When working on hired scaffolding, you'll need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe at height. In New Zealand, working at height is one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in and around the home, so getting your safety gear right isn't optional — it's essential. Here's a practical guide to what you need and why.
Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner
Even when you hire scaffolding for a DIY project, you are responsible for your own safety while using it. WorkSafe NZ sets out clear expectations around working at height, and these apply to homeowners as much as to tradespeople. Before you step onto any scaffold platform, make sure the structure has been erected by a competent person and that you understand how to use it safely.
Essential Safety Gear for Scaffolding Work
1. Hard Hat (Safety Helmet)
A hard hat protects your head from falling objects — tools, paint tins, or debris dropped by someone working above you, or by yourself if you're working on a multi-level scaffold. Look for helmets that meet AS/NZS 1801 (the Australian/New Zealand standard for industrial safety helmets). Most hire companies and hardware stores stock compliant helmets.
2. Safety Footwear
Sturdy, non-slip footwear is critical on scaffold planks, which can be slippery when wet — a common situation in the NZ climate. Steel-capped boots that meet AS/NZS 2210 are ideal. Avoid open-toed shoes, jandals, or smooth-soled sneakers entirely.
3. High-Visibility Vest
If your scaffolding is near a driveway, footpath, or road, a hi-vis vest helps ensure you're seen by passing vehicles and other workers. This is particularly important in shared or public spaces.
4. Safety Harness and Lanyard
This is where many homeowners get confused. On a properly erected scaffold with guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards in place, a harness is not always mandatory for every task — the scaffold's edge protection is your primary fall prevention. However, a full-body harness with a shock-absorbing lanyard is strongly recommended (and may be required) when:
- You are leaning out beyond the guardrail
- You are working on an incomplete or partially dismantled scaffold
- The scaffold hire company or a professional advises it for your specific setup
If you do use a harness, it must be attached to a suitable anchor point — not to the scaffold itself unless it has been specifically designed and rated for that purpose. Consult your scaffold hire company about anchor points before you start.
5. Safety Glasses or Goggles
When sanding, painting, grinding, or using power tools at height, eye protection is a must. Flying debris or paint splatter can cause serious eye injury. Choose glasses rated to AS/NZS 1337.
6. Gloves
Work gloves protect your hands from abrasions, splinters, and chemical exposure (particularly relevant if you're painting or applying sealants). Choose gloves appropriate to the task — chemical-resistant gloves for painting, general-purpose gloves for carpentry.
7. Sun Protection
Working at height in New Zealand means increased UV exposure. Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat (under your hard hat where possible), and UV-protective clothing, especially during summer months.
Setting Up Your Scaffold Safely
Before you even put on your PPE, the scaffold itself must be safe:
- Guardrails should be at least 900mm high
- Mid-rails and toe boards must be in place to prevent falls and dropped tools
- Platforms should be fully planked with no gaps
- The scaffold should be on firm, level ground and tied to the building where required
If you're unsure whether your hired scaffold has been set up correctly, ask the hire company or engage a qualified scaffolder to inspect it. You can find local scaffolders on tradedirectory.co.nz.
A Note on Scaffold Height and Building Consent
Most residential scaffold hire for standard single-storey work falls under Schedule 1 exemptions of the NZ Building Act, meaning no building consent is required. However, this can vary depending on height, location, and your local council's rules. Always check with your local council before erecting scaffolding, particularly for two-storey or higher work.
What to Check Before Hiring
| Item | What to Ask the Hire Company |
|---|---|
| Guardrails included? | Are mid-rails and toe boards provided? |
| Erection service? | Will they erect and inspect it for you? |
| Load rating | What's the maximum load per platform? |
| Anchor points | Are harness anchor points available? |
| Inspection certificate | Has the scaffold been signed off as safe? |
When to Call a Professional
If your project involves working above two storeys, near power lines, or on a steep or unstable site, you should engage a licensed scaffolder rather than relying on hired equipment alone. Similarly, any work involving electrical wiring near the scaffold must be carried out by a registered electrician — this is restricted work under the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB). Plumbing and gas work at height must be done by a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB).
For general safety guidance on working at height, WorkSafe NZ publishes free resources specifically for homeowners and small businesses.
