Australia’s Best Practice Guideline for the Scaffolding Industry
Developed in collaboration with international partners and Australia’s most experienced industry professionals — a landmark document for the scaffolding and construction sectors.
A national document the industry has been waiting for
The SAA Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) establish a clear, consistent standard for scaffolding practice across Australia. Designed to be used on any project by any scaffolding or construction professional, this document provides guidance on planning, erecting, using, altering, and dismantling scaffolding safely and competently.
These guidelines have been prepared to improve the safety and quality of scaffolding work in Australia. They may assist with demonstrating compliance with the requirements of the national Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice, as adopted and/or modified in most Australian states and territories. They should be read in conjunction with applicable SAA Technical Guidance Documents, Australian Standards, and local (State) Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
The guidelines do not replace legislation, regulations, or Australian Standards — they sit alongside them, translating best practice principles into practical guidance that teams can apply every day on site.
Grounded in international expertise and Australian experience
The BPG draws on knowledge and frameworks from two of the world’s leading scaffolding industry organisations, refined and adapted for the Australian context by practitioners with decades of hands-on experience.
A practical resource for everyone on site
These guidelines are intended for everyone involved in planning, procuring, managing, erecting, or using scaffolding — from contractors and engineers through to site supervisors, safety professionals, and training organisations.
A clear benchmark for planning, erecting, and managing scaffold systems to best practice standard.
A reference for specifying, procuring, and overseeing scaffolding work on your projects.
Practical guidance on scaffold inspection, handover, and ongoing site management requirements.
An authoritative national document to reference in risk assessments, SWMS, and audits.
A nationally consistent knowledge base to complement scaffolding trade training and assessment.
Context and best practice principles to inform the design and specification of temporary works.
Sections in the guidelines
The BPG is structured to follow the full lifecycle of a scaffold — from initial planning through to dismantle. Download the PDF to read the full document.
- 01 Introduction — Scope, how to use, key terms
- 02 Compliance & Risk Management
- 03 Training & Certification
- 04 Site Management
- 05 Safety & Erection / Dismantle
- 06 Scaffold Requirements
- 07 Scaffold Design & Documentation
- 08 Scaffold Use & Management
- 09 Scaffold Systems & Types
- App Appendices — Standards, Legislation, Definitions, SWMS Template
Download or find out more
The BPG is free to access with no login required. Download the full PDF, learn about SAA membership, or get in touch with any questions.
SAA Membership
Members receive early access to new publications, TGNs, and industry updates as they are released.
Learn about membership →Questions about the BPG?
Get in touch with the SAA team if you have questions about applying the guidelines on your project.
Contact SAA →Technical Guidance Notes
The Best Practice Guidelines are the foundation. The SAA’s Technical and Engineering Committee is now developing a series of Technical Guidance Notes (TGNs) that will drill into the specific technical aspects of scaffolding practice in greater depth.
Each TGN will address a defined technical topic — covering engineering principles, load calculations, specific scaffold types, and other areas where detailed technical guidance is needed. TGNs will be released progressively as they are completed and reviewed by the committee.
Technical Guidance Notes (TGNs)
In-depth technical guidance on specific aspects of scaffolding practice, developed by the SAA Technical and Engineering Committee. Register your interest to be notified when the first TGN is released.
Register for updates