Scaffolding & Access SWMS
Scaffold erection and dismantling, working platforms, and edge protection
Scaffolding & Access Complete Pack
8 documents — everything you need for scaffolding & access compliance.
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Scaffolding work is inherently high-risk construction work under WHS Regulations s.291 due to the constant risk of falls from height. Licensed scaffolders require SWMS for every scaffolding operation.
Our scaffolding SWMS pack covers 8 activities including scaffold erection and dismantling, working platform installation, edge protection systems, scaffold inspection, and mobile scaffold operations. Documents address critical hazards such as scaffold collapse, falls during erection, falling tools and materials, and electrocution from overhead power lines.
Key Hazards Covered
- Falls during scaffold erection and dismantling
- Scaffold collapse from improper assembly
- Falling tools and materials onto workers below
- Electrocution from contact with overhead power lines
- Manual handling of heavy scaffold components
- Inadequate edge protection
Relevant Australian Standards
- AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (Parts 1-4)
- AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding safety
- AS/NZS 4994.1 Temporary edge protection
- AS/NZS 1891.1 Fall-arrest systems
Individual Documents — $67.96 each
Scaffolding & Access SWMS — Common Questions
Is a SWMS required for all scaffolding work?
Yes. Scaffolding work almost always involves a risk of a fall of more than 2 metres, which is high-risk construction work under WHS Regulations s.291(a). A SWMS must be prepared before work begins. (A scaffolding high-risk work licence is a separate requirement.)
Do I need a scaffolding licence and a SWMS?
Yes, both are required. A high-risk work licence for scaffolding (SB, SI, or SA class) is required under WHS Regulations, and a separate SWMS must document the specific hazards and controls for each scaffolding job.
What scaffold types are covered?
Our documents cover tube and coupler scaffolding, modular/prefabricated scaffolding, mobile scaffolding, suspended scaffolding, and cantilever scaffolding — each with type-specific hazard controls.
Do I need a SWMS for scaffolding work in Victoria?
Yes, where the scaffolding work is high risk construction work. Victoria is not part of the national WHS scheme, but it still requires a SWMS-equivalent for high risk construction work under the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic), made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). The content requirements are substantively equivalent to the rest of Australia, but your documents must cite the Victorian OHS Regulations 2017 rather than the model WHS Regulations.
Does erecting scaffold near overhead power lines need extra controls in the SWMS?
Yes. Working near energised electrical installations is high risk construction work under WHS Regulations s.291(k), so a scaffolding SWMS must identify the overhead power line hazard and set out controls such as safe approach distances, spotters or supply isolation. This is in addition to the risk of a fall of more than 2 metres under s.291(a) that applies to most scaffold erection and dismantling.
Does the principal contractor need a copy of my scaffolding SWMS?
Yes. Under WHS Regulations s.301 you must give the principal contractor a copy of the SWMS before the high risk construction work starts. The SWMS must be reviewed and revised under s.302 if the work changes, a new hazard arises or an incident occurs, and kept until the work is completed under s.303.
Last updated: March 2026