Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces 5.1a: 5.1 Scaffolds: completion confirmation, inspections and securing incomplete scaffolds (r 225)

A person with management or control of a scaffold from which a person or object could fall more than 4 metres must not allow its use until a competent person who has inspected it gives written confirmation that it is complete. The scaffold and supporting structure must be inspected by a competent person before use resumes after an incident that may affect stability (a severe storm, a mobile plant impact), before use resumes after repairs, and at least every 30 days; where an inspection shows a risk, repairs, alterations and additions must be made and the scaffold re-inspected before use resumes; and unauthorised access to an incomplete, unattended scaffold must be prevented, for example with danger tags and warning signs (WHS Regulations r 225). Designs of certain plant such as prefabricated scaffolding must be registered before use. Scaffold platforms are rated light (225 kg per bay, about two planks, 450 mm), medium (450 kg, about four planks, 900 mm), heavy (675 kg, about five planks, 1000 mm) or special duty, the limit covering people, materials, tools and debris.