Refresh key Basic Scaffolding knowledge commonly assessed during a High Risk Work VOC. This page provides assessment-aligned guidance and a knowledge check to help you feel prepared.
⚠️ For knowledge refresh only. This does not replace training, site procedures or competency assessment. Voceed accepts no liability for misuse. View full disclaimer.
Basic Scaffolding certification defines the legal scope of work a licence holder is permitted to perform. This section focuses on the 4-metre threshold, system limitations, and what tasks fall inside or outside Basic Scaffolding competency. Understanding these boundaries is critical to staying compliant and avoiding unauthorised construction work on site.
Where a person or object could fall more than 4 m from the scaffolding.
No.
No.
Yes.
No.
Yes
Yes.
No.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
No.
Scaffolding work is heavily influenced by surrounding site conditions. This section covers external hazards such as powerlines, traffic, cranes, corrosion risks, machinery, and explosive environments. Recognising and controlling these hazards ensures scaffold systems are erected safely and without exposing workers or the public to preventable risks.
4 m.
Always maintain safe clearance distances when working near powerlines.
4.9 m.
Crane loads could snag the scaffold.
Injury from machinery operation.
Non-conductive material (or timber).
Safe scaffold construction depends on correct component selection and equipment use. This section focuses on dimensional requirements, load capacities, rope specifications, gin wheel setup, baseplates, tubes, and planks. Knowing the minimum sizes and limits ensures structural integrity and compliance with industry standards.
150 mm.
600 mm.
150 mm x 150 mm (or 225 cm²).
48 mm.
4 mm.
4.45 mm (or 4.4 mm or 4.5 mm).
220 mm (or 225 mm).
32 mm.
38 mm.
12 mm.
16 mm.
50 kg.
No.
600 mm.
Fix a coupler on either side.
No.
Mouse the hook.
General scaffold requirements form the foundation of platform safety. This section addresses duty load ratings, platform widths, access provisions, edge protection, guardrails, toeboards, ladder requirements, and load limits on components. These principles apply across most scaffold types and are essential knowledge for safe working platforms.
225 kg (or 2.2 kN).
450 kg (or 4.4 kN).
675 kg (or 6.6 kN).
630 kg (or 6.25 kN)
3030 kg (or 30 kN; 3000 kg or 3 t acceptable approximations).
One sixth of the breaking load.
One sixth of the breaking load.
Soleplates.
220 mm (or 225 mm, or the width of a scaffold plank).
No.
Yes.
450 mm (or 2 planks).
900 mm (or 4 planks).
1000 mm (or 5 planks).
450 mm (or 2 planks).
675 mm (or 3 planks).
No.
When a person or object could fall more than 2 m.
150 mm.
Not less than 900 mm and not more than 1100 mm.
A midrail (or infill, or brickguards of 17 mm plywood).
Less than 225 mm.
No.
6 m (or 3 lifts).
900 mm (or 1 m).
Different scaffold systems have specific construction rules. This section covers mobile scaffolds, modular systems, frame scaffolds, platform brackets, tie spacing, bracing requirements, sheeted scaffolds, and height limitations. Understanding system-specific requirements ensures stability, prevents structural failure, and maintains compliance.
Yes.
No.
To stop the scaffold from twisting or distorting when it is moved.
450 mm (or 2 planks).
The inside (alongside the working face).
At the lift immediately above and the lift immediately below.
2 m.
2.5 m.
Positively fix (lash, strap, or spike) them.
Yes.
No.
Yes.
No.
3 bays (or 6 bays with plan bracing).
4 m (or 2 lifts; 8 m with ledger bracing; or 4 lifts with ledger bracing).
Fix check couplers (additional couplers) to the tie tubes.
Fix a check coupler over the wedge.
At the standards’ lowest connection points (base of the standards).
3
At each end (in each lift at each end).
Ledgers and putlogs.
Three times the least base width.
9 m.
Internally (within the framework).
With a trapdoor (hinged hatch).
One.
Scaffolding often integrates with associated equipment such as safety nets and cantilevered platform hoists. This section examines mesh sizing, fall distances, sag requirements, clearances, tie spacing, landing gates, and hoist tower limits. Proper installation and spacing of associated equipment is critical to fall protection and load control.
100 mm.
200 mm.
1 m and 6 m.
1/4 and 1/5 of the shortest side length.
2/3 of the shortest side length or 2 m, whichever is greater.
2/5 of the maximum fall height plus 2 m.
750 mm.
1.5 m.
25 mm and 100 mm.
1.8 m.
6 m.
3 m.
Let’s be honest, we can’t do our written test in front of a screen. Why not get serious and try a more realistic approach! Download and print off your hardcopy here.
