Using scaffolding safely

Find out about hiring and licensing your scaffolding, plus related safety aspects and building regulations.

Hiring scaffolding

To hire scaffolding you'll need to contact a scaffolding hire company. The design, erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding must only be done by trained and competent people. You should employ a qualified competent builder or scaffolding company to carry out the erection of scaffolding, and a qualified builder to do related building work.

Approval

You must have approval from the Department for Regional Development's Roads Service if scaffolding is to be erected on a public road or pavement.

Safety

Employing qualified, competent people to erect your scaffolding and carry out building work should help to make sure your building site is a safe place. It is recommended that you ask the person or company you employ if they are aware of their health and safety responsibnilities.

Building regulations

Contact your local council for details of any building regulations you may need to consider, like materials and workmanship. You also need to make sure you have any necessary planning permission for the building project your scaffolding relates to. Planning Service will be able to advise you on this.