Trestle scaffolds fact sheet

Learn what trestle scaffolds are, when edge protection is required, and how to access them safely.

A trestle scaffold is a scaffold which has decking components supported at either end by trestle frames or trestle putlogs.

Trestle scaffolds may be light, medium, heavy, or special duty. They are often used by bricklayers and plasterers for fit out and finishing work.

Trestle ladder scaffolds are a different type of scaffold used for light duty work. Learn more about trestle ladder scaffolds.

The hazards

Hazards when using trestle scaffolds include:

  • Falls
  • Overturning or collapse
  • Structural failure due to overloading

Must do’s

Trestle scaffolds should be:

  • erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, e.g.: max. height adjustment not exceeded, all required braces installed
  • erected on a firm, even, stable supporting surface
  • erected so working platforms are level and not more than 2m above the supporting surface
  • fully planked, with gaps between decking components not exceeding 20mm, and any plank overhang in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements
  • single lift only
  • limited to a single bay, unless a run of multiple bays is permitted by the manufacturer
  • erected by a person holding a minimum basic scaffolding (SB) high risk work licence if a person or object could fall more than 4m from the platform to any other level
  • provided with a handover certificate if a person or object could fall more than 4m from the platform.
  • Provided with suitable access
  • Provided with edge protection where required
  • Trestle scaffolds are usually accessed by independent means. Frame rungs, bracing or other components should only be used for access if allowed by the manufacturer. Suitable independent means of access includes:
    • Secured ladder that extends past the working platform
    • Direct access from an adjacent structure or platform

Trestle scaffolding systems should comply with:

  • AS 1576.5 Scaffolding, Part 5: Prefabricated trestle and trestle ladder scaffolds
  • AS 1577 Scaffold decking components

When edge protection is required

Generally, edge protection is not required on trestle scaffolds as the platform height does not exceed 2m.

However, edge protection will be required if the scaffold is erected next to a hazard that means

  • a fall of more than 2m is possible, or
  • a fall from the platform would be reasonably likely to cause injury.

Examples include erecting the scaffold adjacent to:

  • Voids, balconies or penetrations
  • Weak, friable or non-trafficable surfaces
  • Impalement hazards such as exposed reo, pipes, bars and similar
  • Electrical, chemical or biological hazards

Edge protection should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Not all trestle scaffolds are strong enough / stable enough to have edge protection installed. Such scaffolds cannot be used if edge protection is required.

Accessing trestle scaffolds safely

Trestle scaffolds are usually accessed by independent means, for example:

  • secured ladder that extends past the working platform
  • direct access from an adjacent structure or platform.

Frame rungs, bracing or other components should only be used for access if allowed by the manufacturer.

Scaffold Duty Classification

  • Light duty – can support up to 225 kg per platform per bay, including a concentrated load of 120 kg. Minimum platform with of 450 mm.
  • Medium duty – can support up to 450 kg per platform per bay, including a concentrated load of 150 kg. Minimum platform with of 675 mm.
  • Heavy duty – can support up to 675 kg per platform per bay, including a concentrated load of 200 kg. Minimum platform with of 900 mm.
  • Special duty – as specified by the scaffold designer/manufacturer.

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