If you wish to perform scaffolding work, where a person or object may fall more than four metres from the scaffold, you must hold a high-risk scaffolding work licence.

When isn’t a licence required?
License is not required if the height of the completed scaffold is less than four metres, and a person or object cannot fall more than four metres. However, irrespective of the height of the scaffolding, the persons conducting a business or undertaking and the principal contractors have an obligation to insure the health and safety of themselves, workers and others at the workplace. Obligation holders need to provide information, training, training and supervision to workers in the field of safe erection, dismantling, maintenance and alteration of scaffolding.
Did you know that, If the principal contractor supplies the scaffold for use by different trades, it is the responsibility of the principal contractor to maintain the scaffold in order to insure that it is safe for its intended use.

The definition of scaffolding.
Scaffolding is the erection, alteration or dismantling of a temporary structure erected to support a platform from which a person or object could fall more than four metres from the platform or structure.

There are three types of scaffolding:

Basic scaffolding: (SB)
Consists of scaffolding work involving the following:

• Modular or prefabricated scaffolding
• Cantilevered material hoists with a maximum working load of 500 kg
• The ropes and the gin wheel
• Safety nets, static lines, and
• Bracket scaffolding (tank and formwork)

Intermediate scaffolding: (SI)
All basic scaffolding work plus scaffolding related to the use and operation of:

• Cantilevered platforms for loading cranes
• Cantilevered and spurred scaffolding
• Barrow and sloping platforms
• Security screens and shutters perimeter
• Mast of climbers
• Tube and coupler scaffolding (including tube and coupler covered ways and gantries)

Advanced scaffolding: (SA)
All intermediate scaffolding work plus scaffolding related to the use and operation of:

• Cantilevered lifts
• Hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hung from tubes, wire ropes or chains.
• Suspended scaffolding

Scaffolding Licenses

Scaffolding involves putting up, changing or removing a temporary structure that is used to support a work platform where a person or object could fall more than four metres.

This section applies to high-risk licences for the following:

Basic work on scaffolding (SB)
Intermediate work on scaffolding (SI)
Advanced work on scaffolding (SA)

Basic Scaffolding-SB
You need a Basic Scaffolding – SB High Risk Work License to perform basic scaffolding tasks.

Basic scaffolding work includes the following:

Modular or prefabricated scaffolding
Cantilever hoist with a maximum working load of 500 kg (materials only)
Ropes:
Gin Rows
Security nets and static lines
Bracket scaffolding (tank and form work).

Intermediate scaffolding –
You need an Intermediate Scaffolding – SI High Risk Work License to perform intermediate scaffolding tasks. To apply for an intermediate scaffolding licence, you must hold or have passed a basic scaffolding licence.

Intermediate scaffolding work involves:

Scaffolding work included in the Basic Scaffolding class
Tube and coupling scaffolds, including tube and coupling, covered paths and gantries
Cantilever platform loading cranes
Cantilever and spurred scaffolding
Barrow and sloping platforms
Scaffolding related to perimeter safety screens and shutters
Climbing mast.

Advanced Scaffolding-SA
You need an Advanced Scaffolding – SA high-risk work licence to perform advanced scaffolding tasks. To apply for an advanced scaffolding licence, you must hold or have previously passed a basic scaffolding licence and an intermediate scaffolding licence.

Advanced scaffolding includes:

Scaffolding included in the Intermediate Scaffolding class
Cantilevered lifts
Hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hung from tubes, wire ropes or chains.
Suspended scaffolding.

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Working on a construction site involves a fair share of risks. Paying attention to your surroundings so that you can minimise the risks on your site is essential to insure that no one is injured. Below we discuss the five most important risks to construction sites and the easy steps you can take to avoid injury or damage.

Working at Height

In 2017, almost half of the fatalities of workers in Australia were caused by a fall in height. This usually takes the form of falling from roofs, ladders or scaffolding.

Preventing Falls from a Height

People working on scaffolding should only be allowed to complete their work if the conditions are appropriate. This means that site supervisors should not allow scaffolding work to continue if the scaffolding is wet or muddy. Workers should also wear appropriate workwear, including good grip shoes and a hard hat. The site supervisors should arrange for the scaffolding to be inspected by a qualified person before each shift.

