Inspection Guidelines for Suspended Scaffold Installations

By Brian Lafferty

The DOB has announced some changes to requirements for suspended scaffold installations. There are two types of suspended scaffolds that are subject to inspection – Adjustable suspended scaffolds, and non-adjustable suspended scaffolds that have a platform area greater than 40 square feet.

Inspection goes hand in hand with installation. When the scaffold is originally installed on the site, it will require inspection. Similarly, when the scaffold is relocated to a new location on the building, or if any part of the mechanism attaching the scaffold is changed or altered, an inspection must confirm that all is as it should be.

The inspection must be performed by a licensed rigger, a designated rigging foreman employed by the license holder, a NY State professional engineer or registered architect, or an an individual employed by and supervised by this professional. In the event that the inspector questions the safety of the installation, they registered architect or engineer must be consulted.  Further, the engineer or architect must review all projects where parapet clamps are utilized.

The designated inspector will need to inspect all of the components and surfaces are safe and in operable condition prior to installation. Following the install, the inspector must review everything again, this time confirming that everything is installed in accordance with approved design drawings.

Once completed, the inspector must document the inspection and complete an installation inspection report. They will keep the signed form on site. Once the installation inspection and report are completed, the suspended scaffold may be used.