LEARNING

RESOURCE

AN EASY
GUIDE TO
UNDERSTAND
SCAFFOLD
Relating to Basic, Intermediate
& Advanced Scaffolding TERMINOLOGY
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© Access Scaffolding & The Scaffold Tool and Training Company

Issued: 2016

This publication may not be reproduced or utilised in any form (electronic

or mechanical including printing, photocopying or recording) without
permission from The Scaffold Tool & Training Company

All information is correct at time of printing. The Scaffold Tool & Training
Company reserves the right to modify specifications Product specification,
technical descriptions and other information provided in this booklet are
given as guidance only.

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Page 2 – Access Scaffolding Pty Ltd | 1300 133 922

 Different Scaffold Types
BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLD
A birdcage scaffold is an independent scaffold that
consists of more than two rows of standards in both
directions and is connected by ledgers and transoms. It
is mainly used for work that is to be carried out on a
single level, such as ceilings or large stages.

TOWER SCAFFOLD
A tower scaffold is an independent scaffold consisting
of a single bay built vertically, it can be: ladder access
tower, stair access tower, mobile tower or static tower.

INDEPENDENT SCAFFOLD
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 and no further than
225mm away if there are not handrails.

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Variety of Scaffold Systems
Scaffolds are commonly used in construction work so workers have a safe,
stable work platform when work cannot be performed at ground level or on a
floor or stable base.
Frame scaffold ~ A modular scaffold assembled from prefabricated welded frames, braces and accessories such
as Access Scaffolding 440 Series. Basic level scaffolding.

Mobile scaffold ~ An independent free-standing tower scaffold that is mounted on castors wheels for ease of
relocation. Basic level scaffolding.

Modular scaffold ~ A scaffold assembled from prefabricated individual components, braces and accessories. A
modular scaffold is a system where you can not alter the use of the components and it must be assembled
according to the manufacturers specifications. Basic level scaffolding.

Brands of modular scaffold include:

 Access Aluminum
 Atpac
 Cuplock
 Kwikstage
 Leyher
 Monzon

Non-powered Suspended Scaffold ~ Any scaffold platform that is hanging from a supporting structure. It may
be fully fabricated from steel or aluminium, or constructed from scaffold tubes, couplers and planks. Advanced
level scaffolding.

Powered Suspended scaffold ~ A scaffold incorporating a suspended platform which can be raised and
lowered, including a boatswain’s chair, swingstage and work cage. They can have a climber type hoist or a
reeling type hoist. Advanced level scaffolding.

Prefabricated scaffold ~ A modular scaffold assembled from prefabricated components and erected to comply
with erection guidelines. Erection guidelines must be provided by the manufacturer and/or the supplier (the
same as a frame type scaffold). Basic level scaffolding.

Single pole scaffold ~ A scaffold consisting of a single row of standards that are connected together by ledgers
and putlogs fixed to ledgers and built into the wall of a building or structure. Also known as a brickies scaffold
or a putlog scaffold.

Tower scaffold ~ A scaffold of one bay erected in the form of a tower.

Tube and coupler scaffolding ~ A scaffold of which the standards, ledgers, braces and ties are scaffold tubes
that are joined together by couplers. This is intermediate level scaffolding.

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 Individual Components
Individual components that make up a Frame Type Modular Scaffolds
The maximum height of a mobile scaffold is 9 meters

Guardrail/Handrail ~ A structural component

to prevent persons from falling off any platform,
walkway, stairway or landing fixed to the inside

Midrails – connect to the in-

side of frames on all scaffolds.
A ledger fixed between the plat-
form and the kickboard.

Kickboards/Toeboards – must
extend 150mm above platform
Working Platform/
and be secured ~ wooden boards
Platform ~ A platform that is
fixed on edge to prevent material
intended to support persons,
falling from the platform.
materials and equipment used
to work off.

Diagonal braces/Upper
Frame ~ diagonal bracing
Ladder – Must be connects the lower and
industrial rated. upper frames and is an
important part in making the
scaffold more stable.

Height of a scaffold ~ The

vertical distance from the Base Frame ~ max free
ground to the work platform, standing height is 3 x the
not including the handrail least base width
height

Horizontal brace ~
Used to stabilise scaffold.
Plan brace ~ A brace in the Castors ~ A swivelling wheel
horizontal plane at the base of the attached to a scaffold. Must
scaffold to prevent the scaffold from have a braking mechanism and
twisting when it’s moved. have a solid tyre.

