BS 5974 1990 Temporary Scaffold

British Standard
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BRITISH STANDARD BS 5974:1990
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
Code of practice for
Temporarily installed
suspended scaffolds
and access equipment
BS 5974:1990
Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Civil

Engineering and Building Structures Standards Policy Committee (CSB/-) to
Technical Committee CSB/61, upon which the following bodies were
represented:
Associated Offices Technical Committee

Building Employers Confederation
Contract Cleaning and Maintenance Association
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Federation of Wire Rope Manufacturers of Great Britain
Health and Safety Executive
Institution of Structural Engineers
National Association of Scaffolding Contractors
National Federation of Master Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor
Engineers
National Federation of Painting and Decorating Contractors

Royal Institute of British Architects
Suspended Access Equipment Manufacturers Association
This British Standard, having

been prepared under the direction
of the Civil Engineering and
Building Structures Standards
Policy Committee, was published
under the authority of the Board of
BSI and comes into effect on
31 October 1990
© BSI 01-1999
Amendments issued since publication
First published May 1982
Second edition October 1990 Amd. No. Date Comments
7068 July 1992 Indicated by a sideline in the margin

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CSB/61
Draft for comment 89/13190 DC
ISBN 0 580 18896 5

BS 5974:1990
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iii
Section 1. General
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Description 7
4 Statutory requirements 7
5 Identification and registration of components and
marking of safe working loads 8
6 Materials and components 8
7 Design 10
8 Strength of the building 13
Section 2. Types of roof rig
9 Timber pole and lashing roof rigs 15
10 Scaffold tube and fittings roof rigs 16
11 Roof rigs of other structural sections 20

12 Roof rigs for travelling platforms where there are two or
more platforms on the same track 20
Section 3. Suspension system
13 Ropes 28
14 Winches and climbing devices 30
15 Electrical requirements 31
Section 4. Types of platform
16 Hinged continuous platforms 34
17 Individual suspended platforms 34
18 Painter’s cradles 35
19 Suspended safety chairs (bosun’s chair) 35
Section 5. Care, use and inspection of equipment
20 Care of materials and equipment in store 36
21 Erection and dismantling 36
22 Handing over and inspections 36
23 Use of installed equipment 37
24 General duties of the user and his workpeople 38
Appendix A British Standards giving details of materials
and components 40
Appendix B Masses and strengths of materials and components 40
Appendix C Stability calculations 43
Appendix D Recommended format for a handing over certificate 44
Figure 1 — Examples of roof rig definitions 3
Figure 2 — Typical travelling cradle arrangement 4
Figure 3 — Types of suspended scaffolds 5
Figure 4 — The righting and overturning moments 13
Figure 5 — Square lashing 14
Figure 6 — Diagonal lashing 14
Figure 7 — Typical simple pole roof rig (lay down fixing) 17
Figure 8 — Typical tube and fitting roof rig (lay down fixing) 17
Figure 9 — Typical parapet roof rig 17
Figure 10 — Typical parapet frame roof rig (tube and fittings) 18
© BSI 01-1999 i
BS 5974:1990
Page
Figure 11 — Typical raised and extended roof rig (tube and fittings) 19
Figure 12 — Typical built-up pole or steel tube roof rig for a penthouse
and parapet 19
Figure 13 — Typical built-up pole or tube roof rig for double
parapet roofs 21
Figure 14 — Typical ridge pole fixing for a small roof 22
Figure 15 — Typical ridge pole fixing clear of the parapet 22
Figure 16 — Typical pole or tube saddle rig with front frame
on a mansard roof 23
Figure 17 — Typical wire rope and front frame pole or tube roof rig 24
Figure 18 — Typical stepped roof tubular roof rig 24
Figure 19 — Typical raised tubular roof rig 25
Figure 20 — Typical mobile fixing for a short cradle on a straight wall 26
Figure 21 — Typical cross section of a heavy duty suspended
hinged scaffold on steel joist outriggers 27
Figure 22 — The rope tension and its effect 29

Figure 23 — Typical method of securing fibre ropes to cradles 30
Figure 24 — Alternative method of securing fibre ropes to cradles 31
Figure 25 — Recommended format for a handing over certificate 44
Table 1 — Mass of materials 41
Table 2 — Bending strengths of scaffold tubes and timber poles 42
Table 3 — Section properties of scaffold tubes 42
Table 4 — Maximum safe loads on steel scaffold tubes 42
Table 5 — Maximum safe loads on the butt ends of timber poles 42
Table 6 — Properties of the “old 4 in × 3 in” I beam section 43
Table 7 — Safe working loads for individual couplers and fittings 43
Publication(s) referred to Inside back cover
ii © BSI 01-1999
BS 5974:1990
Foreword
This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Civil
Engineering and Building Structures Standards Policy Committee. It supersedes
BS 5974:1982 which is withdrawn.
This code relates to suspended scaffolds and working platforms other than those
which are permanent installations on a completed building.
This edition introduces technical changes but it does not reflect a full review or
revision of the standard which will be undertaken in due course.
The principal changes from the 1982 edition are as follows.
a) Section 5 dealing with work on site and use of equipment has been rewritten.
b) The maximum safe loads on steel scaffold tubes are now given as rounded
down values.
c) The drawings showing typical arrangements of equipment have been
extensively revised.
d) The clause on electrical requirements has been completely revised.
e) Recommendations have been added on aerial transfer, i.e. changing or the
repositioning of suspension ropes whilst the cradle remains suspended.
Since some of the construction work detailed uses scaffolding materials, reference
may need to be made to BS 1139 and BS 5973.

