Work-at-Height Equipment Inspection Checklist
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Reviewed
- 1 October 2026
- Who this checklist is for
- Primary and secondary schools in England, including maintained schools and academies, where work-at-height equipment is used. Scaffolding erection and use remain limited to competent persons.
- Jurisdiction
- england
18 checklist steps
Blank response areas · preview only
Applicability
Use this checklist only where the school uses work-at-height equipment, such as roof-edge protection, harness eyebolts, window-cleaning systems or scaffolding.
Inspection record
Record whether this is a pre-use or periodic inspection.
Choose one
- Pre-use inspection
- Periodic inspection
Inspection date
Response required
Record the date of the inspection.
Enter date
Inspector
Response required
Record the name of the person carrying out the inspection.
Enter name
Equipment identified
Identify the work-at-height equipment included in this inspection.
Choose all that apply
- Roof-edge protection
- Harness eyebolts
- Window-cleaning system
- Scaffolding
- Other work-at-height equipment
Equipment identification details
Response required
Record the equipment identifier, location or other details needed to identify the item inspected.
Enter identifier and location
Suitability
Check that the equipment is suitable for the intended work-at-height activity and use.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Stability
Check that the equipment is stable for its intended use.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Strength
Check that the equipment is sufficiently strong for its intended use.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Condition
Inspect the equipment for signs that it is not in good condition, including damage, deterioration, looseness or other defects.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Inspection outcome
Record the outcome of the inspection.
Choose one
- No defects identified
- Defect identified
- Inspection unable to be completed
Defects and limitations
Record any defect, damage, deterioration, limitation or reason the inspection could not be completed.
Enter details
Removal from use
If a defect or other concern makes the equipment unsuitable for use, remove it from use and record the action taken.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Removal details
Where equipment has been removed from use, record how it was identified, isolated or otherwise prevented from use and who was notified.
Enter action and notification details
Scaffolding competence
If scaffolding is included, confirm that its erection and use are being carried out by competent persons.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Scaffolding competence record
If scaffolding is included, record the competent person or persons responsible for its erection and use.
Enter name, role or organisation
Further action
Record any repair, replacement, specialist inspection, escalation or other follow-up action required.
Enter follow-up action
Responsible person
Record the person responsible for completing or monitoring any further action.
Enter name or role