School Work-at-Height Equipment Inspection Checklist
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Who this checklist is for
- Maintained and academy schools in England using work-at-height equipment. Complete only the sections relevant to equipment and scaffolding arrangements present at the school.
- Jurisdiction
- england
15 checklist steps
Blank response areas · preview only
Identify the inspection scope
Select all equipment or arrangements included in this inspection.
Choose all that apply
- Roof-edge protection
- Harness eyebolts or systems
- Window-cleaning equipment or systems
- Scaffolding arrangements
- Other work-at-height equipment
Record the inspection type
Select whether this is a pre-use inspection or a periodic inspection.
Choose one
- Pre-use inspection
- Periodic inspection
Record inspection details
Response required
Record the inspection date, location, equipment or arrangement identifier, and inspector name.
Date; location; equipment or arrangement identifier; inspector name
Check suitability
Check that each item included in this inspection is suitable for the intended work-at-height activity and location.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check stability
Check that each item included in this inspection is stable for its intended use.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check strength
Check that each item included in this inspection is sufficiently strong for its intended use, using the available equipment information and inspection evidence.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check condition
Inspect the equipment or arrangement for signs that it is not in good condition, including damage, deterioration, looseness, missing parts or other visible defects.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check roof-edge protection where present
If roof-edge protection is included in this inspection, inspect it for suitability, stability, sufficient strength and good condition. If it is not present or not included, record this step as not applicable.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check harness eyebolts or systems where present
If harness eyebolts or systems are included in this inspection, inspect them for suitability, stability, sufficient strength and good condition. If they are not present or not included, record this step as not applicable.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check window-cleaning systems where present
If systems used to secure window-cleaning equipment are included in this inspection, inspect them for suitability, stability, sufficient strength and good condition. If they are not present or not included, record this step as not applicable.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check scaffolding arrangements where present
If scaffolding is included in this inspection, check the arrangement for suitability, stability, sufficient strength and good condition. If scaffolding is not present or not included, record this step as not applicable.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Confirm scaffolding competence where applicable
If scaffolding is being erected or used, confirm that the persons erecting and using it are competent for those activities. If scaffolding is not being erected or used, record this step as not applicable.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Record defects and restrictions
Response required
Record every defect, suspected defect or condition that prevents confirmation of suitability, stability, sufficient strength or good condition. Identify the affected equipment or arrangement and record any restriction placed on its use pending assessment or corrective action.
Equipment or arrangement; defect or concern; use restriction; action required
Control identified defects
Where a defect or concern is identified, ensure the affected equipment or arrangement is not relied on for work at height until its suitability and condition have been assessed and any necessary action has been completed. Record the responsible person and follow-up status.
Record follow-up
Response required
Record the person responsible for each follow-up action, the action taken or planned, and the date of review.
Responsible person; action; review date; status