Certain equipment may be used for both temporary works and as a permanent
installation.
Where permanently installed equipment, in accordance with the
recommendations in BS 6037, is temporarily rigged with a cradle, platform or
chair, brought to site, as necessary, to facilitate cleaning or maintenance
operation, the complete installation and the method by which it is used should be
in accordance with clauses 22, 23 and 24 of this standard.
It should be recognized that the requirement for safe and efficient window
cleaning and facade maintenance procedures can, in general, only be satisfied by
the installation of a permanent system with dedicated cradles as recommended
in BS 6037.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
This code of practice represents a standard of good practice and takes
the form of recommendations. Compliance with it does not confer
immunity from relevant legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 44, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
© BSI 01-1999 iii

iv
blank
BS 5974:1990
Section 1. General
1 Scope 2.5
counterweight
This code of practice makes recommendations for
the construction and use of temporarily installed a weight or series of weights to counterbalance the
suspended scaffolds and access equipment, overturning forces on the roof rig and provide the
comprising a working platform or platforms, work required factor of safety
cage, cradle or safety chair, which are to be NOTE This usually comprises the self-weight of the inboard
dismantled after the completion of the work for portion of the roof rig plus added kentledge.
which they were erected. The equipment referred to 2.6 Cradle
is suspended by ropes from the outriggers of a roof A rigid decked unit with toe boards and guard rail,
rig or similar equipment and capable of being raised and with attachment points for suspension ropes
and lowered by means of lifting appliances which (see 2.31).
may be manually or power operated. In certain
cases horizontal traversing is also provided. 2.6.1
travelling cradle1)
Recommendations for slung scaffolds, being
working platforms suspended on tubes or wires but a cradle which is suspended from rolling blocks on a
not permitting raising or lowering, are contained fixed track allowing lateral movement
in BS 5973. 2.6.2
For permanently installed suspended access painters cradle
equipment reference should be made to BS 6037. a lightweight manually operated suspended cradle
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this code are usually restricted to use by two persons
listed on the inside back cover.
2.7
2 Definitions fulcrum point
For the purposes of this code the definitions given in the point of pivoting nearest to the outside edge of
BS 5973 apply (except for terms also listed here), the roof rig about which the balancing moments of
together with the following (see Figure 1). the roof rig are calculated
2.1 2.8
bay lashing
that section of a platform between any two adjacent a rope intended for joining two or more objects, such
suspension points as scaffolding, at the points of intersection
2.2 2.9
building lever arms
a completed building, a building during the distances between the fulcrum point and the
construction, an engineering construction or any centre of gravity of any weights, including
works or face which the suspended scaffold services the self-weight of the roof rig
NOTE These lengths may be shorter than the whole length of
2.3 the inboard or the outboard portion of the roof rig.
cantilever length of outriggers
2.10
the length of the outrigger which extends lifting appliance
unsupported
a crab, winch, pulley block or gin wheel or other
NOTE It is frequently not the same as the “projection length” device used for raising and lowering as specified in
and should not be used in the calculation of the moments for
stability. the appropriate Statutory Regulations
2.4 2.11
climbing device lifting gear
a lifting appliance manually or power operated chains, ropes, slings, rings, hooks, shackles, girder
through which the suspension rope passes clamps, swivels, eye bolts, girder runners and
controlled either by friction grips or by turns of the trolleys and similar gear as specified in the
rope round drums within the appliance. The lower appropriate Statutory Regulations
end of the rope is not anchored to the climbing
device
1)
Normally restricted to painters cradles.
© BSI 01-1999 1
BS 5974:1990 Section 1
2.12 2.21 Ropes

maximum total suspended load 2.21.1
the maximum force which can be imposed on the minimum breaking load of ropes
roof rig including the safe working load on the the minimum value which shall be reached in a
platform, the self-weight of the platform and the tensile test to destruction
suspension and safety ropes together with any
portion of the means of suspension and the rope 2.21.2
tensions, plus any extra force resulting from the by-pass rope
operation of the equipment and environmental short ropes fixed in parallel with another part of the
loads suspension gear (for instance from a platform to a
2.13 safety device), to come into operation in the event of
safe working load a failure of that part.
the maximum allowable working load on the 2.21.3
equipment during use safety or secondary rope
2.14 rope(s) not normally carrying the weight of the
outrigger working platform and the imposed load thereon but
rigged in conjunction with a safety device to come
the cantilevered portion of the roof rig or roof trolley into operation in the event of a failure of the
from which the cradle is suspended suspension rope(s).

2.15 2.21.4
projection length suspension rope
the distance between the fulcrum point and the the ropes carrying the weight of the working
suspension point platform and the imposed load thereon
NOTE 1 This length is greater than the distance from the
vertical part of the suspension rope to the face of the building. 2.21.5
NOTE 2 The projection length is the length which is to be used traversing rope
in the calculation of moments for stability.
ropes rigged for the purpose of traversing the
2.16 platform and not carrying the weight of it
traversing
2.22
moving laterally across the face of the building factor of safety against overturning
either manually or mechanically and operated from
the working platform the coefficient by which the maximum overturning
moment of the working platform is multiplied to
2.17 ensure safety against overturning, being the ratio of
roof rig the sum of the righting moments to the maximum
that portion of the equipment (excluding the track) overturning moment.
mounted on the roof or at roof level to support and 2.23
position the suspended platform safety gear
2.18 a device or devices acting on a separate safety rope,
inboard portion of the roof rig which will arrest and sustain a cradle in the event
that portion of the roof rig which is inside the of the failure of a suspension rope.
fulcrum point, i.e. on the roof side of the fulcrum 2.24
point single and double wire rope suspensions
2.19 a single wire rope suspension system is one which
outboard portion of the roof rig has one suspension rope at each end of an
that portion of the roof rig which is on the outside of independent platform or cradle or at each end and
the fulcrum point, i.e. not on the roof side of the hinge of a continuous platform
fulcrum point a double wire rope suspension system is one which
2.20 has two ropes at these locations
mobile roof rig
a roof rig which is capable of horizontal movement,
being mounted on wheels or castors
2 © BSI 01-1999
Section 1 BS 5974:1990
Figure 1 — Examples of roof rig definitions

