Product Overview

This Suspended Scaffolds and Swing Stage Operations SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for working on suspended and swing stage scaffolding systems. It provides end-to-end coverage of planning, erection, use, inspection, and dismantling activities to support WHS compliance and safe management of High Risk Construction Work at height.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Erection, installation, and configuration of suspended powered scaffolds in accordance with manufacturer requirements
• Selection, inspection, and positioning of suspension points, outriggers, and support beams
• Safe operation of electric and pneumatic hoists, motors, and control systems on swing stage scaffolds
• Accessing and exiting suspended scaffolds, including use of ladders, landings, and designated entry points
• Use of fall-arrest systems, harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines while working on suspended platforms
• Managing loads on the platform, including tools, materials, and personnel to prevent overloading and instability
• Control of electrical hazards, including power leads, temporary power supplies, and proximity to overhead services
• Safe work practices while working on suspended powered scaffolds, including housekeeping and tool restraint
• Emergency procedures for scaffold failure, power loss, platform entrapment, and rescue at height
• Weather monitoring and controls for high winds, storms, and other adverse conditions affecting suspended scaffolds
• Inspection, testing, and tagging of swing stage components prior to use and at defined intervals
• Communication protocols between operators, dogmen, spotters, and site supervision during swing stage operation
• Dismantling, lowering, and removal of suspended scaffolds and associated equipment in a controlled manner

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for scaffolders, swing stage operators, facade and remedial contractors, painters, glaziers, building maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for suspended scaffold and swing stage operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Guidance on preventing falls when working at height
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: General requirements for planning and carrying out construction work safely
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, egress, and work environment
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework applied to suspended scaffold operations
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (series): Requirements for the design, erection, alteration, and dismantling of scaffolding
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (series): Selection, use, and maintenance of fall-arrest equipment for work on suspended scaffolds
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites: Electrical safety for temporary power and equipment used with powered scaffolds
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017