If working at height is not necessary, it should be avoided where possible. A work-positioning system should be used as a precaution to reduce the potential injury to a worker in the event of an accident.

When working on ladders, it is important to insure that they are placed on a flat and stable surface to prevent sudden movements when elevated. When working as a precaution, the ladders should always be secured to the building. Ladders are often overlooked when it comes to inspection, but maintenance should take place on a regular basis. If any fault is found, it should be removed from the worksite and disposed of immediately to insure that no further use is made of it.

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) occurs when a worker uses tools that vibrate heavily for long periods of time. HAVS can cause nerve damage in your arms, as well as problems with the circulation of your fingers.

Preventing Hand-Warm Vibration Syndrome

As technology improves, your tools should insure that you have the best equipment available to improve safety and efficiency. To prevent HAVS, upgrade your tools to those with lower vibration rates than your current set of tools.

Laborers should also work in shifts when operating tools with high vibration levels. Breaking after each shift is an important step in the prevention of HAVS. Gripping high-vibration tools should also be avoided as this is strongly linked to HAVS.

Noise

Extended exposure to noise is a significant risk to construction sites, with the construction industry responsible for 18% of all hearing loss claims made by the Australian workforce. It is important to monitor the sound levels at your construction site to insure that workers are not exposed to potential hearing damage, which is irreversible.

Managing Worksite Noise

First, and most obviously, workers should only operate loud machines if they have adequate ear protection at their disposal. It’s easy to walk around the work site without ear protection, but it’s the simplest and most effective way to avoid significant hearing loss.

A common test to check if the level of noise is rising to a harmful level is that if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone one metre away, then the level of noise is likely to be hazardous.

A noise assessment should be carried out on your site to insure that noise levels are within acceptable levels. Safework Australia suggests that noise should be kept below 50 decibels for work requiring high concentration and constant conversation and below 70 decibels for other basic work. To reduce noise, it is suggested that all machines should be reviewed to determine whether less noisy models can be purchased. Also, check to see if you can plug your equipment into the mains electricity supply instead of using generators. Inevitably noisy work at times when fewer workers are in the workplace is effective in limiting noise exposure.

Electricity

The risks associated with any electrical work in the construction industry are extremely high. The use of electrical equipment on outdoor work sites that may become wet is very dangerous, as is the use of electrical tools on metal surfaces such as scaffolding. Electrical equipment such as extension cords and sockets are particularly prone to damage.

Preventing electrical hazards at the workplace

It is important to regularly inspect and examine any electrical equipment you use to reduce the risks to workers. This inspection is usually carried out by qualified professionals, such as electricians.

Residual-current devices (RCDs) should also be used for any plug-in electrical equipment. If a potentially harmful power leak has been identified, this device will automatically shut down the power supply to your tools.

It is also important to be aware of overhead and underground power lines so that you can carry out work away from these areas.

Fire

Fire is a huge risk at construction sites in Australia, especially because of our hot and dry climate. It takes only one spark to cause significant fire damage, so it is essential to have the best fire risk prevention strategies in place.

Preventing Fire Risk at Construction Sites

The simplest way to avoid fire hazards at the workplace is to ban smoking on site. Maintaining electrical equipment properly and using as many non-flammable materials as possible are easy steps to significantly reduce fire hazards. Hot work should be completed away from hazardous areas, such as chemical areas, and all regulations should be followed.

Safety at the workplace is as important as the work being done, so it deserves your full attention. There are many more risks associated with working on a construction site, but these are just five that we have chosen to highlight. Don’t let work get in the way of having the latest risk management procedures available, your workers will thank you for that.

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Why is the PPE important for construction?

Owing to the nature of the construction and the inherent hazards that exist on-site, PPE is essential especially for scaffolding tickets. The main aim of the PPE is to reduce the exposure of individual workers to these hazards where structural or administrative controls are not practical or effective in reducing these risks to an acceptable level. They are therefore an important complement to the broader safety initiatives being implemented on-site (such as signage and scaffolding).

What kind of PPE should be worn on a building site?

