ScaffoldingScaffolding

Scaffolding

Scaffolding can be very effective protection in preventing falls; however, there are specific requirements that apply to some types of scaffold under the WHS Regulations.

Regulation 225: A person with management or control of a scaffold must not allow the use
of a scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than four metres unless a competent person provides written confirmation that the scaffold has been completed. The person must
also ensure that:

• the scaffold and its supporting structure is inspected by a competent person before use,
  after any incident that could affect its stability (such as a severe storm), after any repairs,
  and at least every 30 days
• unauthorised access is prevented on scaffolding that is incomplete and left unattended
  (for example, by attaching danger tags and warning signs at appropriate locations).

Scaffolding work platforms are generally rated as light, medium or heavy duty. Safety considerations include:

• scaffolding conforms to AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding and the AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series
• all scaffolding is erected, altered and dismantled by competent persons. Any scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than four metres must be erected, altered and dismantled by or under the direct supervision of a licensed scaffolder.
• prefabricated scaffolds are of the same type and not mixed components, unless the mixing
  of components has been approved by the manufacturer
• safe access to and egress from the scaffold is provided
• edge protection (hand rails, mid-rails and toe boards) is provided at every open edge of
  a work platform (see Figure 5).

Information, instruction and training for workers using scaffolds

Where work is performed from a scaffold, you must ensure that the relevant workers understand:

• what loads the scaffold can safely take
• not to make any unauthorised alterations to the scaffold (such as removing guard rails, planks, ties, toe boards and braces)
• that working platforms need to be kept clear of debris and obstructions along their length, and
• that incomplete or defective scaffolds must never be accessed.

Where work is performed using mobile scaffolds, workers should be trained to ensure the scaffold:

• remains level and plumb at all times
• is kept well clear of powerlines, open floor edges and penetrations
• is not accessed until the castors are locked to prevent movement