Scaffolding work is the erection, alteration or dismantling of a temporary structure, (not including a trestle ladder, supporting a platform) used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes, although it can be made out of other materials.

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to The Australian Standard specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds. Requirements given are for scaffold structures that rely on the adjacent structures for stability. In general, these requirements also apply to other types of working scaffolds.

The purpose of a working scaffold is to provide a safe place of work with safe access suitable for the work being done.