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 A

A B
Access platform ~ A platform Back splice ~ A splice in the
with a hatch or trap door in it end of a fibre rope to
for personnel access. prevent it from unlaying.
Also known as an end splice
Adjustable baseplate ~ A or a dog stick.
baseplate with an adjustable
spindle. Also known as Bald eye ~ An eye in a rope
screwjack, has a maximum which is not protected by a
vertical load of 3030kg. thimble. Also known as
soft eye.
Adjustable castor ~ A castor
incorporating a height-adjusting device Barrow hoist ~
that fits inside the standard or vertical Modular transportable
component of a scaffold. lifting device used to
handle light loads. Also
Advanced scaffolder ~ A person known as materials only
who performs: hoist. Basic Scaffolders
a) the work of a basic and can only install up to
intermediate scaffolder; and b) 500kg SWL.
scaffolding work associated
with: hung scaffolds, including
scaffolds hanging from tubes, Barrow ramp ~
wire ropes and chains; or Scaffold designed with a
powered suspended scaffolds. sloping ramp with cleats to
prevent slipping. Used to
Anchor bolt ~The type of approved push a wheelbarrow up and
anchor to secure a wall or anchor tie. down on.
Also known as a boa coil

Articulated cradle ~ A cradle of Baseplate ~ See Couplers (Pg 9)

joined sections hinged together
enabling workers to walk from
one section to another.

Bay ~ The space enclosed by four

adjacent standards, or the equivalent
space in a single-pole scaffold.

Bay length ~ Distance between any two

standards on the long side of the bay
(longitudinal spacing).

Bay width ~ Distance between any two

standards on the ends of the scaffold (transverse
spacing).

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 B
Basic scaffolder ~ A person who performs scaffolding Boards ~ Also known as captive plank. See Scaffold
work associated with: plank/board
a) prefabricated modular scaffolds over 4 meters
b) cantilevered materials hoist with a maximum Box tie ~ A tie assembly
working load of 500kg of tubes and couplers that
c) ropes is fixed to a column or
d) gin wheels beam in the shape of a
e) safety nets and static lines box.
f) bracket scaffolds including 2 plank walkways.
Brace ~ A component fixed diagonally to scaffold
standard, to provide rigidity to the scaffold. See
Diagonal Brace

Bracket scaffold ~ A
scaffold that has a
platform carried on
brackets. Also known as
two plank system.

Brick guard ~ A meshed

panel secured between a
guardrail and platform, and
incorporating a kickboard.
Also known as mesh panel.

Bricklayer’s scaffold ~ See

Single-pole scaffold.

Beam chaffer ~ A short length Building Maintenance

of material, sometimes half Unit (BMU) ~
round, used to protect from the Prefabricated swinging
sharp edge of a beam when stage permanently fixed
using ropes slings or chains. to a building

Beam clamp ~ See Couplers Butt ~ A tube fixed to a

(Pg 9). scaffold and butting to an
adjacent structure to prevent
Birdcage scaffold ~ An horizontal movement of the
independent scaffold scaffold.
consisting of more than two
rows of standards connected Butterfly coupler ~ A style
by ledgers and transoms. of putlog coupler. See
Couplers (Pg 9)
Boatswain’s chair ~ A
suspended scaffold of which Buttress bay ~ A bay of
the platform is a chair or scaffold used to extend the
similar device, suitable for base size to increase the
use by one person freestanding height.

Board retainer ~ See Couplers (Pg 9).

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 C

C
Competent person ~ A person
suitably qualified, adequately trained
Castor ~ A swivelling wheel attached to a and appropriately experienced for the
scaffold. See Individual Components (Pg 5) particular class or kind of work
described.
Catch fan ~ A cantilevered platform
or structure attached to a scaffold to Containment sheeting ~
contain falling debris and provide protection below the Screening attached to a
scaffolding. Also known as catch platform. scaffold to prevent the
dislodgement of tools and
materials from a working
platform or to protect the
people using the scaffold
from the elements.

Counterweight ~ A weight
or series of weights that
counter-balance a scaffold
against overturning.

Coupler ~ Also known as

Check coupler ~ An additional coupler fixed for fittings or joiners. See
strength or safety. See Couplers (Pg 9) Couplers (Pg 9).

Climber hoist ~ A scaffolding hoist Cradle ~ The platform of a

that climbs the suspended flexible suspended scaffold. Also
steel wire rope. known as ‘the boat’.

