y CITB NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES SCAFFOLDING TRAINING NOTES Module One CITB _Published by the Construction Industry Training Board, Bircham Newton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PES 6RH First published in three parts 1988 This edition first published 1997 Revised 1997 © The Construction Industry Training Board 1997 The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has made every effort to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate. his content should be used as guidance material and not as a replacement ‘of current regulations or existing standards. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the CITB. Printed in the UKSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One Contents CONTENTS BSS DEFINITIONS (TUBES) ‘SCAFFOLDING COMPONENTS. Standard A vertical or near vertical tube 1 BSS Definitions (Tubes) 2 Right Angle Coupler, Swivel Coupler Ledger longitudinal tube, normally 3 Putlog Coupler, Sleeve Coupler, ‘ixed parallel tothe face of a Joint Pin or Spigot building in the direction of the 4 Putlog Adaptor, Toe Board Clip, larger dimensions of the Base Piate, Castor Wheel scattold. It acts as a support for 5 Reveal Pin, Girder Coupler, ‘the putlogs and transoms, and Gin Wheel, Root ar Sheeting Clip frequently for the tie tubes and 6 Scafiold Tubes ledger braces, and is usually 7 Seatfold Boards joined to the adjacent standards. ‘BASIC SCAFFOLDING REQUIREMENTS 8 Foundations, Base Plates, Standards Trneom A uberarendingisctose lecaes 9 Ledgers, Transoms, Putlogs, Bridle ‘atom fhe supper ior boards cy, 10 Ledger Bracing, units forming the working ‘SwayFacade Bracing platiocm or to connect the outer 11 Scatfold Ties standards to the inner 16 Working Platforms and Decking Standards. 19 Ladders i 20 Gin Wheels Brace ‘tube placed diagonally with 3 knee respect tothe vertical or horizont ‘a scatlold scare eTpurTnes Zeneca” 22 lndependent Tle Seats stably. 25 Scatiold Towers Tie or ‘The components attached to an 25 Holst Towers Tie Assembly —_ anchorage or the building, or S Bules's Holst framed around part of it or 2 aa wedged or screwed into it with a 2 acces mei vane et re tie tube. Used to secure the 29 Dismantling Scatfolds Sealiohd to the ateuctite, Guard rail A member incorporated in a SCAFFOLDING - Introduction Sinucture to prevent the fall of a Where work cannot be safely done from the person from a platform or ground or from part of a building or othor access way. permanent structure, there shall be provided either scattolding or where appropriate ladders or other Putlog ‘A tube with s flattened end; to means of support, all of which shall be sutficient —— aS and suitable for the purpose. And where aT reasonably practi ‘suitable and suticien ieee ic roan ates Bridle A hhotizantal tube fixed across an sabe ae * ‘opening, or parallel tothe tace ofa building, to suppor the Scalfolds shal be erected by trained scatfolers or Un ia pti Wariborn ‘ther competent persons possessing adequate Hebe, ‘experience ot such work. All material for an ey eet eae Reveat Tube Aube fixed by means ofa competent person. Materials used shail be of Ceeeaneere oF by wedging suitable quality and in good condition, and they eens cupasity auaces ‘hallbe feo rom patent fot aly fo tet her susie, 0g. banteen too strength materially. Itams not meeting the ‘window reveal. to:fnim pel blll anchor to which the scaffold may vandard tobe discarded. ee wore veo acapbizanat tw saeaeey supper ey Raker ‘An inclined load-bearing tuba susponded Where necessary 9 suticeriy nd propery chuted or raved etrevent colores elena ‘Punchecn ——Avertical tube supported at its be ngialy connected with the bulcing ar structure, unis the scaffols's so designed and constructed as fo ensure ‘stability without such eonnecton. lower end by another scatfola tube or beam and not by the ground or on a deck.SCAFFOLDING TRAININ' __Components COUPLERS BS 5973 (1993) Ref BS 1139 Part 2 (1991) Right Angle Coupler: ‘Swivel Coupler: ‘A-coupler used to join tubes at right angles to each A coupler used for joining tubas at varying angles other Minimum SWL 5.3 KN Minimum SWL 6.3. KN Double coupler ‘Swivel coupler Band and plate couplerSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One _ ‘COUPLERS cont. BS 5973 (1993) Ref BS 1139 Part 2 (1991) Putlog Coupler: ‘A coupler used for connecting a putlog or a transom toa ledger Minimum stip resistance 1.2 kN SWLOS3 kN Putlog coupler Putlog coupler _ Components | Sleeve Coupler: ‘An external coupler used fo join tubes in length Minimum (Tensional) (Class A) SWL 1.5 KN (Class B) SWL 3.0 KN Slaeve coupler Joint Pin or Spigot: ‘An expanding pin used internally to join tubes end townd Has no slip resistance Joint pinSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One GENERAL FITTINGS Putlog Adaptor A fitting to provide a putlog blade on the end of a tube ‘Must bear on wall at least 75 mm Shear strength of 1.12 KN Toe Board Clip: ‘A clip used for attaching toe boards to tubes Yor board clip Components Base Plate: ‘A matal plate with a spigot for distributing the load from a standard/raker or other load-bearing tube Minimum dimension 150 mm x 150 mm. Standard tube Base plate Pin (at least 50 mm) Fixing holes Castor Wheel: ‘A wheel for use with mabile tower scaffolds SWAL identitied on frame of whee! Castor wheelSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One Components GENERAL FITTINGS cont. Reveal Pin: Gin Wheel: Inserted into the end of a tube and adjusted 10 Used for raising and lowering components and, secure scaffold in openings (window etc.) forties materials to a scaffold stucture of 3.5 KN maximum pull ‘SWL stamped on the frame Ring type gin wheel Girder Coupler: For connecting scatfold tubes to ASJs. Units must bbe used in pairs. Loadings refer to manufacturer's recommendations: Roof or Sheeting Clip: Other designs are availableSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD TUBES Tubes should be manufactured and tested in accordance with BS 1139 Part | ‘Specification for tubes for use in scattolding’ Three main types of tube are in common use ‘throughout the United Kingdom: = Black steel tubes: + Galvanised steel tubes = Aluminium alloy tubes: Both black steel and galvanised steel tubes ‘possess the same properties, except galvanised tubes are more resistant to corrosion. These ‘common properties are: + Outside diameter, 48.3. mm ‘* Nominal wall thickness, 4.0 mm = Weight, approx 4.5 kg/m Aluminium tube has the same diameter as steel, ‘but is slightly thicker and much lighter. tis more flexible than steel and not as strong. For this reason aluminium tube should not be used at the same level as steel tube. Advantage may be taken ot the best characteristics of the two materials by fplacing aluminium tube on top of steel tube in tall seatfold structures. In practice, however, itis generally not recommended to use both kinds of ube on the same structure. The common properties of aluminium tube are as follows: + Outside diameter, 48.3 mm + Nominal wall thickness, 4.47 mm » Weight, 1.67 ka?m Aluminium tube ts tempered using feat dunng manufacture, Any further heal applied to te tube may weaken i Repair