Scaffolding safety: permits, duties & standards

Beim Aufstellen, Nutzen und Prüfen eines Gerüsts gelten klare Vorgaben. Ob Baustelle, Sanierung, Wartung oder private Nutzung: Sicherheit steht an erster Stelle. Dieser Leitfaden erklärt Genehmigungen, Verantwortlichkeiten, Pflichtprüfungen und Normen - verständlich, neutral und praxisnah.

At CETRAC, we only sell system components that comply with current standards. We check for cracks, deformation and corrosion to ensure that your components pass the on-site inspection without any problems.

Does scaffolding require a permit?

Whether scaffolding requires a permit depends on its location and whether it is for public use.

Authorisation is often required for:

• Pavements or road space
• Public spaces
• Traffic management
• Cordoning-off or safety measures

As a rule, no authorisation is required for:

• Private land not affecting the public
• Indoor areas
• Work areas not affecting traffic

(Note: The specific licensing authorities vary from one local authority to another)

Obligations of the client, the user and the scaffolder

Client

• Clear job description
• Sufficient information on how to use it
• Preparing a risk assessment

scaffolder

• Professional installation
• Handover of the scaffolding
• Documentation & Labelling

Users

• Intended use
• Daily visual inspections
• Compliance with safety requirements

How tall can scaffolding be, and who is allowed to erect scaffolding for private use?

How high can scaffolding be?

As a general rule:

• Only use heights that comply with the system specifications
• Observe the structural requirements
• Bracing and fixings in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• No assumptions without verified information

The maximum permissible working height depends on the specific scaffolding system.

Who is allowed to erect scaffolding for private use?

The following applies to private individuals:

• Simple scaffolding may be erected on private land
• Installation must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• Assemble safety components fully
• Only people who have received adequate training should erect scaffolding

Stricter requirements apply to professional or hired scaffolding – in particular, inspection requirements.

Wie der Aufbau fachgerecht gelingt, zeigt unsere Anleitung: Gerüst richtig aufbauen.

Safety requirements & tests

Tests on the scaffolding

Key standards and technical regulations

Publicly available regulations apply to the safe use of scaffolding, including:

1. Technical Regulations for Scaffolding
2. Relevant standards for working and safety scaffolding
3. Quality-assured information from trade organisations

All scaffolding standards: https://www.geruestbauhandwerk.de/downloads/

Typical use cases – approval or no approval?

Facade renovation on private property

• In most cases, no authorisation is required

Indoor mobile scaffolding

• No authorisation required

Scaffolding protrudes onto the pavement or road

• Authorisation required

Industrial scaffolding in enclosed depots

• Internal approvals required
• No public authorisation

More important than the system: the safety factors

Regardless of the type of scaffolding, these points are crucial:

• Design in accordance with DIN EN 12810 / 12811
• Advance guardrail (TRBS 2121–1)
• Correct anchoring
• Suitable load and width class
• Professional installation by qualified staff

How do I secure my scaffolding against unauthorised access:

1. Always secure access points

Unauthorised persons almost always gain access to scaffolding via the access ladder.

• Leitergänge entfernen oder hochziehen
• Close access hatches (lock access covers)
• Block off access to staircases (e.g. with a lockable stair gate)
• Avoid using external ladders (permitted only in exceptional circumstances)

2 Mechanical access control systems

Highly recommended for construction sites in public or sensitive areas:

• Barrier fencing / site fencing at the base of the scaffolding
• Lockable scaffolding doors on the stair tower
• Chains or folding railings at access points
• Avoid scaffolding extending all the way to the ground, where technically possible

Particularly relevant in residential areas, schools and town centres

3. Clear labelling & warning notices

Legally binding and relevant to liability:

• Prohibition sign:
  ‘No unauthorised entry’
• Scaffolding clearance sign (green / yellow / red)
• Signage at all main entrances

4 Safety measures in public transport areas

If the scaffolding is situated next to pavements or roads:

• Barrier cabinet grille
• Warning lights at dusk/at night
• Clear separation from pedestrian traffic

5 Organisational measures

• Nutzung nur für eingewiesene Personen
• End of shift = checking access points
• Appoint a person in charge
• Documentation as part of the risk assessment

Obligations under the BetrSichV and TRBS 2121–1.

Practical Checklist

Check the following at the end of the working day:

1. Ladder removed or secured
2. Promotion places closed
3. Warning signs have been put up
4. Barrier on the ground in place
5. Scaffolding status clearly marked

Scaffolding safety check:

The safest way:

Treppenturm + abschließbare Tür + entfernte Leiter
→ erfüllt Normen, reduziert Haftungsrisiken und schützt zuverlässig.

Professional checklist: Scaffolding inspection & safety

Work safely, avoid liability – here’s what you need to check before every job.

Note from CETRAC: Scaffolding is only a safe place to work if it is secure. Use these 6 points for your daily visual inspection.

1. The foundations (substrate & installation)

• Stability: Is the scaffolding standing on stable ground? Are there load-distributing supports (planks) beneath the threaded base plates?
• Perpendicularity: Is the scaffolding straight? (Check using a spirit level on the vertical standards).

2. Decks & access decks

• Lagesicherung: Sind alle Beläge (Böden) gegen Abheben gesichert?
• Condition: Do the wooden floors have any cracks, or do the steel decks show signs of severe corrosion or warping? (With second-hand CETRAC products, we check this for you in advance!).
• Access decks: Do the hatches on the access decks work properly and do they close flush?

3 Side protection (three-part protection)

• Completeness: Are the handrail, intermediate rail and toe board fitted to all fall-through edges?
• Stability: Are the guardrail wedges firmly seated in the sockets/recesses?

4. Anchoring

• Spacing: Do the number and position of the anchors comply with the installation and usage instructions (AuV)?
• Stability: Are the eye bolts securely anchored in the wall plugs and are the standard couplings tightened properly?

5 Ladders & Access Routes

• Safe access: Are the internal ladders securely fastened?
• Clear space: Is the route clear of materials and tools?

6. Labelling (The most important document)

• Approval certificate: Is the inspection certificate (‘scaffolding certificate’) displayed clearly at the entrance?
• Authorisation: Has the scaffolding been inspected and approved by a ‘qualified person’?

CETRAC’s tip for business owners:

Make sure you document the inspection every day! In the event of an accident where there is no up-to-date inspection report, you, as the business owner, will be personally liable.

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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Only where public roads or areas are affected.

Clients, scaffolders and users – each within the scope of their respective responsibilities.

Before use, on a daily basis by the user, and following specific events.

Publicly available rules and standards apply; these can also be obtained from trade organisations.

The most important standards in scaffolding are:

• DIN 4420: German basic standard for working and safety scaffolding, which defines terms, dimensions, design, loads and safety.
• DIN EN 12811: European Standard for temporary scaffolding systems, which specifies requirements for their erection, load-bearing capacity and design.
• DIN EN 12810: Standard for prefabricated facade scaffolding, relating to system-specific scaffolding components.
• DIN EN 1004: Standard for mobile work platforms (mobile scaffolding).
• DIN 4426: Standard for safety equipment used when working on façades, e.g. suspended scaffolding, rope safety systems.

• DIN EN 74: Standard for couplers, connectors and anchors in scaffolding.

  These standards are crucial for the design, erection, inspection and use of scaffolding, and ensure that everyone involved on the building site can work to the same specifications. They serve as a legal reference and ensure consistent standards to guarantee safety and quality.

By means of full-height guardrails, sturdy fixings, solid flooring and a level surface.