NOTICE OF ISSUE

SCAFFOLDING & RIGGING NEW ZEALAND INCORPORATED

The Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding was first published in 2002, and revised in 2003. It is an industry led statement of preferred work practices, or arrangements, for the purpose of ensuring the highest levels of health and safety for all those affected by scaffolding activities in New Zealand.

The 2009 Review has been conducted by a committee representing the scaffolding industry, scaffold users, training providers, safety advisors, and the Department of Labour. The review process has been robust with input from a broad range of stakeholders through public consultation. "Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand" is a 'living document' which, through regular reviews, will keep pace with changes and improvements in the industry.

SARNZ would like to thank all those who have contributed to the "Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand". The broad support of stakeholders confirms this document as the 'current state of knowledge' for scaffolding in New Zealand.

Graham Burke
President
Scaffolding & Rigging New Zealand Incorporated [SARNZ]

The place and context of this document

While compliance with the Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand is not mandatory, it represents current best practice in the industry as perceived by the industry itself and may be used as evidence of good practice in court. Its contents should be seen as a comprehensive and authoritative guide to what is considered by the scaffolding industry to be preferred work practice or arrangements, and includes procedures which could be taken into account when deciding on optimal and practicable steps to be taken when scaffolding.

SARNZ, in conjunction with the Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding Working Party, has made every effort to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate. Even so, SARNZ welcomes your comments and suggestions to improve this document and its contents. It is SARNZ intention to review the Best Practice Guidelines regularly. We believe this document should represent the changing nature of scaffolding and reflect up to date best practice for scaffolding in New Zealand.

Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand review committee

The committee responsible for the revision consisted of representatives from the:

• Scaffolding industry
• Certified Builders Association of New Zealand
• Department of Labour
• Master Painters New Zealand Inc
• Opportunity - The Training Organisation
• Registered Master Builders Federation of New Zealand Inc
• Roofing Association of New Zealand
• Scaffolding, Rigging and Industrial Rope Access Industry Training Inc (SRIIT)
• Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand Inc (SARNZ)
• Site Safe New Zealand Inc and
• Tai Poutini Polytechnic (training provider).

SARNZ wishes to thank the working party and their employers for their commitment, hard work and perseverance in bringing this project to completion.

Formatting in this document

The following formatting conventions are adopted in this document:

• In diagrams and drawings, unless otherwise stated, kickboards are excluded for clarity.
• 'BPG' as used here refers to this document, The Best Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding in New Zealand.
• Wherever practical Department of Labour formatting guidelines are adopted.

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