SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

DOCUMENT INFORMATION
Description

To ensure that scaffolds, ladders, stairs, walkways are designed,

installed and used to provide safe and efficient methods of work.

Document Owner

Safety Superintendent

DOCUMENT HISTORY and APPROVAL

Rev
2.0

Date
25 Feb 2011

Revision Description

Originator

Full review as per doc control

Rachel Leitch

Reviewed
Alan
Azzopardi

Approved
Trefor Flood

CONTENTS
1.

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 2

1.1
1.2

Context ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Scope ........................................................................................................................................ 2

2.

ACCOUNTABILITIES .................................................................................... 2

3.

DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................. 3

4.

PROCESS ...................................................................................................... 3

4.1
4.2
4.3

Scaffold ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Ladders ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Inspections ................................................................................................................................ 7

5.

TRAINING ...................................................................................................... 7

6.

RECORDS ...................................................................................................... 8

7.

APPENDICES ................................................................................................ 8

8.

RELATED DOCUMENTS ............................................................................... 8

Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 1 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Context
To ensure that all scaffolds are designed, installed and used in a safe manner.
To ensure that ladders, stairs, walkways are designed, installed and used to provide
safe and efficient methods of work.

1.2

Scope
This document applies to all scaffolding, work platforms, portable (single, extension
and step) and fixed ladders, stairs and walkways.
It applies to all employees, contractors and visitors who access QN locations including,
but not limited to:
Bore fields
Raw materials facilities at the Townsville Port and
Bulk fuel facilities at the Townsville Terminal.

2.

ACCOUNTABILITIES
All Employees
o Ensure that ladders, stairways and walkways are used for the intended purpose
Area Managers
o Ensure that ladders, stairs and walkways are inspected and remain fit for
purpose
o Ensure scaffolds are designed and installed in accordance with relevant
legislation and site standards
Scaffolder
o Ensure scaffolding is erected and dismantled in accordance with the relevant
Code of Practice, Australian and QN standards
o Ensure a clear and accurate JSA has been developed for each job
o Participate in the completion of risk assessments where applicable
Scaffolder Leading Hand
o Scope and plan scaffold work and incorporate into a scaffold schedule
o Ensure scaffolds are inspected on completion and regular intervals and
complete scafftags are attached.
o Complete risk assessments for all high risk jobs
Scaffolding users
o Ensure that scaffolding is used for the purpose intended
o Ensure a scafftag is attached at each entry point with the green side of the
insert card displayed, signed off indicating that the scaffold is ready for use
o Conduct a visual inspection of the scaffold before the start of their task. If the
user suspects a scaffold is unfit for purpose they are to remove the scafftags
from all access points and report the problem to the area supervisor who will
notify the on site scaffolding supervisor immediately to have the scaffold
inspected by a authorised/competent person
o Ensure that at the completion of works the scaffold is left in clean and tidy
manner
Supervisor
o Ensure scaffolding is appropriate for its intended purpose

Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 2 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

o
o
o
o
o

3.

Ensure fall protection has been designed into the erection and dismantling
process where required. (i.e. hung scaffolds)
Ensure scaffolds are inspected on completion and regular intervals and
complete scafftags are attached.
Update and maintain the scaffold register
Ensure all scaffolders have completed the site working at heights training
Ensure all scaffolders work within there competences

DEFINITIONS
TERM

DEFINITION

Advanced Scaffolder

A person who performs:

the work of an intermediate scaffolder; and
scaffolding work associated with hung scaffolds, including
scaffolds hanging from tubes, wire, ropes and chains; or
suspended scaffolds

Basic Scaffolder

A person who performs scaffolding work associated with-re

fabricated scaffolds; or cantilevered materials hoists with a
maximum working load of 500kg;or ropes; or gin wheels; or
safety nets and static lines; or bracket scaffolds

Handover certificate

A form used to ensure the scaffold is fit for use

Hung scaffolding

Scaffolding platforms, which are suspended or supported by

scaffold members or by the use of wire ropes or chain

Intermediate Scaffolder

Scaffolding
Scafftag

A person who performs:

the work of a basic scaffolder and scaffolding work associated
with cantilevered crane loading platforms or cantilevered and
spurred scaffolds or barrow ramps and sloping platforms or
perimeter safety screens and shutters or mast climbers or
tube and coupler scaffolds, including tube and coupler covered
ways and gantries
A temporary structure supporting a platform used to perform
work
A tagging system that indicates the status particulars of the
scaffold i.e. scaffold fit for use, SWL and inspection record.

