RAMS for Scaffolding: Erection, Alteration and Dismantling UK Guide

Scaffolding is one of the most common temporary structures on construction sites, and one of the most dangerous when it goes wrong. Scaffold collapse, falls from incomplete platforms, and falling materials account for a significant proportion of serious injuries and fatalities in UK construction every year. A properly written RAMS is not optional. It is the document that sets out how the work will be done safely, who is competent to do it, and what controls are in place to protect everyone on and around the scaffold.

This guide covers what a scaffolding RAMS must include, the legal framework you need to reference, the competency requirements for scaffold operatives, and the specific hazards and control measures that separate a compliant document from a box-ticking exercise.

Scaffolding Accidents: Why the RAMS Matters

Scaffold collapse and falls from scaffold platforms are among the most significant causes of construction deaths in the UK. HSE data consistently shows that falls from height are the single largest cause of fatal injuries in construction, and scaffolding is involved in a substantial share of those incidents.

The root causes are well documented:

• Incomplete scaffolds being used before they are finished or handed over
• Missing boards, guardrails, or toe boards on working platforms
• Overloading of platforms beyond their designed duty class
• Inadequate or missing ties allowing the scaffold to pull away from the building
• Poor foundations, base plates on soft ground, or standards not plumb
• Unauthorised alterations by trades who are not scaffold-competent

Every one of these failures is preventable. The RAMS is where prevention starts, because it forces you to think through the hazards, specify the controls, and confirm that only competent people will do the work.

Legal Framework

Scaffolding operations in the UK sit under several overlapping pieces of legislation. Your RAMS should reference the ones relevant to the specific job, but the core framework is consistent.

Work at Height Regulations 2005

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) are the primary legislation governing scaffolding. Schedule 3 specifically covers requirements for scaffolding and is where you will find the legal basis for scaffold inspection, design, and competency requirements. Schedule 7 sets out the inspection regime: every 7 days, after adverse weather, and after any event likely to have affected stability.

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

CDM 2015 applies to all construction projects. The principal contractor must plan, manage, and monitor the construction phase, which includes ensuring that scaffolding is erected and used safely. The pre-construction information should identify any constraints affecting scaffold design (overhead power lines, restricted access, adjacent public areas), and the construction phase plan should address scaffolding as a significant activity.

NASC SG4:15

NASC Technical Guidance SG4:15 (Preventing Falls in Scaffolding) is the industry standard for safe scaffold erection and dismantling. While not legislation, SG4 is referenced by HSE inspectors and courts as the benchmark for what constitutes good practice. It covers the use of advance guardrail systems (AGR), sequence of erection, and the circumstances under which personal fall protection is required. Your RAMS should explicitly reference SG4:15 where scaffold erection and dismantling sequences are described.

BS EN 12811

BS EN 12811 (Temporary Works Equipment: Scaffolds) is the European standard that covers performance requirements and general design for system scaffolds. For proprietary system scaffold (e.g., Layher, HAKI, Cuplok), the manufacturer's design guidance and load tables are derived from this standard. If you are using system scaffold rather than tube and fitting, your RAMS should reference the specific system and its design documentation.

Who Can Erect Scaffolding?

Competency is central to scaffolding safety, and your RAMS must specify who is permitted to erect, alter, and dismantle the scaffold. In the UK, the recognised competency standard is the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) card scheme.

• CISRS Part 1 Scaffolder: can work under direct supervision of a Part 2 or Advanced scaffolder
• CISRS Part 2 Scaffolder: fully qualified scaffolder, can erect standard scaffolds
• CISRS Advanced Scaffolder: qualified to erect complex scaffolds and supervise scaffold gangs
• CISRS Scaffolding Labourer: holds a labourer card, can assist but not erect scaffold components independently

Scaffold gangs should be supervised by an Advanced scaffolder, particularly for complex structures. For scaffolds that are not covered by a standard design (generally anything over 2m lift height deviation from the norm, loading scaffolds, cantilever scaffolds, or scaffolds over 50m in height), a scaffolding designer must produce the design and calculations. The designer should be a chartered engineer or hold a CISRS scaffolding design qualification.

Your RAMS must state the minimum CISRS card level required for each role in the scaffold operation. Do not leave this vague. Name the competency standard and card type.

Key Hazards for the RAMS

The risk assessment section of your scaffolding RAMS should address each of the following hazard categories. These are not theoretical risks. They are the causes that appear repeatedly in HSE investigation reports and RIDDOR data.

