Why is edge protection important?

Falls from heights are a major hazard which has caused injury and/or death of workers. Unprotected edges are one of the most common hazards which contribute to falls from height and as height increases, so does the risk of serious injury. Edge protection must be provided at every open edge of a work platform or scaffold platform to prevent both workers and materials from falling. It's imperative you get the safest height safety solution for your residential construction project on the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Northern NSW with correct installation methods and risk control measures to minimise key risk factors and workplace accidents.

What are the benefits of using a hang-on platform?

Cost effective protection for workers. Keeps the building site clear of scaffolding allowing unimpeded ground access. Reducing delays construction due to bad weather conditions. Allows for earlier roof installation. Allows sub-trades to complete wall installations earlier in the project. Speeds up the overall construction timeline. Allows roof trusses to be stood safely while building. Saves on scaffolding and safety hire costs because hang-on platforms are generally only needed for the later stages of a project.

What is a hang-on platform?

Hang-on platforms (also called hang on scaffolds) are designed to provide safe roof access for builders. They are often used an alternative to scaffolding or roof safety rails because they can: Speed up the construction process. Be quicker to install and remove. Eliminate the need for ground-up scaffolding. Reduce labour and hire costs. Best installed on timber frames, steel frames and concrete tilt slabs.

Can I erect my own scaffolding?

You can erect your own scaffolding tower as long as it is under 4m in height. Workcover/Worksafe regulation applies to any structure above this height We do not recommend that you attempt to erect a scaffold on your own. Working at heights poses significant risks to those working on the scaffold and those on the ground. Keeping people safe is too important to risk making the erection of scaffolding a DIY project.

Does CanDo offer any other roof edge protection products?

Yes - CanDo offers a comprehensive range of temporary roof edge protection systems. Our roof safety systems cater for various types of roof construction with a large range of mounting brackets: Under Eave Top Plate Tile Gable Re-Roof Pole System Tilt Slab Our customers have access to a wide range of options to suit all residential roofing projects. We can also provide edge protection scaffolding for commercial projects.

Are mobile scaffold towers safe?

Yes, when mobile scaffold towers are set up and used correctly they are a very safe structure. A scaffold tower is a self-supporting, highly rigid structure. These towers are designed for use on jobs where height is the fundamental requirement. Scaffold towers offer resistance against slips and provide more room to move about freely while you work. With the ability to accommodate the worker, their materials and tools, scaffold towers have become a popular choice amongst workers.

What height is edge protection required?

As stated in OSH Regulations, edge protection scaffolding must be installed if any person on a worksite is at risk of falling 2 metres or more from a flat edge such as scaffolds, stairs, landings etc. If workers are on something other than a flat edge such as a roof, roof truss or ladder, then only heights of 3 metres and above require edge protection to be installed.

What is edge protection designed for?

Temporary roof edge protection is designed to prevent a person falling from height to a lower level. Guardrails, handrails, safety rails and scaffolding are erected to create a barrier around the roof of a building to prevent a person or materials from falling.

Where shouldn't a mobile scaffold be used?

A mobile scaffold must be used only on a hard, level surface. It also must not be located within 1m to any slab edge, penetration or stepdown unless a fixed fence / rail / roof edge protection / void protection platform is in place.

How to Learn Scaffolding in Australia

Skilled scaffolders have become one of the most desired workers in the Australian construction industry over the past few years. However, to become one means you must possess the necessary skills and attributes of a good Scaffolder.

Interested in pursuing a scaffolding career? Here’s an outline of how to become a professional scaffolder in Australia.

What is Scaffolding?

A scaffold is a temporary support structure used in repairs, maintenance, and construction building purposes. Scaffolds are helpful in gaining access to areas that are hard to reach specifically when working at heights.

Furthermore, scaffolding can also be used for frameworks and braces, seats for grandstand accommodation, concert platforms, observation towers, expo stands, and other adapted purposes. Scaffolders are the ones licensed to professionally erect, alter or disassemble scaffold structures at 4 meters high or above in which a worker or object has a risk of falling.

