Scaffolds

Everyone involved in the scaffolding process must have the knowledge and skills to perform the work safely, regardless of the height of the scaffold. You’ll also need the right certification, depending on the situation. To set up a scaffold under 5m, you must be what is called a “competent person”. Being competent means you have:

The knowledge and skills to carry out a particular task. This could be gained through training, qualification, or experience, or a combination of these.

Tip: Be aware that the 5m is measured from highest part of the scaffold to the ground. The highest part of the scaffold is the uppermost functional component (usually the top guardrail) and does not include any redundant tube above this point.

Anyone involved in setting up, dismantling or changing any scaffold should have:

• The ability to make simple calculations (for example working out a load)
• Ability to read and understand suppliers’ information, general site plans, design drawings and specifications for scaffolds
• Thorough knowledge of the scaffolding equipment being used
• Thorough knowledge of the assembly methods and design requirements associated with scaffolding equipment
• Ability to identify the common hazards of scaffolding work and take effective precautions to control the risks resulting from the hazards
• Competency to visually inspect scaffolding equipment for faults
• The physical skills needed for scaffolding construction
• Competency in manual lifting techniques
• Ability to work safely and confidently at heights
• Ability to use scaffolding tools and equipment correctly
• Ability to erect and dismantle scaffolding in the correct sequence
• Knowledge of the prevention of falling objects

For putting up scaffold above 5m, you’ll need the appropriate class of Certificate of Competence for the type of scaffold you’re working on. Certificates of Competence are issued by SARNZ (Scaffolding, Access and Rigging Association of New Zealand) and are valid for four years.

Basically, it all comes down to judgement; if the job can't be safely performed without scaffolding then yes, scaffolding must be supplied, however, scaffolding isn't the only option. Alternatives that can be put in place to ensure a job is carried out safely such include guardrails and in some cases where necessary, harnesses. A fall from a single story roof is one of the most common causes of serious harm and fatalities for roofers. Doing nothing is not an option.

If you own and occupy the home the legal responsibility for safety sits with the contractor. If you own the home and do not occupy it (e.g. a rental property), then you have legal responsibility for the safety of the contractor, however, this does not remove the contractors own responsibilities to manage their own safety. In this situation the responsibility of providing the scaffold needs to be negotiated and agreed to in the contract.