4.

PROCESS

4.1

Scaffold

4.1.1

Design and Specifications

All scaffolding on site shall be designed, inspected, installed and used in accordance
with the Workplace Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Australian Standards.

4.1.2

Scaffold Erection, Modification and Dismantling

Scaffolds will only be erected, altered, maintained or dismantled by qualified
scaffolders.
Scaffolds must be erected for their intended purpose, which provides a work
environment that is fit for the intended tasks and activities, and in accordance with the
scaffold plan.

Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 3 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

All scaffolds erected on site will be entered and maintained in the scaffolding register
held by the scaffolding team.
Scaffolds must be managed by the use of the Scaffold Safety Management System,
including preparation of a scaffold plan/sketch, inspection and fitting of a fully
completed scaffold tag, refer to YHSS060b Scafftag Example.
A flow sheet detailing the steps to be followed when installing a scaffold can be located in
YHSS060a Scaffold Management System.

4.1.2.1 Fall From Height

During the erection, dismantling and performing of work beyond protective guard rails,
where the potential exists to fall two or more metres or to fall any distance onto harmful
objects and substances, all personnel shall comply with YHSS045 Working at Heights
Standard.
Where practicable, the scaffold shall be erected and dismantled in a manner that
eliminates the need for the scaffolder to be attached to a limited free fall, or free fall,
arrest anchorage point. To achieve this during erection and dismantling, the scaffold
needs to be fully enclosed, with permanent decks every two metres. Temporary decks
shall be used for the erection and dismantling purposes at the one metre lifts.
When requiring temporary decks during erection or dismantling of the scaffold, the
minimum number of planks is as follows:
For 1200mm decks, three planks must be used
For 1800mm decks, five planks must be used
For 2400mm decks, seven planks must be used.
Each deck should be installed from below, while standing on either the ground or a
deck enclosed by rail protection. Before erecting the new deck, the next level of
standards and handrails shall be installed by the scaffolder who will be in a safe
position.
For single bay scaffolds and internal access bays, the permanent deck shall remain in
position every two metres. One plank may be left out of this deck to allow for
equipment to be passed through to the next level. All enclosed lifts are to be left
enclosed until the scaffold is stripped. Prior to approving the scaffold for use, all access
decks shall have the final plank installed.
For multiple bay scaffolds, the technique is the same except that planks may be
retrieved from below a completed deck provided the scaffolder remains in a protected
position on a deck at the adjoining bay. This also requires that an internal handrail be
installed, separating the bays.
By following these requirements, the scaffolder will at all times be working within
handrails and on a deck, and will not need to be attached to a limited free fall, or free
fall, arrest anchorage point. If however, rail and deck protection cannot be installed as
described above, the scaffolder shall be attached to a suitable limited free fall, or free
fall, arrest anchorage point in accordance with YHSS045 Working at Heights.
4.1.2.2 Dropped Objects and Barricading
Edge protection should be provided to the open sides and ends of any platform from which an
object could fall 2 m or more. Toeboards and kickplates should be as least as strong and as
rigid as timber scaffold planks and should be securely fixed. They should extend not less than
150 mm above the platform surface. The gap between the platform and the toeboard or
kickplate should not exceed 10 mm.
Planks or decking forming the surface of a working platform should be of uniform thickness,
fixed to prevent uplift or displacement in normal use and positioned to avoid significant gaps.
While scaffolding is being erected or dismantled the risk of dropped or falling objects contacting
with passers-by must be assessed and barricading put in place if necessary.
Scaffolds must be dismantled progressively with items being carried or lowered to the floor.
Under no circumstances shall any item be thrown or dropped from the scaffold.
Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 4 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

Dismantled components should be stacked neatly so as not to create a restricted access or

tripping hazard. If equipment is to be left at a job site appropriate barricading will be erected.

