1. Scaffold & Work Platforms
M. S. Martin – Sept. 2005
Reviewed - August 2010

2. Accompanying Text You can follow these slides in your workbooks.
The workbook uses “Carp 08 Limited Height Scaffolding” ©TAFE NSW
This is a good base resource, however there are elements that may be outdated. These slides do their best to update that information, However Always check current standards.
Other Ref: Workcover safe work at heights guide 1321.
AS1575 Scaffolding and Scaffold Planks

3. Definition & Authority– P2
A temporary structure, a temporary or permanent working or access platform.
Controlling Authority – WORKCOVER
To erect scaffold over 4.0m in height, you must hold a National Certificate of Competency.
As well as a course, evidence of training must be kept in a log book.
3 certificates exist, Basic Scaffolding, Intermediate Scaffolding and Advanced Scaffolding.

4. Working Close to Openings – P6
Guardrails required on all –
Floors
Ramps
Platforms
Landings
Workplaces
Stairs
Where a person could fall
2.0m or more generally
1.5m deep holes or excavations.

5. Proximity to Power Lines – P6
Minimum distance from scaffolding is 4.0m (change in text, new regulation 2004)
If this cannot be maintained you must
Contact electrical authority
High voltage mains re-routed and/or de-energized.
Low to medium voltage lines may be covered with insulation material if approved
Fence off the area with non-conductive material where mains are within reach of working platform.

6. PPE – P7 Safety helmets Safety belts Safety footwear Eye protection
Ear protection
gloves

8. Ladder Access – P8 Pitch of ladder to be 1:4
Top section of ladder to extend at least 1.0m past point of rest or attachment.
Landings or rest platforms not more than 6.0m apart.
Clear width of access platform should be not less than
675mm for persons and material
450mm for persons and hand tools

9. A Standard extract 4 Access The following is applicable:
access to the work area and to the roof must be safe and without risks to health
if ladders are used for access:
the ladder should have non-slip feet and be secured against movement
persons should have a safe landing place when stepping off the ladder
the ladder should extend at least one metre above the landing place
the clearance between metal or wire reinforced ladders and any electrical conductor wires
(powerlines) should be at least 3 metres. Otherwise non-conducting ladders should be used, and
it must not require the person to climb over the top guardrail.

10. Platforms & Access – P11 to 14
Trestles when open not greater than 36º or less than 24º.
Maximum height of trestles is 4.8m
Must not be spaced more than 2.4m apart.
All work performed without overreaching.
Planks overhang trestles by 250mm to 300mm.
No person to remain on platform when moving.
Planks placed as horizontal working platforms only.

11. Ladder Brackets – AS6001
List of requirements are laid out in the Standard.
Not the best choice these days, scaffold is a better option
However standards do still exist for their use.
See pictures following

14. Lifting with Ropes – P18 to 21
Do not use short filament ropes
Natural fibre ropes should not be exposed to temperatures more than 65º.
Check with manufactures specifications for load capacities.

15. Common Scaffold Types Unit Frames. Modular Scaffolds.
Mobile Scaffolds.

16. Scaffolding Terms – P22 Bay – the space enclosed by four standards.
Lift – the vertical distance between ledges where a working platform is created.
Unit Frame – A pre-fabricated structural scaffold.
Standard – A vertical member of a scaffold which transmits load to a supporting surface.
Ledger – A horizontal scaffold member used to tie standards along their length.
Transom – A horizontal scaffold member used to tie standards across their width.

17. Scaffold Terms continued
Putlog – A horizontal scaffold member placed transversely on top of ledgers to support planks.
Plan Brace – A diagonal bracing system, in the horizontal plane, along the scaffolds length linking opposite standards.
Face Brace – A diagonal bracing system, on the vertical face linking pairs of standards, the full height of the scaffold.
Outrigger – inclined brace, 90º on plan from the standards to the supporting surface.
A Working Platform – A surface created by planks at nominated lifts to support people and/or material.

18. Unit Frame – From P25 Often used by bricklayers.
Standard sized frames erected on soleplates.
Use folding type braces.
Height couplers and extension pieces are required to create handrail.
Outriggers may also be required for stability.

21. Sole Plates & Screw Jacks

22. Modular Scaffold – P28 to 32
Similar in appearance to tube & fitting type scaffold.
However standards come with star type connections at regular intervals.
Ledgers and transoms connect with a patent wedging system.

26. Fittings

27. Safe Work on Roofs
A copy of this is available for students, you should have received one in first year.
Or you can download a copy from workcover.
The following 3 slides give you an idea of what is in this resource

28. What is industry Practice ?
In summary an approved INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE:
􀀗 gives practical guidance on how the required standard on health, safety and welfare can be achievedin an area of work
􀀗 should be followed, unless there is an alternative course of action which achieves the same or betterstandard of health and safety in the workplace
􀀗 can be used in support of the preventive enforcement provisions of the Act
􀀗 can be used to support prosecutions for failing to comply with or contravening the Act or Regulation

29. What the Law says ! 5.1 Legislative requirements
Clause 56(1)(a) of the Regulation requires that an employer must ensure that risks associated with falls from a height are controlled by use of one of the following measures, being the provision and maintenance of:
(i) a stable and securely fenced work platform (such as scaffolding or other form of portable work platform), or
(ii) if compliance with subparagraph (i) is not reasonably practicable – secure perimeter screens, fencing, handrails or other forms of physical barriers that are capable of preventing the fall of a person, or
(iii) if compliance with subparagraph (ii) is not reasonably practicable – other forms of physical restraints that are capable of arresting the fall of a person from a height of more than 2 metres.

30. At the edge of a roof
In determining the type of roof edge protection to be used, it is necessary to make sure that it will be strong enough to withstand the forces exerted on it should a person fall. These forces are dependent upon the momentum of the falling person, which in turn depends upon a number of factors, including:
the type of roof surface – a person is likely to generate more momentum in falling down a roof with a slippy surface such as glazed roof tiles than one with unglazed tiles
the pitch of the roof – the steeper the pitch, the more speed that is generated
the length of the rafter – a person can generate more speed the further they fall.

31. Mobile Scaffold – P33 to 39
Typically of Aluminium construction, however can be steel.
Members have a clip together system, easier to erect and lightweight.
Plank system allows for internal ladder access.
Can be fitted with caster wheels for mobility on suitable surfaces

34. WorkCover Guidelines
A Hazard profile exists from workcover, which is worth downloading for reference

35. Don’t Do This!
Bodgie Scaffold