2.25 2.27 Suspension gear
stop end or quadrant The assembly of lifting appliances and gear which
the attachment at or near the end of a rail or track joins the working platform to the roof rig.
or at an intermediate point to prevent further 2.27.1
traversing of the platform jockey block
2.26 suspended safety chair a wheeled block for suspending a cradle below a
a bosun’s chair, or similar appliance suitable for one track and incorporating a pulley for the suspension
man to use system (see Figure 2)
© BSI 01-1999 3
4
BS 5974:1990
Figure 2 — Typical travelling cradle arrangement

Section 1
© BSI 01-1999
Section 1
© BSI 01-1999
Figure 3 — Types of suspended scaffolds
5
BS 5974:1990
Figure 3 — Types of suspended scaffolds (concluded)

2.28 2.30.2
track roof mounted winch
the rail or rails normally installed at roof level a winch which is mounted on the roof or roof trolley
which support and guide jockey blocks or a mobile with the free end of the rope attached to the working
roof-rig platform
2.29 user 2.31 Working platform
any person, firm or organization using the (See cradle 2.6).
suspended scaffold or access equipment 2.31.1
2.30 Winch fixed working platform
A lifting appliance manually or power operated to a working platform which does not traverse
raise and lower the working platform by means of a horizontally except by movement of a roof rig but
suspension rope reeled on to a drum. which is capable of being raised and lowered
2.30.1 2.31.2
platform mounted or cradle mounted winch hinged continuous working platform
a winch which is mounted on the platform or cradle a working platform of several sections hinged
with the free end of the rope attached to the roof rig together enabling operatives to walk from one
section to another
6 © BSI 01-1999
2.31.3 Type 2. Individual platforms. These may have

individual working platform a single deck or several below one another. Each
a separate platform used by itself (see Figure 3 end may be suspended by either one or two wire
type 2) ropes.
2.31.4 Type 3. “Painter’s” cradles. These may be
suspended on a fibre rope at each end passing
one man working platform
through blocks if the length of the cradle is less
a short length of individual platform or a work cage than 3.2 m or on one wire rope at each end if the
2.31.5 length is greater.
travelling or traversing working platform Type 4. Suspended safety chairs (bosun’s
a working platform capable of being moved chairs). These may be suspended by a single
horizontally fibre rope passing through blocks or on a wire
rope when a mechanical lifting appliance is used.
2.32
work cage All four types may be manually or power operated.
When power operated, types 1, 2 and 3 may have the
a working platform which is suspended from a lifting appliance mounted on either the roof or the
single wire rope, for use by up to two persons platform. Type 4 is not customarily used with a roof
2.33 mounted winch. Types 2 and 3 may be designed to
aerial transfer be traversed horizontally.

the changing or the repositioning of suspension Types 1 and 2 may be mounted below the soffits of
ropes whilst the cradle remains suspended bridges or from special structures on the parapets of
the bridge.
3 Description All four types are installations to which the Health
3.1 Systems of attachment to structure and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974 and the
Construction Regulations may apply.
Suspended scaffolds and access equipment can be
NOTE For suspended scaffold structures intended for use in
subdivided into two classes according to the means shipyards, reference should be made to the Shipbuilding and
of attachment to the building: Ship-repairing Regulations, 1960 and other appropriate
regulations.
a) those which rely on counterweights for their
stability; Special safety precautions are required for scaffolds
suspended from wire ropes used in the construction
b) those which are structurally attached to the
of metal structures where electric arc welding and
roof or top part of the building or structure.
cutting is employed.
Either type may be fixed or traversing. The two
methods of attachment may occasionally be 4 Statutory requirements
combined.
Attention is directed to Acts, Byelaws, Regulations
3.2 Suspension system and any other statutory requirements relating to
A further subdivision of the types is between those matters dealt with in this code. The equipment
having roof mounted winches and those having should comply with these regulations and
platform mounted winches or climbing devices. requirements. Its performance, use, inspection,
Two types of lifting appliance are in common use: testing and maintenance should also be in
a) winches, which reel the wire rope on to a drum; accordance with the appropriate regulations.
Amongst others, the following statutory
b) devices which “climb” up the wire rope leaving
requirements, current at the date of publication of
the tail end of the rope hanging or reeled below
this code, relate to suspended scaffolds and access
the machine.
equipment:
3.3 Types of platform a) Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 1974;
Four main types of platform are considered in this b) Factories Act 1961;
code and shown in Figure 2 (See also section 4).
c) The Electricity (Factories Act) Special
Type 1. Hinged continuous platforms. The Regulations 1908 and 1944;
working area may be a single deck or several
d) SI 94 Construction (Working Places)
decks beneath each other. There may be either
Regulations 1966;
one or two ropes at each end and at each hinge.
© BSI 01-1999 7
e) SI 1580 Construction (General Provisions) The tubes and fittings should be free from flaws or
Regulations 1961; splits or other defects and the ends of the tubes
f) SI 1581 Construction (Lifting Operations) should be cut cleanly and square with the axis of the
Regulations 1961. tube.
Effective protection against rust staining of the
5 Identification and registration of building (such as the use of plastics caps), when this
components and marking of safe is of consequence, may be applied to the tube.
working loads 6.2.2 Aluminium
For the purpose of this code every lifting appliance, Aluminium scaffold tube may be used in roof rigs
and each piece of lifting gear, should have plainly and platforms provided due account is taken in the
marked on it an identification number and its safe calculations of its lesser weight and greater
working load. deflection under load than steel tube. Aluminium
The components referred to in this section should be tube should not be mixed with steel tube in the same
registered and the tests and inspections carried out roof rig owing to the difference in its weight and
thereon recorded as required by the relevant deflection under load.
regulations (see clause 4). Aluminium tube and other aluminium sections may
Counterweights should preferably be marked with be used in the working platform.
their mass, in kg. Aluminium scaffold tubes and scaffold fittings

The platform when ready for use should also be should have been manufactured in compliance
marked in easily readable letters at least 100 mm with BS 1139.
high, with the following: The tubes and fittings should be free from flaws or
a) the safe working load in kilograms; splits or other defects and the ends of the tubes
should be cut cleanly and square with the axis of
b) the maximum number of persons (excluding
the tube.
materials) allowed to be on the platform or on any
given length of it. Only fittings suitable for aluminium tube should be
used thereon.
c) a clearly legible reminder to check the
installation at the beginning of each work period. 6.3 Timber poles
Timber poles used in roof rigs and outriggers should
6 Materials and components be of Norway spruce or Douglas fir or other timber
6.1 General with equivalent performance characteristics and
should be carefully selected for the purpose. They
All materials and components used in the should be sound and free from defects and any signs
construction and assembly of suspended access of deterioration, and should be free of bark and
equipment should satisfy the requirements of the unpainted.
relevant British Standards and codes of practice
where they exist. Where these do not exist the Lengths of up to 7.6 m are commonly used and these
materials should be of sound construction and should be not less than 65 mm diameter at the “top”
adequate for the purpose for which they are or thin end, and approximately 115 mm diameter at
intended. the “butt”, “bottom” or thick end.
The materials and components and their method of 6.4 Lashings
assembly should comply with the relevant statutory Lashings should have no significant defects and be
regulations. A list of British Standards which give of steel wire rope of not less than 6 mm diameter.
details of materials and components which will They may be formed with a thimble eye at one end
satisfy the recommendations of this code is given with the other suitably terminated to prevent
in Appendix A. unlaying.
All parts of the equipment should be capable of 6.5 Steel wire ropes
being re-used and re-erected in a safe manner.
Wire suspension and safety ropes of 8 mm diameter
6.2 Scaffold tubes and fittings and above, where used with winches, should comply
6.2.1 Steel with BS 302-2. Wire suspension and safety ropes of
less then 8 mm diameter, but of adequate strength
Steel scaffold tubes and scaffold fittings should have
where used with winches, should comply with the
been manufactured in compliance with BS 1139.
testing and interpretation requirements of BS 302.
8 © BSI 01-1999
Wire ropes used for climbing devices other than 6.6.3 jointing
winches should preferably comply with BS 302-2, Fibre ropes for suspension should be in one
but, where a special size or form of construction is continuous length and free from joints.
required by the manufacturer of the device, such a
rope should be of good quality and should be 6.6.4 Marking and inspection Fibre ropes should
replaced, when damaged, only by ropes of the same have an identification and the safe working load
type. marked thereon and be subject to inspection and
registration in accordance with the appropriate
Wire ropes should be free from significant defects regulations.
arising from previous use or other cause.
6.7 Traversing track
Wire suspension ropes should have an identification
and the safe working load marked thereon and be Traversing track should be constructed of material
subject to inspection and registration in accordance complying with BS 4360 or BS 1474.
with the appropriate regulations. 6.8 Other materials
6.6 Fibre ropes Other materials should comply with the appropriate
6.6.1 Natural fibre ropes British Standards. Where there is no British
Standard special attention should be given to the
Natural fibre ropes should comply with BS 2052, quality and strength and durability of the materials.
grade 1 special quality manila or equivalent.
Traversing ropes may be of sisal. 6.9 Lifting gear, appliances and devices
Natural fibre suspension ropes or safety ropes Lifting gear, appliances and devices should be of
should not be less than 18 mm diameter. They good construction and in working order and
should be free from serious defects arising from properly maintained and be subjected to inspection,
previous use or other cause. testing and registration in accordance with the
Natural fibre ropes should not be used where they appropriate regulations.
will be subject to attack by aggressive chemicals. 6.10 Counterweights
Instead man-made fibre ropes constructed of Counterweights may be of any suitable material
materials resistant to the chemicals being used capable of being fixed to the inboard end of the roof
should be utilized. Advice should be obtained from rig in a manner which does not permit
the cordage supplier. displacement. 25 kg weights with handles or rings
Hot gases from blow lamps and similar heat sources for attachment are recommended.
may cause fibre embrittlement in natural fibre Materials which may be subject to deterioration or
cordage exposed to them, and this should be borne in easily damaged, such as sand bags, should not be
mind when selecting ropes. used.
6.6.2 Man-made fibre ropes 6.11 Proprietary components and equipment
Appropriate man-made fibre ropes are Proprietary equipment should be of good and sound
recommended for use where aggressive chemicals construction and suitable for repeated use for the
are in use. Advice should be obtained from the purpose and period for which it is intended. Its
cordage supplier. Such ropes should comply with characteristics should be adequately described in
appropriate British Standards and should be of the data sheets.
same size as natural fibre ropes recommended
in 6.6.1 and of a similar texture to provide adequate 6.12 Factors of safety
grip when either wet or dry (only a limited number NOTE See 7.8 for factors of safety against overturning of a roof
of man-made fibre ropes possess this characteristic rig.
and they are related to BS 4928). If ropes are 6.12.1 General
coloured for identification, care should be taken to All components of both the roof rig and the
ensure that the strength of the rope is not impaired. suspended platform should be designed with the
Man-made fibre ropes have a lower fire performance factors of safety normally applied to those
than natural fibre ropes (but see 6.6.1) and special individual components.
care should be exercised where such ropes are being 6.12.2 Steel
used by operators working with blow lamps or
burners or other heat sources, including lighting. Steel work should be designed with a factor of safety
in accordance with the requirements of BS 449.
© BSI 01-1999 9
6.12.3 Aluminium 7 Design

aluminium components should be designed with the 7.1 Structural design of the equipment
factor of safety in accordance with the
The structural design of the platform, the
recommendations of BS 8118.2)
suspension points and the members of the
6.12.4 Timber suspension systems should be based on the rope
Timber should be used in accordance with the tensions and load outputs of the suspension
recommendations of BS 5268-2 according to the systems, taking into account the load output of any
grade of materials used in the structure, except that pulley system used in the suspension system
timber poles, used as outriggers, should be used in (see 13.9.1).
accordance with B.2 of this code. The roof rig should be designed so that the
6.12.5 Scaffold couplers permissible stresses appropriate to the material(s)
of construction are not exceeded when the
Scaffold couplers should be used at a factor of safety
maximum total suspended load (see 7.5) is applied
of not less than 2 or otherwise in accordance with
to the suspension point. In addition, the design
the recommendations of B.7. should ensure that the minimum yield stress of the
6.12.6 Ropes materials used is not exceeded when the maximum
Each suspension and safety rope should have a rope tension is developed as a result of the operation
of slipping clutches, load limiting devices, stalling
factor of safety of not less than 8, based on the

maximum rope tension when related to the torques, etc.
minimum breaking load of the rope, or such other 7.2 Design checks
higher factor as specified by the manufacturer of the
All temporary rigs should be erected to either
winch or climbing device.
standard design solutions or to drawings or sketches
Where a rope does not have to pass through a lifting prepared from special designs. Under all
or climbing device, a winch, or over a pulley, and circumstances the tie down force/counterweights
does not form part of the means of suspension of the and the safe working load (SWL) in the cradle
working platform, it may be used at a factor of safety should be indicated. The loads imposed on the
of 3. Examples of such ropes are: building/structure should also be indicated. All
guys to rigid fixing points for stability; drawings, sketches and designs, whether specially
cross wire ties in frames; prepared or standard detail, should be checked and
signed by a competent person other than the person
traversing ropes; who originally prepared them before the design is
tying in wires. put into use.
Tie back wires carrying any part or component of 7.3 Grouping of the loads at one end of a
the vertical maximum suspended load on the platform or bay
outriggers should have a factor of safety of not less
than 6. In the case of an individual platform with the
suspension points at the ends the design of all parts
6.12.7 Lifting devices and winches of the installation should take account of the
The factor of safety against collapse of lifting devices possible grouping of the persons using the platform
and winches should be not less than 6 or whatever at one end of the platform either adjacent to a point
greater value is specified by the manufacturer, of suspension or centred outside this point when
based on the statically loaded condition. cantilevered end extensions are fitted.
6.13 Weights and strengths of materials and Consideration should be given to ensuring the
components balance of the platform when one cantilevered end is
loaded by applying an adequate factor of safety
Appendix B provides some data on the strength and
against overturning of the platform, based on the
weights of materials and components.
safe working load.
In the case of a hinged continuous platform the load
applied to the suspension system at the hinge
between two bays should be calculated from the safe
working loads of both adjacent bays added together
on the assumption that they have accumulated
beneath the suspension system supporting the
hinge between the bays.
2)
In preparation. Revision of CP 118.
10 © BSI 01-1999
7.4 Safe working load of the platform c) an allowance for impact resulting from the
The safe working load on an individual platform is operation of the winch or climbing device of such
the maximum load which may be placed on the impacts as are recommended by the
platform having regard to its strength and to the manufacturers but with a minimum factor as
value and distribution of the load and to the indicated below:
counterweighting of the roof rig. It should be
Type of suspension Impact factor
marked on the platform in kilograms and the
expressed as a
maximum number of persons should also be percentage of
marked. the sum of a)
The safe working load on a hinged continuous and b)
platform having a series of suspension points is the Manually operated on fibre ropes 10
maximum load which may be placed in any one bay Manually operated winches or
having regard to its strength and to the value and lifting devices on wire ropes 10
distribution of the load and to the counterweighting Power operated winches or
of the roof rig. It should be marked on the platform climbing devices on wire ropes 25
in kilogram and the maximum number of persons
The above criteria should also be used when
should also be marked with the words added “per
choosing a safety rope, with the exception that the
bay”.
following allowance d) should replace that in c)
Marking on platforms as recommended in this above in those cases where the value of d) is higher
clause should be in easily readable letters at than that of c):
least 100 mm high.
d) an allowance for the impact load imposed by
7.5 Rope tension the operation of any safety device.
The rope tension on which the choice of the Where the suspension rope is reeved through
suspension rope is made should be based on the pulleys calculation of the rope tension should take
summation of the following: into account the cumulative friction losses arising
a) that portion of the self-weight of the platform from the rope reeving system and the number of
and any lifting appliances attached to it acting on parts of rope in the purchase, and the location of the
the suspension rope, plus the self-weight of that lifting machinery which may be on the platform, or
portion of the suspension rope hanging below its on the roof, or on the ground. (See also 13.9.1).
upper point of contact with the roof rig including 7.6 Maximum total suspended load
that portion of it reeled on to a winch on the
Whatever the arrangement of the suspension rope
platform or hanging beneath it through a
or its pulley system or its travelling track assembly
climbing device and any stabilizing weight
the maximum total suspended load is the maximum
attached thereto;
load at the top of the system which can apply an
b) the maximum load resulting in the suspension overturning moment or a direct pull on a roof rig.
rope from the approved number of operatives and
associated imposed loads grouped together or The maximum total suspended load should be
adjacent to it or in a cantilevered portion of the calculated from the rope tension calculated as
in 7.5, and modified where necessary to take
deck;
account of pulley systems incorporated in the
system as recommended in 13.9.1 with the further
additions listed below:
a) the weight of the travelling track and trolleys
and its suspension gear;
b) the additional loads which may result from the
difference in spacing of the outriggers from the
spacing of the suspension ropes which may occur
in travelling systems;
© BSI 01-1999 11
c) the increased loads derived from two 7.9.1.1 Use of counterweights

suspension ropes from two platforms travelling Where counterweights are used to provide stability
together under one outrigger (this situation may or when any mass of the structure is relied upon to
be avoided by fitting intermediate stop ends on contribute to the stability, the counterweights or
the trolley track and mounting two outriggers mass should be firmly attached to the roof rig in
above them each with its own counterweights as such a manner that they cannot become accidentally
structural attachments). dislodged. At sites where vandalism may occur
The suspension gear above the trolley track need special precautions should be taken to ensure that
not be designed to take into account the the weights are secure. Where it is proposed to
redistribution of loads due to the continuity of the provide some part of the restraining force by the use
travelling track beams. of roof fixing the appropriate recommendations
7.7 Maximum overturning moment in 7.9.1.2 should be followed.
The maximum overturning moment, see Figure 4, Where spreaders or pads are inserted to distribute a
should be calculated from the summation of the load on to a roof or parapet, the material of the pad
moment about the fulcrum point of the maximum should be such that a proper distribution of the load
total suspended load at its projection length and the is achieved and that the pad is protected from
moment about the fulcrum point of the self-weight deterioration due to exposure.
of the outboard portion of the roof rig acting at its a) Manually operated systems. When
centre of gravity. counterweights and/or the self-weight of the

inboard portion of the roof trolley are relied upon
7.8 Righting moment
as the sole means of achieving stability, the factor
7.8.1 Counterweighted roof rigs of safety against overturning should be three
The righting moment, see Figure 4, for roof rigs except in the case of a bosun’s chair when it
depending for their stability on weight only should should be four.
be calculated from the summation of the moment b) Power operated systems. When the stability of
about the fulcrum point of the self-weight of the a power operated system is achieved solely by
inboard portion of the roof rig acting at its centre of means of counterweights and/or the self-weight of
gravity and the moments of any counterweights the inboard portion of the roof rig, the factor of
acting at their lever arms. safety against overturning should be not less
7.8.2 Structurally attached roof rigs than the greatest of the following values:
The righting moment of roof rigs depending for their 1) 3 or 4 based on the maximum overturning
stability on bolted or other structural fixings of the moment [see a)];
inboard section of the roof rig to the building should 2) 1.25 based on the maximum overturning
be calculated from the summation of the moment of moment resulting from the rope tension which
the self-weight of the inboard portion of the roof rig can be exerted by the winch or climbing device
acting at its centre of gravity and the moments of operating through an overload clutch or other
the safe working loads of the structural fixings mechanical load-limiting device;
acting at their lever arms. 3) 1.33 based on the maximum overturning
7.9 Stability moment resulting from the rope tension which
can be exerted by the winch or climbing device
7.9.1 Stability against overturning
operating through an electrical or thermal
The following subclauses describe the means of overload limiting device, or which can be
ensuring stability. Appendix C shows worked exerted by the winch or climbing device when
examples of stability calculations. The factor of it stalls due to excessive load if it is not fitted
safety against overturning is the ratio of the sum of with an overload clutch or other load-limiting
the righting moments to the maximum overturning device.
moment.
12 © BSI 01-1999
7.9.1.2 Roof fixings The forces producing lateral sway are wind forces,
When roof fixings are relied upon as the sole means surge and braking and the applied force on
of achieving stability they should be capable of traversing lines. Wind forces should be estimated
providing a factor of safety of two against uplift. for the position of the maximum exposure of the
Where a roof is insufficiently strong to provide this equipment and guidance should be obtained from
factor of safety, the holding down ability of the roof CP 3:Chapter V-2.
should be assessed, and counterweights added to In the case of a wire rope fixed roof rig the
provide an overall factor of safety against restraining wire ropes should be so angled in plan,
overturning of three. or supplemented by additional angled wire ropes or
Roof fixings should be designed according to the other means, that lateral stability in both directions
stresses appropriate to the material. No component is achieved.
in the system should be loaded to more than the
manufacturer’s recommendations. 8 Strength of the building
7.9.2 Lateral stability Agreement should be reached between the supplier
and the user on the maximum imposed load
In addition to having adequate stability against (including uplift) for the system. The proposed
overturning the roof rig, outriggers and traversing loading to be imposed on the building should be
track should have sufficient lateral strength or be approved by the building owner or his architect or
adequately braced against lateral sway parallel to structural engineer before such loads are applied.
the face of the building.
Figure 4 — The righting and overturning moments
© BSI 01-1999 13
Figure 5 — Square lashing
Figure 6 — Diagonal lashing
14 © BSI 01-1999
BS 5974:1990
Section 2. Types of roof rig
9 Timber pole and lashing roof rigs Fibre suspension ropes should be tied on to the
outrigger using a complete round turn and two half
9.1 Lashings
hitches and this should be over lashed with cord or
Figure 5 shows a square lashing to two poles. Both seized to the standing part to prevent movement.
free ends of the lashing should be pulled under the The same procedure should be followed when wire
turns in such a way that the load causes the loose suspension ropes that are not fitted with eyes are
end to be gripped. used. Alternatively a complete half turn with two
When the angle between the two poles is not a right bulldog grips fastening the free end should be used.
angle, the diagonal lashing turns should be If eyes are fitted to the top end of wire suspension
arranged so that a change of the angle between the ropes they should be attached to the end of the
poles in either direction is resisted, Figure 6 shows outrigger by wire lashings with at least three turns.
this. The lashing should not be left as a loose loop on the
The angular stiffening of any lashing should not be outrigger which might slip off the end, but should be
relied upon to maintain frames square. This should moused and finished off with a half hitch and clove
be achieved by bracing poles lashed in across hitch on opposite sides of the main loop.
diagonally opposite corners of frames. 9.6 Parapet roofs
Only wire lashings should be used but fibre rope Figure 9 shows pole and lashing outriggers for a
may be used to tie off the free ends of wire ropes parapet roof. In Figure 10 the fulcrum point should
attached to structural members or poles with round be taken at the inside edge of the parapet.