The key types of personal protective equipment for construction workers are listed here:

Work Boots

They should have slip-resistant soles to minimise the risk of slipping and falling. The sole should also be in good working order to avoid the risk of puncture, and the steel cap toe is highly recommended for protection against falling or falling objects.

Gloves

Hands are at risk of burns, cuts, fractures and absorption of chemicals. Gloves should be snug and free of rips, chemical residues or burns that could compromise their protective properties. Always replace them if they are damaged and remember to wear rubber gloves when performing heat or electrical tasks.

Ear Plugs

Aural damage is a significant risk at work due to the loud tools and machines that workers are required to operate. Always insure that the ear plugs are clean before insertion and that they fit evenly into the ear canal. Formable ear plugs are recommended to insure that different sizes of ear canals fit perfectly.

Hard Hats

Essential to protect from falling objects, they even play a role in insulation from electrical shock. They should always be a firm fit and free from deformities or teeth. If they have any kind of impact, even if there is no visible damage, they should be replaced immediately. Also be careful with the cleaning agent used on the hard hat so as not to reduce its effectiveness and never store it in direct sunlight.

Goggles

There is a risk of injury to the eyes from chemical elements, material shards, smoke and flying objects. Cutting, welding and embossing are examples of tasks that pose a risk of eye or face damage and should be performed with goggles or a face shield. Ensure that the goggles are not defective and that they comply with the ANSI Z87.1 eye protection standard. They should have a firm seal across the cheeks and forehead and should be carefully cleaned and disinfected after use.
6-High visibility of clothing

Highly important PPE when working at sites such as bridges or roads where there is a risk of being hit by passing motorists. Typically consisting of bright colours with reflective accents to maximise visibility, they may include jackets, jackets, pants or jump suits. They should fit properly so as not to create a risk of travel and be cleaned regularly to insure that the wearer remains detectable from an appropriate distance.

Masks

Surgical or facial masks are important when working on tasks that may result in the inhalation of harmful materials into the body. There are many types of masks available and it is essential to determine whether the mask is designed to protect workers from the hazard of a particular task. They must have a tight fit and be thrown away if they are disposable after each use. They must never be shared and should always be replaced immediately if the damage is sustained.

Respirator

Depending on the type of task, a simple face mask may not be sufficient. A breather is a protective mask or hood that allows the wearer to breathe clean air. There are many types, so make sure you have an appropriate breather for the job at hand. Before starting work, insure that the specific unit has been fitted and that the wearer is properly trained to operate it. Any filters need to be changed frequently and never continue to use the respirator if they are malfunctioning. It must be firmly attached to the face with a tight seal.

Sunscreen

Often overlooked as the PPE, sunscreen is of paramount importance for the protection of skin cancer in Australian workplaces. Build on your site’s behaviour to insure that workers apply it every day when they arrive on site and re-apply it throughout the day. In the absence of gloves, the sunscreen must be completely rubbed into the hands before working with tools to avoid slips and drops.

It should be noted that, according to Safe Work Australia, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is responsible for providing PPE to workers. In addition, routine inspections are well advised to insure that workers are wearing the correct EPP, are in good working order and to assess whether additional protective equipment is needed.
What does the EPP mean in construction?

EPP in construction refers to any item worn or used by an individual worker to minimise the risk to his or her health and safety. These items can be broadly classified in the following categories:

Protection of the eyes and face
Protection of the hand
Protection of the body
Breathing protection
Protection of hearing

Why is the PPE important for construction?

EPP is important in construction as it reduces the exposure of individual workers to site hazards where structural or administrative controls are not practical or effective in reducing these risks to an acceptable level.
What kind of PPE should be worn on a building site?

There is a long list of protective equipment for construction workers, but some of the key items include gloves, hard hats, boots, face masks, goggles, ear plugs and even sunscreen.

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Typically, performing work at heights on site will require the use of scaffolding courses. Safe installation of scaffolding is vital to ensuring a safe site, as there are inherent risks associated with materials in an elevated position (such as scaffolding elements themselves or tools) or for workers to fall on their own. Here we profile the trade and guide you to the safe use of scaffolding for your next job.
What’s the scaffolding?

By definition, scaffolding is a temporary structure that is designed to allow access to elevated site positions or to create a safe work platform.

