Scaffolding SWMS & WHS templates

Safety documents for scaffolding work in Queensland
Scaffolding work on a construction job often involves a risk of falling more than 2 m. Construction work with that risk is high risk construction work under section 291(a) of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld), so a SWMS is required before the work starts (section 299). Section 306P sets separate fall rules for erecting scaffolding.

Scaffolding work in the classes listed in Schedule 3 (basic, intermediate and advanced scaffolding) needs a high risk work licence (s 81), and a business must see written evidence of it before directing or allowing a worker to do the work (s 85).
For suspended, cantilevered, spur and hung scaffolds, and any scaffold a person or thing could fall more than 4 m from, a competent person must confirm in writing that construction is complete before anyone uses it (s 225).
Those scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before use, before use resumes after an incident that may affect stability or after repairs, and at least every 30 days (s 225).
Unauthorised access must be prevented while a scaffold is incomplete or unattended (s 225).

The approved Scaffolding Code of Practice 2021 sets out practical guidance on erecting, altering and inspecting scaffolds. A code of practice is guidance, not law.
Templates to start with

Scaffolding SWMS: erecting, altering and dismantling
Working at Heights SWMS: fall controls for the crew
Rigging & Dogging SWMS: hoisting scaffold materials
Lifting Gear & Inspection Register: free register for lifting gear
Work at Heights Policy & Procedure Template: your company rules for heights
Site Safety Audit Checklist: a wider site inspection

Related guides: fall protection and prevention and high risk construction work.
All templates are editable Word (or Excel) files: add your logo and download them straight after checkout. Filled in for your job, they help you meet your duties.
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