turns and hitches.
9.7 Traversing track
9.2 Outriggers
Figure 12 shows a travelling cradle assembly in
The outrigger poles should be set on the roof with which the track attachment is lashed to the
the butt end projecting over the edge and with the outrigger. The traversing lines may alternatively be
thin end inboard. Suspension points should be not rigged vertically passing over pulleys on the jockey
less than 150 mm from the butt end. blocks and tied off at the stop ends.
9.3 Ledgers Where aluminium track is selected it should be
Pole outriggers should not be laid as separate supported at not more than 3 m centres.
members but should be joined together by In cases where a traversing track has to be
longitudinal or ledger poles at either end as shown supported at centres closer than the spacing of the
in the simple fiat roof rigs illustrated in Figure 7. roof rig outriggers, the outside ledger may be moved
9.4 Attaching the counterweights out to and on top of the end of the outriggers, or a
supplementary pole ledger fixed there. The track
Single counterweights should be firmly lashed at attachments are then lashed to this front ledger
the end of the tailing end of the outrigger up against instead of to the outriggers. The weight of the
it so that the weight is effective before any outside ledger should then be taken into account in
movement of the outrigger has taken place. Double calculating the outboard weight of the roof rig. The
or multiple counterweights should be firmly lashed ledger should be stiff enough to take its proper share
to the back ledger immediately adjacent to each side of the load from the intermediate lashings to the
of the outrigger. outriggers.
Weights with rings or handles which can be used to
9.8 Double level and stepped roofs
secure the lashing to the weights should preferably
be used. Figure 12 shows a rig for a building with a double
level roof and Figure 13 shows a modification of this
9.5 Attaching the suspension rope
for the case where the front raking strut cannot be
The suspension ropes should wherever practicable placed on the parapet at the front edge of the
be attached directly to the outriggers rather than to building. In this case the projection length is very
the front ledger, but the latter method may be much greater and the counterweights should be
unavoidable, such as in those cases where the calculated accordingly. The lateral stability of the
trolley track has to be supported at closer centres front frame of this rig should be supplemented as in
than those provided by the spacing of the outriggers the case detailed in Figure 12.
(see 9.8).
© BSI 01-1999 15
9.9 Ridge roofs The main steel wire rope ties should preferably be at
Figure 14 to Figure 16 show typical methods of right angles to the front frame. Where this is not
providing ridge fixing for a variety of roofs. In the possible and they have to be at an angle in plan
examples illustrated in Figure 14 and Figure 15 use there should be another wire rope at the opposite
is made of an existing parapet to provide location for angle to rectify the lateral forces. Wire rope ties
the roof rig. In many cases there is no parapet or should have a minimum diameter of 8 mm.
similar feature and a saddle rig should then be The front frame should be continuously diagonally
constructed (see Figure 16), in which positive braced.
location of the roof rig is provided by saddle poles on 9.12 Special problems
the opposite side of the ridge to the outrigger.
It is not possible to give an example of every problem
Saddle poles should be lashed to the back ledger and offered by roofs. Where difficulties occur or where
should be at least 4 m long. The back ledger should any doubt exists in the matter, reference should be
be placed in the angle beneath the outrigger and made to an experienced person and the design
above the saddle pole so that this angle cannot should satisfy the normal requirements of
become less and allow the saddle pole to hinge and structural engineering. The spacing of the struts
slip over the ridge. In cases of low pitch roofs it may and outriggers in these pole rigs should be
be necessary to lash across the top ends of the determined with reference to the loads to be carried.
outrigger pole and the saddle pole to maintain the
In certain cases it is advantageous and sometimes
angle.
necessary to place the outrigger poles at an angle
Figure 16 shows a saddle fixing on a mansard roof overlapping at the tailing end and utilizing a single
utilizing a front frame. The lateral stability of this larger counterweight at this point. When this is
rig should be supplemented by diagonal bracing in done the projection and tailing lengths are altered
the front frame, or may be wired with cross wires and the portion of the counterweights necessary to
between the front struts or may be anchored by allow for the movement of the men on the platform
wires from the end struts crossed over the adjacent operates on both outriggers. The balancing
roof on to suitable points on the ridge. moments should be recalculated to maintain the
Suitable and secure packing should be used under factors of safety required by 6.12.
the poles
Counterweights should be placed behind the ridge 10 Scaffold tube and fittings roof rigs
and lashed to both the back ledger and the saddle 10.1 Difference between pole and steel tube
pole. rigs
The front ledger should be under the outrigger pole Certain differences should be catered for. Tubes
if the suspension is from the end of the outrigger should never be connected together with rope or
pole, but above it if the suspension is from the ledger lashing but should instead be connected together
itself. with scaffold couplers. Normal scaffold couplers
9.10 Mixing poles with steel tubes should be used in accordance with their safe
The roof rigs detailed above may also be constructed working loads (see B.7). Critical tension joints in
from scaffold tubes and couplers (see clause 10). It is tubes should be lapped with the appropriate
generally undesirable to mix timber poles and number of couplings in accordance with B.7.
scaffold tubes in a roof rig, but in certain The friction of a steel tube on any other surface is
circumstances it may be necessary to lash poles to small, so that the tendency of a tube to slip over its
tubular scaffolding in which case the lashings seating should be countered by means of lacing and
should only be at a braced node point of the tubular bracing with other tubes and fittings.
work, and the lashing should be such that it passes The spans and cantilevers of rigs in scaffold tubes
both sides of the scaffold fittings at the node so that should be properly designed. As a general guide the
it cannot slip along the steel tube. cantilever length of tube should not exceed 400 mm
9.11 Steel wire rope fixings unless double tubes are used (see B.4 and Figure 8
and Figure 18).
The form of construction of many roofs does not
permit either poles or scaffold tubes to be fixed in Ridge roofs without parapets, and curved roofs, may
the necessary places to support a platform. In these present difficulties to a rectangular tubular
cases wire rope fixings may be used. Figure 17 arrangement.
shows such an arrangement.
16 © BSI 01-1999
Figure 7 — Typical simple pole roof rig (lay down fixing)