Falls During Erection and Dismantling

The highest risk period is during erection and dismantling, when edge protection is not yet in place (or has been removed). Scaffolders are working at height on an incomplete structure. SG4:15 addresses this directly with prescribed erection sequences and the use of advance guardrail (AGR) systems. Your RAMS must describe the erection sequence, specify when and how AGR or personal fall protection will be used, and confirm that operatives are trained in the method.

Scaffold Collapse

Collapse is caused by inadequate ties, overloading, subsidence of the ground beneath base plates, or removal of bracing members. Ties are frequently the critical factor. If the scaffold is not tied to the building at the correct intervals, wind loading alone can bring the structure down. Your RAMS should specify the tie pattern, tie type (through-tie, box tie, reveal tie), and the maximum spacing permitted.

Falling Materials

Materials falling from scaffold platforms injure people below. Toe boards (minimum 150mm), brick guards, and debris netting are the primary controls. Where the scaffold is adjacent to a public area, pedestrian protection such as fans or covered walkways may be required. Your RAMS must specify which falling material controls are in place at each level of the scaffold.

Manual Handling

Tube and fitting scaffolding involves significant manual handling. A single scaffold tube weighs approximately 14kg, and scaffolders handle hundreds of tubes per shift. Repetitive lifting, carrying tubes on shoulders, and working in awkward positions create musculoskeletal injury risks. Your RAMS should address how materials are raised to height (gin wheel, material hoist, crane), team lifting procedures, and any mechanical handling aids available.

Proximity to Overhead Power Lines

Scaffolding near overhead power lines creates an electrocution risk from scaffold tubes and metal fittings. HSE Guidance Note GS6 covers working near overhead lines. If the scaffold is within the exclusion zone, the power line must be diverted or made dead before work begins. Your RAMS must identify any overhead lines, specify the safe clearance distance, and describe the control measures (goal posts, bunting, barriers, liaison with the distribution network operator).

Public Interface

Scaffolding in public areas creates risks to pedestrians and road users. Falling materials, scaffold components protruding into walkways, and vehicle strikes on scaffold structures all need to be addressed. Controls include pedestrian barriers, scaffold lighting, fans and debris netting, covered walkways, and coordination with local authority highways departments for pavement licences and road closures where necessary.

Control Measures

The method statement section of your RAMS should translate the hazard identification into specific, practical controls. Here is what to include for a scaffolding operation.

Design and Planning

Any scaffold that is not a basic, standard configuration needs a scaffolding design drawing produced by a competent designer. The design must specify the tie pattern, the loading the scaffold is designed to carry (duty class), the foundation requirements, and any special features such as cantilevers, loading bays, or bridging. Even for standard scaffolds, a sketch showing the layout, tie positions, and access points should be included in the RAMS.

Erection Sequence

The method statement should describe the erection sequence step by step, following SG4:15 principles. This includes setting out base plates and sole boards on firm, level ground, erecting standards and ledgers in the correct order, installing transoms and boarding as the scaffold rises, fitting advance guardrail systems at each lift before boarding is laid at the next level, and installing ties at the specified intervals as the scaffold progresses upward. The sequence should also cover how materials are raised to the working level (gin wheel for light loads, hoist or crane for heavier lifts).

Inspections

The Work at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 7, require that scaffolds are inspected:

• Before first use after erection
• At intervals not exceeding 7 days
• After any event likely to have affected stability (including adverse weather)
• After any substantial addition or alteration

Inspections must be carried out by a competent person, and the results recorded in a scaffold register. Your RAMS should name who is responsible for inspections and confirm the inspection frequency.

Tie Requirements

Ties are what prevent the scaffold from overturning or pulling away from the building. As a minimum, ties should be provided at every 4m horizontally and every 4m vertically (a 4m x 4m grid pattern). Through-ties (passing through an opening in the building and bearing on the inner face of the wall) are preferred because they resist both push and pull forces. Reveal ties (expanding inside a window reveal) only resist push forces and should not be the sole tie type for scaffolds above a single lift. Box ties provide an alternative where through-ties are impractical. Your RAMS must specify the tie type, spacing, and any restrictions on which tie methods can be used.

