AS 4576:2020 pdf Guidelines for scaffolding

AS 4576:2020 pdf Guidelines for scaffolding
1.1  Scope
This Standard gives practical guidance for training, the preparation of sites for scaffolding, and the
safe selection, supply, erection, alteration, dismantling, maintenance, inspection and use of scaffolding and scaffolding equipment. It is a companion to the AS(/NZS) 1576 series of Standards. This series and AS/NZS 1577 take precedence over this Standard.
This Standard gives guidance for the general use of scaffolding, including the following items:
(a) Portable ladders used as access to platforms.
(b) Trestle scaffolds and trestle ladder scaffolds.
(c) Bracket scaffolds.
(d) Temporary stairways, landings, ramps and other access ways.
(e) Temporary catch platforms.
(f) Ropes and gin wheels.
1.2 Exclusions
This Standard does not give guidance for the following items:
(a) Temporarily installed edge protection that does not form part of the scaffold.
(b) Portable ladders not used in connection with scaffolding.
[C) Permanently installed walkways, stairways, ladders and catwalks.
[d) Building maintenance units.
[e) Crane boxes, scissor hoists, boom-type elevating work platforms (i.e. cherry pickers), lifts,
and combined personnel and materials hoists.
[f) Falsework, shoring, back-propping and any other framework for the support of floors, walls,
roofs and structural members of buildings, structures, ships, boats or mines.
(g) Swing stages and boatswain’s chairs.
NOTE Requirements for swing stages and boatswain’s chairs are provided in AS/NZS 1576.4.
(h) Temporary seating stands, stages, lighting towers and camera towers for concerts, sporting
events, substantially comprised of scaffolding equipment.
(i) Temporary roofs substantially comprised of scaffolding equipment.
(ii) Mast climbing work platforms.
1.3 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
NOTE Documents referenced for informative purposes are listed in the Bibliography.
1.4 Terms and definitions
For terms and definitions used in this document and the scaffolding industry generally, see the glossary of terms in Appendix A.
2.1 General
To erect, alter and dismantle scaffolding correctly, safely and efficiently, a competent person should have the following knowledge and skills:
(a) Be able to read and understand the supplier’s information, general site plans, design drawings and specifications for scaffolds. NOTE An ability to make simple calculations of dead load and live load may be needed.
(b) Have a thorough knowledge of the scaffolding equipment including the identification of the system being used. NOTE The use of uncertified and untested scaffold system combinations should be avoided.
(c) Have thorough knowledge of the construction methods and design requirements associated with that equipment.
(d) Be able to recognize common hazards at the worksite and be capable of taking effective precautions to control risks to health and safety arising from these hazards.
(e) Visually inspect scaffolding equipment for faults.
[f) Have the physical skills needed for scaffolding construction.
[g) Be competent in manual lifting techniques.
(h) Work safely and confidently at heights. (i) Correctly use the various tools, ropes and gin wheels. Erect and dismantle scaffolding in the correct sequence.
2.2 Information from regulatory authorities
Refer to the relevant regulatory authority for information about scaffold registration and licensing requirements.
3.1 Identification of hazards
Hazards commonly associated with scaffolding include the following: (a) Engaging in the erection and dismantling of a scaffold or access equipment. (b) Working over water. [c) Falls from heights. [d) Falling objects. [e) Manual handling. [f) Electricity. (g) Corrosive substances. (h) Volatile atmospheres. [i) Movement of cranes, vehicles and machinery. (i) Weak or unstable supporting structures or unsuitable ground conditions. (k}) Stacking of equipment in unstable conditions. (I) High winds and storms. (m) Proximity to sources of radiation (e.g. mobile phone towers). (n) Potential flammability of encapsulation.