4.1.2.1 Operational Plant Risks

Operational plant and corrosive substances pose hazards affecting the safe use of a scaffold or
the structural integrity of the scaffold here on site. Fail-safe lock-out procedures must be used to
prevent plant from being activated where scaffolds are constructed on, over or inside items of
plant, such as overhead gantry cranes, conveyors, turbines and crushers.
Corrosive substances such as concentrated acids, alkalis and salts can corrode scaffolding
components, leading to structural failure of the scaffold. Where any corrosive substance is to be
stored on or near a scaffold, compatible corrosion-resistant scaffolding materials should be
used. Where this is not practicable, the frequency of scaffold inspections should be increased to
detect early indications of structural deterioration.

4.1.2.2 Manual Handling

The scaffolder must have suitable and serviceable lifting gear to raise and lower equipment.
This may include, but is not limited to, gin wheels, hoists or handlines.
Handballing (or chaining) is usually employed for the first few lifts of a scaffold. It involves a
gang forming a human chain up the face of the scaffold, to pass equipment from one to another.
Do not release equipment until the next person in the chain has indicated they have full control.
Scaffolders receiving the equipment should call mine when they are ready and in control.
Handballing should only be used where scaffolders do not have to overreach or bend to pass or
receive equipment.

4.1.3

Inspection of Scaffolding
Scaffolding shall be inspected by a nominated, approved, competent scaffolder before
use, at intervals not exceeding 30 days or following alteration, modification or any
action that may have affected the stability or adequacy of the scaffold, at the request of
the supervisor.
Personnel may also choose to make scaffolding a focus of their Field Leadership, by
completing the Appendix 4 YHSS060d Scaffold Audit Checklist, which gives an
overview of the basic requirements for scaffolds on site.

4.1.4

Access to Scaffolding
Access to scaffolds shall be via an approved stairway or properly installed ladder. The
access to each landing shall be unobstructed and where possible access shall be
internally fitted.
Where external access to a scaffold over two metres to the working platform is
installed, edge protection must be provided e.g. side rail.
Access ladders shall not intrude or obstruct safe access in or around the scaffold. All
ladders should be securely fastened at the top and extend one metre above the
working platform with a one in four incline.
All access to scaffolds must carry a SCAFFTAG holder with a green tag when the
scaffold has been inspected by the nominated, approved, competent scaffolder and
declared fit for use.
Access to non-working decks must be isolated from the ladder access so they cannot
be misinterpreted as a working deck.

4.1.5

Damage to Scaffolding
Damaged scaffolding shall be restricted from access and the green tag removed and
reported to supervisor of the job being performed.

4.1.6

Barricades
When erecting barricades, the potential for objects being dropped or ricocheting and
striking people outside the deemed safe area must be assessed. Refer to YHSS061
Signage, Barricade and Demarcation Standard for more information.

Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 5 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

4.2

Ladders

4.2.1

General
Ladders shall have a load rating of at least 120Kg.
Ladders shall be manufactured for industrial use.
Timber ladders shall not be used on site.
All ladder hazards must be specifically identified and control measures put in place
using the current job safety analysis form.
All ladders used for electrical work shall be non-conductive.
All employees and contractors using ladders must perform a thorough check before
use or after drop or impact to ensure the ladder has no defects. Refer to Portable
Ladders, fixed Platforms, Stairs and Walkways Checklist for a guide.
Under no circumstance should any ladder that has been damaged or is defective in any
way be used. Where a defect is found the ladder shall be tagged out of service and
removed.
Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) is the preferred material for all portable ladders on site.
Ladders should be positioned on an angle of at least 700, but not more than 800 when
in use, e.g. for every 4 meters of ladder height the base should be positioned 1 metre
out.
The workers torso (body mass) should be approximately centred over the centre of any
adder at all times while ascending, working or descending.
All personnel shall comply with the requirements of YHSS045 Working at Heights when
work is being performed from ladders including fixed, portable, single and extension
ladders, where a person may fall:
From a height of two metres or more, or
Onto a dangerous object and become injured.
The following circumstances must also be assessed and appropriate control measures
implemented:
Potential to fall greater than the height of the ladder over a handrail or guardrail to
the ground/level below
Risk of falling off a ladder that is unguarded (no cage) for greater than two metres
Risk of falling down a ladder where there is a single chain barrier at the top of
ladder.

