A scaffolding handover certificate is the document that formally transfers a completed scaffold from the scaffolding contractor to the principal contractor or end-user. It records that the scaffold has been erected to the design (a TG20:21 compliance sheet, an SG4:22-compliant assembly, or a bespoke design by a competent designer), that the safe working load matches the intended use, and that it has been inspected and signed off by a competent scaffolder. Without a handover certificate, the user has no formal authority to use the scaffold.
Working at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 3, requires that any scaffold used as a working platform is erected to a generally recognised standard configuration (i.e. TG20:21 in the UK) or to a bespoke design produced by a competent person. The handover certificate is the document that records which of those two routes the scaffold falls under. For TG20:21 compliance, the certificate references the specific TG20 compliance sheet (CIS, CISx, or the eGuide output number); for a bespoke scaffold, it references the design drawing, calculation reference, and the designer's qualifications.
SG4:22 (NASC's safe-system-of-work for working at height in the scaffolding industry) applies to the erection itself — operatives' fall protection during the build — not to the finished scaffold's use.
The certificate records the duty class of the scaffold (Class 1 = inspection only / 0.75 kN/m2; Class 2 = light / 1.5 kN/m2; Class 3 = general / 2.0 kN/m2; Class 4 = heavy / 3.0 kN/m2; Class 5 = special / 4.5 kN/m2; Class 6 = special / 6.0 kN/m2 — per BS EN 12811-1). The user must understand that loading the scaffold beyond its rated class — for example storing pallets of bricks on a Class 3 platform — invalidates the design and the handover.
Reviewers expect the certificate to state explicitly what the scaffold is, and is not, designed for. 'General access' alone is not enough; the certificate should say 'Class 3 general access, 2.0 kN/m2 distributed load, no point loads exceeding 1.5 kN'.
Schedule 3 of WAHR requires inspection at three trigger points: before first use, after any event likely to have affected stability (high wind, alteration, vehicle impact), and at intervals not exceeding 7 days. The handover certificate covers the first-use inspection; the user is then responsible for the weekly inspection cycle, which is recorded on a separate scaffold inspection register (typically Form 91 Part 1 Section B, or an electronic equivalent).
The certificate names the competent inspector — an advanced scaffolder (CISRS Advanced, Part 2) for traditional scaffolds, or a system scaffold inspector for proprietary systems.
The handover is conditional. It is invalidated if the scaffold is altered by anyone other than the original scaffolding contractor; if a weekly inspection is missed; if any tag, brace or tie is removed; or if the loading exceeds the stated class. The certificate should record these conditions clearly. In practice this is captured by Scafftag or equivalent — a coloured tag at each access point showing the date of last inspection, the next inspection due date, the duty class, and the named inspector.
The numbered sections a reviewer expects to see, in order.
Project address, scaffold location (north elevation, plot 14, etc.), unique scaffold reference number.
TG20:21 compliance sheet (CIS / CISx / eGuide output) OR bespoke design drawing reference and designer's qualifications.
Company name, NASC / Scaffolding Association membership, lead scaffolder's CISRS Advanced card number.
Class (1–6) per BS EN 12811-1, distributed load (kN/m2), point load limit, intended use.
Number and type of ties (drilled in, wedge, eyebolt), bracing pattern, base plates / soleboards, ground bearing.
Guardrails (1100 mm top rail, 470 mm midrail, 150 mm toeboard), platform boarding, gaps ≤ 25 mm.
Internal / external ladder access, hatch positions, stair tower for higher loadings or longer durations.
Competent inspector named, inspection date, defects rectified, scaffold tagged (Scafftag or equivalent).
No alterations except by the erection contractor; weekly inspection by the user; loading not to exceed stated class; immediate notification of any tie or brace removal.
Why a certificate gets sent back — these are the patterns we see most often.
The legal framework this certificate operates inside. Links go to the official source.
SI 2005/735
Schedule 3 sets the inspection regime and the requirement for scaffolds to be erected to a generally recognised standard or a bespoke design.
NASC TG20:21
The UK standard for tube-and-fitting scaffold compliance — the source of the compliance sheets cited on handover certificates.
NASC SG4:22
The safe-system-of-work standard for the scaffolding industry; governs the erection process.
BS EN 12811-1
European standard for scaffold performance — the source of the duty classes referenced on handover certificates.
A scaffolder competent to inspect — for traditional tube-and-fitting scaffolds, this means CISRS Advanced (Part 2) as a minimum. For system scaffolds, a system-specific inspection card from the manufacturer. The signatory takes professional responsibility for the inspection and is named on the certificate.
At least every 7 days under WAHR Schedule 3, and additionally after any event likely to have affected stability — high winds, snow loading, vehicle impact, or any alteration. The weekly inspection is the user's responsibility once the handover is signed and is recorded on a separate scaffold inspection register.
TG20:21 is a pre-calculated set of standard scaffold configurations. If your scaffold matches a TG20 compliance sheet (CIS or CISx output, or an eGuide output) you can erect it without a bespoke design. Where the scaffold falls outside TG20 limits (atypical geometry, special loadings, complex tie patterns) a bespoke design by a competent designer is required, and the design drawing / calculation reference is cited on the handover certificate.
Limited storage only — Class 3 is rated for 2.0 kN/m2 distributed load with point loads typically capped at 1.5 kN. Storing pallets of bricks or block requires Class 4 (3.0 kN/m2) or higher. The handover certificate's stated class is the limit; loading beyond it invalidates the design and the handover.
Any alteration to the scaffold by anyone other than the original scaffolding contractor; a missed weekly inspection; removal of any tie, brace or guardrail; or loading beyond the stated duty class. Once invalidated, the scaffold must not be used until re-inspected and re-tagged by a competent scaffolder.
Trade-specific RAMS guidance for the contractors who typically produce this certificate.
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Final RAMS must be reviewed and approved by a competent person before use.