When you need a certified scaffolder, and how to keep a scaffold safe in use
A scaffold from which a person could fall 5 metres or more must be erected, altered or dismantled by, or under the direct supervision of, a holder of a Scaffolding Certificate of Competence — and that work is notifiable to WorkSafe at least 24 hours before it starts. Whatever the height, a scaffold needs sound footings, full edge protection, secured platforms, and inspection before use, at least every 7 days, and after weather or alteration.
If a person could fall 5 metres or more from the scaffold, it must be erected, altered or dismantled by, or under the direct supervision of, someone holding a Scaffolding Certificate of Competence (CoC) — issued in New Zealand by SARNZ (Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand), with the NZ Certificate in Scaffolding at Level 3 or 4.
Below 5 metres a certificate is not required, but the work must still be done by a competent person following good practice, and a scaffold over 33 metres must be designed by a chartered professional engineer. WorkSafe sets out core competencies — basic load calculations, reading specifications, and thorough knowledge of the equipment — that apply to anyone erecting, altering or dismantling a scaffold, regardless of height.
A scaffold from which a person could fall 5 metres or more is “particularly hazardous work” and is notifiable. You must notify WorkSafe at least 24 hours before the work begins, using the hazardous-work notification form, which gives inspectors the chance to review the plan before anyone goes up.
A scaffold is only as good as its base and ties. Use sound, level footings and sole boards, brace and tie it to the structure, and keep it within its rated load — both the dead weight and the live load of people and materials — following the manufacturer's and any engineer's specifications. Keep a minimum clearance of 4 metres from live overhead power lines, and build to the relevant AS/NZS scaffolding standards.
Every working platform needs full edge protection — guardrails, midrails and toeboards — and platforms must be fully planked with boards secured against uplift from wind or movement, leaving no gaps for tools, materials or feet to fall through. Add falling-object protection where people pass below. Fall protection is generally required where there is a risk of a fall of 3 metres or more, but you must take reasonably practicable steps at any height — especially over concrete or sharp objects. See working at height.
Inspect a scaffold before it is first used, at least every 7 days while it is up, and again after adverse weather or any alteration. A competent person carries out the check and tags the scaffold (a scaftag) to show its status. If a scaffold is incomplete, altered, tampered with or looks unsafe, it must not be used until a competent person has checked and certified it safe. Keep the inspection records.
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When a person could fall 5 metres or more from the scaffold. That work must be done by, or under the direct supervision of, a holder of a Scaffolding Certificate of Competence issued by SARNZ.
Yes, where a person could fall 5 metres or more. It is particularly hazardous work and must be notified to WorkSafe at least 24 hours before it begins.
Before it is first used, at least every 7 days while it is in place, and again after adverse weather or any alteration — by a competent person, with the status recorded on a scaftag.
A certificate is not required under 5 metres, but the work must still be done by a competent person following good practice, with sound footings, bracing, edge protection and correct loading.
Full edge protection on every working platform — guardrails, midrails and toeboards — with platforms fully planked and boards secured against uplift, plus falling-object protection where people pass below.