of Tubes Gorroded tubes should be cleaned with a wire brush and the extent of damage assessed by a competent and experienced examiner, Bent ste tubes may be straightened using a roling nachine, but bent aluminium tube should b= thrown aut. Repairing scaffold tubes is a skilled jot and must anly be undertaken by specialists inspection The abilty of a scaffold to carry is laad is largely dependent on the strength and condition of the lubes used in construction, Consequently, tubes must be checked to ensure they are: Components + Straight «Free from cracks, splits, bad dents and excessive corrasion ‘+ Cut square and clean at each end ‘Common Faults Bent tide Storage Scaffold tubes are generally supplied n lengths of 6.3 m. Shorter tubes are available from stock; tor example, transoms of 1.8 mand 1.8 m lenath. Wherever possible tubes should be sorted according to langth and stored in racks with their lends flush. This makes it easier to identity and Select tudes of the required length Scaffold tubes Scaffold boardsSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD BOARDS Nearly al scaffold boards are manufactured from sawn and seasoned timber. Boards should comply with BS 2482 ‘Specitication for Timber Scattold Boards’. This identifies the types of wood which may be used in the manufacture of scatfold boards and recommends a method of testing to assess their bending strenath, Timber boards come in three thicknesses — 38 mm, 50 mm and 63 mm — and are normally 225 mm wide and 3.90 m long, Shorter boards are sed when necessary. The most common board is 225 mm x 38 mm, Steel Decking and Laminated Boards ‘A number of firms market stagings which are made of steel or aluminium, or laminated boards that may be used in conjunction with proprietary systom scaffold. These come in a variety of widths. Safe spans are quoted in the ‘manufacturers iterature and timber ters should comply with BS 1129 ‘Timber ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight staging for industrial use’ Portable aluminium ladders, stops, trestles and lightweight stagings are covered by BS 2037, Identification of Boards Each board should be identitied by having the tollowing information clearly marked on it: + The British Standard number (BS 2482) + The identitication mark of the supplier + The letter Mor V denoting machine or visually graded + The word ‘suppor’ followed by the maximum span in metres over which the board has to bbe supportad followed by the abbreviation max." €.g. BS 2482 AB Co. M support 7.5 This is normally given on the band er nail plate ‘which provides board end protection, Alternatively special identiication plate may be used, oF this information may be branded an the board. Mary boards in use do nat comply wiih 8S 2482 ‘These should be supported every 1.2 m (marked ‘on board) Components Inspection and Maintenance Care should be taken of boards in use. No over stressing should be allowed, q, that caused by impact loading. Boards should not be used as ramps or platforms over long spans, nor should they be placed where vehicular or other loads can ‘be put on them. Boards showing any evidence of ‘damage from the aforementioned, e.g. tyre marks, should be destroyed. ‘Scaffold boards should be cleaned and the bands ‘nail plates secured or replaced. Split boards ‘may be cut dove or repaired using nail plates depending on the degree of damage. No cut ouls, bburs, oil stains or projecting nails should be present Boards should not be painted or treated in any way that may conceal detects, but can be fire- proofed using an approved material. Common Faults Storage Seatfold boards should be stacked no more than 20 high, bonded together with short timber battens, and placed on level timbers, off the ‘ground for protection trom surface water. Boards should be protected from weather and have a free Circulation of air.SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One _ FOUNDATIONS ‘The foundations for a scaffold should be adequate ‘to carry and dispase the load imposed bath locally at each standard and, in general, to carry the \whole weight of the scaffold “The founcation for a scattold should be maintained im an adequate condition during the lite of a scatfold. ‘On surfaces such as steel and concrete, which are of an adequate hardness and thickness to prevent. the scattold tube penetrating into the surtace, the: uprights of a scaffold may be placed directly on the surtace, although itis generally preterable to use a base plate. (On surtacos such as hard asphalt, timber flooring, and stael grating, where there is a possibility of the standards deforming the surface, a base plate or ‘metal packing plate should be used at the bottom of gach standard. (On soils, ash, hoggin, gravel, sott asphalt and any type of flooring or paving which would be penetrated by a standard with a base plate beneath i, or if there is doubt about the surface, there should be a further spreading of he load by a sole plate of timber or other suitable material When a sole plate is usad, the sole plate area ‘beneath any one standard should be at least 1000 cm, with minimum dimension of 219 mm, and if the sole plate is of timber, it should be not loss than 35 mm thick. On sites where the ground |g soft or has been distributed, the sole plate area should be not less than 1700 cm? where individual sole plates are used, €.9. under hoist towors, and not lass than 3400 cm? wher two are combined under wo standards, In this ease, if te sole plate Is of tmber, it may be necessary to use one with a total thicknass in excess of 39 mm. Sole plates should wherever possible support at least two standards The soil or ground beneath the sole plate should be well compacted and free trom irregularities Which would make the sole plate unstable or poorly bedded. ILis generally the responsibility of the main contractor to ensure that ground conditions are adequately prepared to receive the scatfald On slopes excoading 1 vertical to 10 horizontal, a ‘check may have to be made on the foundations to ‘ensure the stabilty of the scatfold BASE PLATES The main function of a base plate is to distribute the load trom the standard or raker or other load bbaaring tube, Base plates should measure at least 160 mm x 150 mm, Basic Requirements lithe base plate is made from mild steet it should be at least 5 mm thick. made from other material then it must be thick enough to be capable of distnbuting the required load It fixing holes are incorporated in the design they ‘ust be diametrically opposed (opposite each cother), 6 mm in diameter, not less than 50 mm {rom the centre of the plate, and not less than 19mm from the edge. ‘The shank must be at least $0 mm high. ‘No base plate must ever bear directly on any fragile surface. Where the suttace siopes, suitably shaped packing pieces must be used to maintain a level bearing. STANDARDS ‘The standards carry the weight of the scaffold and should be very carefully spaced. The vertical intervals at which standards are linked to one another, .e. the litt height, is one of the ‘most important dimensions in scatfolding. This dimension should be measured on site and ‘maintained in accordance with the requirements