New scaffolding code of practice for Queensland

The new Scaffolding Code of Practice 2009 (Code) was recently issued by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General and commenced on 3 July 2009. This new Code replaced the 2004 Code.

Changes have been made to improve safety standards for scaffold erectors and users. The most significant change has been the introduction of the swing-stage scaffold compliance pack, which includes:

• engineer certification requirements for critical components;
• training requirements for erectors and operators; and
• advice for all relevant obligation holders, checklists and verification forms to assist obligation holders to ensure safety.

The Code must be followed by persons erecting, modifying, dismantling or using any scaffolding.

The Code provides that any person who is erecting or installing suspended scaffold must have undertaken the course in the Safe Erection/Installation of Swing Stage Scaffolds (30825QLD) and that a user of the swing stage must have undertaken the course in the Safe Use of Swing Stage Scaffolds (30826QLD).

This training is currently being developed and, once available to industry, it must be undertaken as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the Code must be followed in all other respects, along with the following four requirements:

• WHSQ SS 01 — Principal contractor or building owner swing-stage statement;
• WHSQ SS 02 — Competent person benchmarks for swing-stage set-up verification;
• WHSQ SS 03 — Swing-stage suspension system verification statement; and
• WHSQ SS 04 — Swing-stage load test procedure.