Scaffolding rules

You must use a builder or scaffolding contractor who is trained and competent if you want to put up scaffolding.

It’s the responsibility of the builder or scaffolding company to get a licence for any scaffolding they put up on the highway (this includes the pavement).

But it’s your responsibility to check they have this legal document and that it doesn’t run out before the building work is finished.

Your local council may have a list of approved scaffolding contractors.

Safety

If there’s a risk to the public, schedule scaffolding work for quiet times or get a highway closure from your local council.

By law, you must check scaffolding to make sure it’s safe:

  • before you first use it
  • every 7 days while it’s up
  • after alterations, damage or extreme weather conditions