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Scaffolding Risk Assessment — Instant UK-Compliant Document
Describe the scaffold erection, alteration or dismantling job. We write a fully compliant scaffolding risk assessment — referencing NASC, TG20 and the Work at Height Regulations — in minutes.
Used by scaffolding contractors, principal contractors and construction sites across the UK
🏗 Erecting near a public footpath or highway? Mention it — we’ll include pedestrian exclusion zones, signage requirements, fan and netting specifications, and local authority notification where applicable.
Legal Requirements for Scaffolding Operations
Scaffolding is one of the highest-risk construction activities. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that all work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out safely. Scaffolding is explicitly covered as a means of work at height, and a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is a legal requirement before any erection, alteration or dismantling operation begins.
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) place duties on principal contractors to ensure that risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) are in place for all significant site operations — scaffolding always qualifies. Your scaffolding contractor should be able to produce a site-specific risk assessment before work starts.
Industry guidance from the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation), including TG20, sets the technical standard for scaffolding design and inspection. For mobile scaffold towers, PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) guidance and training requirements apply. Anyrisks assessments reference these standards where relevant.
The Legal Framework for Scaffolding Contractors
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR 2005) require all work at height to be properly planned, appropriately supervised, and carried out in a safe manner. Regulation 6 requires employers to avoid work at height where possible, use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls, and mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall where prevention is not practicable. Scaffolding must be erected, dismantled and altered only by competent persons under the supervision of a competent supervisor.
The NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) TG20 guidance is the industry standard for tube-and-fitting scaffolding in the UK. TG20 provides compliance sheets for standard scaffold configurations, removing the need for bespoke engineering designs on many common scaffold types. The NASC SG4 guidance covers the prevention of falls during erection and dismantling — including the use of advance guardrail systems (AGR) — and is the benchmark for safe scaffold erection practice.
BS EN 12811 sets the European standard for temporary works equipment including scaffolding, covering load-bearing capacity, stability and design. Scaffolding erected to BS EN 12811 standards and inspected to Schedule 7 of WAHR 2005 (at least every 7 days and after adverse weather) meets the legal minimum. Scaffolding inspection records must be kept for a minimum of 3 months.
The CDM Regulations 2015 require scaffolding contractors working on construction sites to cooperate with the principal contractor, follow the Construction Phase Plan, and not begin work until they have received the relevant pre-construction information. Under CDM 2015, the scaffolding contractor is a contractor with legal duties to plan and manage their own work safely.
How It Works
1. Describe the Job
Tell us the scaffold type, operation (erect, alter or dismantle), site conditions, public proximity, adjacent structures and any particular hazards.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant scaffolding risk assessment referencing NASC, TG20 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
3. Instant Download and Use
Download as PDF and Word. Include in your RAMS pack, hand to the principal contractor, or present on site. £29, no subscription.
What It Covers
Every scaffolding risk assessment is written in full — covering the complete scope of the operation.
Scaffold erection, alteration and dismantling sequences
Working at height and fall prevention (Work at Height Regulations 2005)
Tube, fitting and board inspection (TG20 compliance)
Loading calculations and structural integrity
Public protection: fans, netting, hoarding and exclusion zones
Manual handling of heavy scaffold components
Site access, ground conditions and adjacent structures
Mobile scaffold towers (PASMA requirements)
Scaffold handover and weekly inspection procedures
Working in adverse weather conditions
Coordination with other trades on live sites
Emergency rescue and incident procedures
Works For
From independent scaffold to mobile towers, Anyrisks covers every type of scaffolding operation.
What Customers Say
“Our principal contractor asked for RAMS before we erected on site. Anyrisks covered the full sequence, public protection, and TG20 — done in minutes.”
Lee P.
Scaffolding contractor, Midlands
“We were erecting next to a busy pavement. Anyrisks included pedestrian exclusion zones and signage requirements automatically. Saved us a lot of time.”
Tony R.
Scaffolding firm, London
“Used it for a mobile tower job on a busy retail site. Referenced PASMA requirements and covered working near the public. Client approved it straight away.”
Chris N.
Access contractor, Yorkshire
Anyrisks vs DIY Templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| NASC and TG20 guidance referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| PASMA requirements for mobile towers included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers public protection and exclusion zones | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Specific to your scaffold type and site | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Work at Height Regulations 2005 require for scaffolding?
WAHR 2005 requires all work at height to be planned, supervised and carried out safely. Scaffolding must be erected, altered and dismantled only by competent persons under a competent supervisor. The scaffold must be inspected before first use, after any event likely to have affected its stability (such as adverse weather), and at intervals not exceeding 7 days. Inspection records must be kept for at least 3 months.
Does this reference NASC TG20 and SG4 guidance?
Yes. Scaffolding risk assessments reference NASC TG20 (compliance guidance for tube-and-fitting scaffolding) and SG4 (prevention of falls during erection and dismantling, including advance guardrail systems) where relevant to the type of scaffold and operation described.
Does it cover mobile scaffold towers and PASMA requirements?
Yes. Describe the use of mobile scaffold towers and Anyrisks includes PASMA-aligned controls: maximum height-to-base ratio, wheel-locking procedures, avoiding overloading the platform, and inspection before each use.
What CDM duties apply to a scaffolding contractor?
Under CDM 2015, scaffolding contractors are contractors with duties to plan, manage and monitor their own work. They must cooperate with the principal contractor, comply with the Construction Phase Plan, and not begin work until they have received relevant pre-construction information including details of known hazards on site.
How long does it take?
Under 2 minutes. Describe the scaffold type, location, height, and site conditions — Anyrisks produces a complete, WAHR 2005-aligned risk assessment. £29, no subscription.