Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the erection, use and dismantling of tube-and-coupler and system scaffolding on construction sites. Applicable to scaffolding work involving a risk of falling more than 2 metres.
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Scaffolding erection and dismantling is classified as high-risk construction work (HRCW) under Schedule 3 of the model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011, specifically because it involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres. Under Regulation 291, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure a SWMS is prepared before this work begins, and that workers follow it throughout.
Licensing requirements are strict. In all Australian states and territories that have adopted the model WHS laws — including NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory — scaffolders must hold a relevant high-risk work (HRW) licence issued under the WHS Regulations. The three licence classes are Basic Scaffolding (SB), Intermediate Scaffolding (SI), and Advanced Scaffolding (SA). Western Australia adopted the model WHS laws in 2022 and mirrors these requirements under its Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022. Victoria, which operates under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017, maintains equivalent scaffolding licensing through WorkSafe Victoria.
The primary Australian standard governing scaffold design and construction is AS/NZS 4576:1995 (Guidelines for Scaffolding), which should be read alongside the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Scaffolding. Key risks include falls from height, falling objects striking workers below, scaffold collapse due to incorrect assembly, and contact with overhead power lines. Ground conditions, load calculations, and tie-back frequencies are common failure points that must be documented in the SWMS.
To customise this template for your specific job, identify the scaffold type (tube-and-coupler, system/modular, or suspended), the maximum platform height, the intended load class per AS 1576, and any site-specific hazards such as proximity to power lines, public thoroughfares, or unstable ground. Each task step must reflect the actual sequence of work your crew will perform, and control measures should reference the hierarchy of controls — elimination first, then engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE last.
This template is applicable across all Australian jurisdictions. Users in Victoria should cross-reference the OHS Regulations 2017 and relevant WorkSafe Victoria compliance codes, while all other states and territories should refer to their adopted version of the model WHS Regulations. Always verify current licensing requirements with your state regulator before commencing work.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- •Use of scaffolding requiring a licence
Risk Assessment
1.Site inspection and establishment of exclusion zone
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falling objects striking personnel below | High | Establish and barricade exclusion zone beneath work area. Erect signage. Appoint spotter. Ensure no personnel permitted under work area. | Low | Scaffolder / Site Supervisor |
| Uneven or unstable ground causing scaffold to collapse | High | Inspect ground bearing capacity. Use base plates and sole boards. Compact fill or place scaffold on concrete/hard-stand where possible. | Low | Scaffolder |
2.Delivery and sorting of scaffold components
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal injury from manual handling of heavy components | Moderate | Use mechanical assistance (crane, forklift) for heavy lifts. Use team lifts for components over 16 kg. Ensure clear walkways and proper footwear. | Low | Scaffolder |
| Trip and fall hazard from components left in work area | Moderate | Store components in designated laydown area. Keep access paths clear. Housekeeping checks before commencing work. | Low | Scaffolder |
3.Erection of scaffold frame, ledgers and transoms
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from height during erection | Catastrophic | Use temporary edge protection or fall arrest system during leading edge erection. Erect one bay at a time. All workers to hold scaffold ticket. No working from ladders above 2 m when alternative is available. | Moderate | Licensed Scaffolder |
| Scaffold component failure due to incorrect coupling | High | All couplers torqued to manufacturer specification. Inspect all couplers for cracks or deformation before use. Scaffold erected by licensed scaffolder only. | Low | Licensed Scaffolder |
| Dropped tools or components striking workers below | High | Use tool lanyards for all hand tools. Debris nets or brick guards installed at each lift level. Exclusion zone maintained. | Low | Scaffolder |
4.Installation of scaffold planks, guardrails and toe boards
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall through or off incomplete platform | Catastrophic | Platforms to be fully planked with minimum 450 mm width. Install top rail (900–1100 mm), mid rail and toe board (150 mm min) before use. Inspect plank condition before installation. | Low | Licensed Scaffolder |
| Plank dislodgement causing fall | High | Cleats or hook planks to prevent uplift. Overlap planks minimum 300 mm over supports. Inspect planks for splits, knots and rot. | Low | Licensed Scaffolder |
5.Scaffold handover inspection and tagging
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaffold used before completion, causing collapse or fall | Catastrophic | Scaffold not to be used until scaffold tag is completed by licensed scaffolder. Tag displayed at all access points. Supervisor to sign off before any trade accesses scaffold. | Low | Licensed Scaffolder / Site Supervisor |
6.Dismantling of scaffold
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall from height during dismantling | Catastrophic | Dismantle in reverse order of erection. Use fall arrest where leading edge exposed. Reinstate exclusion zone. One bay dismantled at a time. | Moderate | Licensed Scaffolder |
| Dropped components during dismantling | High | Lower components using rope, crane or forklift. Do not throw components. Exclusion zone maintained throughout dismantling. Spotter at base. | Low | Licensed Scaffolder |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.