What is Scaffolding Used for?

Most construction jobs require scaffolding, whether they are new constructions, demolitions, renovations or minor repairs. If the task being undertaken is above ground level, it would not only be unsafe to operate without proper scaffolding, but also highly impractical. There are a number of types of scaffolding, but the main ones are:

Supported scaffolding: the most common type that people associate with construction work. The structure is built from the ground up to the side of the building and is usually made of metal tubes and couplings. This is a highly flexible method that allows the addition of levels (for constructions) or their removal (for demolition) as required, and is also very robust.
Mobile scaffolding: also known as rolling scaffolding, it is erected in the same way as supported scaffolding, but is mounted on castors and is self-contained. Often used on large building sites with multiple worksites, as it can be repositioned and negates the need for regular dismantling and reconstruction.
Suspended scaffolding: used when working on very large buildings and where supported or mobile scaffolding would be impractical. The scaffolding is suspended from the roof of the building and can be raised or lowered to different levels of the building as required. This method is often used for cleaning windows or for moving tools and equipment between levels.

What Do Scaffolders Do?

Scaffolders assemble and disassemble temporary structures or platforms at a variety of work sites. The elements of their role shall include:

Assessing plans and blueprints for the selection of appropriate scaffolding materials
Secure fitting of selected materials together, lifting and positioning on site
Disassembling the structure upon completion of the work and ensuring that the site remains neat and tidy

Scaffolders may work at a number of different locations, such as construction, music or entertainment venues. They need to have a strong working knowledge of scaffolding safety requirements and a high-risk work licence. Work can be physically demanding and requires individuals to work comfortably at heights, outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

Is Scaffolding a Dangerous Job?

If it is carried out safely and in accordance with the approved techniques taught by the Registered Training Organization (RTO), scaffolding does not need to be a hazardous job. However, under-planned structures, the use of inferior materials or the construction of scaffolding by anyone other than an untrained professional can make it a very dangerous job (and equally dangerous for anyone else utilising the scaffolding).

Safe Work Australia confirms that between 2008 and 2013 48 workers were killed as a result of “falls from heights” between the five years. Of these, 20 deaths were from buildings, 12 were from ladders, and 5 were from scaffolding.

What are some of the safety precautions for scaffolding?

There are a number of safety precautions that should be considered in order to avoid scaffolding hazards in your next job. These include the following:

Installation by a Trained Scaffolder

Worker safety should never be left to chance, and this is particularly the case when dealing with the hazards that height may pose. Always insure that your scaffolding has been designed, installed, managed, moved and disassembled by a qualified scaffolder. If the finished structure results in a potential fall of a person or object of four metres or more, a high-risk scaffolding work licence is required.

Training workers on the Use of Scaffolding

Invest time to insure that all workers working on scaffolding are thoroughly trained on how to do so. This includes access to and scale of scaffolding, use of scaffolding materials and rated load capacity. Training should also include awareness of hazards such as electrocution, falling objects, worker falls and procedures to deal with them.

Regular inspection of the structure;

In addition to the inspection when the structure is initially erected, insure that structural integrity is regularly reviewed if it is in place for a significant period of time. With the movement and load created by workers, tools and equipment, it is important to insure that the structure remains robust and that no elements have been moved or compromised.

Foster a “first safety” approach to the use of scaffolding

While much of it is common sense, insure that workers understand the guidelines below and feel empowered to report any violations:

Remove all materials or tools from the work platform at the end of the shift.
Never use objects such as boxes or ladders to increase their working height.
Never overload the structure beyond what is rated to hold
Never work on the structure if it appears damaged or damaged
Never climb onto elements of the structure that were not intended for it (such as handrails)

Ensure that personal protective equipment is worn

While the structure is, by definition, designed to keep workers safe, it must not be based on the exclusion of personal protective equipment. Ensure that all workers are wearing hard hats (whether on, around or under the structure) and non-skid work boots, also consider using tool lanyards and fall arrest systems for additional safety.

Watch out for the weather

Conditions can change dramatically over the course of a shift, so make sure you keep an eye on the skies and stop working when the weather is bad. This includes high winds, rain, sleet and even snow, while you’re still working. Ensure that all debris is removed from working platforms after a period of bad weather before workers re-enter the structure.

