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Module 4 of 7 · 20 min

Scaffolds: who erects and who inspects them

Free work at height course: read the module, review with the questions and move on to the next one. At the end, a test and a PDF certificate.

Module 4 of 7 · Course contents

Design and plan

Scaffolds are designed, erected and maintained so they do not collapse or move. Depending on complexity, an assembly, use and dismantling plan drawn up by a person with a qualifying university degree is needed (4.3.3). It is mandatory, among others, for:

  • Suspended variable-level platforms and mast climbing platforms.
  • Prefabricated scaffolds over 6 metres high or with spans over 8 metres (except trestles).
  • Scaffolds on roofs or terraces more than 24 metres above the ground.
  • Mobile towers where work is done above 6 metres.

Erection and inspection

  • They are erected, dismantled or altered under the direction of a qualified person and by workers with suitable and specific training (4.3.7).
  • A qualified person inspects them before first use, periodically and after any change, storm, long stoppage or shock (4.3.8).
  • Unfinished parts are signposted and access is blocked (4.3.6); mobile scaffolds are locked in place (4.3.4).
In practiceIf you arrive in the morning and a scaffold guardrail that was there yesterday is missing, do not go up: report it. An altered scaffold must be inspected again.

Source: Real Decreto 2177/2004, trabajos temporales en altura (temporary work at height, in Spanish), annex II, point 4.3

Module practice test

5 new questions, different from the final test. Tap an answer to see whether it is right, why, and which rule it comes from.

1. What if there is no design calculation for the scaffold?

2. For a CE-marked scaffold, what can replace the assembly plan?

3. Can there be dangerous gaps between the scaffold platform and the guardrail?

4. Who must have the assembly and dismantling plan?

5. What does training for scaffold erectors include?

Course contents