Product Overview

This Fixed Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling SWMS is a comprehensive, ready-to-use safety document designed to identify hazards and implement effective controls for scaffolding work on Australian worksites. Covering all key stages of scaffold planning, erection, alteration and dismantling, it supports WHS compliance and safer management of High Risk Construction Work involving fixed scaffolds.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and authorisation of fixed scaffolding erection, alteration, height changes and dismantling activities
• Erecting fixed scaffold bays, standards, ledgers, transoms and bracing in accordance with design and manufacturer instructions
• Complicated scaffold setup, including multi-level, façade, lean-to and transom scaffold configurations
• Erecting temporary working platforms, hop-ups and access platforms to maintain safe and continuous access
• Adjusting scaffold levels to maintain correct platform heights, clearances and step heights between lifts
• Assessing scaffold lifeline security, anchorage points and fall-arrest systems before and during use
• Safe climbing on scaffold components, ladders and stair systems while maintaining three points of contact
• Preventing unsafe practices such as climbing on guardrails, ledgers or other non-designated access components
• Managing the risks of leaning out from scaffolds and overreaching when working at height
• Operating industrial scaffolding systems, including inspection of couplers, planks, ties and access equipment
• Positioning scaffolding near overhead and underground power lines, including exclusion zones and consultation with the electrical supply authority
• Control measures to prevent scaffold tilting, collapse or unplanned movement through correct tying, bracing and foundation preparation
• Housekeeping, exclusion zones and traffic management around the scaffold during erection and dismantling
• Inspection, tagging, maintenance and removal from service of damaged or non-compliant scaffold components
• Emergency response planning for falls from height, structural failure and other scaffold-related incidents

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for scaffolders, construction contractors, builders, industrial maintenance crews and site supervisors responsible for the erection, alteration and dismantling of fixed scaffolding systems.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with construction work, including scaffolding and work at height.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements and controls for preventing falls from, on or through scaffolds and other elevated work areas.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for working near overhead and underground electric lines when positioning and using scaffolding.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Risk management principles for scaffolding as plant on construction and industrial sites.
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series): Performance, design and use requirements for scaffolding systems and components.
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for Scaffolding: Practical guidance on safe erection, alteration, use, inspection and dismantling of scaffolds.
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices (series): Requirements for harnesses, lanyards, anchorages and lifelines used with scaffolding work.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017