Product Overview

Summary: This Temporary Structures Safety Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning, erecting, inspecting and dismantling temporary structures in line with Australian WHS requirements. It helps businesses control the significant risks associated with stages, marquees, scaffolds, hoardings and other short‑term installations, protecting workers, contractors and the public while keeping projects and events running smoothly.

Temporary structures are widely used across construction, events, maintenance and infrastructure projects in Australia, yet they present complex safety risks when not properly designed, installed and managed. Wind loading, ground conditions, crowd movement, vehicle interaction and changing site layouts can quickly turn a simple marquee, scaffold, hoarding or temporary platform into a serious hazard. This Temporary Structures Safety SOP provides a structured, repeatable process that guides your team from initial planning and engineering verification through to daily inspections, safe use, modification control and dismantling.

Developed with Australian WHS legislation and recognised standards in mind, this procedure assists duty holders to demonstrate due diligence and meet their obligations under the model WHS Regulations, including the management of risks from falling objects, structural collapse and working at height. It clarifies roles and responsibilities between PCBU, principal contractor, engineer, installer and event organiser, reducing ambiguity and closing gaps that often arise when multiple contractors are involved. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the likelihood of structural failures, injuries and public safety incidents, while also minimising project delays, rework and compliance issues with regulators, local councils and venue owners.

Key Benefits

• Ensure temporary structures are planned, designed, installed and dismantled in accordance with Australian WHS laws and relevant technical standards.
• Reduce the risk of structural collapse, falling objects and worker or public injury through systematic hazard identification and control measures.
• Standardise how site teams, contractors and event staff manage temporary structures, improving consistency, accountability and documentation.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers with clear records of inspections, engineering sign‑off and maintenance activities.
• Minimise costly project delays, rectification work and reputational damage arising from non‑compliant or unsafe temporary installations.

Who is this for?

• Construction Site Managers
• Event Managers
• WHS Managers
• Project Engineers
• Site Supervisors
• Scaffolding Contractors
• Facilities and Operations Managers
• Local Government Event Coordinators
• Risk and Compliance Managers
• Principal Contractors

Hazards Addressed

• Structural collapse of temporary stages, platforms, scaffolds and marquees
• Failure of fixings, bracing, ties and ballast due to wind or overloading
• Falls from height during erection, alteration and dismantling activities
• Falling objects from elevated work areas and overhead structures
• Trip and impact hazards from poorly positioned guy ropes, supports and footings
• Electrocution risks from contact with overhead or underground services during installation
• Instability caused by unsuitable ground conditions, flooding or soil movement
• Vehicle and plant interaction with temporary structures in shared work zones
• Crowd safety risks including overloading, uncontrolled access and emergency egress obstruction
• Manual handling injuries during transport, assembly and dismantling of structural components

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Types of Temporary Structures
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation Requirements
• 4.0 Planning, Design and Engineering Approval
• 5.0 Site Assessment (Ground Conditions, Services, Weather and Surroundings)
• 6.0 Pre‑Installation Checks and Documentation
• 7.0 Erection and Installation Procedure
• 8.0 Working at Height and Fall Prevention Controls
• 9.0 Load Management, Wind Management and Stability Controls
• 10.0 Access, Egress and Public Interface Management
• 11.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Maintenance Requirements
• 12.0 Modification, Relocation and Change Control
• 13.0 Dismantling and Demobilisation Procedure
• 14.0 Emergency Response and Incident Management for Structural Failures
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Licensing Requirements
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Permits and Compliance Documentation
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in each state and territory)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 1170.2: Structural design actions – Wind actions
• AS/NZS 1170.0: Structural design actions – General principles
• AS 4687: Temporary fencing and hoardings
• AS/NZS 1576 (series): Scaffolding
• AS 3848.1: Crane safe use – General requirements
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• Local council and venue guidelines for temporary structures and public events (jurisdiction specific)