This Standard sets out design and operational requirements for scaffolding systems, scaffolding equipment and scaffolds. It also includes the specifications for catch platforms erected on scaffolds. The stairway details also apply to temporary stairways for use on a general construction site.

Where specified, particular requirements of other parts of this series of Standards will take precedence over specific requirements of this Part.

WARNING: THE USE OF STANDARDS FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY WHEN IMPORTING SCAFFOLDING EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPONENTS MAY NOT RESULT IN COMPLIANCE WITH AS/NZS 1576 SERIES. DESIGN, PERFORMANCE AND/OR TEST CRITERIA MAY BE OF A LESSER LEVEL IN OTHER STANDARDS. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO ENSURE THAT A STANDARD FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF AS/NZS 1576 SERIES BEFORE REFERENCING SCAFFOLDING EQUIPMENT TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS STANDARD.

NOTES:

1 For the purposes of this Standard some types of equipment that incorporate temporary working platforms may not be considered to be a scaffold. Examples of these types of equipment may include the following: (a) Equipment covered in other standards, for example—

(i) elevating work platforms, AS 1418.10(Int);

(ii) mast climbing work platforms, AS 1418.16;

(iii) portable ladders, AS/NZS 1892; and

(iv) formwork constructed primarily to support concrete, AS/NZS 3610.

(b) Stools under 1 m in height which may allow for height adjustment but do not require assembly prior to use.

2 Trestle ladders are covered in the AS/NZS 1892 suite of Standards. Upon the review of AS/NZS 1576.5, trestle ladder requirements will be removed from the AS/NZS 1892 suite of Standards and incorporated into AS/NZS 1576.5.