Working at height inspection checklist

115 checks across 9 areas, each referenced to the UAE authority or standard that requires it — ADOSH-SF CoP 8.0, the Dubai Municipality Code of Construction Safety Practice and the BS/EN standards they call up. Last updated 2 August 2026.

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0 of 115 complete105 critical items outstanding

Planning & Permits

Scaffolding

Mobile Access Towers

Tower assembled strictly to the manufacturer's manual using AGR or 3T method
BS EN 1004 / manufacturer
critical
Manufacturer's instruction manual available at the tower
BS EN 1004
standard
Stabilisers or outriggers fully deployed before the tower is climbed
BS EN 1004
critical
Height-to-base ratio within limits (3.5:1 indoor, 3:1 outdoor)
BS EN 1004
critical
Castors locked and the tower never moved with people or materials on the platform
BS EN 1004
critical
Guardrails, mid-rails and toe boards fitted to the working platform
BS EN 1004
critical
Tower inspected before use and after any move, with the tag updated
ADOSH-SF CoP 8.0
critical

Ladders & Stepladders

Edge Protection & Openings

Fall Arrest & PPE

MEWPs & Suspended Access

Fragile Surfaces & Roof Work

Roof deck assessed and confirmed load-bearing in writing before any access
ADOSH-SF CoP 8.0
critical
Fragile surfaces and rooflights identified, covered, guarded or netted
ADOSH-SF CoP 8.0
critical
Asbestos survey completed for pre-2000 industrial roofs before disturbance
ADOSH-SF CoP 9.0 / DM
critical
'Fragile roof' warning signage at every ladder, hatch and stair access
ADOSH-SF CoP 8.0
critical
Crawling boards or load-spreading staging used on non-walkable decks
ADOSH-SF CoP 8.0
critical
Perimeter guardrail or counterweighted edge system installed within its design limits
BS EN 13374
critical
Materials on the roof secured against wind and kept clear of guardrails and rooflights
DM CoCSP
standard
Shaded rest area and cool drinking water provided at roof level
MOHRE / ADOSH-SF CoP 3.0
critical
Harnesses, ropes and nets kept off hot surfaces and out of direct sun between uses
Manufacturer / BS 8437
standard

Rescue & Emergency Response

How to run the inspection

The order below keeps the walk-round safe and makes the printed record defensible in a client or authority audit.

1
Record the site details
Enter the site or project name, the emirate and the inspector so the printed record identifies who carried out the inspection and which authority's rules apply — ADOSH-SF in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, DDA or OSHJ.
2
Check the paperwork before the plant
Confirm the task-specific RAMS, the work at height permit for this shift, the rescue plan and the training records for everyone on the crew before you walk the physical works.
3
Work top-down through the access equipment
Inspect scaffolds and towers against their tags and design, then ladders against the register and colour code, checking angle, securing and classification as you go.
4
Verify collective protection at every edge
Walk every slab edge, stair, lift shaft and floor opening. Guardrail geometry, toe boards, secured and marked covers and capped rebar come before any harness discussion.
5
Inspect fall arrest equipment and calculate clearance
Check harnesses, lanyards and connectors against the register and their 6-monthly examination, confirm the anchor certification, and prove there is enough clearance below the anchor to arrest a fall.
6
Test the rescue arrangement
Confirm two trained rescuers, the rescue kit or standby MEWP at the work area, and that the last drill was within six months. No rescue capability means no work at height.
7
Close out critical items and file the record
Any outstanding critical item stops the work. Assign an owner and a date, export the PDF into your inspection register, and re-inspect once the corrective action is complete.

Frequently asked questions

Is the working at height checklist free?

Yes. Every check is free to use with no sign-up. Progress is saved in your browser on the device you use, and it syncs to your account when you sign in. You can print the whole checklist or export a branded PDF for a paper walk-round at any time.

What does the checklist cover?

Planning and permits, scaffolding, mobile access towers, ladders and stepladders, edge protection and floor openings, fall arrest and PPE, MEWPs and suspended access, fragile surfaces and roof work, and rescue and emergency response — each check referenced to the ADOSH-SF code, Dubai Municipality requirement or BS/EN standard behind it.

What do the critical, standard and advisory labels mean?

Critical items are those where a failure can cause a fatal fall or a dropped-object fatality and should stop the work until closed out. Standard items are mandatory compliance points required by the authority or standard. Advisory items are recognised good practice that UAE inspectors and client auditors commonly look for but which are not strictly mandated.

Can I use the exported PDF as an audit record?

Yes. The export carries the site, emirate, inspector, completion percentage, outstanding critical items and a sign-off block for the competent person and the client representative, which is the format consultants and authority inspectors expect to see in the inspection register.