Scaffolding Code of Practice 2009

Important information about the Scaffolding Code of Practice 2009

The code:

replaces the Scaffolding Code of Practice 2004
was made on 2 July 2009
commenced on 3 July 2009
expires 10 years after it commenced.

What is this code of practice about?

The code provides practical advice on ways to manage exposure to the risk of death or injury related to the erection, use, maintenance, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding.

Download the Scaffolding Code of Practice 2009 (PDF, 933 kB)

Changes have been made to improve safety standards for scaffold erectors and users. The most significant change has been the introduction of the swing-stage scaffold compliance pack, which includes:

engineer certification requirements for critical components
training requirements for erectors and operators, and
advice for all relevant obligation holders, checklists, and verification forms to assist obligation holders to ensure safety.

The Code must be followed by persons erecting, modifying, dismantling or using any scaffolding.

The Code provides that any person who is erecting or installing suspended scaffold must have undertaken the Course in the Safe Erection/Installation of Swing Stage Scaffolds (30825QLD) and that a user of the swing stage must have undertaken the Course in the Safe Use of Swing Stage Scaffolds (30826QLD).

This training is currently being developed and once available to industry, it must be undertaken as soon as possible.

In the meantime, follow the Code in all other respects, as well as the following four requirements:

WHSQ SS 01 - Principal contractor or building owner swing-stage statement (PDF, 41 kB)
WHSQ SS 02 - Competent person benchmarks for swing-stage set-up verification (PDF, 46 kB)
WHSQ SS 03 - Swing-stage suspension system verification statement (PDF, 47 kB)
WHSQ SS 04 - Swing-stage load test procedure (PDF, 40 kB)

View/download the full report by Dr Andrew Baigent - recommendations on improving the safe use of suspended (swing stage) scaffolds.