Fixed Scaffolding Erection and Dismantling SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers fixed scaffolding erection, use, repair and dismantling, including planning, component handling, inspections and handover. It supports planning for falls, falling objects, scaffold stability, access, manual handling and site interaction hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan scaffold work and identify design, height, competency, loading and fall hazards.
• Establish an exclusion zone and manage access, falling components, vehicles and overhead powerlines.
• Unload, stack and inspect scaffold components and foundations.
• Erect the base, first lift and successive lifts while managing falls, collapse and dropped objects.
• Install ties, bracing, platforms and stairways.
• Inspect and hand over the scaffold, then monitor its use and condition.
• Repair damaged scaffold while controlling access, falls, components and falling-material hazards.
• Dismantle scaffold progressively and manage fall, collapse and manual-handling hazards.
• Clean up components and demobilise the work area.

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out fixed scaffolding activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces — use as guidance only and confirm the adopted or approved code applying in the relevant jurisdiction. It supports competent erection, alteration and dismantling; scaffold licensing where a person or object could fall more than 4 m; safe access; duty-rating controls; and prevention of unauthorised scaffold alterations.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction work — use as guidance only and confirm the adopted or approved code applying in the relevant jurisdiction, including requirements for SWMS for applicable high risk construction work and powerline exclusion-zone controls.
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding series, including general requirements, couplers and accessories, and prefabricated or tube-and-coupler scaffolding.
• AS 4576:2020 Guidelines for scaffolding.
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices series.
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations — construction and demolition sites.
• AS/NZS 1418 and AS 2550 series where cranes or other lifting plant are used to handle scaffold materials.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections