Basic Level One
Scaffolding
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Your safety during your stay, is our concern.
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Mobile Phones
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Fire Procedures
 On hearing the fire alarm, you must STOP WHAT
YOU ARE DOING & calmly make your way to the
Assembly Point.
 Do not collect personal belongings.
 Stay in at the Assembly Point and await further
instruction.
 Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe
to do so.
 If you discover a fire raise alarm and vacate
building.
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Accident Reporting
▪ In the unlikely event of you having an accident,
you must report to your instructor immediately.
Your instructor will arrange for the appropriate
first aid treatment.
▪ All injuries no matter how trivial, must be
reported, this enables us to record the accident,
prevent any reoccurrence and provide first aid if
necessary
▪ Your Instructor is a Qualified First Aider
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Smoking
It is the policy of Simian Risk Management
not to permit the smoking of tobacco
products within its premises; offices,
canteens, toilets, training rooms and
training areas.
Smoking is only permitted outside during
break times. Please extinguish cigarettes
properly.
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Welfare
Start time 07.30 (In the classroom)
Morning Break 10.00 – 10.20
Dinner Break 12.00 - 13.00
Afternoon Break 14.00 – 14.20
Full attendance of courses is required, failing to
do so may see you removed from course.
 Toilets
 Please inform instructor if blocked or out of toilet
roll, paper towels, soap.
 Please ensure any rubbish is put in the bins
provided.





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PPE REQUIRMENTS
The following P.P.E must be worn at all
times in the training area:
 Hard Hat (DO NOT remove hard hats)
 Safety Foot Wear
 Harness with Lanyard
 Gloves
Failure to comply may see you being
issued with a warning or removed from the
training.
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Health & Safety In
Construction
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Health & Safety
at Work Act 1974
(BEST PRACTICE)
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HASAWA 1974
When starting work on a new site you
may need to receive a site induction
talk! This will include.
 Emergency Assembly points
 Who / where to go for first aid
 Restricted areas.
 General site rules such as?
Safe access on and off the site
& Safe Working Practices
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Employers Duties To Employee
Section 2: The Duties of the Employer to the
Employee
 The GENERAL DUTY
“It shall be the general duty of every
employer to ensure the health & safety &
welfare of all his employees.”
So far as reasonably practicable.”
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The Duties of Employees
Section 7 & 8 Health & Safety at Work Act
1974.
Section 7:
Take reasonable care of their own health &
safety and that of others who may be
affected by their acts or omissions.
Example?
You are responsible for your own actions that
may cause injury to yourself or others.
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Risk Assessments and
Method statements
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Risk assessment cont.
 What is a risk assessment?
 Risk assessments are done to identify
hazards. They try to eliminate , control and
reduce the risk by putting measures in
place.
Your employer has a duty to carry out a risk
assessment on your work activity.
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What’s a hazard?
risk
Hazard‐something with the potential to
cause harm.
What’s a risk ?
Risk‐is the probability of damage or harm
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Method Statements
 What is a method statement?
 Sequence of work
 What do method statements tell us?
 The method in which to apply the
sequence of work (step by step instruction
of the task)
 How will the method statement be given
to you and when?
 Prior to work(s) commencing, - TBT
(toolbox Talk) or job brief from your
supervisor
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Common causes of Accidents
 Bad house keeping / slips trips and falls
 Tools not been used correctly
 Poor manual handling
 P.P.E not been worn /used (i.e) hi viz
when around plant.
 Horse play
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Prevention
Follow the safe system of works /
method statements.
Do not take short cuts (i.e) fix toe
boards when stacking materials and
fittings.
Keep work area tidy.
Most important watch each others back.
Falls from height is the biggest cause of
deaths
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Accidents At Work
All accidents Must be reported
immediately to your supervisor, site agent
or charge hand.
Depending on how severe it may need to
be reported by your company or the client
or to the authorities.
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Electrical
Regs 1989
Working Safety
with electricity
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The main dangers from electricity are:
 Damaged wires/cables
 Faulty electrical
equipment
 Incorrect fuses
 Tape joints
 Repairs by untrained
personnel
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What is manual handling
Anything moved by hand which includes Lifting
 Pushing
 Pulling
 Lowering
 Carrying
 Approx. 90,000 workers a year with related
manual handling injuries in UK.
 Always use mechanical methods 1st if possible
 Risk assessments must be done
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Method of Lifting
 Correct position of feet
 Flexible knees
 Straight back
 Arms close to body
 Correct grip or hold
 Chin in, head up
 Kinetic using the muscles in the legs
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NASC SG6
Manual Handling
Video
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Noise
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Noise
If you have to shout to some one at
2m away you probably should be
wearing ear protection.
Employers responsibility to let you
know about noise.
Remember if P.P.E is provided
You Must Use It
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What's correct and which is
incorrect
Fire
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Fire and Emergency Procedures
 Every site has there own
procedures
 Up to the employer/main
contractor to inform you.
 Know the procedure for
your site.
 You may need a Hot
Work Permit before you
start work.
 Does training need to be
given.
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The Fire Triangle
Fire Safety, at its most basic, is based upon the
principle of keeping fuel sources and ignition sources
separate.
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Safety Guidance
Preventing Falls in Scaffolding
(SG4)
BEST PRACTICE
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Accident Performance - Falls
According to NASC accident statistics in UK
Falls form a working platforms or scaffolds
have been significantly reduced since 2000
when SG4 was introduced
 1999 – 93 falls
 2009 – 20 falls
 78% reduction
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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding (SG4)
TRAVERSING / TUNNELLING METHOD NO LONGER ACCEPTED
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“The Unprotected Traverse”
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“The Unprotected Traverse”
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WAHR - Hierarchy
AVOID
PREVENT
MITIGATE
COLLECTIVE
OVER
PERSONAL
 Avoid WAH?
 Most suitable method of working
and equipment to prevent falls
 Both the consequences and
distance of a potential fall must be
minimised
 At all stages you must consider
COLLECTIVE protection over
PERSONAL protection…
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Single Guardrails?
Best Practice accepts the use of single guardrails.
 Only for “Scaffolders’ Working Platforms”
 Doesn’t comply with WAHR’s
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Avoid Working
at Height
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Avoid Working
at Height
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Avoid Working
at Height
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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding (SG4)
What Employers Must DO
&
Scaffolders
Responsibility.
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WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO DO?
 Planning
 Organising
 Controlling your Work
 Identify hazards and
assess risks, establish
controls to prevent
injury.
 Including planning for
emergencies & rescue
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Scaffolders Responsibilities!
With particular consideration for working
at height and the potential hazards
involved, you should always:
Follow work instructions given by your
Supervisor.
Check fall arrest equipment daily before use
and report to your employer any damaged
or defective equipment.
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Scaffolders Responsibilities!
IMPORTANT :
You should STOP work and report to
your supervisor if you cannot work
safely or to the requirements of the
work instructions, risk assessment,
method statement or scaffold plan.
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Preventing Falls in Scaffolding (SG4)
THE PRESENT / FUTURE ‘SAFE ZONES’
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The Safe Zone
Scaffolder must focus on creating a Safe Zone with:
 A fully boarded platform without gaps
 A single main guardrail (950mm), where there is a risk of
a fall.
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The Safe Zone
BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLD
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The Safe Zone
 Must be clipped on within 1m of the leading edge
1m
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The Safe Zone
 Safe handling bay - with double guardrails including stop-ends
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The Safe Zone
 Must be clipped on when working below the guardrail
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The Safe Zone
 Must be clipped on when within 1m of an opening, gap or
void, including:
 Raising/lowering boards
 Window opening
 Inside gaps
 Unprotected stop-ends
 Ladder trap
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The Safe Zone
 Hemping over guardrails!
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Creating the ‘Safe Zone’
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MEWP’s
 Collective Fall Protection
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Improvise Guardrail
Frame Method
 Improvised Guardrail
 Two-man operation
 Less productive
 Material utilization
 Cost effective solution
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Advanced Guardrail Methods (AGM)
Horizontal Method




Improvised Guardrail
One-man operation
Material utilization
Cost effective solution
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Short-lift System of Work
 1m Lift Heights
 Best suited to System Scaffolding
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Scaffolders’ Step Up…
 System scaffold alternative step
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Protected Traverse
 However, where it can be demonstrated that it is not
reasonably practicable to provide guardrail protection,
then personal fall protection equipment (Safety
Harnesses) must be utilised by Scaffolders and they
MUST remain continually attached.
 In order to traverse along an unprotected platform a
minimum system of work would be required utilising
double or twin-tailed lanyards.
 100% Clipped on when outside of the Safe Zone
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PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
It is suggested that the following PPE should be
issued to all Scaffolders as part of a Minimum
personal fall arrest system :
 Fall arrest harness complete with rear dorsal
ring (BS EN 361) to offer maximum protection
to the user;
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User Inspection
 Harnesses and associated equipment
must be visually inspected daily or before
use, by the user, as directed.
 Any defects identified by the user must
be reported to the your Supervisor.
 Companies normally carry out a 3
monthly recorded inspection.
Demonstrate Inspection and Fitting.
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Damage to Lanyard
Small cut in a lanyard
 1mm cut can result in a
5% to 39% loss of
strength
 Lanyards need to be
inspected very
carefully…
YOUR LIFE COULD
DEPEND ON IT!!!
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ANCHOR POINTS
WHAT ARE SUITABLE ANCHOR
POINTS?

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Suitable ANCHOR POINTS

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 Guardrail
supported by
Right Angled
Couplers
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Suitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Ledger above
head height

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Suitable ANCHOR POINTS

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 Ledger below
feet
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Suitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Transom
above head
height. Fixed
at both ends
with single
couplers.

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ANCHOR POINTS
WHAT ARE UNSUITABLE
ANCHOR POINTS?
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Unsuitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Any Vertical
Brace.
 Ledger brace
or Face
brace.
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Unsuitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Any Standard
or vertical tubes
(puncheons)
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Unsuitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Any transom
below foot
level.
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Unsuitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Any tube not
supported by right
angled couplers.
 Anchor point must
be able to take
6.1KN.
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Unsuitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Any tube with
a sleeve in
the bay.
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Unsuitable ANCHOR POINTS
 Any open
ended tube
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Inherent Risk
 Mitigate distance and consequences of a fall
 The inherent risk – will never be completely eliminated
 Personal Fall Protection (harness will still be required)
Scaffolders using personal fall protection
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Rescue
 Emergency Services work at height rescue
999 /911 is not a rescue plan. What is your companies?
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Rescue – First Aid
 Recent HSL & HSE research project has dispelled some the
myths and hysteria regarding so called ‘suspension trauma’
 If you are suspended in Personal Fall Protection Equipment
(PFPE) after a fall you will faint after a time and possibly die
from asphyxia (blocked airway) – now known as ‘Suspension
Syncope’ (fainting).
 Conclusion – ‘no need to change current first aid advice!’
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WORKING AT HEIGHT
REGULATIONS 2005
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Work at Height Regulations 2005
BEST PRACTICE
 Defines Work at height as…
‘work in any place from which, if
measures required by these Regulations
were not taken, a person could fall a
distance liable to cause personal injury’
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Fall Prevention
Minimum Working Platform Requirements
 Min main guardrail 950mm
 Max gap 470mm
 Min toe-board 150mm
 Min Platform width 600mm
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Organisation and Planning
Employers ensure Work at Height…
 Properly planned
 Appropriately supervised
 Done in manner SFARP safe
 Including planning for emergencies &
rescue
 Weather conditions do not jeopardise
health and safety
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Competence
Employer to ensure no person engages
in organisation, planning and/or
supervision of work at height unless
competent to do so or if being trained, is
being supervised by a competent person
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Competence
Scaffolding assembled, dismantled or altered
under supervision of competent person & by
persons who have received specific
training…with assessment.
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Falling Objects
 Prevent objects falling from scaffold
 Prevent any person being struck by
falling objects
 No materials thrown or allowed to
drop - liable to cause injury
 Materials or objects safely stored to
prevent:
 Collapse
 Overturning
 Unintended movement
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Danger areas
 If there is an area where
there is a risk of a person
falling or being struck by a
falling object, then there is a
need to prevent
unauthorised access and
make sure area is clearly
signed…
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Duties of persons at work
 Report any activity or defect relating to
work at height if you know likely to
endanger safety of self or others
 Use work equipment or safety device
provided by employer in accordance
with:
 Training received
 Instructions provided
 Only if it is safe to do
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Work at Height Regulations
 Assembly, use & dismantling plan
by competent person (Method
Statement)
 Copy of plan onsite
 When scaffold is not in use,
warning signs & physical means
to prevent access must be
provided.
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Raising and Lowering Materials
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Raising & Lowering
Controlled Handling (Handballing)
 If the work does not take place behind a
double handrail, then suitable and
sufficient alternative measures must be
taken to prevent the risk of anyone
falling.
 All materials must be handled in a
controlled manner I.e. hand-to-hand
 NEVER throw, bomb or allow materials to
fall
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Raising & Lowering
Light line / Hand line
Often used on scaffolds
up to 15 m high.

Tubes, boards or bags of
fittings are tied to the
lower end of a 13 mm
fibre rope and then hauled
up by hand.
Note:
NASC Guidance note SG9 Use, Inspection & Maintenance of Lifting
Equipment and Accessories for Lifting in Scaffolding states; Suitable
handlines can be used to lift up to 20kg (44lbs).
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Gin Wheel & Rope
The gin wheel and rope is commonly used to raise materials
that are tied to the end of an 18 mm diameter rope passed
over a single wheel pulley. The gin wheel (pulley) is fixed to
a horizontal cantilevered tube. The material is then hauled
up to the working level by the person on the ground.
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Gin Wheel & Rope
Inspection Every 7 Days When In Use
Inspection Every 6 Months By A Competent Person.
(LOLER) Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
Regulations 1998
Tested every 12 months Visual Inspection Pre Use
Report Defective/Out Of Date Equipment
Max Load to be pulled up 50kg (Recommend 25 30kg)
The Safe Working Load is stamped on Max 250 Kg
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Gin Wheel & Rope
Check
fittings
be fixed
If the
cantilevered
of theeither
tube
This
should
beshould
fixedpart
properly
side
of
the suspension
pointofto ensure
is unsupported,
the point
with
right-angle
couplers,
the
gin wheel
cannot
move.
suspension
not
extend more
preferably
toshould
two
standards
than 750 mm. 2m above the
approximately
landing place. Check fittings to
be fixed at appropriate points.
The fibre rope should have a
minimum diameter of 18 mm and
a stopper knot (usually a figureNo excessive
projections
of-eight knot)
should be tied near
the ends so that it cannot run
through the gin wheel.
For protection operative must wear
gloves, helmet and safety footwear.
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Ropes, Knots & Hitches
Cotton
Manila
Hemp
Polypropylene
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Ropes, Knots & Hitches
Rolling Hitch
This is the preferred knot
for lifting tubes and is used
in conjunction with a half
hitch to prevent the tubes
splaying. Tubes should be
lifted in ones or threes.
This not a rolling
hitch knot
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Ropes, Knots & Hitches
Timber Hitch
The timber hitch is suitable
for lifting scaffold boards
and is used in conjunction
with a half hitch to prevent
the boards splaying.
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Ropes, Knots & Hitches
Figure of Eight Knot
Used to prevent the end of a
rope slipping through a gin
wheel.
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Loads & Weights
Most commonly
used & cheapest.
Normal SWL of approx
64KG
For SWL Follow The Suppliers / Manufacturers Data
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Centre Risk Assessment
and
Method Statement.
Candidates to sign to state they fully understood.
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Bracing of Scaffolds
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 Diagonal Bracing
 May Be
Braced In 3
Directions
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Ideal Angle 45 Degrees
Tolerance 35 To 55 Degrees
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Coupler Minimum 6.1kN
May Use Swivels
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 Tolerance
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Practical Exercise
2.1mtr X 2.1mtr scaffold bay
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Templates for tower scaffold
200mm
2.5m ledgers
tubes
2.5m
transom
tubes
200mm
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2.1m
2.1m
110
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Tower Scaffold
To square the structure we need to use the formula?
345
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300mm/3ft
400mm/4ft
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500mm/5ft
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1.8m from the ground
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Scaffold
Foundations and Ties
Access and Egress
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Foundations
Every scaffold structure must be ‘well founded’.
This foundation must be capable of carrying the
imposed load for the entire life of the scaffold.
On hard surfaces, such as steel or concrete,
standards may be placed directly on the surface
using a base plate.
On other surfaces, base plates and sole boards
must be used to spread the load. The ground
beneath the sole board must be level and
properly compacted.
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Minimum Requirements
35mm
450mm x 220mm - (Area 1000cm² min)
Best across two
220x 1500mm - (3400cm²)
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Foundations on Sloping Ground
 On slopes exceeding 1
vertical to 10 horizontal, a
check may have to be made
on the stability by a
qualified engineer before
erecting a scaffold.
 When using soft ground
steps may be cut into
surface as shown
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Scaffold Ties
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Tying to Facades
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Box Tie
 6.1kN Standard duty A Ties
 12.2kN Heavy duty ties if two tie tubes, butting tubes and
fittings are used
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Tying to Facades
 Figure 11 Lip and Sway Ties
 6.1kN standard duty A ties
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ILLEGAL LIP TIE
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Tying to steel work
 Girder Clamps



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Through Tie
 6.1kN Standard A Ties
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Reveal Ties
3.5kN Light
duty ties
 Maximum 50%
total of reveal ties
but where
possible do not
use.
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TG20 Tie Patterns
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Anchor Ties
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Masonry Anchors
 Various types of masonry anchors available for scaffold ties
 Ringbolt and socket anchor
Anchor
pushed to
base of hole
Expander
plug
hammered
fully home
using special
punch.
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Masonry Anchors
 Proprietary tie and socket anchor
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Masonry Anchors
 Pig-tail hook eyebolt and plastic plug anchor
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Masonry Anchors - Testing
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`Raker’ used as a tie
`Rakers’ can be
used for scaffolds
of up to 6m
height. And at 6m
Centres on the
`rakers’.
The correct angle
for the `Raker’
tube should be
not more than 2
vertical to 1
horizontal
The maximum
unsupported
length of a Raker
is 3m
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Raker
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Buttressing
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Why Tie scaffolds?
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Why Tie scaffolds
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Why Tie scaffolds
?
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Critical Ties
Ties replace braces
removed for access
DO NOT REMOVE!
Critical tie
DO NOT REMOVE!
Normal tie
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
Critical ties
Where ledger to ledger
braces removed
Where protective fan
erected
Where cantilevered
stage is erected
In centre of bridged
scaffold
25
Access
And
Egress
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The following hierarchy should be considered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Staircases or lifts in permanent structures
Mechanical hoists for larger projects
(with additional emergency access)
Temporary staircases
Ladder access towers with single lift ladders
Ladder access towers with multiple lift ladders
Internal ladder access with a protected ladder trap
External ladder access using a safety gate or similar
Source: NASC TG20:13 Section 8.1
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Staircase
An uniformly distributed
load of 1.0kN/m2
Maximum height without
design 10m
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
28
Ladder Access
Multiple Lift Ladders
Ladder openings
Min opening 450
wide.
Max length
600mm
Single Lift Ladders
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
29
Hatches
Hatches are
fixed over the
toe-board and
sit flat onto the
scaffold
platform, users
must close
hatches behind
them
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
30
Access Gates
It is good practice for the tube
(standard / puncheon) which
is offered to the gate to close
against is fixed at two points
using right angle couplers or
band and plate. This shall
offer the tube (standard /
puncheon) a secure and solid
fix.
The NASC recommends that
external ladder access is
restricted to the first and
second lift only.
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
31
Access & Egress Methods
 Chicane - Alternative to gates and trap doors
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
32
Ladders
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
33
Ladder Rules
 Don’t use a ladder if you really need a scaffold
 Don’t carry objects while climbing
 Don’t use the top four ladder rungs
 Don’t allow two people on the ladder at the same time
 Don’t lean either side while on the ladder
 Don’t work near power lines or other electricity sources
 Don’t create makeshift ladders and do not put a ladder on
top of boxes, barrels or bricks etc to gain extra height
 Don’t use a ladder in strong winds
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
34
Ladder Inspection
Check for: Splits and cracks
Missing or loose rungs
Twisting and warping
Wear, tear and damage
Non-slip feet
Painted ladders
Report all defects, label as defective, remove
from site and destroy
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
35
Ladders continued
Must be set at an angle
of 75 degrees or 4 in 1
ratio
Where these
requirements cannot be
met with ladders other
means should be used.
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
36
 Only used if risk
assessment finds
use of more suitable
equipment not
justified because of
low risk & short
duration or existing
features of site
which can not be
altered
 Good surface, stable during use, long enough, max
vertical distance 9m, secure handhold…
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
37
Ladders will be fixed
4 vertical to 1
horizontal, (75o)
Should extend at
least 1.0m above
landing platform
place with the
landing rung level or
slightly above the
level of the landing
platform
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
38
All ladders should be
fixed top and bottom
where possible.
Where a long ladder is
in use, an intermediate
tie may be necessary
to prevent undue
swaying or sagging.
As a minimum should
be fixed at the top.
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
39
 The landing places
should be kept clear
of all material and
should be provided
with guardrails. Toe
boards shall be
provided on landing
platforms where there
is a risk of falling
material or objects
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
40
Square Lashing
CISRS Level 1– Day 2
41
Interior Birdcage Scaffolding
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
1
Birdcage Scaffolds
 TG20 compliant birdcages are erected inside an enclosed building and not
subjected to wind loading.
 External birdcages are subject to bespoke design
 Typically one working platform at the top lift.
 Although the perimeter bays may be used for
working platforms.
 Birdcage scaffolds may be:
 Free-standing
 Securely butted between permanent structures
 Tied to a permanent structure
 TG20 compliant birdcages available in load
classes 1 -3.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
2
TG20 Birdcage Loading
 Top working lift may be loaded as followed:
Load
Class
Max
Loading
Typical Use
Max bay
length
Max bay width
Transom
target
spans
(kN/m2)
1
0.75
Inspection, access, very 2.1m
light‐duty work.
2.1m (9 boards)
1.2m
2
1.5
Light duty work,
plastering, stone
cleaning, glazing.
1.9m
1.9m (8 boards)
0.9m
3
2.0
General building work,
rendering, plastering.
1.7m
1.7m (7 boards)
0.9m
 These bay dimensions allow clearance for standards and
transom couplers between the boards.
 Smaller bay sizes may be used to suit the site.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
3
TG20 Birdcage with perimeter lifts
 Used to allow access to the walls.
 Maximum of one perimeter lift to be
loaded at any time.
 Loaded to the same load class as the
birdcage.
 Max. 5 boards wide.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
4
TG20 Birdcage Maximum Heights
10.5m max.
 First lift may be a maximum of 2.5m
 Subsequent lifts at no more than 2.0m
 Free-standing internal birdcages a height
to base ratio applies:
 Measured from the base to the top
platform level.
 A ratio of 4 times the smallest base
dimension (4:1).
 To a maximum of 10.5m
 Taller birdcages are possible but are
subject to bespoke design.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
5
TG20 Birdcage Stability
 Birdcages may be of a greater height to base ratio (4:1) if they are
securely butted against a permanent structure at the top lift every 2
bays.
 Temporary (or dummy) butting may be required for stability during
erection or dismantle.
 Butting is normally achieved by extending the ledgers or principal
transoms against a permanent structure at one end; and,
 Contact is made at the opposing end with either:
 A reveal pin
 An adjustable jack
 Or a butt tube fixed with right-angle couplers or parallel couplers.
 Packing is normally required to protect the surfaces.
 Butting tubes and packing should be checked as part of the statutory
inspections.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
6
TG20 Birdcage Stability
Ties can be used as an alternative to butting.
Push-pull ties may be used at just one end of the birdcage.
Tied at the top lift every two bays in both directions.
The following tie duties are required depending upon the number of bays
Plan
retrained in the direction of the tie:
 Light-duty ties = up to 5 bays
 Standard duty ties = up to 9 bays
 Heavy duty ties = up to 18 bays
 Note that a combination of stability
methods may be used e.g. freestanding in one direction and by ties
or butting in the other.




CISRS Level 1– Day 3
7
TG20 Birdcage Ledgers and Principal Transoms
 Ledgers and principal transoms must be fixed with RAC’s.
 Principal transoms can be fixed below the ledger so a uniform bearing
surface is provided for boards.
 Board transoms are then placed on top of the ledgers with PC’s
 All free-standing birdcages must be constructed in this manner.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
8
TG20 Birdcage Class 2 and 3
 Class 2 and 3 Birdcages – top lift ledgers connected to internal
standards must be fixed with Class B couplers or supplementary
couplers (checks) below.
 Board transom spacing (target span) is reduced to 900mm.
Joints
 Any joints in the standards, ledgers and principal transoms should be
made with sleeve couplers.
 Joints in standards should be staggered so that do not occur in
adjacent bays in the same lift. As a minimum if four joints appear in
the same bay one must be spliced.
 It is good practice for joints in ledgers to be staggered so that they
do not fall in the same bay or adjacent lifts.
 Joints in ledgers in the top lift should be avoided in the end or
penultimate spans where possible. If unavoidable they must be
positioned within 300mm of the standard.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
9
Single lift birdcage and foot lifts
 A foot lift (foot tie) should always be provided for single-lift birdcage.
 Base lifts are formed with ledgers and principal transoms fixed with
right-angle couplers.
 The foot lift can be extended throughout the birdcage or as a
minimum should be provided in alternate bays (in both directions) to
form boxes.
 Foot ties can be used intermittently to attach bracing fixed to
transoms at the base.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
10
Birdcage Bracing
 Bracing is required in each direction to stiffen the birdcage.
 The bracing pattern depends on whether the scaffold is tied/butted or
free-standing.
 Bracing tubes can be fixed to the standards with swivel couplers or
fixed ledger to ledger or principal transom to principal transom with
right-angle couplers.
 All bracing should be fixed within 300mm of the node point.
 Braces connected to the standard or foot lift at the base not more
than 300mm above the base plates.
 It is permissible to use different brace patterns in different directions,
or it may be simpler to use the free-standing pattern for both (e.g. if
a birdcage is tied or butted in one direction and free-standing in the
other direction).
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
11
Bracing arrangements for a tied or butted interior birdcage
 Single bay bracing may be
used.
 At least one bay should be
braced in each direction.
 May be zig-zag or chased
pattern.
 Must be fixed at every lift from
the base.
 Temporary butting tubes or
ties should be used during
erection and dismantle.
 Alternatively, the free-standing
brace pattern may be adopted.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
12
Bracing arrangements for a tied or butted interior
birdcage
 Every frame must be braced in the bay through the birdcage.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
13
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 Braced in each direction with continuous diagonal bracing.
 They may be continuous tube or individual tubes for ease of
erection.
 Every frame must be braced in the bay through the birdcage.
 In each direction each line of standards must have at least 2 lines of
bracing in opposite directions.
 At least one set of bracing must extend to the top lift.
 The other set must extend to the top or where it overlaps or meets
with the first set.
 Generally the two sets of bracing must start in either the end bays or
penultimate bays.
 Single-lift birdcages >3 bays the braces must start in the next to end
bays.
 Continuous bracing should be chased or repeated until it reaches the
top lift.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
14
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 Long birdcages where both directional braces meet the top lift, there
are a number of bays permitted between without bracing.
 For very large birdcages additional bracing is required. For 3 sets
one must be opposing. For 4 sets two must be opposing.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
15
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 Shows a 3 lift birdcage with 2 bays without bracing.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
16
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 Two sets of bracing in opposing directions
 One must extend to the top lift.
 The other must extend to the top lift or where it overlaps or meets
the other brace.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
17
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 A minimum of one bay
must be braced in
the opposite direction
if the first brace
extends to the top lift
and the end bay
(as shown here).
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
18
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 One set must reach the
top lift.
 Zig-zag or chased
pattern.
 Minimum of one set of
bracing in the
opposite direction
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
19
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 Single-lift birdcages >3 bays - bracing
must start in the penultimate bays.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
20
Bracing arrangements for a free-standing interior
birdcage
 Single-lift birdcages a maximum of 3 bays between sets of bracing.
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
21
Statutory Scaffold
Inspection (Brief)
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
22
Inspections
Scaffold inspections to be done :–
Before first use.
After adverse weather.
After alteration.
Inspected every 7 days.
All Scaffold Inspections should be carried
out by a competent person
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
23
User Information & Tagging
 Scaffold tagging systems are a good practice these are also a
legal requirement within the GCC regions.
 Warning signs are for danger areas and incomplete scaffolds
 A range of scaffold tag systems are commercially available
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
24
User Information & Tagging
 The ‘red’ do not use sign should be
displayed as soon as possible during
construction, in addition to any other
scaffold incomplete signs required.
 The tag holders should be positioned
at each access point.
 Note the red do not use sign can
only be an interim arrangement until
suitable measures can be taken to
physically restrict access
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
25
User Information & Tagging
 Following the commissioning inspection a
tag insert must be completed with the
relevant data and inserted in each holder.
 The Scaffold Inspector completes the insert
after each inspection (usually every 7 days).
 If a defect or hazard is identified the
scaffold tag insert should be removed to
display the prohibition ‘do not use scaffold’
sign
 Scaffold Contractor must be notified directly
and the insert returned to the Scaffolding
Contractor
CISRS Level 1– Day 3
26
Scaffolding Components,
Definitions & Terminology
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
1
Scaffolding Components
 NASC Technical Guidance 20 (TG20) requires tube and fitting
scaffolding materials to the following standards:
 Tube - BS EN 39:2001 Type 4 (4mm wall thickness)*
 Fittings – BS EN 74
 Boards – BS 2482
 Ladders – BS EN 131
* Note: Aluminium and other EN39 types of tube are used by contractors,
however would require design input.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
2
Scaffolding Components - Tube
 BS EN 39 requires the marking of steel scaffold tube to
determine its specification. Maximum length 6.4m
Steel tube - EN39 - SB - 4 - E
Denomination
Corrosion protection
EN Number
(Equivalent to BS 1139)
Type of manufacture
‘S’ = Seamless
‘W’ = Welded
‘A’ = Composition specified
‘B’ = Silicon Content <0.05%
‘C’ temporarily painted
‘D’ paint coated
‘E’ hot dip galvanised
‘R’ no protection (black)
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
Wall Thickness
‘type 4’ = 4mm
3
Scaffolding Components – Tube
 Common defects
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
4
Scaffolding Components - Base Plate
 Main function to distribute load from standard
 Measure minimum 150mm by 150mm
 Shank minimum 50mm height centre
of plate
 Min steel thickness of 5mm
 Aluminium at least 7mm thickness
 On sloping surface suitable
150mm
packing should be used to
maintain level bearing
50mm Shank
150mm
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
5
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Right Angle Coupler (RAC)
(90 Degree Coupler or Double Coupler)
 Various types available - commonly drop
forged or pressed steel
 Class A - Safe working slip load of 6.1kN
 Class B - Safe working slip load of 9.1kN
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
6
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Swivel Coupler
 Various types available - commonly drop
forged or pressed steel
 Class A - Safe working Slip Load of 6.1kN
 Class B – Safe Working Slip Load of 9.1kN
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
7
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Putlog Coupler
(Single or Clip or Wrap-over)
 Various types available – pressed steel
body with either forged or pressed steel
gate.
 Safe working slip load of 0.63kN
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
8
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Sleeve Coupler
 Safe working load in tension of 3.6kN Class A
 Safe Working load in tension of 5.5kN Class B
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
9
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Expanding Joint Pin or Spigot Pin
 No safe working load in tension
 Should only be used in standards
under axial compression
 Should not be use in axial tension
 If used horizontally or diagonally in
tension the joint must be spliced.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
10
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Girder Coupler
 Must be used in pairs.
 Safe working slip load varies depending
upon application and the manufacturer.
 Engineers to refer to manufacturer’s data.



CISRS Level 1– Day 4
11
Scaffolding Components - Fittings
Board
Couplers
 Used to fix
boards down
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
12
Working Platform – Guardrails
Top guard rail 950mm (min) above working platform
Unprotected gap no greater than 470mm
Toe board 150mm (min) high
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
13
Compression and Tension
150 kg
Tube in
Compression
Splice
Tube
in the
Tube
Tension
spigot
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
14
Tubes Through Fittings
The Transom tubes should be sufficiently long to span the
width of the scaffold allowing a minimum projection of
25mm beyond the coupler
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
15
Scaffolding Components - Scaffold Boards
Width
225mm (9”)
Hoop Iron
Gang-nail plate
Depths
38mm (1 1/2”)
50mm (2”)
63mm (2 1/2”)
Lengths
3.90m (13ft) 3.00m (10ft) 2.40m (8ft),1.80m (6ft)*
 BS 2482 : 2009 Specification for timber scaffold boards
 Max Spans 38mm = 1.2m – 50mm = 2.5m - 63mm = 3.25m
 Short boards less than 2.13m should be tied down to prevent
tipping and good practice is to support on at least 3
transoms.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
16
Scaffolding Components - Scaffold Boards
 Platforms constructed from timber boards or decks of other
materials are referred to as ‘boards’.
 BS2482 Timber board (softwood)
 BS2482 Board (with nail plate option)
 LVL Board (Laminated Veneer Lumber)  Composite Plastic Board
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
17
Scaffolding Components LVL Scaffold Boards
Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Scaffold Boards
 LVL Boards may be used to erect TG20 Compliant Scaffolds,
providing the following conditions are met:
 Target span should be at least 1.2m
 Equivalent strength and stiffness to a 38mm BS2482 timber
board
 The weight of the LVL board should
not exceed that of a softwood board
of the same length, otherwise the
safe height may be reduced.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
18
What should you look for when handling
scaffold boards?
Split Boards
Rotten Boards
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
Loose / Missing Hoop
Irons
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
19
Nails
20
Tyre Marks
Bombing
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
21
Notched Boards
Notched boards
should be avoided
where possible
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
22
Score Marks
Why should
we not paint
boards?
It can hide defects
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
23
Prefabricated Components
Ladder Beams, Unit Beams and Lightweight Aluminium
Beams
 Refer to manufacturers data for safe use and design information
 Never mix different types of beams
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
24
System Scaffolding
Welded Pressing
Cup Type
Rosette Type
 Kwikstage
 Cuplok
 Layher
 Haki
 Plus 8
 Modex
 Climastage
 Tradlock
 Plettac
 K Lock
 Scaffom
 Genlock
 Peri Up
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
25
Independent Scaffolds
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
26
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Schedule 3 – part 2 additional requirements for scaffolding
7) Strength & stability calculations for scaffolding shall be
carried out unless…
a) A note of calculations, covering the structural
arrangements contemplated is available; or,
b) It is assembled in conformity with a generally recognised
standard configuration.
TG20 is a generally recognised standard configuration for
traditional tube and fitting scaffolds
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
27
NASC Safety & Technical Guidance
 TG20 is the Manufactures
Instructions for Tube and Fitting
scaffolds
 The National Access & Scaffolding
Confederation is the nationally
recognised industry association for
scaffolding
 NASC produces a series of technical
and safety guidance notes
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
28
TG20
 NASC Technical Guidance (TG)
 Guide to Good Practice for Scaffolding with Tubes & Fittings
 Introduced November 2013
 2 Volumes
 Volume 1 – Operational Guide, supported by the eGuide
software
 Volume 2 – Design Guide
 User Guide for awareness of TG20 and principle requirements
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
29
TG20 Operational Guide
 Comprehensive guide to good practice
 Tube and fitting access scaffolding
 Guidance for the erection and use of common steel
access scaffolds for:





Construction
Maintenance
Repair
Demolition
Or similar works.
 Provides clear definitions for TG20 Compliant
Scaffolding designed by structural calculation to
BS EN 12811.
 TG20 Compliance Sheets demonstrate that the
scaffold configuration does not need bespoke design.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
30
TG20 eGuide
 Supplements TG20 Operational Guide
for the production of TG20 Compliance
Sheets.
 Includes standard configurations for:
 Independent Scaffolding
 Putlog Scaffolding
 Loading Bays
 Towers
 Chimney Scaffolds
 Interior Birdcages
 eGuide provides Compliance Sheets for
a range of independent scaffolding
variations that have traditionally
required bespoke design (e.g. bridging)
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
31
TG20 Design Guide
 Provides comprehensive technical guidance
for the interpretation and application of BS
EN 12811.
 Includes related structural design
standards
 Intended for use by scaffolding designers,
temporary works engineers.
 Also applies to all those involved in the
design and manufacture of scaffolding
structures and equipment.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
32
TG20 Compliance Sheets
 Demonstrates compliance
and that bespoke design is
not required.
 Typical Scaffolds included
in TG20 Operational Guide
(Chapter 03).
 Wider variations included
in the TG20 eGuide.
 Design advice must be
sought for any scaffold
outside the scope of a
TG20 Compliance Sheet.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
33
TG20 eGuide Demonstration
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
34
Independent Scaffolds
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
35
Independent Scaffolds
Most commonly used scaffold in the industry
2 Lines Of
Standards
Supporting Decking
Each Row Parallel
To Building
Inner Row Close
As Possible To
Building
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
Distance Between
Rows Small As
Necessary
Inside Row
May Be Set
Back 300mm
From Building
To Allow Inside
Board.
Note: If a risk
of a person or
materials
falling than a
board must be
fitted or
guardrail fixed.
36
Main transoms
Intermediate
transoms
Ledger
Standards
Foot Tie
Sole
Boards
CISRS
Level 1– Day 4
Ledger brace
Sway brace/face
brace
37
Standards (Cont)
 Maximum lift height of
2m except where access
for the public is
required under the first
lift, a height of 2.7m is
permissible, provided
the first level is tied at
alternate standards.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
38
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO
STAGGER SLEEVES IN SCAFFOLDS
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
39
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in Standards
 Joints in standards are
preferably made with
sleeve couplers.
 Spigot joint pins may be
used, but must not be
placed in tension, unless
spliced.
 Ideally, joints in standards
should be staggered so
that adjacent standards
are not joined within the
same lift.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
40
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in standards
 No more than 3 out of four
standards in a bay can be
jointed in the same lift.
 If all 4 standards in a bay have
joints then 1 must be spliced.
 If the scaffold extends above
the building, joints should be
avoided in the projection area
to avoid ‘lifting-off’
 For projected and free-standing
scaffolds, standards should be
joined that prevent lifting-off
e.g. by splicing joints.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
41
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in standards
 Four joints can be in one bay
providing at least one is spliced
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
42
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in Ledgers
 Joints in ledgers at the
same and adjacent lifts
should not normally occur
in the same bay.
 Should be made with
sleeve couplers
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
43
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in ledgers
 Joint may occur
anywhere along the
ledger.
 Except when the lift
supports a cantilever
platform, where
joints must be within
300mm of a standard
or spliced.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
44
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in ledgers
 No adjacent joints in the same
bay, unless there is a
continuous guardrail fixed on
RAC’s
 Joints in guardrails are
permitted anywhere, except if
the scaffold is:
 Sheeted in ‘Extreme’ wind.
 Sheeted exceeding 30m
height in ‘High’ winds.
 Then any joints should be
within 300mm of the standards
or spliced.
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
45
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
46
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
47
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Joints in ledgers
 No adjacent joints in the same bay
and lift horizontally
 One joint MUST be spliced!
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48
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Double Standards
 Also referred to as
‘Secondary Standards’
 Maximum safe height of a
scaffold is limited by the
capacity of the standards.
 Double standards may be
used to achieve the required
height under the guidance
of a TG20 eGuide
compliance sheet or by an
engineer’s design.
 Some designs may specify
triple standards or more.
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49
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Fixing Double Standards
 The secondary standard should be fixed immediately
adjacent to the primary standard.
 Fixed with RAC’s to the ledgers.
 Supported on their own base plates.
 Sole boards - see previous requirements under
foundations.
 The eGuide Compliance sheet
specifies the required height
of the secondary standard.
 Note that double standards
are not normally required for
the full height.
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50
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Double Standards at bridges
 Double standards may be required to support a scaffold bridge as
specified by a TG20 Compliance Sheet or design (see bridging
later).
 Used to transfer loads to foundations and the load exceeds the
capacity of a single standard.
 The secondary standards should be
positioned nearest to the span and fixed
with RAC’s to the top and bottom cords
of the beams.
 Double standards should be extended to
the upper most beam where multiple
bridges are used.
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51
Transoms
Main Transoms
 Join the ledgers and
standards together.
 Fixed within 300mm of
standards for non
boarded lifts and 150mm
on boarded lifts.
 Intermediate transoms
 Intermediate transoms
are there to support the
boards max 1.2m
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52
Structural Transom
Transom on Putlog
couplers
Supplementary Transom
fixed below with right angle
or swivel couplers.
Note: This would reduce
head clearance.
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53
Additional Terminology
First lift
Standard spacing (or bay
length)
Scaffold width
Lift height or
ledger spacing
Foot ties, foot lifts or kicker lifts
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
54
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Ledger Bracing
 Ledger bracing is import in stiffening and stabilising
tube and fitting scaffolds.
 Ledger bracing was traditionally provided by
connecting the inner ledger to the outer ledger of an
adjacent lift using right-angle couplers.
 Swivel couplers can be used to fix ledger bracing to
the standards.
 In either case the connections must be within 300mm
of the node point.
 The direction of the bracing does not affect the
structural stability of the scaffold.
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55
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Ledger Bracing
 Connections must be within 300mm of the node point.
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56
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Ledger Bracing Frequency
 Ledger bracing should be fixed to
alternate pairs of standards at all
lifts.
 For a single elevation of
scaffolding the end frames should
always be ledger braced.
 For an odd number of bays an
additional set of ledger bracing
will be required.
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57
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Ledger Bracing Frequency
 For scaffolding with corner returns the ledger bracing starts
from the first pair of standards at each elevation.
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58
Independent Tied Scaffolds
 Ledger Bracing options
 Dog Leg (Zig Zag)
 Same way
 Same way
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59
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Façade Bracing
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60
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Façade Bracing
 Also known as ‘Sway’ or ‘Face’ bracing
 Single bay façade bracing is the preferred method, as it is
the easiest to construct.
 One façade brace in every 6 bays
 Must reach from the base to the top lift
 Ideally set at angle of 45° with a range of 35° and 55°
 The direction of façade bracing does not affect the
structural performance or stability of the scaffolding.
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61
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Façade Bracing
 For elevations up to 6 bays wide the bracing can be located
anywhere to suit the site.
 Elevations more than 6 bays the
bracing must be spaced
so that the interval
between does not exceed
6 bays.
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62
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Façade Bracing
 Fixed to a structural transoms with doubles at each lift or
each pair of standards with swivels
 Façade braces to be fixed within 300mm of the intersection
(Node Point) and within 300mm of the ground.
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63
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Façade Bracing
 If the shape of the scaffold
means it is not possible to brace
from the base to the top lift (as
shown here), then additional lifts
should be separately braced.
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64
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Single Bay Façade Bracing
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65
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Continuous Façade Bracing
 Must be fixed at each node
point.
 If jointed Class B sleeve
couplers should be used.
 If spigot joint pins are used then
they must be spliced.
 Alternatively tubes may be
overlapped by at least 300mm
and connected with two parallel
or swivel couplers.
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66
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Continuous Façade Bracing
 For taller facades the brace pattern will need to be repeated.
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67
Loading and Duty
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68
BS EN 12811 Load Classes
 BS EN 12811 defines six load classes
 TG20 caters for load classes 1 to 4
Load Class
Maximum Load kN/m2
1
0.75
2
1.5
3
2.0
4
3.0
5
4.5
6
6.0
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69
TG20 Load Classes
Load Class 1: Very light duty
scaffolding
 Uniform load of 0.75kN/m2
(approximately 75kg per m2)
 Typically used for inspection, access
and light cleaning (e.g. window
cleaning).
 No storage of materials.
 3 to 5 boards wide + 1 inside board.
 Maximum Bay Length 2.4m
 Maximum Transom Span 1.2m
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70
TG20 Load Classes
Load Class 2: Light duty scaffolding
 Uniform load of 1.5kN/m2
(approximately 150kg per m2)
 Typically used for plastering,
painting, stone cleaning, glazing or
pointing.
 4 to 5 boards wide + 1 inside board
 Maximum Bay Length 2.4m
 Maximum Transom Span 1.2m
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71
TG20 Load Classes
Load Class 3: General purpose
scaffolding
 Uniform load of 2kN/m2
(approximately 200kg per m2)
 Typically used for general building
work including brickwork, window
and mullion fixing, rendering and
plastering.
 4 to 5 boards wide + 2 inside
boards
 Maximum Bay Length 2.0m
 Maximum Transom Span 1.2m
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72
TG20 Load Classes
Load Class 4: Heavy duty scaffolding
 Uniform load of 3kN/m2
(approximately 300kg per m2)
 Typically used for heavy masonry
work, concrete blockwork, and
heavy cladding.
 4 to 5 boards wide + 2 inside
boards
 Maximum Bay Length 1.8m
 Maximum Transom Span 0.9m
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
73
Platform Loading
 TG20 Compliant Independent Scaffolding may be fully
boarded or partially boarded.
 There is a difference between a boarded lift and a
working lift (also referred to as ‘in service’)
 BS EN 12811 and TG20 allows for:
 One lift loaded with personnel and materials (100%)
per elevation.
 Plus, one other lift loaded to 50% per elevation.
 Working lifts do not need to be adjacent lifts.
 Note that all decking must be capable of withstanding a
minimum 1.5kN of loading to accommodate personnel (BS
EN 12811).
 Should you require more working lifts simultaneously
loaded then design advice should be sought.
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74
Platform Loading
Inside boards loading
 TG20 Compliant Independent
Scaffolding constructed with
inside boards or platforms
should only be loaded to a
maximum of 0.75kN/m2
 If it is necessary to fully load
inside boards to the same
loading as the main platform,
then design advice must be
sought.
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75
Platform widths
 The Work at Height Regulations require sufficient space for
working and the safe passage of people and materials
 BS EN 12811 requires a 500mm clear width.
 This can be achieved with 3 x 225mm scaffold boards (675mm)
CISRS Level 1– Day 4
76
Lift Heights and Headroom
 TG20 Compliance Sheets allow
lifts of up to 2m
 Designs are available in the TG20
eGuide of up to 3m
 BS EN 12811 requires a clear
headroom of 1.9m.
 However some structural features
may encroach this distance (e.g.
plan bracing, tie tubes etc.).
Therefore 1.75m is permitted.
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77
Decking
 Decking should be BS 2482 scaffold boards or equivalent
 Boards should same length and nominal thickness.
 Groups of boards are referred to as a ‘fleet’
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78
Decking
 Maximum and minimum overhang (measured centre transom)
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79
Decking
Stop end Toeboard
6mm Polypropylene
Rope (TG12)
Board Retainer (Limpet)
Board Retainer
(Left & Right)
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80
Acceptable Gaps…
 50mm gaps created by protruding
standards, providing people below are
protected from falling objects.
 Client to specify if gaps between platform
boards and inside boards are to be covered,
otherwise 50mm gap is acceptable.
 Consider access beneath working platforms
and falling object risk
 A ‘service’ gap to allow the performance of a
task.
 Kept as small as possible and no greater
than 225mm
 >225mm then suitable compensatory
measures must be taken.
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81
Working Platform - Gaps
 Consider the need for service gaps
 No lateral gaps in guardrails save for access and egress
 The following may be classed as acceptable gaps:
 50mm gaps created by protruding standards, providing
people below are protected from falling objects.
 A ‘service’ gap to allow the performance of a task.
 Kept as small as possible and no greater than 225mm
 >225mm then suitable compensatory measures must be
taken.
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82
Working Platform ‐ Gaps
Methods of Controlling Falling Objects
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83
Working Platform - Toeboard
 Minimum Toe Board height 150mm
 Maximum gap from toe board to guard rail
470mm
 Materials must not be able to fall from
scaffold
 Toe Boards Fixed In 2 Places To Inside Of
Standards
 Risk assessment to establish whether toe
boards are required if there is no risk of falling
materials e.g. staircase landings for access and
egress only
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84
Toe boards
 Secured at two points per toe board
 Fixed to the inside of the standards
 Must resist a minimum horizontal load of 0.15kN
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85
Cladding




Plastic sheeting and debris netting are typical forms of cladding.
Clad scaffolding attracts significant wind forces (the sail effect).
Proprietary steel cladding systems are available for scaffolding.
Large advertising hoardings and signs
increase wind loading so design advice
should be sought.
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86
Cladding
Debris netting
 Designed for light debris containment in mild weather conditions.
 Does not provide weather protection.
 Low permeable netting can increase the wind drag
along the façade – more than plastic sheeting.
 Fixed in accordance with the manufactures instructions
but at least at 1m intervals to the ledgers and principal
guard rails.
 Should be fixed to the outside.
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87
Cladding
Plastic Sheeting
 Various grades are available, including flameresistant (conforming to BS5867-2 or BS EN 13501).
 Fixed in accordance with the manufactures
instructions but at least at 1m intervals to the
ledgers and principal guard rails
 Should be fixed to the outside.
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88
Cladding
Compliant Scaffolding with Sheeting and Netting
 TG20 includes compliance sheets for independent scaffolding with
sheeting and netting.
 TG20 tie layouts require additional ties to the top lift.
 Guidance is also provided for bracing when cladding that is fixed
above the top guard rail.
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89
Tower Scaffolds
CISRS Level 1
1
Tower Scaffolds
Free- Standing Tower
Industry best practices has provided
guidance for the flowing type of
tower .




Internal Tower
External Tower
Tied Tower
Lift Shaft Tower
Maximum heights are determined
by base dimensions
CISRS Level 1
2
Tower Scaffolds
 A tower is a structure that is tall in proportion to its width
and length.
 For the purpose of this course a tower has four standards.
 A tower that has multiple bays may be considered as a
birdcage or independent scaffold.
 A tower may be:
 Tied to a permanent structure like a tied independent
 Securely butted between permanent structures such
as a lift shaft tower.
 Free-standing not depending on another structure
for stability or rigidity.
 Mobile towers with casters by Design ONLY
CISRS Level 1
3
Tower Scaffolds
 Supported by only 4 Standards, tower must be
erected on firm and level foundation
 Bracing on all 4 sides
 Non boarded lifts to have transoms double to
double or band and plate connection
 Must be plan braced
 Minimum standard spacing of 1.2m and Max of
2.7m
 All Ledger/transom to standard connections
except on a boarded lift should be by Double
Coupler
 Only 1 working lift unless designed
CISRS Level 1
4
Tower Scaffolds
 Ideally every lift would be boarded, however
fewer lifts may be boarded and multiple lift
ladder access used if justified by risk assessment.
 At least two lifts should be boarded for external
towers to help resist overturning.
 Ladders should be inclined where possible (4:1)
 Vertical ladders may be used if the dimensions of
the tower necessitate.
 Ladders should face the shortest side, if
rectangular.
 Rest platforms should be ideally positioned every
lift, however must not exceed a maximum of 9m
 Ladder traps should be protected.
CISRS Level 1
5
Tower Scaffolds
Tower Load Classes
Load
class
Maximum
loading
Maximum Base
Dimensions
Maximum Height for :
Interior Tower 4×SBD / Exterior Tower
3×SBD
1
0.75KN/m2
2.7M×2.7M
10.8M
8.0M
2
1.5KN/m2
2.1M×2.1M
8.4M
6.3M
2.0KN/m2
1.8M×1.8M
7.2M
5.4M
0.75KN/m2
2.7M×2.7M
34M
N/A
3
Lift
Shaft
CISRS Level 1
6
Tower Scaffolds
Maximum Height
The height to base ratio applies to all freestanding
tower scaffolds.
Internal Static 4 x SBD (Smallest Base Dimension)
External Static 3 x SBD
CISRS Level 1
7
Tower Scaffolds
Height is measured
from base to top lift
ignoring handrails.
Example: Internal Static Tower 2.4m
long x 2m width
SBD = 2m
Ratio 4 x Smallest Base Dimension
4 x 2m = 8m high
CISRS Level 1
8
Tower Scaffolds
Brace fixed with RAC or
Swivels 300mm of node
Braced all sides for stability.
Chase the Brace
Plan brace fixed with RAC
300mm of node at:
Base
Alternate lifts
Below working platform.
Smallest Bay size - 1.2M
Recommended Bay Size 2.4M
Largest Bay Size – 2.7M
CISRS Level 1
9
Tower Scaffolds
Plan bracing in a Tower scaffold should ALWAYS occur at the BASE LIFT, EVERY
OTHER LIFT & UNDER THE TOP LIFT
Plan Brace
CISRS Level 1
10
Tower Scaffolds
 Free-standing towers are static and
may be erected as:
 An internal tower within an
enclosed building that shields the
wind.
 An external tower used outdoors
or within a structure exposed to
the wind.
 Erected in accordance with a BS EN
12811 or compliance sheet otherwise
bespoke design is required.
CISRS Level 1
11
Tower Scaffolds
 Maximum lift height 2.0m
 Guard rails must be fixed to standards with
RAC’s

Braced on all four sides.
 Plan braced at alternate lifts, including the top
lift.
 Ledgers and end transoms connected to
standards with RAC’s.
 Board transoms may be fixed to above the
ledgers with PC’s. Alternatively Band and Plate
couplers may be used.
 Transoms should be fitted across the shortest
span (if rectangular).
CISRS Level 1
12
Tower Scaffolds
 Ideally every lift would be boarded, however
fewer lifts may be boarded and multiple lift
ladder access used if justified by risk
assessment.
 At least two lifts should be boarded for external
towers to help resist overturning.
 Ladders should be inclined where possible (4:1)
 Vertical ladders may be used if the dimensions
of the tower necessitate.
 Ladders should face the shortest side, if
rectangular.
 Rest platforms should be ideally positioned every
lift, however must not exceed a maximum of 9m
 Ladder traps should be protected
CISRS Level 1
13
Tower Scaffolds
You should not lift
loads up the outside
of a tower unless
specially designed &
then on the narrow
side
You should not lean
over guard rail
CISRS Level 1
Ladder preferably
internal if not then
on narrow side.
Staggered and
hatches fixed.
14
Tower Scaffolds
 A foot tie is recommended.
 Ground should be level. If on a
slope the measures are required
to prevent slipping.
 External towers must be subject
to a wind management system –
dismantled , temporary ties or
stabilised by other means if wind
gust speeds exceed 40mph
(18m/s).
CISRS Level 1
15
Tower Scaffolds
 Mobile towers mounted on casters are
typically prefabricated lightweight
(aluminium or GRP)
 They are rarely formed from Tube and
Fitting, therefore are classed as a
special scaffold and require bespoke
design.
 Prefabricated mobile towers must be
manufactured in accordance with BS
EN 1004 and used in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.
CISRS Level 1
16