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.