Environmental Protection Containment 

Which containment system is right for your project?

Frequently Asked Questions About
Environmental Protection Containment

What is environmental protection containment on a construction site?

Environmental protection containment is the use of scaffold sheeting, shrink wrap or vinyl cladding to control dust, debris, noise and runoff on a construction or refurbishment site. Sitemax's Scafclad™ encapsulation sheeting, Shrinkclad™ shrink wrap and Tuffclad™ ripstop vinyl cladding each form a barrier around scaffolding or work areas, keeping contaminants like paint overspray, blasting residue and demolition debris inside the work zone and away from workers, the public and neighbouring properties.

What's the difference between Scafclad™, Shrinkclad™ and Tuffclad™?

All three Sitemax ranges provide containment, but they vary in strength and suit different types of jobs. Scafclad™ encapsulation sheeting is fitted in overlapping panels around a scaffold structure, making it a practical option for general weather protection and debris control. Shrinkclad™ shrink wrap is heat-sealed into a single continuous skin for a tighter, fully sealed barrier on higher-risk or hazardous containment jobs. Tuffclad™ is the strongest and most durable of the three — a heavier, custom-fabricated ripstop vinyl cladding built for sealed, secure containment on demanding or higher-risk projects. Scafclad™ and Tuffclad™ can both be digitally printed and branded.

What is Tuffclad™ Ripstop Vinyl Cladding used for?

Sitemax's Tuffclad™ Ripstop Vinyl Cladding is used where a heavier, made-to-measure containment panel is needed rather than standard roll sheeting — including temporary keder roofing, vinyl tarps and enclosures with access doors or ventilation windows, and curtain screening for sail-track systems. It's fire retardant, UV stabilised, tear-resistant, and can be digitally printed for branded, sealed site enclosures.

Which way should scaffold sheeting overlap — for weather protection or containment?

It depends on what you're protecting against. For weather protection, the upper sheet should overlap the lower sheet on the outside, so rain runs down and off the sheeting. For containment, such as demolition or blasting work, the overlap runs the other way, with the upper sheet overlapping the lower sheet on the inside, so debris is directed back into the work zone rather than escaping through the join. Sitemax can advise on the right overlap and fixing method for your project's risk profile.

Is scaffold containment sheeting required under Australian WHS regulations?

Australian WHS law doesn't name a single containment product as mandatory on every site. Instead, containment sheeting or shrink wrap becomes a required control measure whenever a site risk assessment identifies hazards such as falling objects, dust or debris escape, or public exposure near the works. Sitemax's environmental protection containment products help principal contractors meet that duty of care once containment is identified as a necessary control.

What standard applies to flame-retardant containment sheeting?

AS1576.7 sets the testing and performance requirements for flame-retardant scaffold containment products in Australia, covering flammability, strength and installation performance. Sitemax's FlameX range of Scafclad™ and Shrinkclad™ products exceed AS1576.7 standards, with full testing reports available on request. You can see all FlameX, AS1576.7 certified containment products here.

Can containment sheeting be used for hazardous material or blast-and-paint work?

Yes. Sitemax's Scafclad™, Shrinkclad™ and Tuffclad™ ranges are used across blasting, painting and remediation projects to contain dust, overspray and hazardous residues such as lead paint, keeping contaminants within the work zone and away from workers, the public and the surrounding environment. For the highest-risk jobs, Shrinkclad's™ heat-sealed joins or Tuffclad's™ sealed, custom-fabricated panels provide extra containment where a fully secured barrier is needed.

How long does scaffold containment sheeting last on site?

Sitemax offers containment products across a range of strengths and weights, from lightweight Scafclad™ options suited to shorter projects through to heavy-duty, UV-resistant grades and the more durable Tuffclad™ range built for extended, multi-month or higher-demand builds. The right product depends on your project length, site exposure and how much strength the job requires.

Can I get custom-branded or printed containment sheeting?

Yes, for most of the range. Sitemax can supply Scafclad™ encapsulation sheeting and Tuffclad™ ripstop vinyl cladding in custom sizes with branded or digitally printed finishes. Shrinkclad™ shrink wrap is the exception — it isn't available printed or branded, given its heat-sealed application.

Who installs scaffold containment sheeting and shrink wrap?

Scaffold containment sheeting and shrink wrap are fitted by qualified scaffolders as part of the scaffold structure as correct installation ensures wind loading and structural compliance are not compromised. Sitemax supplies the containment systems and offers Shrinkclad™ Installation Training to help site teams and scaffolders get the best containment and weather performance from the product.