4.2.2

Single and Extension Ladders

Single and extension ladders will only be used for access and egress.
Ladders shall be no longer than
For a single ladder 6.1m
For an extension ladder used to do electrical work 9.2m
For another extension ladder 7.5m
When working on a single or extension ladder for any approved task the following
requirements apply:
Three points of contact shall be maintained at all times whilst climbing and working
on the ladder
Tools etc must be operated with one hand only
If both hands must be available for the work, fall restraint equipment must be used
Fall restraint equipment shall be used if potential exists to fall more than two metres
or onto dangerous objects.
Single and extension ladders should be installed so that the side rails or stiles rest on
firm, level footing with the top of the ladder securely fixed to prevent slippage or
movement.

Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 6 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

Single and extension ladders must extend at least one metre above the platform it
services or at least one metre above the highest rung stood on by a person working off
the ladder. A clear landing space should be provided at the top and bottom of every
ladder to ensure unobstructed safe access and egress.
Single and extension ladders should be used at such an angle that the horizontal
distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is equal to one quarter of the
length of the ladder.
A person must be stationed at the foot of the ladder to hold it while it is being secured.
No work shall be performed on a single or extension ladder unless it is tied off and
secured at the top unless if in a confined space there is no place to secure the ladder a
person must foot the ladder at all times.

4.2.3

Stepladders
Stepladders must be used according to the following criteria:
Stepladders greater than 2.8 metres in height are not permitted on site
Must only be used on non-slip, flat and level surfaces
Must only be used for light duty work e.g. use of hand tools and battery operated
drills
Work must not involve stress, strain or pulling of any kind that could potentially
cause the stepladder to tip over
A person working from a stepladder shall not stand any higher than the third step
from the top level.
This does not include purpose built step stools or platforms where the top level is
designed as the work level.

4.2.4

Platform Ladders
Platform ladders must be used according to the following criteria:
Platform ladders must be inspected before use. Refer to YHSS060c Portable
Ladder, Fixed Platforms, Stairs and Walkways Checklist
Must only be used on non-slip, flat and level surfaces
Work must not involve stress, strain or pulling of any kind that could potentially
cause the platform ladder to tip over
If the platform ladder is above two metres this is regarded as working at heights
and will then require you to work under YHSS045 Working at Heights.

4.3

Inspections
All employees and contractors working on fixed ladders, platforms and walkways
should perform a visual check of the condition of the work area to ensure there are no
defects, before commencing work. Refer to YHSS060c Portable Ladders, Fixed
Platforms, Stairs and Walkways Checklist.
All scaffolds should have be inspected on completion and regular intervals exceed no
more than 30 days by an appropriate qualified scaffold. Users should check for
completed scafftags and no obvious defects prior to use.
Please report any defects to your supervisor for further inspection and action if
required.

5.

TRAINING
Scaffolding is a prescribed occupation, which means that a certificate is required, to
undertake any work related to this area (Workplace Health and Safety Regulation
1997).

Published Date: 4 March 2011

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 7 of 8

SCAFFOLDING, LADDERS, STAIRS

AND WALKWAYS STANDARD

YHSS060

The electronic version is current, or when printed and stamped with the green controlled document stamp.
All other copies are uncontrolled.

Depending on the work undertaken there are three levels of scaffolding certification,
Basic, Intermediate and Advanced.
Only qualified scaffolds shall perform scaffolding work.

6.

RECORDS
Records

Electronic
Storage Location

Hard Copy
Location

Retention Period
(yrs)

Confidential
Records

N/A

7.

APPENDICES
Appendix

8.

Details

YHSS060a Scaffolding Management System

YHSS060b Scafftag Example

YHSS060c Portable Ladders, Fixed Platforms, Stairs and Walkways Self

Assessment

YHSS060d Scaffold Audit Self Assessment

RELATED DOCUMENTS
Origin

Queensland
Nickel

Details

YHSS045 Working At Heights

YHSS055 Barricades and Barriers
WH&S Act 1995.

Queensland
Government

WH&S Regulation 2008

Scaffolding Code of Practice 2009

Australian
Standards

Published Date: 4 March 2011

AS/NZS.1576 Scaffold General Requirements

AS/NZS.4576 Guidelines for scaffolding

Rev: 2.0

Next Review Date: 31 March 2013

Page 8 of 8