Queensland’s Scaffolding Code of Practice 2021 is the main practical reference for managing scaffolding risks in Queensland. It covers planning, design, erection, use, alteration, dismantling and inspection, with a strong focus on preventing falls, falling objects and scaffold collapse.
For builders, subcontractors, supervisors and tradies, the practical message is straightforward: the scaffold must suit the work, the site and the loads, and it must remain safe throughout its use—not just when first erected.
Information current as at 7 August 2026. Local requirements vary across Australia, so check current material from the regulator in the jurisdiction where the work will occur. A national Model Code can provide general orientation, but it is not automatically applicable law in every jurisdiction.
Main scaffolding hazards
Scaffolding brings several hazards together in one work area. The Queensland Code identifies hazards including:
- falls from platforms, edges, openings and access points
- falling tools, materials and scaffold components
- collapse caused by poor foundations, overloading or loss of stability
- contact with energised overhead electric lines
- impact from mobile plant, vehicles or nearby fixed plant
- incompatible or damaged scaffold components
- unauthorised access, use or alteration
- hazardous manual tasks during handling, erection and dismantling
- fire and explosion risks.
Risk can also increase when different trades use the scaffold without coordinating loads, access, containment or changes to the working face.
What should be sorted before work starts?
Start by confirming what the scaffold is for. Consider the work activities, number of working levels, expected people and material loads, access requirements, surrounding plant, public exposure and how the scaffold will be erected and dismantled.
The planning process should also cover:
- ground conditions, slopes, pits, trenches and underground services
- the supporting structure, soleboards, baseplates, ties and bracing
- overhead and nearby electrical hazards
- vehicle and mobile plant movements
- edge protection, internal gaps and falling-object controls
- safe access and egress
- delivery, storage and mechanical handling of components
- weather exposure and site conditions that could affect stability
- emergency arrangements, including rescue where fall-arrest equipment is used.
Workers and other businesses sharing the site should be consulted early. Responsibilities for erection, handover, use, alteration, inspection and dismantling should be understood rather than left to assumption.
What good controls and documents usually cover
Good controls normally begin with a suitable scaffold design or system configuration, compatible components and foundations capable of carrying the intended loads. The completed scaffold should match its plan and manufacturer or designer requirements.
Site controls commonly include secure working platforms, edge protection, safe stairs or ladders, controlled internal gaps, exclusion zones, containment where needed, traffic separation, clear status tags and good housekeeping.
Relevant documents may include:
- a scaffold plan showing the layout, foundations, ties, bracing, access, edge protection and working levels
- design information and manufacturer instructions
- a scaffold handover record or certificate
- inspection and maintenance records
- task-specific procedures or a SWMS
- site induction, training and consultation records
- emergency and rescue arrangements.
In Queensland, the Code calls for a scaffold plan for scaffolding work above four metres. Certain scaffolds from which a person or object can fall more than four metres also have specified competent-person inspection requirements.
When does a SWMS commonly apply?
A SWMS is required before high risk construction work starts. Under the Queensland Code, work on scaffolds is high risk construction work where it involves a risk of a person falling more than two metres. Other high risk construction work triggers may also apply because of nearby services, traffic, structures or site conditions.
The SWMS should be specific to the work and describe the high risk activity, hazards, controls, implementation, monitoring and review arrangements. It should be developed with input from the workers who will perform the work. Separate site documents may still be needed for the scaffold design, handover, inspections, emergency arrangements or coordination with other trades.
Practical warning signs
Stop and have the scaffold checked when you see:
- missing, moved or damaged ties, braces, guardrails, planks or toe boards
- settlement, undermined soleboards or deteriorating ground
- mixed components with uncertain compatibility
- materials stored beyond the designed working load
- incomplete access or unprotected gaps
- signs of vehicle, crane or plant impact
- containment sheeting added without considering wind loads
- unauthorised alterations or an unclear scaffold status
- overdue inspections or records that do not match the scaffold onsite.
Alterations should follow the scaffold plan, preserve structural integrity and be completed by a competent person. Relevant changes should be communicated and recorded before the scaffold returns to use.
How Blue Safe can help
Blue Safe provides compliant WHS documents tailored to the client’s activities, applicable Australian WHS/OHS requirements, jurisdiction and industry. This can include scaffolding-related SWMS, procedures, risk documents, inspection records, emergency arrangements and supporting site documentation.
Blue Safe guarantees the document compliance of the WHS documents it provides, including eligible customer documents after Blue Safe has reviewed and upgraded them.
Customers actively put the compliant documents into practice through controls, consultation, training, actions, records and evidence. Blue Safe can help align these documents so supervisors and workers have a clear, practical system to follow onsite.