This Scaffolding SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers selecting, placing, erecting, using and dismantling scaffolding. It covers 11 activities, from securing the site and analysing the job to dismantling and incident response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Scaffolding contractors and scaffolders
Builders and construction companies
Painters, renderers and facade trades working from scaffold
Roofers, bricklayers and other trades working from scaffold
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Securing the site and keeping the public clear
Analysing the job for falls, dropped tools and equipment failure
Harness setup for work over 2 metres
Dropped materials and tools onto workers or the public below
Weather, including lightning, wind, rain, heat and slippery surfaces
Scaffold selection, damaged components and correct weight ratings
Scaffold placement near electrical hazards, mobile plant and traffic
Scaffold erection and the risk of incorrect erection or collapse
Scaffold use, including falls, falling objects and environmental loads
Dismantling with trained workers and the correct procedure
Response to injuries, incidents and damaged equipment
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 11 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant, equipment and materials list, from tubes, couplers and soleboards to scaffold tags
Licence requirements, including a scaffolding high risk work licence where a fall over 4 metres is possible
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for scaffolding?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, and most scaffolding work involves a risk of falling more than 2 metres. Other common triggers are working near energised power lines or next to a road in use. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and head contractors often ask for one either way.
Does it include scaffolding licence requirements?
Yes. It sets out that where a person or object could fall more than 4 metres, erecting, altering and dismantling scaffold needs a scaffolding high risk work licence of the right class (basic, intermediate or advanced), sighted and recorded before work starts.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
