Ask The Expert: How Often Do You Have to Inspect Scaffolding in Ontario?

QUESTION

How frequently must scaffolding inspections be performed under the Ontario construction regulations’

ANSWER

Generally, a scaffold must be inspected by a professional engineer or competent worker designated by the project supervisor before its first used to ensure it’s erected in accordance with the design drawings (Const. Regs, Sec. 130(3)). Thereafter, inspection must take place at least as often as required in the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are also specific inspection frequency rules for particular types of equipment. For example, a centre pole scaffold used in silo construction must be inspected at the intervals set out in Sec. 132. In addition, a professional engineer must inspect the centre pole scaffold’s structural adequacy either (whichever comes earlier):

• After every 24 uses since the last inspection; OR
• For a scaffold used in the construction of a:
  • Monolithic silo: 2 years after the scaffold is erected or after the most recent inspection; and
  • Stave silo: 1 year after the scaffold is erected or after the most recent inspection.

Last but not least, there are also separate and more rigorous inspection and testing requirements for suspended work platforms and boatswain’s chairs (which are listed starting at Sec. 136).