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Working on Scaffolds

SWMS · SWMS-10387

  • 7 job steps
  • Version 5

This Working on Scaffolds SWMS sets out the general safety steps, main hazards, risks and controls for using scaffolding to access work at height.

It takes your crew through seven job steps: arrival on site and assessing conditions, scaffold inspection and access, general use, mobile/tower scaffolds and trestles, emergency response, incident management, and completion of work and departure.

It does not cover erecting or dismantling scaffolds. It suits construction managers, site supervisors, safety officers and workers involved in scaffold operations.

Written by SafetyDocs safety experts, who have been writing safety documents since 2004.

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Preview of the Working on Scaffolds SWMS

Working on Scaffolds

SWMSVersion 5
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact and phone
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Responsible person's phone
—
Responsible person's signature
—
Date signed
—
Principal Contractor (PC)
[Principal contractor]
PC Address
—
PC phone
[PC phone]
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job Site Address
[Site address]

Site management plan

Is the work associated with a Construction Project?

  • Yes

  • No

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with the requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following "High-Risk Construction Work" (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column)

  • FallsInvolves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres

The fall from height hierarchy of control level considered when establishing controls:

  • L1Work on the ground or solid construction, not chosen
  • L2Use a passive fall restraint system, e.g. guard rails, scaffolding, EWP, not chosen
  • L3Use a work positioning system, e.g. travel restraint, rope access, not chosen
  • L4Use a fall arrest system, e.g. safety harness, catch platforms, not chosen
  • L5Implement administrative controls, e.g. signage or instruction, not chosen

No level has been chosen yet.

Planning and preparation

Planning/Preparation

  • Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training/Licence

  • All workers are to have a General Construction Induction Card for construction work.

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on-site

  • All workers are trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

  • Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs

  • Attend all site inductions/briefings

  • Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)

  • Only carry out work related to the contract.

  • Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitor/Review

  • All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences.

  • SWMS is to be reviewed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident

  • If additional site hazards are identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit

  • People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS must be informed ASAP.

  • Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS

  • The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS

  • SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review

  • Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident

  • Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

(add site-specific notes)

Legislation and codes of practice

None listed.

Personal protective equipment

  • Foot Protection
  • High Visibility
  • Head Protection
  • Eye Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Protective Clothing
  • Sun Protection

Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

  • Work activity

    Arrival on-site & assess on-site conditions

    • Hazard

      Site conditions

      Before controls3 High
      Controls

      • Upon arrival, thoroughly assess the worksite to identify potential hazards (slippery surfaces, overhead obstacles, wind conditions, etc.).

      • Make necessary adjustments to the work plan based on these conditions.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisorto ensure control measures followed
      • Workersto ensure control measures followed
    • Hazard

      Vehicle collisions or strikes.

      Before controls3 High
      Controls

      • Ensure clear signage indicating vehicle movement zones.

      • Use spotters when vehicles are reversing or in congested areas.

      • Designate safe walking pathways for workers.

      • Wear high-visibility clothing at all times.

      • Attend a site-specific orientation to understand vehicle routes.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisorto ensure control measures followed
      • Workersto ensure control measures followed
    • Hazard

      Trip and fall hazards.

      Before controls3 High
      Controls

      • Store all equipment in designated areas.

      • Clearly mark storage zones.

      • Keep pathways clear of equipment or debris.

      • Regularly inspect the site for trip hazards.

      • Report any improperly stored equipment to the site supervisor.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisorto ensure control measures followed
      • Workersto ensure control measures followed
    • Hazard

      Changing environmental or work conditions

      Before controls3 High
      Controls

      • Working outdoors. Ensure:

        • Suitable protective clothing

        • Sun brim on hard hat

        • Safety glasses - UV-Rated

        • Use 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin areas

        • Access to shade during breaks

        • Check weather conditions – do not work in extreme weather.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisorto ensure control measures followed
      • Workersto ensure control measures followed

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

6 more job steps, from Scaffold Inspection and Access to Completion of Work and Departure

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

7 job steps

  1. Arrival on-site & assess on-site conditionsAssess the site, vehicle routes, trip hazards and weather on arrival
  2. Scaffold Inspection and AccessConfirm the scaffold is inspected and signed off, and secure its access
  3. Using Scaffold (General use)Use the scaffold, its ladders and hatches safely
  4. Using Scaffold (mobile/tower and trestles)Set up and use mobile scaffolds and trestles safely, with casters locked and guardrails in place
  5. Emergency ResponseFollow emergency and evacuation procedures
  6. Incident ManagementReport incidents and take part in reviews
  7. Completion of Work and DepartureInspect the scaffold, clear tools and debris, and secure the site before leaving

Hazards it covers

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