Scaffolding
Scaffolding is temporary structure used to support workers and materials during the construction,
maintenance and repair activities at elevations
General Components of scaffolding,
Sole Board/Plate (critical component, spread load imposed by scaffold, reduces risk of collapse
or tripping, Min 300*300mm)
Base plate (min 150*150mm,
Screw jack (used to maintain level in uneven surface, 3000kg, 150*150mm)
Standards (Vertical Tubes)
Ledger (Vertical tubes)
Transoms (Vertical tubes towards wall)
Facade brace (Corner to corner supporting tube - front facing) provides additional strength
Ledger to ledger brace (corner to corner supporting tube – side facing) provides additional
strength
Scaffolding Tube (fundamental component provide support on vertical, horizontal and diagonal,
Outer Dias of tube = 48.3mm, Wall thickness is about 3.2 – 4.0 mm, Standard tube length 6
Meter & weight in 20Kg.
STEEL TUBE & FITTINGS
All elements of scaffold meet BS EN 1139 or Acceptable to equant
DONOT MIX STEEL COMPONENT WITH ALUMMINIUM
ALUMINIUM TUBE & FITTINGS
All elements of scaffold meet BS EN 1139 or Acceptable to equant
DONOT MIX STEEL COMPONENT WITH ALUMMINIUM
Aluminum not to be heated, welding or flame cutting
Not allowed to use in ZONE 1 Area due to spark nature
Guard rail (Top rail & Mid rail, Mid to Top rail distance 36’’ - 44” & Mid to Mid 16” – 26”)
Toe board (plank placed vertically, for edge protection)
Right angle coupler (connecting with scaffold tubes)
Swivel coupler ( Connect diagonal scaffold tubes with scaffold)
Sleeve Coupler (used to connect to steel tubes each other)- horizontally
Joint Coupler (used to connect to steel tubes each other)- vertically
Clamp/Coupling – used to secure the components of scaffolding during erection
Following are types of clamps/couplings…
1. Right angle couple
2. Swivel Clamp
3. Beam Clamp
4. Putlog Clamp
5. Plank Clamp
6. Ladder Clamp
7. Sleeve Clamp
8. Joint Pin Clamp
Types of Scaffolding
Independent Scaffolding
Dependent scaffolding
Cantilever Scaffolding
Mobile Scaffolding
Tube and Coupler scaffolding
Suspended Scaffolding
Load Categories (as per Standards)
Light Duty: 1.5 kN/m² (~150 kg/m²)
o For inspections or light work (painting, cleaning).
Medium Duty: 2.0 kN/m² (~200 kg/m²)
o For tasks involving moderate tools and materials.
Heavy Duty: 2.5 – 3.0 kN/m² (~250-300 kg/m²)
o For masonry work, bricklaying, or heavy equipment use.
Design Standards
BS EN 12811 – 1, Temporary work equipment & requirements of scaffolding
BS 5974 – planning design setting up for suspended scaffold
BS 2482 – wooden scaffold boards specification
BS 1808 – Safety requirements for suspended access equipment’s design, calculation,
stability…
BS 1004 – mobile access & Working towers made of pre-fabricated elements, materials,
Dimensions, Design loads, Safety and performances required.
BS EN 1339 – steel & aluminum tubing specification & requirements
Tag System
Green Tag: Ready to use
Yellow Tag: Under modification
Red Tag: Do not work
Scaffold Load Calculation – Key Considerations
Types of Loads
Dead Load:
Weight of scaffold components (tubes, boards, fittings).
Live Load:
Weight of workers, tools, materials, and equipment on the platform.
Environmental Load:
Wind, snow, or rain load acting on the structure.
Impact Load:
Sudden loads (e.g., dropped tools or materials).
Dynamic Load:
Loads caused by moving objects or workers.
Scaffold Load Calculation Formula
Total Load=Dead Load+ Live Load+ Environmental Load
Dead Load (DL):
DL=
Weight per unit length of tubes + Weight of planks/flooring
Live Load (LL):
LL=Number of workers× Weight per worker+ Material load
Environmental Load (EL):
EL=Wind pressure× Surface area of scaffold
1. Documents for Scaffolding Activities
Scaffolding Inspection Checklist
Scaffold Design and Load Calculation Reports
Permit to Work (PTW) for Scaffolding Erection/Dismantling
Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS)
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Training and Competency Records for Scaffolders
Handover Certificate for Completed Scaffold
Daily and Weekly Scaffolding Inspection Reports
2. Scaffolding Procedures
a) Pre-Erection Procedures
Conduct risk assessment and issue PTW
Ensure scaffold design meets safety standards and load requirements
Inspect materials for defects (e.g., planks, tubes, fittings)
Isolate work area and set up warning signage
b) Erection Procedures
Follow manufacturer’s instructions or design plan
Install proper base plates and sole boards
Use fall protection (e.g., harnesses) during erection
Maintain vertical and horizontal bracing for stability
c) During Use
Conduct daily inspections by a competent person
Ensure load limits are not exceeded
Prevent unauthorized access by using tags or barriers
Provide safe access (e.g., ladders or stairs)
d) Dismantling Procedures
Follow reverse order of erection
Use proper PPE and fall protection
Clear debris and materials from the area
Conduct final inspection post-dismantling
3. Roles and Responsibilities in Scaffolding
HSE Officer:
o Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
o Monitor scaffolding activities and inspect scaffolds regularly
o Ensure all workers are trained and competent
o Investigate incidents and enforce corrective actions
Scaffolding Supervisor:
o Supervise scaffold erection, use, and dismantling
o Ensure work follows design and safety standards
o Verify load capacities and approve scaffold handover
Scaffolder:
o Erect, modify, and dismantle scaffolds as per the design
o Conduct visual inspections during work
o Use PPE and follow safe work procedures
Competent Person (Inspector):
o Inspect scaffolds before use and after any modification
o Tag scaffolds (green for safe, red for unsafe)
o Report defects and recommend corrective actions
Workers (Users):
o Use scaffolds safely and avoid overloading
o Report hazards or defects to supervisors
o Follow safety protocols and wear PPE
4. Monitoring and Compliance Checks
Perform daily, weekly, and post-modification inspections
Maintain inspection records and update scaffolding tags
Conduct toolbox talks and refresher training sessions
Enforce corrective actions for non-compliance issues