Loading

Scaffolds are designed to carry a specific load, classified by duty. General purpose scaffolds (the most common type for construction work) are rated to 225 kg/m2. If the work requires heavier loading (brickwork, block storage, concrete placing), the scaffold must be designed as a heavy duty or special duty scaffold with corresponding higher load ratings. Overloading is a common cause of scaffold failure. Your RAMS must state the duty class of the scaffold and make clear that operatives must not exceed the platform loading. Loading bays, where materials are craned onto the scaffold, need specific design attention and should be clearly identified.

Handover and the Scaffold Tag System

Once the scaffold is erected and inspected, it should be formally handed over to the user. The scaffold tag system (ScaffTag or equivalent) provides a visible status indicator at each access point. A green tag means the scaffold has been inspected, is complete, and is safe to use. A red tag means it is incomplete, under alteration, or has failed inspection. No one should use a scaffold displaying a red tag. Your RAMS must specify that the tag system will be used, that no alterations will be made without a qualified scaffolder, and that any damage or concerns are reported immediately.

Scaffold Inspection: The 7-Day Rule

The 7-day inspection requirement under Schedule 7 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 is one of the most commonly referenced (and sometimes misunderstood) requirements in scaffolding. It is worth covering in detail because your RAMS should set out exactly how this will be managed.

The inspection must be carried out by a competent person. This does not mean just anyone with site experience. The competent person must have sufficient training, knowledge, and practical experience of scaffolding to identify defects and assess whether the scaffold is safe to use. CISRS scaffold inspectors hold the CISRS Scaffold Inspection Training Scheme (SITS) card, which is widely recognised as evidence of competence for this purpose.

What the inspector should check:

• Standards are plumb and correctly spaced
• Ledgers are level and properly coupled
• Bracing is in place and secure
• Ties are present, correctly positioned, and secure
• Boards are in good condition, not split or warped, and correctly supported
• Guardrails are at the correct height (950mm minimum) and secure
• Toe boards are fitted (minimum 150mm)
• Access ladders are secured and extend at least 1m above the platform
• Base plates and sole boards are in good condition and the ground has not subsided
• No unauthorised modifications have been made

The inspection results must be recorded. While there is no prescribed format, most contractors use a scaffold register or inspection report form. The record should include the date, the name and competence of the inspector, the scaffold location, the findings, and any actions required. These records must be kept on site and available for inspection by the HSE.

Beyond the 7-day cycle, inspections are also required after strong winds (typically wind speeds above 40 mph or as specified in the design), heavy rain, snow or ice loading, any impact damage, or after any alteration to the scaffold. Your RAMS should specify the trigger events that will prompt an additional inspection.

Generate Your Scaffolding RAMS

Writing a scaffolding RAMS from scratch takes hours. SwiftRMS generates a comprehensive, regulation-compliant RAMS for scaffold erection, alteration, and dismantling in minutes. Describe your scaffolding operation, and the AI produces a full risk assessment and method statement referencing WAHR 2005, CDM 2015, SG4:15, and the relevant British Standards. You review it, add your site-specific details, and sign it off. Try SwiftRMS free and generate your scaffolding RAMS today.

Related Guides

• Working at Height RAMS: Complete UK Guide
• What is a RAMS? The Complete UK Guide
• Construction Phase Plan: The Complete UK Guide to CDM 2015 Compliance
• CDM Regulations 2015: What You Need to Know

System Scaffolding vs Tube and Fitting

There are two broad categories of scaffolding used on UK sites: system scaffolding and tube and fitting scaffolding. Each has distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on the project, the structure, and the workforce available.

System Scaffolding (Layher, HAKI, Cuplok)

System scaffolds use pre-engineered, modular components that slot or lock together. Popular systems in the UK include Layher Allround, HAKI, and Cuplok. Key advantages include:

• Faster erection and dismantling due to fewer loose components and standardised connections
• Modular design that allows rapid configuration for regular-shaped structures
• Requires less overall skill to erect, though operatives need system-specific training for the particular product being used
• Fewer loose fittings on site, reducing the risk of dropped objects

Tube and Fitting Scaffolding

Tube and fitting (also called tube and coupler) is the traditional scaffolding method. Steel tubes are connected with right-angle, swivel, or putlog couplers to build bespoke structures. Key characteristics include:

• Universal adaptability, able to conform to any building shape, curve, or obstruction
• Requires a higher skill level from scaffolders, as every joint is individually assembled
• CISRS trained scaffolders are essential, as incorrect coupler tightening or tube placement can compromise the entire structure
• Ideal for complex, irregular, or heritage buildings where system scaffold cannot easily fit

When to Use Each Type

For new-build housing estates, commercial blocks, and regular facades, system scaffolding is usually faster and more cost-effective. For refurbishment work, listed buildings, bridges, or structures with complex geometry, tube and fitting gives the flexibility needed. Many scaffolding contractors use a hybrid approach, combining system scaffold for the main structure with tube and fitting for awkward details. Your RAMS should specify which system is being used, confirm that operatives hold the correct training cards, and detail the erection sequence for the chosen method.

