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Erecting Scaffold SWMS Template

Safe Work Method Statement for scaffold erection by licensed scaffolders

HRCW: Work at height (risk of falling more than 2 metres)
WHS Reg compliantPre-filled hazards & controlsPreview free, export PDF

What This SWMS Covers

This SWMS covers scaffold erection, alteration, and dismantling by licensed scaffolders, including tube-and-coupler, modular/system scaffold, and cantilever scaffold systems.

Who Needs This SWMS

Licensed scaffolders (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced), scaffold labourers, principal contractors engaging scaffolding subcontractors

Key Hazards & Control Measures

HazardRisk LevelControl MeasuresHierarchy
Falls from height during erectionFatalAdvanced guardrail systems, fall arrest harness with static line, safe platform-to-platform progression, no working from incomplete scaffoldEngineering / PPE
Scaffold collapse during erectionFatalScaffold design by competent person, adequate base plates/sole boards, ties installed progressively, bracing complete before loadingEngineering / Administrative
Falling components (tubes, fittings, boards)FatalExclusion zone below scaffold, tool lanyards, component passing by hand or hoist (not thrown), gin wheel for heavy componentsAdministrative / Engineering
Manual handling (heavy scaffold components)SeriousMechanical lifting (hoist/crane) for upper levels, team lifts for heavy components, limit carry distances on scaffoldEngineering / Administrative

PPE Requirements

Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)
Full-body harness (AS/NZS 1891)
Safety boots with ankle support (AS/NZS 2210)
High-visibility vest
Gloves for handling steel components

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What licence is needed to erect scaffold?
A scaffolding high-risk work licence is required: Basic (SB) for modular scaffold up to 4m, Intermediate (SI) for scaffold up to any height using a single scaffold system, Advanced (SA) for complex scaffold including cantilever and suspended.
Q:When is a scaffold design required?
A scaffold design by a competent person (engineer for complex/high scaffold) is required for scaffold exceeding 4m in height or any non-standard configuration.

Build Your Erecting Scaffold SWMS Now

Pre-filled hazards and controls for erecting scaffold work. Preview free, export when ready.