Column tie ~ Similar to a box tie Cross braces ~ generally used

but with only one tie tube. See Box Tie in a frame type prefabricated
system. See Diagonal brace.

Cantilever ~ A steel beam or similar which Cantilevered platform

is anchored at one end and is cantilevered materials hoist ~ A
out of the building at the other end. powered builder’s hoist
which has the lift platform
Cantilevered builders’ hoist ~ A builder’s hoist cantilevered from the hoist
where the platform travels up and down on the tower. It moves materials
outside face of a building. only, up and down the face
of a building or structure.
Cantilevered crane loading platform ~ A temporary Also known as ‘barrow
loading bay cantilevered from the face of a building hoist’.
or structure to land or lift crane handled loads.
Cantilevered scaffold ~
A scaffold that is
supported by cantilevered
load-bearing
components.

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 Couplers

Couplers, Joiners & Fittings

All fittings must be marked with the manufacturer’s or supplier’s name or trademark
and a code traceable to a manufacturing batch in accordance with Australian
Standards AS1576.2-2009.
Baseplate ~ A metal plate that is able to Internal joiner ~ An internal
distribute the load from a standard to a end-to-end coupler for joining
supporting structure, min size 150 x two tubes. Also known as a joint
150 x 6mm pin. NOT TO BE USED TO JOIN
LEDGERS ON TUBE SCAFFOLDS
Beam clamp ~ A fitting that is
able to secure a scaffold tube to a steel Ladder clamp ~ A fitting
I beam. They must be used in pairs. incorporating a bolt and a nut
Also known as a girder clip/gravelock. used to secure a ladder to a
scaffold tube.
Board retainer ~ Used to retain
wooden kick boards. Also known Ninety-degree coupler (90o) ~ A
as toeboard retainer. non-swivel load bearing coupler,
for connecting two tubes at right-
Butterfly coupler ~ double flap angle. Also known as 90’s,
putlog coupler doubles or right angle coupler
(RAC)
Check coupler ~ A right-angle
coupler or swivel coupler that is Parallel coupler ~ A coupler for
fixed hard against a load-bearing making a lap or spliced joint
coupler, to restrict or prevent between two tubes.
slippage of that coupler along the tube.
Also known as a safety coupler Putlog blade ~ A fitting fixed to
or keeper clip. the end of a putlog, so that the
putlog may be located and
Coupler ~ A fitting that joins supported in a wall
two tubes. Also known as fittings
or joiners. Single coupler ~ A coupler for
fixing a putlog to a ledger. Also
Double C clip ~ for joining standards known as a single putlog
side-by-side (back to back). coupler, pigs ears or pork chops.
Also known as Gantry Coupler
Swivel coupler ~ A coupler
External joiner ~ A coupler used to for connecting two tubes at
join two tubes end-to-end that fit over any angle.
the outside of the tubes (must have
a separation plate between tubes). Toeboard clip ~ For steel
Also known as an end-to-end boards, clamps to the standard
coupler or sleeve coupler. with a wedge to hold the toe
board vertically. Also known
Hook ~ Can be used as a putlog coupler as a wine glass clip.
or to retain wooden kickboards or the
ladder. Also known as mills hook or
mickey hook.

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 D-E

D
Dual coverage ~ Work which can be performed by
someone who holds either the appropriate
Dead load ~ The part weight of the scaffold class of rigging certificate or
components on a particular standard. the appropriate class of
scaffolding certificate,
Debris net ~ A fine mesh net because the work is within
usually laid over an the scope of both types of
industrial safety net in order certificate. Eg: swing stage installation.
to catch small light items of
falling debris. Dyna bolt ~ A sleeve type anchor which
is NOT to be used to secure a scaffold
Diagonal braces ~ Fitted to wall anchor or tie.
the scaffold frames, these
play an important part in Dynamic load ~ The forces on the
making the structure more scaffold caused by persons moving on the
stable. See Individual scaffold or mobiling or moving a scaffold.
Components (Pg 5)

Dog leg brace ~ See Transverse brace E

Edge protection ~ A barrier or system to
Double C clip ~ See Couplers (Pg 9) prevent a fall from heights and must be on
all scaffolds
Double coupler ~ Also known as ninety-degree where a person
coupler. See Couplers (Pg 9) or object can
fall more than
Double rope suspension 2 meters.
system ~ A method of suspending
a cradle using two hoists and two
suspension ropes at each support point
(cannot be counterweighted).
Egress ~ Exit an area or work
Double saddle clamp ~ Also platform (opposite to access).
known as fist grip/
wire rope grip End-to-end coupler ~ A coupler for joining two tubes
end-to-end. Also known as internal joiner and
external joiner. See Couplers (Pg 9)