of the design. Standards should be plumb to within 20 mm in 2 m [subject to a maximum total deviation of 50 mr), Any joints in standards should be staggered. Joints in standards of access scaffolds tied to a building may be made wath either joint pins or sleeve couplers (sleeve couplers are preterred) ‘These types of coupler have limited load capacity in tension. in scaffolds which are tree standing or projecting above the level of a building or ‘otherwise subject to forces which would produce tension in the uprights, the standaeds should be Joined ina manner capable ot resisting the applied tonsion, No more than three aut of four standards at the garner of any bay should have joints in the same if, except in the case of the bottom 6.5 m of a scaffold where an extended base lit is necessary ‘or pedestrian access or other reason. In these instancas, whan it 16 permissible to have four joints in the same lif, one of these must be spliced with a short length of tube. Where any of the standards in a scatfold are founded in a light well or at a level lower than the remainder of the standards, the extension downwards should be stitfened by horizontal tubes, in two directions at right angies, and tec at IMt heights not greater than that of the toot lt cf the remaining seaffold. Where access for the public is required under the first if, a height of up fo 2.7 mis permissible, This may necessitate a special design.SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One LEDGERS Ledgers join the standards together. They should be Norizontal and fixed with right angle couplers. A {oot lift may follow the slope of the ground at the base of the scatfold, in which case the ledgers will be fixed to transoms that are attached 10 standards with right angle couplers. The area that the ledger spans between standards is called a bay. Joints in ledgers may be made with sleeve Couplars or expanding joint pins. Where tension is likoly to occur only sieeve couplers should be Used. Joints in ledgers on the same it and in adjacent its should not normally occur in the same bay. However, when guard rls are to remain permanently in piace, the absence of a ipint in the guardrail may be accepted as giving Suficiont continuity tothe scatfold to permit joints in the ledgers above and below itn the same bay. Where joints are necessary, they should be positioned ata distance not greater than sof the span between adjacent standards. TRANSOMS ‘Transoms may be fixed to the inside and outside ledgers with putlog couplers orto the standards ‘with right angle couplers, ‘The spacing of transoms and putiogs tor boarded lits should be in accordance with Table 1. Board fend transoms should be fixed so that the end overhang of a board does riot exceed that given in Table 1. Inno case should the avertiang be less than 50 mm Transoms and putlogs for non-boarded lifts should be fixed at one per pair of standards, including the paar at each and of the scatfold, and should be fixed within 300 mm of the standard. ‘On scatlolds of a height greater than 50 m, tie lransoms ov unboarded lilts, when fixed at tne frequency of one transom per pair of standards, should be fed to the ledgers or upnigits with right angie or other surtable couplers provided they are capable of sustaining a safe working slip load of 5 kN. When a boarded platlorm ws moved to a new level, the transom on the lift from which the boards have been taken may be re-arranged to comply wth the requirements for a non-boarded lit Basic Requirements ‘Table 1, Maximum Span of Scaffold Boards ‘Nominal Maximum Minimum Mapimurm ‘thickness span between overhang overhang of boards —_ansoms 38 15 50 180 50 26 50 200 8 325 50 250 PUTLOGS Putlogs are tubes, either with one end fattened or fitted with a putiog adapter. They are fitted in to the brickwork, and serve the same purpose as a ansom. ‘As with transoms, spacing between putlogs ‘depends on the thickness of the scattold boards. Putlogs should rest on and be coupled to the Jadgers with putlog couples. ‘A putlog adapter must be at least 75 mm long and ‘50 mm wide, and it should rest flat on the brickwork to allow a maximum area of bearing surface. {if intermediate putlogs are removed from a lif, the remaining ‘Main’ putlogs must be within 300 mm of a standard BRIDLE Where a putlog is required for a board support ane itis opposite an opening in the building, such as a window or doorway, the inside end of the putiog should be supported on an undersiung bridla, The bridle should be fixed with right angle couplers to at least two main putlogs, 8. one on each side of the opening (see Figure 2), which should be no further apart than the standards of the scattold A right angle coupler should be used fori intermediate putlog to the bride. Ing the Circles on Figure 2 indicate positions ot right angle couplers.SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One LEDGER BRACING Independent tied access scaffolding should contain ledger bracing, generally on alternate paws of standards. Any pairs of standards which are ledger braced should be made into a continuous sories of tangles, When the bay length is 1.5 m or less, the ledger bracing may be fixed to every third pair of standards. “The ledger bracing may be fixed from ledger to ledger with right angle couplers or fixed to the standards using swivel couplers. “To facilitate the inclusion of boarded lifts, bracing is sometimes placed between standards, using swivel couplers, and ledgers, using double couplers. ‘The direction of ledger bracing is immaterial for the structural stability of the scaffold but it should be pre-planned to take account of the intended se of the scaffold. ‘The bracing on boarded lifts should be from under the outside ledger of a boarded lit down to the inside ledger of the lit below so as to avoid the toeboards. This arrangement may require an extra ‘width on the scaffold to accommodate the brace. In scattolding over footpaths, it may not be possible to ledger brace the lowest lif. Ledger bracing may be omitted from this it provided the lengths of the standards in the it are not in ‘excess of 2.7 m, inthe latter case, account should ‘be takon of the reduced loading capacity of ths lit which may necessitate a special design, To improve aocess on one lift only, ledger bracing from the inside ledger to the guard rail level of the iit belaw may be used, provided that evary pair at standards 1s 50 braced instead of every altemate pair Basic Requirements SWAY/FACADE BRACING ‘Sway bracing should be provided to all scatfolds to prevent movement along the facade of the: building. One such brace assembly should be provided on every face at intervals along the scaffold not exceeding 30 m. It need not be fixed where the scattold is securely butted between ‘opposing outside or inside faces of returns or recesses, provided that no length greater than 10 mis s0 fixed against movement in both directions, The two principal forms of brace arrangement are ‘where the bracing takes the form of either a zig- ag from bottom to top or a continuous sloping ‘tube from bottom to top. In either case the bracing ‘tubes should be connected to: (a) every standard with swivel couplers; or (b) every lft on to extended transoms with right angle couplers. The longitudinal brace should be fixed as naar to the standarditedger connection as possible. When itis fixed to extended transoms, these should be {ied to the ledgers or standards with right angle couplers. ‘The bracing should start from the base af one of the outside standards. In the lower lit, when the bracing is started, a guard rail should be placed through the braced bay to prevent people passing When sway bracing is omitted, tne lateral movement of both the inside and outside lines of the standard at every lift should be prevented, either by both lines being adequately butted or by adequate plan bracing on to firm points inserted at every levelSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD TIES Basic Requirements Ties should be provided to resist inward and outward movement of indepandent and putlog scatfolds, They should have a minimum capacity of 6.25 KN. Ties for Small Scaffoids Without Returns When only two ties are required, itis preferable to place the ties toward the ends of a straight run of scattold Layout of Ties ‘Ties should be evenly distributed over the scaffold ‘with spacing not exceeding 8.5 m, vertically or horizontally. Where the building surface pormits a staggered arrangement of tis, this should be adopled in preference to a rectangular pattern ‘Thay are normally spaced at 6 m intervals. horizontally and every 2nd lit vertically. Through Ties for Independent Tied Scatfolds Through ties (see Figure 1) rely on a tube across the inside of an opening such as a window in a building Standard — Ventical inside ~ tube fixed to te (can also be onzontal) Figure 1, Through tie {for independent tied scaffold " Timber packing Basic Requirements The inside tube should prelerably be vertical and ‘08 on tho floor, so that i cannot sip downward, ‘butt may be placed horizontally. The tie tube should rest on the stil for the same reason but it may be placed under the lintel. Tie tubes attched to a tube across the inside of the ‘window or opening should be as close to one of the edges of the opening as possible. ‘Where its not possibie to fix an outside tube, the adjacent ransoms should butt against the outside Surface of the wall Through Ties for Putlog Scattolds When a pultlog is required to support boards, and itis opposite a window opening, a bridle tube is frequently placed near the wall across the adjacent pputlogs on either side of the window. The putlog in ‘the window area is fixed to this A similar arrangement may be used to form a through te. Figure 2 shows an arrangemant in which a tie tube 's undersiung and attached to both ledger and bridle. Ledger bracing Outside tude Ledger Through tie fixed only with right angle couplers ang placed close to the wnndow revealBasic Requirements SCAFFOLD TIES cont. Vertical tube: fixed to tie Timber packing Through tie fixed only with right angle couplers and for a putlog scaffold on a placed close to the Figure 2. Through tie bridle tube window reveal‘SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD TIES cont. Box Ties Box ties consist of an assembly of tubes and ‘couplers arranged in the form ofa square fixed around columns or other elements ofthe buiding, boing wedged, where necessary, 1 resist both inward and outward movement and to give some degree of lateral restraint. Figure 3 items B and ‘are typical examples. ‘They should be atthe level of the scaffold lt and be joined fo both the inside and the outside ledgers or standards. I this impedes free access ‘through the scaffold, then it is permissible for them +0 be fixed tothe inside standard. In this case they should be adequately attached to resist the loading Lip Ties ‘Whore itis not possible to use box tas, lip ties ‘may be fitted (see Figure 4). These consist of an (U-shaped arrangement of tubes and couplers to hook the scaffold behind parts of the building, They should be accompanied by an adjacent butting transom to resist inward movement (as shown in Figure 4(D)) 10 resist sideways ‘movement. Sway transoms should not be Figure 3. Plan of typical box ties ® Box tie and butting transom Figure 4. Plan of typical lip ties ane sway typical box ties Basic Requirements regarded as a substtule for facade bracing, They should be coupled to the ledger with load-bearing couplers. Care should bs taken to ensure thatthe strength of any building feature uilsed is adequate, particulary i this is @ parapet or similar structure. Building Structure tt should be established, by testi necessary that the strength of the building structure at the location of ata is adequate to sustain the loads which will be transferred to it. This applies particulaty to any proposed use of parapets or architectural features such as balustrades,Itis frequently found that the anchorage value of such features is negligible, Lip tes may also be used over sills and under lintels, in these cases, it willbe infrequent that the sill o lintel tie is on a level with a it of the scatoid and thay may be fixed to the inside uprights only Cr fo a bridle tube fixed to two inside uprights, They should be accompanied by adjacent butting {ransoms and sway transoms. In cortain circumstances it may not be possible 10 ‘it butt tubes at right angles to the transom to form lip ies. Right angle couplers may be used as stops, provided there is atleast 25 mm lap onto a suitable part of the building, Comer box tie and butting transom =| © q butting transom and lintels, Lip ties on sills © Lip tie and sway transom © Double lip tie and sway transomSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD TIES cont. Movable and Non-movable Ties A scattold should be erected, adequately tied, anc wherever practical hese ties left undisturbed until the scattold is dismantled, Such ties are referred to as nor-movable and they are provided at a ‘regular spacing agreed with the client ‘Whore itis necessary to remove a tie, however, ‘temporarily, the scaffold will be less secure. therefore a higher provision of ties will be required The actual calculation of area should be made with any one tie removed. Ties which it may be necessary to remove temporarily are referrad to as movable. ‘The friction ofthe foundation of a scaffold can be regarded as providing adequate attachment of the lower 3 m of the scattol. Reveal Ties In cases where it is impracticable to open windows for tube and coupling ties, the attachment of the ‘scaffold should be made by reveal ties which rely ‘on friction (see Figure 5). ‘Opposing faces of a building's surtace, such as the two opposing sides of a window opening. may be used to make an attachment of the scaffold, usually by means of a tube or wedges, ar jacked tight between the opposing faces. Itis frequently necessary to place packing between the end of the reveal tube and the surface so that damage does ‘not occur. Timber packs should be thin so as to reduce shrinkage (a thickness of 10 mm is recommanded). Its not expected that they should spread any load over the surtace of the reveal but that they should grip and protect it atthe same time. The preferred method is 10 use a roveal pin at one lend of the reveal tube. This consists of