scaffold users or hirers must also make sure that scaffolding is inspected regularly at ‘an interval of no more than 7 days thereafter’ and ‘following any circumstances liable to jeopardise the safety of the installation (e.g. high winds)’, according to guidelines and regulations set out by Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
One of the scaffolding inspection systems in place to ensure safety for all those using scaffolding, comes in the form of scaffolding tags, otherwise known as safety tags.

What is a scaffolding tag?

A scaffolding tag is signage that is placed onto erect scaffolding, and used to indicate whether it is compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. OSHA is a public health agency that sets and enforces workplace safety regulations.

There are two main types of scaffolding safety tags; these are commonly categorised as ‘red tags’ and ‘green tags’ – we’ll get into their individual meanings a little later on, but feel free to scroll down if you’re eager to find out more about these exciting little labels.
Scaffolding tags are primarily used to show workers when scaffolding is, and is not, safe to use. A scaffolding safety tag is placed onto key points of the scaffold, and used after a scaffold inspection has taken place. Scaffolding safety tags can be used on any type of scaffolding, occurring at any access point.

As scaffolding can be the source of multiple different hazards in the workplace – including falls and objects falling. By tagging equipment, workers know if the scaffolding is safe to use and that it has been inspected and to a high standard.

On these safety tags, they can also record information about the last inspection, such as the date, as well as any modifications that have taken place to the scaffold structure. This lets users know when another inspection is due, as well as inform them of any changes.

Why use scaffolding safety tags?

The main reason why we use scaffold tags is to provide a world leading visual indication that the scaffolding has been inspected and improve scaffolding safety. It is part of the scaffold inspection system that helps prevent working at height hazards for scaffold users, and efficiently manage scaffold inspection procedures. You can ensure safe scaffolding use with scaffolding safety tags.

What are the different types of scaffolding tags and why are they important?

Most commonly red tags are used for unsafe or incomplete scaffolds, and green tags are used when a scaffold is safe and ready to use.

  • Red Tags – this indicates that the scaffold is unsafe or that it is an incomplete scaffolding structure and therefore it should not be used
  • Green Tags – indicates that scaffolding is safe and ready to use, so construction work and repairs can go ahead
  • Contact Safeway Scaffolding

    If you’re interested in learning more about scaffolding safety and inspections, or health and safety in general, please feel free to contact our expert team by calling 01675 465593 or through filling out our online contact form and we’ll be in touch.

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