Environmental load ~
the load caused by
environmental factors
such as debris or snow

Erection ~ to assemble
a scaffold
Drop scaffold ~ This
means hanging from External joiner ~ See Couplers (Pg 9)
dropped tubes. See
hung scaffold. Eye bolt ~ A component that attaches to
a structure with an eye to enable
something to be secured, such as a safety
net. Must be collared bolts.
Dropper ~ See hung scaffold.

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 F

F
Foundations ~ The
support beneath a scaffold
Fabricated hung scaffold ~ or structure that
A pre-assembled scaffold distributes the loads
hung from another structure (ground)
Image is an
but which is not capable of example of bad practice
being raised or lowered
when in use. It is sometimes Frame scaffold ~ A scaffold assembled from
used for large steel erection prefabricated frames, braces and accessories. See
projects. Variety of Scaffold Systems (Pg 4)

Face brace ~ See Longitudinal brace Frame trestle scaffold ~ A scaffold, other than a trestle
ladder, consisting of self supporting stands that support
False standard ~ See Puncheon scaffold planks.

Falsework ~ Any temporary structure used to support a

permanent structure while the permanent structure is
not self supporting.

Freestanding scaffold ~
A scaffold that is not
Fan ~ See Catch fan attached to any other
structure and is stable
Fibre rope ~ A natural fibre against overturning, on
rope such as manila. its own account or if
necessary assisted by
Fixed cradle ~ A stabilizers, outriggers,
cradle that does not counterweights or
traverse horizon- backup bays
tally, but is capable (buttress bay).
of being raised and
lowered. Fulcrum point ~
The point of balance on a cantilevered
Forkhead ~ See needle.
U-head jack

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 G-H

G H
Gantry ~ H Frame ~ A prefabricated
A structure, constructed from structural steel, frame in the shape on an
scaffolding or structural timber, that is primarily ‘H’
intended to support a protection deck or portable
buildings such as amenity sheds.

Hand balling ~ Passing

equipment from one level
of a scaffold to another.

Hand over certificate ~

A certificate certifying a
scaffold is safe and
Gantry coupler ~ Also known as Double C clip. See giving its individual
Couplers (Pg 9) specifications.

Girder clip ~ Also known as Beam clamp. See Handrail ~ A rail to

Couplers (Pg 9) provide a handhold on a
platform or stairway. It
Girder trolley ~ An may form part of a
assembly that locks over guardrail. See Individual
a steel flange but can be Components (Pg 5)
rolled along the flange
Heavy duty working
platform ~
A scaffold platform with a
Gin wheel ~ A wheel hung duty live load capacity of
from a scaffold that a rope 675 kg per bay. This is
runs through to raise and three times the capacity
lower materials. of a light duty platform.

Guardrail ~ A component to
prevent persons from falling Height ~ The distance a
off any platform, walkway, person can fall from a
stairway or landing. See scaffold.
Individual Components (Pg 5)
Height of a scaffold ~
The vertical distance from
the ground to the work
platform, not including the
handrail height. See
Individual Components
(Pg 5)

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 H-I

I
Hoardings ~ Panels used to
partition areas like
walkways and perimeter Inboard ~ That portion of the suspension rig or needle
fences (used to contain and which is on the inside of the fulcrum point (inside the
protect) building).

Inside diameter (ID) ~ The

distance across the inside of a
circular object, tube, pipe or
Hoist/s ~ An appliance or similar (40mm NB). Also
machine used to raise or lower known as nominal bore
a load with no horizontal
movement designed to lift Internal joiner ~ Also known as joint pin. See
materials and personnel. Couplers (Pg 9)

Independent scaffold ~ A scaffold with at least two

Hoisting ~ Raising or lowering a load. rows of ledgers and does not use a building or structure
to support the working platform.

Individual cradle ~ A
cradle of one bay length.

Hook ~ See Couplers (Pg 9) Intermediate scaffolder ~

A person who performs:
Hop-up bracket ~See Platform bracket a) the work of a basic
scaffolder;
Horizontal Brace ~See Individual Components b) scaffolding work
(Pg 5) associated with:
cantilevered crane loading
Hung scaffold ~ An platforms; cantilevered
independent scaffold and spurred scaffolds; barrow ramps and sloping
that is hung from platforms; perimeter safety screens and shutters; mast
another structure but is climbers; and tube and coupler scaffolds, including
not capable of being tube and coupler covered ways and gantries.
raised or lowered when
in use. Also known as a
dropper or slung
scaffold
Internal perimeter scaffold
~ A scaffold erected
alongside the inside
perimeter of a penetration
or shaft in a building or
other structure.

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 J-L

J L
Joiner ~ A coupler for joining two tubes end-to-end. Ladder ~
See external joiner and internal joiners All ladders used to access scaffold must
be single, industrial grade ladders and
Joint pin ~ See internal joiner pitched at a ratio of
between 1:4 and 1:6

K
horizontal to vertical

Keeper clip ~ Also known as check or safety coupler.

See Couplers (Pg 9).

Key ~ See Scaffold spanner Ladder access tower ~ An

independent scaffold bay attached
Kickboard ~ Also known as a toeboard. This prevents to a scaffold with internal ladder
tool and equipment from being kicked off the scaffold. access provided.
See Individual Components (Pg 5)
Ladder access putlog ~ See Ladder access transom
Kwikstage (Kwikform) ~ One of the most commonly
used scaffolding systems in Australia. Kwikstage is a Ladder access transom ~ A modular component used
heavy duty wedge type modular system. to support shorter scaffold planks to allow a
penetration for the
ladder.

Ladder beam ~
A scaffold beam with chord stiffeners at right angles to
the chords (a beam in the basic shape as a ladder on its
side).

Ladder bracket ~ A bracket

scaffold consisting of two or
more ladders that support
planks by means of brackets,
to provide a working
platform.

Ladder clamp ~
See Couplers (Pg 9).

Landing ~ A level area

providing access to a stairway
or ladder, or located at an
intermediate level in a system
of stairways or ladders.

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 L-M

M
Ledger ~ A horizontal structural component that
longitudinally spans a scaffold.
Machine spliced eye ~ Splice which used some form
Lift ~ The first row of ledgers and transoms attached of ferrule or end stop, which is then swaged
to the scaffold at the lowest possible connection point onto the rope. Both turnback and
on the standard. Also the vertical distance between Flemish eye splices are
ledgers. NB: The maximum distance between lifts mechanical splices.
is 2.0m.
Mast climbing work platform ~ A work platform
Light duty working used for temporary purposes to raise personnel and
platform ~ A platform on materials to a working position by means such as a
a scaffold with a duty live rack and pinion drive
load capacity of 225kg per mounted on an extendible
bay. mast, which may be tied
to a building.
Live load ~ Weight of
persons and materials on
the scaffold.

Loading bay ~ A platform on

a scaffold for the storage of materials and equipment.

Materials (only) hoist ~

A builder’s hoist used for raising
and lowering materials (not
personnel) including a
cantilevered platform materials
hoist. Also known as a barrow
hoist.

Maximum rope tension ~ The maximum force which

can be imposed on the suspension rig including the
safe working load on the platform, the self-weight of
the platform and the suspension ropes and the hoist
Load-limiting device ~ A device weight.
that limits the lifting capacity of
a scaffold hoist to a specific load
below the stalling load of the
motor (set at 1.25 x the SWL
of the hoist)

Longitudinal brace ~
A brace on the long side of the
bay. Also known as a face brace.

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N-O

N
Medium duty working
platform ~
A platform on a scaffold with a Needle ~ A cantilevered
duty live load capacity of 450 structural steel I beam that
kg per bay. This is twice the forms part of the scaffold
capacity of a light duty assembly. Cantilevered out
platform. board = 1/4 of total length.

Member ~ Also known as Ninety-degree coupler (90o) ~

components. See Individual Also known as doubles or
Components (Pg 5) right angle couplers. See
Couplers (Pg 9)
Mesh panels ~ See Brick guard.
Node point ~The connection
Mesh screening ~ used on point on a Kwikstage
a scaffold to prevent standard. Also known as the
dislodgement of plant and stars or crossing point.
materials and to protect
workers from Nominal bore (NB) ~ See Inside diameter (ID)
environmental
conditions.
O
Outboard portion of the
suspension rig ~ That portion
of the suspension rig which is
on the outside of the fulcrum
point (or balance point).