a small plate on which is mounted a threaded bar and nut ‘Tne assembly should be placed inside the bore the reveal tube and the nut adjusted until the reveal tube is expanded into the opening, gripping it wih considerable farce: _Basic Requirements The tie tube should be fixed to the reveal tube with right angle coupler as near as possible to the lend opposite to the reveal pin and in all cases. ‘wathin 150 mm of the face of the opening. It should also be fixed to the scaffold in two places with right angle couplers. Other arrangements may also be satistactory. ‘Because reveal tis rely on friction and are usually packed with timber, they should be frequently ‘checked for tightness during the life of the scatfold, Equivalent Tying Value of Scatfold Returns, Buttresses and Rakers ‘The stability of a scaffold can be achieved by ‘means other than ties fixed to the surlace of the building, Returns of scaffolds, which are themsolves ctfectivaly tied round tha ends of building facades, should be regarded as providing an adequate attachment of tha scaffold to the facade for a 3 m length of the scaffold, measured from the end of the building, Specially dasigned buttresses, either side of a scaffold, should be regarded as providing adequate stability for a3 m length of the scaffold on eithor side of the buttress. ‘Single unjointad raking tubes of up to 6 min length, at 6 m centres, coupled to the top ledger, the second lit and tied back to the scattold at the foot, should be considered as providing adequate stability for scatfolds up to 6 m high. The raking tube should be external ta the scatfold and at an angie of not more than 2 vertical to 1 honzontal SPECIAL DETAILS First Working Lift When a working itis required at 1.35 m height, in a putlog scaffold, and ne firm part of the building thas been constructed to attach a te, a scatlold should be temporanly stabilised by raking tubes or ‘ther means. Such tubes should also be fixed dung dismanting it low level ties are impracticable. Movement ofthe lower end should bbe prevented by a foot te fo the main scatfold (or other suitable means)SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One __ Basic Requirements SCAFFOLD TIES cont. Standard, Reveal tie should be attached to reveal tube, within 150 mm of end opposite to the reveal pin, whether this is horizontal or vertical, sing ight angle couplers onlySCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One ‘WORKING PLATFORMS AND DECKING Scattold platiorms for persons only must be a ‘minimum of 600 mm wide, i.e. whan erecting the scaffold. Increase to 4 boards wide when storing ‘material, leaving a 2 board clear passageway for persons to walk past. A 3 board minimum passageway should be left clear when materials are being transported along the platform which in this ¢ase would normally be 5 boards wide. Supports ‘The spacing ofthe sunparttransoms should vary according to the thickness and length of the boards used. (See Table 1) ‘The overhang of boards of any thickness should not exceed four times their thickness and should not be less than $0 mm. (See Table 1) ‘Table 1. Maximum Span of Scatfold Boards Nominal Masimum Minimum Manin ‘rckness span between ovemang overhang cboards —_tareoms 38 +s 150 30 26 a) 3 325 0250 Decking ‘Any group ot boards across the width of the scaffold should be of the same length, vt al boards of the same thickness. 38 mm thick boards are the most common in use ‘and are supplied in lengths of 3.90 m. When these are used, there should be four transoms to each board, Boards which are 38 mm thick and less han 3.3 mlong may be supported on theae vransoms. Boards which are nominally 38 mm thick and less than 2.10 m tong should not be used unless they are securely fixed to prevent tipping Basic Requirements Boards which are less than 1.80 m long may be supported on two transoms, but should be fixed at both ends. Such boards occur adjacent to ladder ‘openings and provision should be made to prevent them from moving under impact and vibration. Boards which are used on small static and mobile ‘access towers and on smal platforms, where the platlorm is surrounded by a guard rail and toe board, need not be fixed down but should be [Prevented from moving laterally. Gaps in Decking ‘There are no permissible gaps in decking Scattolds shoud be erected as near to the building sis reasonably practicable, except when itis required for workers to sit on the edge of the boarded deck, in which case the gap should not ‘exceed 300 mm, Guard Rails Working platforms trom which a person may fall ‘more than 2m should have a guard rail and end {uard rails fixed inside the standards at a height of at least 910 mm above the lavel ot the decking. With the guard rails set at 910 mm, a second lower guard rail or higher toe board should be provided to limit the gap to 470 mm. Suitably ‘added brick guards or retaining boards are an acceptable alternative to a second or intermediate ‘guard rail, Toe Boards ‘Toe boards and end toe boards should be sultably ‘xed to all working platiorms where a person may {all more than 2 m. They should be of such a height that the gap between the top of the toe board and the guard rail does not exceed 470 mm and have minimum height of 150 mm. Thay should be placed inside the standards Brick Guards Brick guards or other sustable vertical protection are desirable in cases where materials may fall ‘rom the scaffold. These seroans can be hung ‘rom the guard rails and should be prevented from ‘outward movement. Toe boards may be incorporated within the screen and the latter should be capable of preventing the materials being used passing through.SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One WORKING PLATFORMS AND DECKING cont. Basic Requirements ‘Table 2. Access and Working Scatfolds of Tube and Couplers Duty Use of platiorm | Distributed | Max number | Commoniyused | Max bay Yoadon | of platforms widths using — | length Plattorms 225mm boars} (mn) (en?) inspection and | Ispocion. pairing. | 0.75 | T working plationn | S boards 27 ‘ery ight uty. | stone cleanin, Tight caring & Tight duty | Plastering, paining, | 160 | @working platforms | # boards 2a stone cleaning, ‘lazing & pointing General ‘General buicing 200 | 2working platonns | S boards or a purpose work. including ‘atvery ght duty | 4 boards +1 insido richer, window ‘and mulion, fing, rendering, plastonna _ Heavy duly — | Blockwork, 250 | B working plationns » | 5 board or 4 al very iat duty | boards + 1 inside or Iraavy eating ‘boards + 198i Masonry or | Masorey work, 100 | 7 working platorm | Bo 8 boards v8 special duty | canerei blockwork, { alvery ight duty and very heavy L acing Painter men without materials Inside board Independent tied scaffold men + materials + L sitet at Putl jog scaffoldSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One WORKING PLATFORMS AND DECKING cont. Length of Decking The ends of a working piatiorm should, where possible, extend beyond the end of the wall or working face by a distance of 600 mm when work is to be carried out up to the end of the wal Slope of Decking Gangways and working platforms should preferably be horizontal but may slope up to 1 vertical