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NZ Building Code · Health & SafetyScaffolding & edge protection: the collective fall control
What scaffolding and edge protection do, who can erect them, and the tags and inspections that keep a platform safe to use.
Scaffolding and edge protection are collective, passive fall controls — they protect everyone on the platform and can’t be left off like a harness. That’s why they sit near the top of the hierarchy and are the default for most roof, recladding and upper-storey work.
Who can erect it — the 5 m line
The person who can put up, alter or take down a scaffold depends on how far someone could fall from it.
- Scaffold from which a person could fall 5 m or more must be erected, altered or dismantled by (or under the direct supervision of) a certificated scaffolder holding the relevant Certificate of Competence.
- Below that threshold, a competent person can do it — but they still need the training and the right gear.
- Erecting or dismantling scaffold where someone could fall 5 m or more is notifiable work.
Tags & inspections
The tag on a scaffold tells the crew whether it’s safe to step onto. A scaffold must be tagged before use.
- A green tag means it’s complete and inspected.
- An incomplete or under-construction tag — or no tag at all — means do not use.
Inspect a scaffold at these points, and keep the inspection record:
- Before first use.
- After any alteration or impact.
- After bad weather.
- Routinely (about weekly).
Edge protection
On roofs and open floor edges, edge protection is typically a top rail, mid-rail and toeboard able to withstand a person falling against it. It must be in place before anyone works near the edge — and installing it is itself height work that needs planning.
Plain-English guide, not advice. This page helps you understand and navigate the rules — it is general information, not design, engineering or consent advice, and it does not reproduce the copyrighted tables of NZS 3604 or any Standard. Always check the current Standard or Acceptable Solution and your BCA, and use a suitably qualified LBP, engineer or QS where it matters.
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Common questions
When do I need a certificated scaffolder?
When someone could fall 5 m or more from the scaffold. At that threshold it must be erected, altered or dismantled by, or under the direct supervision of, a certificated scaffolder holding the relevant Certificate of Competence. Below 5 m a competent person can do it, but they still need the training and the right gear.
What does a green tag on a scaffold mean?
A green tag means the scaffold is complete and inspected. An incomplete or under-construction tag — or no tag at all — means do not use it. A scaffold must be tagged before use.
When does a scaffold need to be inspected?
Before first use, after any alteration or impact, after bad weather, and routinely (about weekly). Keep the inspection record.
What counts as edge protection on a roof or open floor edge?
Typically a top rail, mid-rail and toeboard able to withstand a person falling against it. It must be in place before anyone works near the edge, and installing it is itself height work that needs planning.
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