Outrigger ~ A brace used to

Midrail ~ A ledger fixed between the platform and the increase the base size of the
kickboard. See Individual Components (Pg 5) scaffold to allow an increase
in the freestanding height.
Mills hook ~ Also known as a micky hook. See
Couplers (Pg 9)
Outside diameter (OD) ~
Mobile scaffold ~ An independent free-standing The distance across the
scaffold that is mounted on castors (max free standing outside of a circular object.
height is 9 meters). See Variety of Scaffold Systems
(Pg 4).

Modular scaffold ~ A scaffold assembled from

prefabricated individual components, braces and
accessories. See Variety of Scaffold Systems (Pg 4).
Made by various manufacturers under various trade
names, such as:
• Aluminum frame type
• Atpc
• Cuplock Open turn buckle ~ A
• Kwikstage turnbuckle used to tension a
• Leyher static line and is open for visual
• Monzon inspection.

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 P

P
Plank ~ A component used to
form a working platform or
Parallel coupler ~ See Couplers (Pg 9). deck. See Scaffold Plank/
Board
Parapets ~ An upturn usually located
at the edge of a balcony, roof, Platform ~ An elevated
bridge or similar structure. working surface. See Individual Components (Pg 5)

Platform bracket ~ A bracket attached

to a scaffold that enables a
platform to be placed
between the scaffold and
a building or structure.
Also known as a
hop-up bracket.

Podger hammer ~
A cast steel hammer used
for the erection and
dismantling of scaffold.
Perimeter scaffold ~A
scaffold erected alongside Prefabricated scaffold ~ A scaffold assembled from
the external face of prefabricated components and erected to comply with
building or other structure. erection guidelines. Erection guidelines must be
Also known as a wrap. provided by the manufacturer and/or the supplier. See
Variety of Scaffold Systems (Pg 4)

Personnel hoist ~
A mechanical hoist
designed to carry people.

Pintle
~ A projection at the top of a
castor that is used to locate the
vertical component of a mobile
scaffold (150mm min stem).

Plan brace ~ A brace in the horizontal plane at the

base of the scaffold to prevent the scaffold from
twisting when it’s moved. See Individual Components
(Pg 5)

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R

R
Protective device ~ A device
which will arrest the descent
and support a cradle or Raker tie ~ A scaffold tube attached to the scaffold at
boatswain’s chair in the event one end and to a building or structure at the other at
of the failure of the obtuse angles.
suspension rope or the
scaffolding hoist. NOTE: A Reeling hoist ~ A
protective device may also scaffolding hoist where the
prevent an over speed FSWR reels around the
descent. hoist drum.

Puncheon ~ A standard that does not touch the ground Return ~ A part of a
and is supported from another structural component scaffold set up around the
of the scaffold. Also known as a false standard corner of a building or
structure
Putlog ~ A horizontal structural component, spanning
between ledgers or between a ledger and an adjacent Return transom ~ A
wall, that is intended to support a platform. transom used in modular
scaffolding that is able to
Putlog blade ~ See Couplers (Pg 9) fix a scaffold return at
right angles to a run, by being secured to a ledger.
Putlog coupler ~ Also known as single coupler See
Couplers (Pg 9) Reveal ~ Internal side surfaces of an opening or recess

Putlog scaffold ~ See Single pole scaffold. Reveal tie ~ A tie assembly consisting of a scaffold
tube and two screw jacks wedged between an
opening. Also known as a friction tie.

Typical single pole Rigging basic ~ Rigging

putlog scaffold work involving any of the
following:
• structural steel erection
• hoists
• pre cast concrete
components of a structure
• safety nets and static lines
• mast climbing work
platforms
• perimeter safety screens
and shutters, and
• cantilevered crane loading
platforms.

Right-angle coupler ~ Also known as ninety-degree

coupler (90o). See
Couplers (Pg 9).

Roof edge protection ~

A barrier or system to
prevent workers falling
from the roof.

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Scaffolding hoist ~ A lifting
appliance manually operated
Safe Working Load (SWL) ~ The maximum load or power-operated through
which may be applied to a crane, hoist, rope, chain or which the suspension rope
sling or scaffold. passes.

