When Is Scaffolding Required?

Scaffolding is one of Scaffolder near me the most important safety measures you should implement when working at heights, primarily within the building and construction industry.

Though state regulations can vary widely when it comes to scaffolding safety requirements, the risks to health and safety of employees and the public should always be front of mind.

Risk Assessment
The primary means to determine whether or not a scaffold component is needed for safe access in your construction project is through a thorough risk assessment of the project.

This assessment is best conducted by a competent person with a scaffolding licence who will conduct an initial inspection of the site. Generally, the results of this assessment will determine the safety risks, whether you do need scaffolding, and the type of scaffold platform. Sometimes a basic scaffold or temporary structure is all you need, while in other cases a more advanced scaffolding system is required, such as for heavy loads, significant heights, unstable ground or portable applications.

Regular inspections should also be conducted during various stages of the construction project to ensure safe access is maintained with safety risks minimised.

To give you a better understanding of scaffolding equipment usage, here is a guide on what activities require a scaffold platform to be installed and the types of scaffolds best suited for the respective activity.

1. Working at a height
   When a task requires workers to perform at a certain height, then scaffolding is strictly needed to abide by health and safety standards as set out by Safe Work Australia. Furthermore, if a person or object can fall more than 4 metres from the scaffold platform or structure, it is a requirement that a qualified person holding a high risk work licence should undertake the scaffolding work.

Scaffolding can readily provide a stable platform where workers feel safe and secure while on the job. To perform advanced scaffolding duties, you will need a competent person to assess, design and install the scaffold structure.

When you need to access heights across a large surface, mobile scaffolding can provide an excellent option to keep costs down.

2. Long job duration
   Single-day constructions don’t always require the use of scaffolding considering the time it takes for assembly and dismantling of the scaffolds. However, in the case of larger construction jobs that would take more than a couple of days to complete, roof constructions for instance, are best carried out with a secure scaffolding system. Aside from providing a secure platform, it can also help protect the unfinished work and equipment especially during harsh weather.
3. Extensive jobs
   On extensive projects that need multiple workers to work at the same time, scaffolding is the best way to allow them to move around the site safely and conveniently. Installing scaffolding also provides safe transportation to minimise the risk of dropping construction materials as they are passed from a height to the ground that might endanger site visitors or passers-by.

Hang on scaffolding or hung scaffold is a good option when installing the fascia, gutter or roofing of a property as it allows the ground around the building to be clear for other trades, and is typically accompanied with an external ladder and step heights.

The maximum load of the scaffold is also a major factor when determining the type of scaffold component required, with various factors such as the ground level stability, dead loads, live loads and the appropriate use of base plates.

Prefabricated scaffold is a common component in any construction project and depending on the heights, maximum working loads and implementation, can be installed by a competent person who holds a basic scaffolding licence, an intermediate scaffolding licence or a high risk work licence. A qualified person will be able to guide you on the right scaffolding equipment required based on the safe working loads and the risk to health and safety, ensuring safe access for workers.