to 4 horizontal without stepping laths. At slopes steeper than this they should be with ‘stepping laths to give a firm foothold. Stepping laths may incorporate gaps not exceeding 100 mm In width for wheels of barrows Basic Requirements Guard Rails and Toe Boards Every platform more than 2 m high must be provided with guard rails and toe boards (or barriers). These legal requirements are ‘summarised pictorially on page 17. Guard rails and toe boards may be removed for temporary access, but must be replaced as soon as possible. ‘Where materials are likely to be stacked above the height of the toe boards, a stack of bricks for ‘example, brick guards or other similar barriers ‘must be eracted to prevent materials falling off and endangering those below. Gap tor barrow wheelSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One LADDERS Ladders are frequently taken for granted and thay are the cause of many serious accidents Now ladders should be protected by coating with ‘wood preservative and clear vamish. Painting is iMegal ~ it can hide defects. All ladders should be inspected frequently ~ the following points should be checked! 1, The stiles ~ for splits or cracks, splintering, warping or bruising. A bruised stile absorbs ‘moisture which will encourage decay and lead to fracture. 2. The rungs ~for signs of undue wear. No rungs should be missing. 3, The wedges and tie rods ~ for lightness. 4. The feet —tor splitting and traying. {Wa ladder cannot be property repaired — scrap it! Based on the Ground Ladders should normally be placad on a firm, level base; on a sioping surface use an adequate safoty foot. They should be equally supported on each stl. The correct angle for a ladder is about 75° to the horizontal, ie. 1 metre out at the base for every 4 metres of height. Flegulations state that a ladder over 3 metres in height must be tied or footed before use. However, itt good practice to tie or foo! ladders of any height Ladders should be lasted or securad to some: Convenient anchorage near the top on both sides. This helps pravent the base sipping outwards and the top sliding sideways. Only the stias should be ‘ashed. Where lashing at the top is nat practicable, secure al the base. In other means of fixing a ladder to prevent slipping can be found, then someone must hold it at the base when itis being used. Where a long ladder is in use, an intermediate tie may be necessary to prevent undue swaying oF sagging Ladders should always be placed so that there is ‘space behind each rung for a proper oats Particular care should be taken at this point on the landing platform. Basic Requirements Suspended Ladders, whan suspended, should be lashed so that they are equally supported on each stile al top ‘and bottom. Whore long ladders are in use, they should be tie inthe middle fo prevent ‘movement’ ‘Aliadders should extend at least 1 m above any landing place, or beyond the highest rung trom ‘where a person may be working to ensure an adequate handhold this is not possible then @ ‘nearby handhold of equivalent height must be provided Wherever ladders pass through openings, in platforms etc, the opening must be no larger than heceasary for use and not more than S00 mm in wth, Landing places must be provided at every 9 m wherever possible; they must be provided with ‘uard rails and toe boards. ERECTING LADDERS Do not carry any ladder upright. Carry it horizontally on edge, hiding it under the lower silo to avoid pulling any of the joints Before setting up a ladder make sure the foot is secure and firm, Check that it will nt be in contact with any overhead danger such as live cables or lamps. Climb ladders by holding the stiles NOT the rungs, where possible. Access ladders ‘should be secured both at the foot and topSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One Storing Ladders ‘A ladder left aut in the open veil soon deteriorate, Store it under cover that is dry and well ventilated Lay the ladder flat on a rack supported along its length, GIN WHEELS: Most scattolds require at ieast a simple litting devies to raise materials to the necessary working height. Gin wheels ara the most widely used. The tubs supporting the gin wheel should be fixed either to two Standards which have been braced, .9. a ledger braced pair of standards in an independent tied scaffold, or, in the case of a pputlog scatfold, to one standard and braced back to the ledger or putlog tube at mature brickwork level {1 should be noted that in the case of an independent tied scattold, where a joint occurs on the inside standard, between the supporting tube ‘and the warking platform lavel, then ths joint should be a sleeve coupler (not an internal joint pin) 100 kg 750 mm max. { WHA, -pivot to the aN SYS Basic Requirements Suspension point of the gin wheel on the supporting tube should not be more than 750 mm beyond its outer support point. Ring type gin wheels are to be preferred, i. gin wheels with swivel eye ftments to slide over the supporting tube and which can be held in position by couplers. {thook-type gin wheels are used they must be lashed to the supporting tube and the haok “moused' to prevent it rom coming out of the lashing. A coupler on either side of the lashing is. necessary to stop movement, ‘Checks should always be made to ensure that \whedls run freely on their axles — wheels too rusted to run easily may be dangerous. Ropes should comply with BS 2052. They should ‘it snugly into the rim of the wheel and be regularly ‘examined. They should be marked for identification. The most common diameter for a fall rope is 18 mm. ‘A maximum loading of 50 kg applies when the ‘wheel is 750 mm from the outer support of the suspension tube. ‘Check couplers Main body can natural angle" of the pullSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One _ Basic Requirements KNOTS ‘The recommended knots to be used when raising or lowering scaffold components are as shown on this page, Le. rolling hitch, timber hitch and figure- oF-eight knot Figure-of-eight knot 21SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One INDEPENDENT TIED SCAFFOLDS ‘An independent scaffold consists of a double row of standards, with each row parallel to the building The inner row is set as close to the building as is practicable. The distance between the lines of standards should be the minimum necessary to ‘accommodate the required number of boards and toe boards. AA variation may be adopted in which the row of standards nearest to the building can be set back about 300 mm from the building face. This means that one of the boards of the plattorm can be laid between the inside row of the standards and the Duiiding face. Independent tied scaffold Guard rails and toe boards fixed to the standards Transoms fixed with putlog or Fight angle couplers Jom pi ar sieeve coupler Tie wedged into ‘opening with reveal pin and fixed with we right angle coupler 2% 2a9 bracing sole plates ‘when standing on soll Structures The standards should be connected with ledgers pparallal to the building and fixed with right angled ‘couplers. Transoms are then fixed to the ledgers ‘vath putlog couplers to support the recommended. platform widths, ‘Sole boards