Safety harness ~ Fall arrest Screw jack ~ See Adjustable

device for arresting a fall, base plate
consisting of harness,
lanyard, shock absorber Secondary safety rope ~
and scaffold hook. Rope not carrying the weight of a cradle and the
imposed load, but rigged for use with a fall arrest
Safety rope ~ See device.
Secondary rope.
Shackle ~ A load rated
Scaffold ~ A temporary structure for supporting access component with a removable
platforms or working platform. See also definitions pin which is a portable link in a
for birdcage scaffold, boatswain’s chair, cantilever chain. Also known as a D
scaffold, freestanding scaffold, mobile scaffold, shackle or bow shackle
putlog scaffold, single-pole scaffold and tower
scaffold. Shoring jack ~ See U-head Jack

Scaffold duty ~ The safe working load of the scaffold. Shutter-bracket scaffold ~ A bracket scaffold where
Eg: Live loads permitted on a scaffold bay (light, the brackets are attached to formwork shutters.
medium, heavy or special) people, plant and
materials.

Scaffold key ~ See Scaffold spanner.

Scaffold plank/board ~ A decking component,

other than a prefabricated plank, that
is able to be used in the construction
of a platform and is supported by
the transoms or putlogs for
metal or timber.

Scaffold spanner ~ A box or tube-type

wrench with a swing-over handle that Single coupler ~ See Couplers (Pg 9). Also known as
has been purpose designed for single putlog coupler
the tightening and loosening
of coupler nuts. Single pole scaffold ~
A scaffold consisting
Scaffolder ~ A person engaged in erecting, altering or of a single row of
dismantling scaffolding. standards that are
connected together
Scaffolding equipment ~ by ledgers and
Any component, assembly putlogs fixed to
or machine used or ledgers and built into
intended to be used or the the wall of a building
construction of scaffolding or structure. See
Variety of Scaffold
Systems (Pg 4)

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Single rope suspension Span ~ The distance measured between the putlog of a
system ~ A method of working platform depending upon the thickness of the
suspending a cradle using planks.
one hoist and a single
suspension rope at each Spur ~ An inclined load-
support point. bearing component that
transmits a load to a
Sleeve coupler ~ Also supporting structure.
known as an external joiner or end-to-end coupler.
See Couplers (Pg 9). Spurred scaffold ~ A
scaffold that is partially
Sling ~ A lifting device (e.g. supported by inclined load-
web sling, chains, wire bearing components.
ropes and ropes).
Stability ~ Security of a
Slung scaffold ~ scaffold against movement
See Hung scaffold. and overturning.

Stair unit ~ A modular

scaffold tower incorporating
stringer or treads for safe
access and egress.

Stanchion ~ A scaffold tube

hand rail post.

Standard ~ A vertical
structural component that
transmits a load to the
Soleboards/Soleplate ~ A length supporting structure.
of timber used to distribute the
combined live load and dead
load through a baseplate to Static load ~ the total weight of all the scaffold
the ground or other components OR the weight of a single heavy item on
supporting structure. the work platform.

Sloping platform ~ Platforms formed when

scaffolding is erected at an angle. Maximum slope for Stile ~ The side of a ladder that
a working platform is 3o. Barrow ramps can have a supports the rungs, steps or
slope of up to 20o. treads.

Stillage ~ A scaffold basket

or framework designed to hold
scaffolding
components

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Stop (through bolted) ~ The Suspension mounted hoist
stop at the end of a rail or (reeling hoist) ~ A
track to prevent the trolley scaffolding hoist that is
rolling of the end. mounted on a suspension
rig or trolley track, with
one end of the rope
attached to the cradle and
Stop end ~ the other end to a hoist
Guardrails fitted drum.
to a scaffold
between standards Suspension point ~
at the end of a bay. That point where the
suspension rope is
connected to the
suspension rig (where the
max rope tension is).
Stringer ~ A stair unit used
to support stair treads. Suspension rig ~ The
portion of a suspended
scaffold (including a
Stud bracket scaffold ~ trolley track) which is
A bracket scaffold of which the brackets mounted at a higher level
are attached to studs of a timber frame building or than the cradle and which
other structure. Also known as two plank system. supports and positions the
cradle. Also known as a
roof rig.
Supporting structure ~ A
structure, structural Suspension ropes ~
components or foundation Ropes carrying the weight
that supports a scaffold. of the cradle and the
imposed load.

Suspended scaffold Swing stage ~ A suspended

(powered) ~ A scaffold scaffold with a single row
incorporating a suspended platform which can be of suspension ropes.
raised and lowered in normal use, including a
boatswain’s chair.
Swivel coupler ~ See
Couplers (Pg 9).