Public Protection Requirements

When scaffold is erected over or adjacent to a public footpath, road, or shared space, additional protection measures are legally required to safeguard pedestrians and road users. Failing to implement these can result in enforcement action from the HSE or the local authority.

Key Protection Measures

• Scaffold fans (also called catch fans) installed at first-lift level to catch falling materials
• Debris netting across the full face of the scaffold to prevent small objects from falling through
• Brick guards fitted to all working platforms on the public-facing side
• Toe boards with no gaps on every boarded lift to prevent materials rolling off platforms
• Lighting at night where the scaffold obstructs the footpath or road, including hazard warning lights on any projecting elements
• Hoarding at the base to prevent public access to the scaffold area and protect against unauthorised climbing
• Pedestrian walkway with overhead protection (a covered walkway or gantry) if the scaffold spans a footpath, ensuring safe passage beneath

Licences and Permissions

If the scaffold occupies any part of a public road or footpath, a local authority licence is usually required under the Highways Act 1980 (Section 169). This typically involves submitting a scaffold plan, paying a fee, and complying with conditions around timing, lighting, and reinstatement. Apply well in advance, as processing times vary by council. Your RAMS should reference the licence number once obtained and detail all public protection measures that will be in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-scaffolder modify a scaffold?

No. Even removing a single board, clip, or tie counts as altering the scaffold and must only be carried out by a competent scaffolder. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, any modification by an untrained person creates an immediate risk and can lead to prosecution. If a scaffold does not suit the work being carried out, contact the scaffolding contractor to arrange an alteration.

How long can a scaffold stay erected without inspection?

7 days maximum. Under the Work at Height Regulations, scaffolds must be inspected at intervals not exceeding 7 days, after any event likely to have affected stability (such as high winds), and before first use. Each inspection must be recorded in writing by a competent person and the report kept on site.

What is a scaff tag?

A scaff tag (scaffold tag or scafftag) is a colour-coded tag fixed to the scaffold at the point of access. A green tag means the scaffold has been inspected and is safe to use. A red tag means it is incomplete, unsafe, or under alteration and must not be used. The tag shows the date of the last inspection, the competent person who inspected it, and any restrictions. Never use a scaffold with a red tag or no tag at all.

Do I need a scaffold design for a basic house scaffold?

Not always. A standard independent or putlog scaffold on a domestic property can often be erected to the guidance in TG20:13 without a bespoke design, provided it falls within the compliance criteria (height, bay length, wind loading, etc.). The scaffolder should produce a TG20 compliance sheet confirming this. If the scaffold falls outside TG20 parameters (for example, taller than the guide allows, heavily loaded, or with unusual geometry), a scaffold design from a structural engineer is required.

What are the most common scaffold inspection failures?

The most frequently identified issues during scaffold inspections include:

• Missing or incomplete guard rails and toe boards
• Boards not fully supported or overhanging bearers by more than four times their thickness
• Inadequate ties to the building, especially after trades remove them to work
• Base plates not seated on sole boards or sole boards inadequate for the ground conditions
• Gaps in boarding large enough for a person or materials to fall through
• No scaff tag or an out-of-date inspection record

Authority Sources

For further reading and official guidance on scaffolding safety and compliance:

External Resources

• NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) nasc.org.uk
• CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) cisrs.org.uk
• TG20:13 Compliance Guide for good practice guidance on tube and fitting scaffolds nasc.org.uk/tg20
• BS EN 12811 (Temporary works equipment: Scaffolds) the European standard for scaffold performance requirements bsigroup.com
• HSE CIS49 General access scaffolds and ladders information sheet hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis49.pdf

Related Articles on Swift

• Working at Height: The Complete UK Safety Guide
• Construction Phase Plan: The Complete UK Guide
• What is a RAMS? The Complete UK Guide
• CDM Regulations 2015: What You Need to Know
• Manual Handling at Work: The Complete UK Guide