and base plates should be used lunder each standard as recommended. Ledger bracing is generally xed to alternate pairs of standards. Sway bracing is required at intervals nat ‘excaeding 30 m, ‘The scattold should be tied into the building at the frequency recommended. uN WV W Vertical tube if for fixing through tie y va fN Soint pin or ud ied ST] sleeve ser ean Ledgers fixed to standards with, fight angle Diagonal bracing atright angles to °UPIETS the butiing every other standard Putlog couplers used on ledger to ledger return connectionsSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One PUTLOG SCAFFOLDS A pullog scatild consists of a single row of standards, parallel to the face ofthe building and set as tar away from its is necessary 10 ‘accommodate a platform of four or five boards wide, with the inner edge of the platform as close to the wall as is practicable. ‘The standards are connected by a ledger fixed with right angle couplers and the putlogs are fixed to the ledgers using putlog couplers, ‘The blade end of the putlog tube (or putiog adapter) is normally placed horizontally on the brickwork being built, taking care to use the maximum bearing area. Loading and Spacings General Purpose Maximum Standard Spacing 2.1m Maximum Loading 2.0 kN Heavy Duty Maximum Standard Spacing 2m Maximum Loading 2.5 kN Average height of lite 1.35 m approx Max height 50 m (unless designed) Structures Sole boards or base plates are usually fitted under ach standard. The same number of ties applies as for an independent tied scattold. Reveal ties are not recommended for putlog scatfolds, Where a putlog is required for an intermediate board support and itis opposite an opening in the building, such as a window or doorway, the inside ‘end of the putog should be supported on an tndersiung bridle tube spanning adjacent putlogs. ‘The bridle tube should be secured with right angle couplers. ‘Sway bracing is required at intervals not ‘exceeding 30 m but, unlike independent tied scaffolds, ledger bracing Is not required in the {inished scaffoldStructures SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One PUTLOG SCAFFOLDS cont. AU ah WW Guard rail Basic putlog scaffold by 8 Base plate Facade braveSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD TOWERS Free Standing Towers Free standing structures which are self-supporting ‘and do not depend totally on other structures for their rigidity or stabilty. Three classes of these structures are generally recognised: 4. Light Duty Access Towers Stationary and mobile for use inside buildings {Imposed load not greater than 1.5 kN/) 2. Light Duty Access Towers Stationary and mobile for use in the open {imposed ad not greater than 1.5 kN/m) 3. Heavy Duty Towers These are always built 1 desion details Mobile Towers Only Joints in standards should only be made with sleeve or parallel couplers. Wheels or castors not less than 125 mm in diameter and fitted with brakes which cannot be released accidentally should be locked into the base of the standards. The sale working load should be marked on the castor wheel Access Laddar should be fixed 10 narrowest side of the ‘ower, preferably inside the base area. I may be Upright or angled. All usual fadder regulations apply. Structures Mobile and Static Towers Dimensions will vary according to need, but standards should never be less than 1.2m or ‘more than 2.7 m apart Foot ties should be fixed approximately 150 mm. {rom the bottom of the standards. Except for the working platform, ledgers and transoms should be fixed to the standards with right angle couplers. Lis shoud not exceed 2.7 m or be greater than the smallest base dimension, Bracing isin two forms: 1. Plan bracing at the base, the working platform and at alternate its 2. Diagonal bracing to the full height of the scaffold on all four sides, Plan bracing should be fixed to the standards with fight angle couplers. Diagonal bracing should be ‘xed tothe ledgers and transoms by right angle or swivel couplers. The height to base ratio should ‘ot be greater than shown below for each type of structure. Stationary internal tower 4 to t Stationary external tower 3¥4 101 Mobile intemal tower a8 t01 ‘Mobile external tower 3101 The recommended maximum treestanding height tor static towers is 10.8 m, except that this may be increased 10 50 m it iis tied toa structure at 6 m intervals. The working platform should be fully and closely boarded to an area of at least 1.2.m x 1.2 i. Transoms should be spaced at not more than 1.5 m intervals, A distributed load on the platform of light duly tower should not exceed 1.5 kNim. Guard rails and tow boards will be necessary on all ‘our sides, and the toe boards must rise at least 150 mm above plattorm level. Guard rails must be atleast 910 mm above the platform with the ‘distance between the top of the tow board and the ‘uaed rail not exceeding 470 mm,SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One _ HOIST TOWERS Hoist towers are tall narrow structures, subject to torsional distortion. in. general they should be attached to the main access scatfold and may have common standards with it. ‘The attachment of hoist guides to the ledgers or ‘ransoms should be by the mathod recommended by the hoist manufacturer. No wind-rasisting sheeting should be attached to the towers unless account is taken of the wind, force. The foundations for hoist towers should be level and firm. Substantial sole plates should be dug into the ground so as to be secure against vibration, ‘The standards should be pitched on base plates nailed to the sole plates and should be vertical within an accuracy of 10 rom in any 6 m of height (the variation should net be cumulative). ‘Ledgers and transoms should be fixed to the standards with right angle couplers, and the lit ‘heights should generally conform with the tft heights of the main scaffold but be not greater than 2m, Bracing should be fixed with right angle couplers. to the horizontal members. All faces of the tower should be braced except the bays through which access is needed. Plan bracing should be used at the top of the ower and fo all members supporting a cat head or luting mechanism, in addition, the tower should be plan braced to the main scaffold on alternate lifts on alternate sides. Hoist towers and the adjacent scatfold should be tied to the building at every loor level, The height af the tower above the last tie point should not exceed 6 m, Where there is no access scaffold associated with ‘he hoist tower, the tower should be tied directly to the building Any fee standing hoist tower or one which is higher than 50 m should be specially designed, braced, tied and anchored as recommended by the hoist manufacturers. It should be adequately stabilised. At all levels at which access to a hoist tower ar hoist way is provided, or at which persons are liable to be struck by any moving part of the hoist, the hoist tower or hoist way should be pratacted by fa substantial enclosure. Structures Where access to the hoist tower is required, gates should be provided and fitted. The enclosure and ‘gates should be at least 2 m high. Particular attention is drawn to the requirements of Part V of the Construction (Litting Operations) Regulations 1961 for hoists carrying goods only and to Part VI of the same regulations for situations where persons are carried. Where persons are carried, an efficient interlocking or safety device should be fitted to ‘every gate to ensure that the gate can only be ‘opened whan the cage is at that landing level, and also that it should be closed before the cage can ‘move from that landing level. BUILDER'S HOIST Even on large contracts, hoists are a valuable ‘supplement to static and mobile cranes. On small sitas, they may be the only iting machinery available. There are many types and makes of hoist available. The larger types may function as ‘its’, however, and when thay are used they must always be constructed, erected and operated in accordance with vary srict regulations.