SWL ~ The safe working

load or the duty load limit
of the scaffold.
Light duty = 225kg SWL
Medium duty = 450kg
SWL
Heavy Duty = 675kg SWL

Suspension gear ~ The assembly which joins the

cradle to the suspension rig.

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Toeboard retainer ~ Also known as board retainer
See Couplers (Pg 9)
Tank-bracket scaffold ~ A
bracket scaffold of which the Tower scaffold ~ A scaffold of one bay erected in the
brackets are able to be form of a tower. See Variety of Scaffold Systems
attached to the face of a metal (Pg 4)
tank, duct, boiler, structural
beam or similar. The planks Tower-frame scaffold ~ A single bay of prefabricated
lie on top of the brackets and scaffold erected in the form of a tower which is a
are lashed in place. single bay built vertically.

Three times rule ~ The Trainee ~ A person who enrolled in a High Risk Work
maximum height you may course or is being supervised by a HRW Licence
free stand a scaffold = holder at work.
“3 x the least base width”.
Eg 1.2 x 3 = 3.6mtr to the Transom ~ A horizontal structural component
platform transversely spanning an independent scaffold
between the standards.
Through tie ~ A tie assembly Transoms transfer the live
that is positively fixed to load from the platform
both sides of an opening down through the
through a building or standards.
structure.
Transverse brace ~ A brace in the end
of the scaffold.

Trap door ~ A hatch or

opening platform
Thimbled eye ~ is used to create a reinforced eye at
the end of a wire rope. Also known as hard eyes they
allow the eye to hold its shape under load, and is used
to protect the wire rope from damage by usage and Travelling cradle
attached hardware. (traversing cradle) ~ A cradle capable of being
moved horizontally on trolleys.
Tie ~ An assembly of tubes and couplers used to tie a
scaffold to a supporting structure. Traversing ~ Moving laterally
across the face of the
Tie bar ~ Used to tie hop up brackets together to building.
prevent the brackets from spreading and the planks
from becoming dislodged.

Toeboards ~ Also known as kickboards. A scaffold

plank or purpose-designed component fixed on edge
at the edge of a platform, to prevent material falling Traversing ropes ~ Ropes rigged for the purpose of
from the platform (minimum height 150mm). See traversing the cradle, but not carrying the weight of it.
Individual Components (Pg 5)
Traversing suspension rig ~ A suspension rig
Toeboard clip ~ See Couplers (Pg 9) mounted on wheels or castors and supporting a
cradle.

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Trestle scaffold ~ A scaffold consisting of trestles and
planks.
Webbing slings ~ A sling
made from synthetic webbing
and tagged with a safe working load.

Wedge socket ~ is useful when

the fitting needs to be replaced
frequently. The arrangement is
knocked in place, and load
gradually eased onto the rope.
As the load increases on the
wire rope, the wedge become
more secure, gripping the rope
tighter.

Whipping ~ The wrapping

Trolley ~ A wheeled mechanism intended to support a or tying of an end of cut
hoist which is capable of travelling along a suspended rope to stop fraying or
track. unravelling

Trolley track ~ The suspended rail which supports Wind load ~The force on the
and guides trolleys in traversing installations. scaffold caused by the wind.

Tube and coupler covered way ~ An independent

tube-and-coupler scaffold that is primarily intended to Wire rope
provide overhead protection. grips ~
Bull dog clips
Tube and coupler scaffolding ~ A scaffold of (not to be used
which the standards, ledgers, braces in scaffolding)
and ties are scaffold tubes that
are joined together by
scaffolding couplers. See Work cage ~ A suspended
Variety of Scaffold Systems scaffold cradle supported by
(Pg 4) a single suspension rope.
Usually designed for one
Tubes ~ The term used for steel or person.
aluminium scaffold tube extrusion.
Working load limit ~ The

U
maximum working load that
may be applied to any
U-head jack ~ used for supporting and component or system, under
locating a standard over a needle. Also general conditions
known as forkhead or shoring jack. of use.

Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) ~ A Working platform ~ A

load distributed evenly along the length of platform that is intended to
a platform. support persons, materials
and equipment. Refer light,

V
medium and heavy duty
working platforms. See
‘V’ pressing ~ See Node point Individual Components (Pg 5)

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 1300 133 922
www.accessscaffolds.com.au
[email protected]
Dandenong | 3/5 Berends Drive, Dandenong
Geelong | 48 Denbigh Street, Moolap
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