Scaffolding in New Zealand: competency, inspection and notifiable work
Scaffolding is one of the highest-risk activities on a New Zealand site, and it sits at the intersection of competency, inspection and notification. Getting it right protects everyone who uses the scaffold, not just the crew that put it up.
Who can erect it
Scaffolding above a certain height (from which a person could fall five metres or more) is restricted work requiring a holder of the appropriate Certificate of Competence. Below that, the person must still be competent. Using an unqualified person for high-risk scaffold work is a serious breach.
Inspection and handover
Scaffolds must be inspected before first use and at regular intervals (commonly weekly) and after any event that could affect stability. A clear tag system — who inspected, when, and whether the scaffold is safe to use — is the standard way to control access.
Notifiable work
Certain scaffolding is notifiable work that must be reported to WorkSafe before it starts. Keeping the competencies, inspection records and any notifications together against the job is how you evidence it was managed properly.
Questions, answered
Do all scaffolders need a Certificate of Competence?
For scaffolding from which a person could fall five metres or more, yes — it's restricted work needing the appropriate CoC. For lower scaffold the person must still be demonstrably competent.
How often must a scaffold be inspected?
Before first use, at regular intervals (commonly weekly), and after anything that could affect its stability. A tag system recording the inspection and whether it's safe to use is standard practice.
Track scaffold certs and inspections
Complys keeps scaffolder competencies, scaffold inspection tags and handover records in one place — free for 90 days.
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