Scaffold Erection - Prefabricated Steel Modular Scaffolding
Erection, alteration and dismantling of prefabricated steel modular scaffolding systems including Kwikstage, Cuplock, and similar systems for residential and commercial roofing projects. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings.
What's In Your SWMS
7 Hazards & Controls
Serious injury or death from impact with ground or lower levels
Consider prefabricated stair towers or EWPs for initial access where practicable
Erect exclusion zone below work area to prevent unauthorised access during erection
- Install guardrails, mid-rails and toeboards progressively as each lift is completed
- Use temporary installation platform (min 450mm wide) to install edge protection for next lift
- Install internal ladder access with trap doors at each working level
- Ensure platform is fully planked at each lift before progressing to next level
- Follow SafeWork NSW approved erection sequence - work from below using temporary platform method
- Only licensed scaffolders to erect scaffold above 4m
- Red tag scaffold during erection to prevent unauthorised access
- Pre-start briefing covering fall hazards and controls
- Maximum 2m vertical distance between working platforms during erection
Full body harness with shock-absorbing lanyard connected to suitable anchor when complete edge protection not yet installed (AS/NZS 1891.1)
14-Step Work Procedure
Equipment & PPE
Equipment (11)
- Scaffold standards (verticals)
Prefabricated steel modular system - inspect for damage, corrosion, missing components
- Scaffold ledgers (horizontals)
Must comply with AS/NZS 1576 series
- Scaffold transoms and bracing
Diagonal bracing for stability
- Scaffold planks/platforms
Scaffold-grade timber or aluminium planks - minimum 225mm wide, check for splits/cracks
PPE (7)
- Safety helmet with chin strapAS/NZS 1801
Type 1 industrial safety helmet - chin strap mandatory when working at height
- Steel-capped safety bootsAS/NZS 2210.3
Non-slip sole, ankle support recommended for scaffolding work
- High-visibility vest or clothingAS/NZS 4602
Class D/N if working near traffic or mobile plant
- Riggers glovesAS/NZS 2161.3
Leather palm gloves for grip and protection from pinch points and sharp edges
Training & Emergency
Competency Requirements
- Construction Induction (White Card)training
Required for all workers on construction sites in NSW
- Scaffolding Licence - Basic (SB)licence
CPCCLSF2001 - Required for scaffold erection up to 4 metres deck height. Issued by SafeWork NSW, valid 5 years.
- Working at Heights Trainingtraining
RIIWHS204E - Required for all workers performing work at heights above 2 metres
- Fall Arrest Harness Trainingtraining
Training in correct fitting, use and inspection of harness and lanyard systems
- Scaffolding Licence - Intermediate (SI)
CPCCLSF3001 - Required for scaffold erection 4-15 metres. Prerequisite: Basic licence.
- Scaffolding Licence - Advanced (SA)
CPCCLSF4001 - Required for complex scaffolds, suspended scaffolds, cantilevered hoists. Prerequisite: Intermediate licence.
- First Aid Certificate
HLTAID011 - Recommended to have at least one first aid trained person in the crew
- Forklift Licence (LF)
Required if operating forklift to unload/transport scaffold components
Emergency Procedures
FALL FROM HEIGHT: Do not move injured person unless in immediate danger. Call 000 immediately. If person suspended in harness, initiate rescue within 15 minutes due to suspension trauma risk. Keep person warm, monitor breathing.
SCAFFOLD COLLAPSE: Evacuate all personnel from area immediately. Call 000. Account for all workers. Do not attempt rescue unless safe to do so. Establish exclusion zone and preserve scene.
ELECTRICAL CONTACT: Do not touch person in contact with electricity. Call 000. Isolate power supply if possible. Once power isolated, commence CPR if not breathing. Treat for burns.
- + 1 more included in your SWMS
Everything above, included in your SWMS document.
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High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (Part 4.5 - High Risk Work Licences; Part 6.4 - Construction Work; Schedule 3 - High Risk Work), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Work at height (>2m) with risk of fall (Scaffolding work involves working at heights above 2 metres during erection, alteration and dismantling)
- Use of powered mobile plant (Forklifts, telehandlers or cranes may be used to transport and lift scaffold components)
- Work on/near energised electrical installations (Scaffold may be erected near overhead power lines or electrical services - minimum safe approach distances must be maintained)
- Temporary support for structural alterations (Scaffold provides temporary structural support during construction works)
Australian Standards Referenced
Who Needs This SWMS?
This template is designed for the following trades and roles performing scaffold erection - prefabricated steel modular scaffolding work.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a scaffolding licence required in NSW?
A High Risk Work Licence for scaffolding is required when erecting, altering or dismantling scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres. Basic (SB) licence covers up to 4m, Intermediate (SI) covers 4-15m, and Advanced (SA) is required for complex scaffolds over 15m, suspended scaffolds and cantilevered hoists.
What Australian Standards apply to scaffold erection?
The AS/NZS 1576 series is the primary scaffolding standard, with Part 1 covering general requirements, Part 2 covering couplers and accessories, and Part 3 covering prefabricated and tube-and-coupler scaffolding. AS/NZS 4576 provides overall guidelines for scaffolding safety.
What PPE is required for scaffold erection?
Mandatory PPE includes safety helmet with chin strap (AS/NZS 1801), steel-capped safety boots (AS/NZS 2210.3), high-visibility clothing (AS/NZS 4602), riggers gloves, and safety glasses. Fall arrest harness with shock-absorbing lanyard (AS/NZS 1891.1) is required when working without complete edge protection.
How often must scaffolds be inspected?
Scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before first use, after any incident that could affect stability, after alterations, and at least every 30 days while in use. Where a person could fall more than 4 metres, written confirmation from a licensed scaffolder is required before use.
What is the correct method for erecting scaffold to prevent falls?
SafeWork NSW requires scaffolders to work from below using a temporary installation platform (minimum 450mm wide) to install edge protection for the next lift. Platforms must be fully planked at each lift with guardrails, mid-rails and toeboards installed before progressing. Maximum vertical distance between platforms during erection is 2 metres.
What are the safe approach distances for overhead power lines?
The minimum safe approach distance is 3 metres for voltages up to 132kV, with greater distances for higher voltages. If work is required within these distances, contact the electricity network provider for guidance on de-energisation, insulation or other controls. A spotter should be used when working near power lines.
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