SWMS - Scaffolder Example
Example document for SWMS - Scaffolder. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: SWMS - Scaffolder
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
Company/Business Name: Apex Scaffolding Solutions Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Site Address/Location: 100 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000 Date of Issue: 25 October 2023
1. JOB DETAILS
Project Title: Commercial Office Fit-out Facade Access Job/Task Description: Erection of 2 metre wide mobile tower and 10 metre high independent perimeter scaffold for facade work. Specific SWMS No: SWMS-SS-023
Principal Contractor: BuildCorp Constructions PCBU (Self-employed): Apex Scaffolding Solutions
2. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE
Position/Role: Site Foreman Signature: J. Smith Date: 25/10/2023
4. HAZARDS, RISKS & CONTROL MEASURES
| Step / Task | Hazard / Risk | Risk Rating (Before) | Control Measures | Risk Rating (After) | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :--- | :---:: | | Pre-start | Overhead powerlines (11000V) | H | 1. Dial before you dig clearance obtained. 2. Maintained 3m clearance zone. 3. Visual inspection completed. | L | | Foundations | Uneven concrete slab | M | 1. Adjustable base jacks used on all standards. 2. Sole plates used to distribute load. 3. Scaffold plumbed level. | L | | Erecting | Fall from 5m during erection | H | 1. Advance guardrail system used. 2. Full body harness and lanyard hooked off during initial lift. 3. Ladder secured at top and bottom. | L | | Bracing | Scaffold collapse | H | 1. Plan bracing installed to full height before ledger. 2. Ledgers fixed to standards with wedge locks. 3. Competent person checked every lift. | L | | Planks | Plank dislodgement | H | 1. Steel planks with hook clips used. 2. Max overhang 300mm min overlap 250mm. 3. No painted planks used. | L | | Access | Ladder fall | M | 1. Industrial grade ladder. 2. Footed by second person. 3. Extended 1m above landing. | L |
10. SIGN OFF
| Worker Name | Signature | Date | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| B. Jones | B. Jones | 25/10/23 | Scaffolder |
| M. Nguyen | M. Nguyen | 25/10/23 | Scaffolder |
| J. Smith | J. Smith | 25/10/23 | Supervisor |
Notes
This example shows a partially filled SWMS for a commercial job. Note the specific detail regarding the overhead powerlines clearance and the use of adjustable base jacks on uneven ground. The sign off section includes signatures for the workers performing the task.
About this Example
Part of the SWMS - Scaffolder document collection
Document Type
SWMS - Scaffolder
Use this SWMS when carrying out scaffolding work, including the erection, alteration, and dismantling of scaffolding where a person or object could fall more than 4 metres.