Scaffolding is classified as plant under the OHS Act 2004 (Vic)  and the term 'scaffolding work' refers to the erection, altering or dismantling of a temporary structure erected to support a platform and from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres. The risks involved in this type of work means that it must only be undertaken by a person holding the appropriate class of high-risk work licence.

As working on scaffolds often means a risk of falling more than two metres, it often falls under the category of high risk construction work (HRCW) under OHS regulation. If this is true for your worksite, you must produce a safe work method statement (SWMS) where you map out the method to safely erect, use and dismantle a scaffold.

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Where a SWMS is not required a scaffolding plan will help identify ways to protect people who are:

• Erecting, using, maintaining, altering and dismantling the scaffold;
• Near the scaffold or scaffolding work e.g. other workers and members of the public.

For more complex scaffolds a scaffolding plan should be prepared by a competent person. In preparing a scaffolding plan a range of people should be consulted, including:

• The scaffold designer e.g. to discuss the design loads and the capability of the structure to support extra loadings;
• The scaffolding contractor or builder;
• Other contractors, e.g. persons who can assess where underground drains or services are located. The work should be planned to avoid excavating service trenches under, through or adjacent to scaffolds;
• Workers, work health and safety committees and health and safety representatives;
• Other competent people familiar with similar structures e.g. an engineer or a person holding an intermediate or advanced scaffolding high risk work licence;
• The electricity supply authority if the scaffold is being erected near overhead electric lines.

The scaffolding plan should include a site layout plan and detail the elevations and sections of the scaffold. It should be kept at the workplace if reasonably practicable, or be readily accessible near the scaffold.

The scaffolding plan should address:

• Basis of design;
• Type of scaffold;
• Foundations including ground conditions;
• The weight bearing capacity of the surface where the scaffold is to be erected;
• Dead loads e.g. resulting from the size and weight of the scaffold;
• Live and environmental loads e.g. wind loads;
• Containment sheeting;
• Supporting structures;
• Entry and exit;
• Tying and anchors—where anchors will be placed on the supporting structure and types; of anchors to be used;
• Bracing;
• Edge protection.