At what height do I need a scaffolding licence?

A high-risk work licence (SB basic, SI intermediate or SA advanced, by scaffold type) is required wherever a person or object could fall more than 4 metres. Below that, workers still need to be competent, and the SWMS is still required above a 2-metre fall risk.

Who can alter a scaffold once it's handed over?

Only scaffolders — never the trades using it. Removing a rail or plank to get materials in voids the handover. The SWMS should name the alteration procedure: request to the scaffold company, alteration done and re-tagged, then work resumes.

How often must a scaffold be inspected?

Before first use, after any alteration or event that could affect it (storms, impact), and at least every 30 days while standing. The inspection tag at the access point is the visible record — no current tag, no access.

All templatesScaffolding

Scaffolding SWMS template

Erecting, altering and dismantling scaffold on construction sites.

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Scaffolders work at the sharp end of the fall category: the whole point of the trade is to build the edge protection everyone else stands behind, which means doing the work before that protection exists. A scaffolding SWMS has to be honest about that gap and show how erectors are protected while the scaffold is incomplete.

This template covers erecting, altering and dismantling scaffold on construction sites, including the licensing tiers, component handling up and down the structure, and the inspection-and-tag handover that puts the scaffold legally into service.

What this SWMS covers

The typical scope of work the document describes, step by step. The builder lets you add, remove and reword steps so the sequence matches your actual job.

1Site inspection and ground assessment
2Deliver and lay out components
3Erect scaffold base and standards
4Install platforms and guard rails progressively
5Tie the scaffold to the structure
6Inspect and tag scaffold
7Hand over to site

Hazards and example controls

The controls below are starting points ordered by the hierarchy of control — the builder helps you adapt them to the site and add your own.

Fall during erection before guard rails exist

Erect progressively so workers stand on completed decks
Use advanced guard-rail systems or harnesses on the leading lift
Licensed scaffolders only above the 4-metre threshold

Falling components during handling

Exclusion zone around the scaffold footprint during erection
Raise and lower components by rope, gin wheel or hoist — no throwing
Sole boards and secured stacks so components cannot slide

Scaffold collapse from poor foundation or missing ties

Assess ground bearing and use sole plates on soft ground
Install ties to the structure at the designed spacing as lifts go up
No alteration except by scaffolders; tag records every change

Manual handling of standards and decks

Team lifting and mechanical hoists for heavy components
Rotate erection tasks to limit repetitive load

High risk construction work

Risk of falling more than 2 metres

Scaffold erection above 2 metres is fall-risk work by definition, and any scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres requires a licensed scaffolder and formal handover inspection. Work near overhead power lines adds the energised-electrical category — check clearances before the first standard goes up.

All 18 high-risk categories explained

Common questions

At what height do I need a scaffolding licence?: A high-risk work licence (SB basic, SI intermediate or SA advanced, by scaffold type) is required wherever a person or object could fall more than 4 metres. Below that, workers still need to be competent, and the SWMS is still required above a 2-metre fall risk.
Who can alter a scaffold once it's handed over?: Only scaffolders — never the trades using it. Removing a rail or plank to get materials in voids the handover. The SWMS should name the alteration procedure: request to the scaffold company, alteration done and re-tagged, then work resumes.
How often must a scaffold be inspected?: Before first use, after any alteration or event that could affect it (storms, impact), and at least every 30 days while standing. The inspection tag at the access point is the visible record — no current tag, no access.

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Start from this template and answer a few questions about the job — state, site, crew, method. Preview the whole document free; pay only when you download the PDF.

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Before you start

Users are responsible for reviewing and adapting the SWMS to the actual worksite, work methods and applicable regulatory requirements before work begins.