___ Structures SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One SCAFFOLD TOWERS AND BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLDS Typical 3 lift high towerSCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One ACCESS BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLDS A birdcage scatfold consists of a mass of standards arranged at regular intervals in parallet lines, usually evenly spaced apart. These standards are laced together with a grid of ledgers, land transoms at every itt height. The top lit is boarded to form the access platform for work on cceilings and soffits, e.g. to fix lighting, ventilation or ‘sprinklers over an inside area. ‘Tho side bays of the birdcage may also be ‘required to form a normal access scaffold to the ‘walls supporting the soffit There are two types of birdcage: 1. Birdeages with more than one lift in the height. 2. Single it birdeages: The standard should be a maximum of 2.5 m in each direction, ‘The first i may be up to 2.5 m high if necessary {or access below the scaffold otherwise the lit heights should, in general, be at 2m intervals, xcept for the working lift in the outside bays, a birdcage should have only one working lif, i.e. the top lit, and the loading on this should not exceed 0.75 kN mi. {mn the case of a birdcage scaffold covering a large plan area, the width of the edge bays may be reduced to three, four or five boards to meet the requirements for the particular type of access required round the edges. Ledgers and transoms should be fixe to the standards with right angle couplers. In the top it transoms should be fixed to the ledgers vath putlog couplers. Transams to the working its 1n the side bays may be fixed to the ledgers to provide level support for the decking Al birdcage scattolds require to be braced and/or tied to ensure they are stable. The standards have to be adequately braced to be strong enough 10 carry the vertical loading. Birdcages should be stit enough fo resist lateral sway and horizontal loads and be safe trom overturning, External birdcages should be braced to resist wind forces and anchored when necessary The need for plan bracing should be considered for free standing birdeages, Structures External Birdcage Bracing should be provided at the rate of one brace for every six standards in each line. Bracing in each direction should preferably be attached to the ledgers or transoms by right angle ‘couplers or, it this is not possible, to the standards by means of swivel couplers. Internal Birdcage Where an adjacent structure is available, & birdcage should be stabilised from it. I possible, all tour sides should be secured. Where two opposite walls are available, itis sufficient to arcange tubes to butt against them from each side, bout if only one is available, it is necessary to provide a two-way ti. ‘The most satistactory deta is to extend the {ransoms or ledgers. Where they are to butt at both ends, timber packing pieces and raveal pins may be used. Platforms There are no permissible gaps in decking for the platform. Platforms should be no further than 180 mm from the working edge, unless provided with guard rails and toe boards. Where scatfolds have more than 11 standards in line, itis not possible to rely on wall support only, because some standards wall be too far trom a support in at least one direction. Thus some bracing will be essential, but can be used in conjunction with tying and butting using intermediate parts of the structure, e.g. columns, ‘Any birdcage higher than 50 m should be specially designed. As a general rule alternate rows of ‘standards would be braced. ‘Single lit birdcages should have special attention paid to the bracing of any height less than 2.5 m, The absence of the braced upper lifts requires that the stability ofthe deck is derived from one lit of bracing only, which should therefore be correctly positioned and thred, ‘The standards should be supplied with foot tes in at least alteate bays in both directions to form boxes. Diagonal bracing of alternate boxes in two directions should be fixed. Ledgers or transoms should be joined with sleave or parallel couplers. No materials should be stored an a birdcage unless the storage areas have been specially designed. For further details see BS $973,SCAFFOLDING TRAINING Module One PREFABRICATED SYSTEM SCAFFOLDS ‘There are many and various systems now available: supplier's/manutacturer's instructions. should be strictly adhered to, Whatever the system the same tenets of sound scaffolding remain unchanged: 1. Firm base 2. Standard units plumb 3. Alljoints secure 4, Adequate and attective tes DISMANTLING SCAFFOLDS During dismanting, no component should be removed which endangers the stability of he remaining structure. It dismantling has reached the stage at which a critical membar has to be removed, @.9 a tie or a ‘brace, the stability of the structure should be assured by fixing a similar or otherwise adequate member in piace, lower down, before the ertical member is removed Structures Because of the changes which are made in a scatfold structure during its working life, itis not safe to assume that dismantiing can be carried out inthe reverse order to the erection. The scaffold, ‘especially its lying and bracing, should be inspected prior to dismantling, If the scatfold is detective, it should be made good before dismanting commences. ‘Tho procedure of dismantling should be orderly land planned and should proceed generally from the top in horizontal sections, Scaffolds should not be dismantied in vertical ‘sections from one end towards the other, especially in cases where a hoist tower, which apparently gives support to the scaffold, is to be left standing, unless special consideration is given to ties and bracngs. ‘The following precautions should be observed. (a) DONOT remove all the tio (©) DONOT remove all the bracing first. (©) DONOT remove ail the intermediate and board end transoms, {@) DO NOT remove all intermediate guard rails ‘An access scalfold may have been temporarily stabilised during construction by rakers that subsequently have been removed. Ifthe level of ‘the lowest te points high, e.g. over entrance halls, ‘or above tall shop windows, temporary rakers or other structurally adequate means of support should be built up from the ground to achieve stability of the part-dismantied scaffold