Directive 2009/104/EC generally requires the inspection of scaffolding by competent persons. The EU member states must transpose the directive into national law and define the basis for the content and scope of inspections and requirements for the qualification of the persons inspecting the scaffolding. 

The UEG member states have implemented these requirements differently. There is currently no European minimum standard for the inspections or the qualifications required for the initial and regular inspections of scaffolding. 

We currently see European and international efforts and projects to improve occupational safety on construction sites through appropriate qualifications and regulations. However, it is questionable whether these projects meet the specific requirements of the scaffolding industry especially regarding the inspection of scaffolding. 

This situation prompted UEG to develop recommendations for the initial and regular inspections of scaffolding that are specifically tailored to the needs of the scaffolding industry and agreed by the scaffolding companies affiliated to the national associations. 

UEG recommends the definition of a comparable level of qualification for the inspection of scaffolding in the member states to achieve general validity in Europe, e.g. for scaffolding erectors, scaffolding users, clients and official bodies. UEG recommends that its member associations follow the processes described in this guideline for the inspection of scaffolding and the qualification of competent persons and implement them in their country-specific regulations on initial and further training. 

This UEG guideline is intended to help member states to implement the requirements defined in the directive at a comparable level.