Can you use a scaffolding ladder?

Freestanding ladders should not be used for scaffolding. Depending on the type of scaffolding structure that has been built, there may be a fixed ladder, built-in ladder or even an access stairway to allow workers to access different levels. They are part of the structure that has been designed and are fine for workers to use.

The general rule of thumb is that if additional height is needed, your trained scaffolder should modify the structure to give you the right access to where you need to perform your next task.

How Long can the Scaffolding be Left?

While there are no set standards for scaffolding as to how long it can be left, the guidance is that it should be as long as possible for all project tasks requiring a secure completion of the structure. There are, however, a few points to be noted concerning the inspection of a scaffolding structure that encompasses this, which state that the competent person must inspect the structure.

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Scaffolding is a temporary support platform designed to assist construction workers and materials in the construction and repair of structures. Unfortunately, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries in Australia with the third highest accident and fatality rate that’s why there is a need for a scaffold course Considering that scaffolding is used to assist workers and materials when working at heights, any error can be fatal, so it is essential that the design and assembly of scaffolding equipment is well planned and carried out.

Qualified scaffolders perform a wide range of tasks, ranging from the assembly of scaffolding materials, the laying of flooring on each level of scaffolding, and the disassembly of scaffolding once the work has been completed. In addition, qualified scaffolders are also responsible for complying with various occupational health and safety measures during the design phase of each project. Scaffolding should only be erected where it is safe to do so (away from power lines and other hazards) and the installation of fall prevention systems such as roof safety mesh, guard rails and barriers must also be considered.

Qualifications:

To be able to perform scaffolding work where a person or object can fall more than four metres in height, you must hold a ‘High Risk Scaffolding Work License.’ Even if a person or object can fall below four metres, every construction company has an obligation to insure that health and safety standards for all workers at the construction site are complied with. This includes providing information, instructions, training and supervision to workers to insure that scaffolding is safely erected, dismantled, maintained and modified.

How to get a High Risk Work License for Scaffolding

There are three classes of High Risk Work Licenses that scaffolders can obtain: Basic Scaffolding, Intermediate Scaffolding, and Advanced Scaffolding. The following outlines the type of work that a scaffolder may perform once each of these licences has been obtained.

Basic Scaffolding

Prefabricated scaffolding
Cantilevered hoist with a load limit not exceeding 500 kg (materials only)
Ropes
Gin Wheels
Static safety nets and lines
Bracket scaffolding (tank and formwork)

Intermediate Scaffolding

In addition to all the work that is part of Scaffolding Basic:

Mast Climbers
Tube and coupling scaffolds, including tube and coupling, covered paths and gantries
Cantilever and spurred scaffolding
Cantilever platform loading cranes
Barrow ramps and sloping platform
Scaffolding related to perimeter safety screens and shutters

Advanced Scaffolding

In addition to all the work that falls within Scaffolding Basic and Scaffolding Intermediate:

Hung scaffolds, including scaffolds hung from tubes, wire ropes and chains
Suspended scaffolding

If you are interested in obtaining your Scaffolding Advanced certification, you need to complete both your Scaffolding Basic and Scaffolding Intermediate training.

Once you have completed the relevant training and have been successfully assessed as competent, you must submit your paperwork to the relevant government organisation within 60 days to receive your High Risk Work License. The fees to be charged for each licence vary from state to state.

Once you have received your High Risk Work License, it is valid for five years and includes the licence class and the expiry date. All qualified scaffolders must carry their licence with them when performing any scaffolding work. Once your licence has expired, you will need to contact the relevant government organisation in your state to renew it. Even though you obtain a High Risk Work License from the relevant body of your state, all High Risk Work Licenses are nationally recognised across Australia.

Are you interested in obtaining your licence?

There are different skills and attributes needed to become a successful scaffolder. Scaffolding is physically demanding, so strength and fitness are needed to be able to perform the work effectively. In addition, a good understanding of the risks associated with working from heights to tools, chemicals and heavy objects is needed. Overall, a high level of awareness of health and safety is needed along with a high level of attention to detail.

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