Being a Scaffolder: Daily Duties

A scaffolder’s job varies the same the various purposes of a scaffolding solution on site do. But, in general, a scaffolder is entailed to:

Unload scaffolds on site
Check scaffolding requirements
Position, erect and secure temporary scaffolding sections at a specific height
Fit clamps, steel bars, support braces, and other metal fittings in place for safety
Create flooring on each scaffold level by laying out work platforms
Fix guard rails and set safety nets
Dismantle scaffolds upon work completion

Since scaffolding is a high-risk occupation that involves working at varied heights and environmental conditions, a scaffolder is required to secure a Height Risk working permit. This means that scaffolders must be aware of health and work-related safety requirements that would help prevent or minimise occupational risks and accidents.

Skills for success

Scaffolding jobs demand a great deal of physical fitness, strength, and extraordinary concentration. More than that, it requires some of the below desired skills.

Some of the skills a scaffolder must have included the following:

Basic to intermediate knowledge of building and construction procedures.
Knowledgeable in schematic representations and plans.
Good communication skills both in written and oral form.
Planning and organisation skills.
Problem-solving skills.

A successful scaffolder must include, but not limited to the following attributes:

Physically fit
Dedicated to following safety procedures
Ability to take and follow instructions
Exceptional hand-eye harmony, agility, and grace
Ability to remain calm in tough conditions
Ability to work with a team
Resourceful and decisive
Meticulously pays attention to details
Can work at varying heights with conviction
Sharp recognition of health and safety risks

Education Pathways & Courses

Even though there are no formal educational requirements to become a certified scaffolder, there are several tracks you could get hold of to pursue a scaffolding career.

Here are some education pathways and courses you can undertake for you to fit as a professional scaffolder:

Start a relevant scaffolding course

Kick-off your career by starting a relevant scaffolding course that will give you plenty of knowledge about the customs and operations of the construction industry. Similarly, a two-year certificate course or training programme in basic building and construction is also suitable to jumpstart your dream of being a scaffolder.

Fortify your scaffolding skills

After the basics, the next important thing to do is to learn some essential trade knowledge and strengthen your practical scaffolding skills through apprenticeships. Indulging in an official scaffolding training contract as an apprentice will not only sharpen your skills through practical works but also earn money at the same time.

Beef up your resume

Boost your technical know-how on scaffolding works. Hands-on work experiences are not enough without the minds-on skills to develop a holistic professional scaffolding ability.

Obtain industry requirements

To be able to work as a scaffolder, a High-Risk work permit along with a Construction Induction Card must be secured. Others even require a short course on how to work at heights safely to be completed. After the scaffolder course, your skills will be assessed on how competent you are in particular areas of the training. This will be your ticket in receiving a national qualification award for you to be recognised as a qualified scaffolder.

Land a job

Having acquired the necessary skills and technical education in scaffolding, you can now put them into professional use. Highlight your strong points and achievements in a resume and catch the construction industry’s interest in hiring your professional service. Pair it with a cover letter outlining your credentials and fitness in the open position, and get that job land on your hands.

Different licenses

Worksafe categorise the scaffolding high-risk work licenses into three (3) according to a specific scaffolding work involved. They are as follows:

1. Basic scaffolding license

SB high-risk work license includes prefabricated basic scaffolding works specified below:

Modular or prefabricated scaffolds.
Cantilevered hoists with workload materials weighing up to 500 kg
Ropes and gin wheels.
Safety nets and static lines
Bracket scaffolds (tank and formwork).

2. Intermediate scaffolding license

SI high-risk work license covers all works specified in basic scaffolding plus the specific works like

Cantilevered crane loading platforms.
Cantilevered spurred scaffolds.
Tube and coupler scaffolds, as well as tube and coupler, covered ways and gantries
Barrow ramps and sloping platforms.
Safety screens and shutters installation around the perimeter.
Mast climbers.
Tube and coupler scaffolds

3. Advanced scaffolding license

SA high-risk work license includes all works of basic and intermediate scaffolding with the usage and utilisation of

Cantilevered hoists
Suspended scaffolds.
Hanging scaffolds

Scaffolding Hire with CanDo

Once you’ve learned how to become a scaffolder in Australia, it’s time to land a job that will put your skills and knowledge into good use. CanDo can help you with that.

CanDo provides scaffolding hire and height protection service to the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, and the greater Brisbane area. We have a comprehensive range of scaffold solutions that cater to residential and light commercial building construction needs, as well as to private property requirements.

Further to our hire services we provide a consultation service to all clients. This consultation service means that you get the best solution at the right price. It also ensures that the solution we give you meets Work Place Health and Safety Regulations.

Want to join the CanDo crew?