ProLast reviewed 28 May 2026 · 5 min read

Erect, handover and 7-day inspections

The legal core. Mark the scaffold erected, log the handover (with checklist, photos and signature), and let TradeBooked schedule the next routine inspection 7 days later. Alteration and weather inspections are additive, so they do not reset the clock.

The legal context

In summary, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (regulation 12 and the related schedules) require that a working platform such as a scaffold is inspected before first use, then at intervals not exceeding 7 days while in use, and again after any event likely to have affected its strength or stability, with records kept. The operative text is on legislation.gov.uk; what follows is general guidance.

TradeBooked's 7-day cycle is built around this regime. The handover inspection covers the "before first use" record; the routine inspection covers the every-7-days record; alteration and weather inspections cover the "event likely to have affected stability" case.

Five inspection triggers

When you log an inspection on a scaffold, the Trigger dropdown offers:

Handover (first inspection, doubles as the handover record)
Routine (7-day)
After alteration
After adverse weather
Concern follow-up

The first three are mandated by the regulations. Concern follow-up is TradeBooked's way of recording a re-check after an inspection result of "concerns" or "fail".

Before you start

You will need a TradeBooked account on the Pro or Autopilot plan with trade type set to Scaffolder, the scaffold in Planned or Erected status, and the using party available to sign the handover.

Apprentices cannot log inspections. The inspection record carries the engineer's name; the regulations require a competent person to do the inspection and signing.

Setup steps are in your dashboard

This is a Pro feature. Sign in on a Pro plan to see the step-by-step setup for your number.

Common questions

Why doesn't alteration or weather reset the 7-day clock?

Because the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require both: an inspection at intervals not exceeding 7 days, and an inspection after any event likely to affect stability. They are additive, not alternatives, so the routine clock stays where it was.

Who can log an inspection?

The Owner and Staff team members with the manage_scaffolds capability. Apprentices cannot log inspections; the regulations require a competent person.

Can I add photos to the inspection?

Yes. Photos attach to the inspection record and feed into the handover PDF. Use Before / After / General tags as you would on a normal job.

What if I miss the 7-day window?

Log the routine inspection as soon as you can and document why it was late in the notes. From a compliance position you are still responsible; TradeBooked records the gap so you have a clean audit trail.

What plan do I need?

The scaffold tracker (including the 7-day inspection cycle and handover PDF) is on the Pro and Autopilot plans.

References

This is general guidance, not legal, tax or financial advice. For your own circumstances, speak to a qualified professional.

Still stuck? Email support@tradebooked.co.uk.