Figure 8 — Typical tube and fitting roof rig (lay down fixing)
Figure 9 — Typical parapet roof rig
© BSI 01-1999 17
10.2 Construction of steel tube and fittings Figure 20 shows another type of roof trolley in
roof rigs common use. This cannot operate round a corner of
All of the rigs which have been described in clause 9 the building. The height of the projecting transom
(and Figure 6 to Figure 17) for construction with should be such that it will pass over any upstands on
poles can, with suitable modification, be built with the parapet e.g. sewer vents and lightning
steel scaffold tubes. Figure 18 shows a typical conductors.
penthouse or stepped roof tubular roof rig, and is The fulcrum point is the centre line of the edge
similar to that illustrated for timber pole rigs in castor when this is turned back from the edge of the
Figure 12. Figure 19 shows a rig using a propped roof. Attention should be given to the firm
cantilever in place of a doubled tube. This is a attachment of the counterweights on a roof trolley.
typical raised roof rig. 10.4 Special problems
10.3 Scaffold tube roof trolleys As in the case of rigs utilizing timber poles it is not
Instead of fixing a track so that it is fixed in position, possible to give examples of every problem offered
as shown in Figure 19, a short length of this type by roofs. Generally, the basic principles of
may be mounted on castors so that it can be drawn scaffolding set down in BS 5973 apply to tubular
back from the edge of the building. In this case the rigs.
height of the suspension point above the parapet
should be large enough to allow the platform to be
withdrawn over the parapet.
Figure 10 — Typical parapet frame roof rig (tube and fittings)
18 © BSI 01-1999
Figure 11 — Typical raised and extended roof rig (tube and fittings)
Figure 12 — Typical built-up pole or steel tube roof rig for a penthouse and parapet
© BSI 01-1999 19
11 Roof rigs of other structural 12 Roof rigs for travelling platforms

sections where there are two or more platforms
The use of joists or other structural sections for on the same track
outriggers may be necessary where heavy loads are The specific condition to which this clause refers is
to be carried. Figure 21 shows such a roof fixing for the proximity of two loads, one from the end of the
a heavy duty platform. one platform and the other from the adjacent end of
As for other roof rigs, the inboard portion of the the next platform when this is stationed close by.
structural section should be fixed down by The two loads will act together on the trolley track
structural means (e.g. bolts) or counterweights, or a at the point in question and the maximum
combination of both. The stability requirements for suspended load will then be the summation of the
such an assembly should follow the rules given two loads and the trolley track and outboard portion
in 7.8 if counterweights are used. If structural of the roof rig at this point. This will usually require
attachment is used, calculations based on the two outriggers laid side by side as shown in
appropriate codes of practice for the materials Figure 12, each with its own counterweight or
involved should be made. The large force at the structural fixing or specially designed outrigger and
fulcrum point should be calculated as well as the additional counterweights.
forces at the tailing end, and the building checked It is preferable that each separate length of
for its ability to carry these loads. travelling track should have its own stop end.
Adequate stops should be provided to prevent However, it may be desirable in certain cases to
displacement of the suspension system off the end of permit two or more cradles to use the full length of
the outrigger or supporting beam. the track and be moved by means other than a
traversing line attached to a stop end on the track.
In any event stop ends should be provided to prevent
displacement of the means of suspension from the
travelling track. In this case the two loads may come
together under any outrigger position. The
maximum suspended load resulting from the two
adjacent loads should then be counterbalanced by
any one of the outriggers. The two loads together
may also act at the mid span of the travelling track
which will necessitate a recalculation and closer
spacing of the travelling track supports.
20 © BSI 01-1999
Figure 12 — Typical built-up pole or steel tube roof rig for a penthouse
and parapet (concluded)
Figure 13 — Typical built-up pole or tube roof rig for double parapet roofs
© BSI 01-1999 21
Figure 14 — Typical ridge pole fixing for a small roof
Figure 15 — Typical ridge pole fixing clear of the parapet
22 © BSI 01-1999
Figure 16 — Typical pole or tube saddle rig with front frame on a mansard roof
© BSI 01-1999 23
Figure 17 — Typical wire rope and front frame pole or tube roof rig
Figure 18 — Typical stepped roof tubular roof rig
24 © BSI 01-1999
Section 2
© BSI 01-1999
Figure 19 — Typical raised tubular roof rig
25
BS 5974:1990
Figure 20 — Typical mobile fixing for a short cradle on a straight wall
26 © BSI 01-1999
Figure 21 — Typical cross section of a heavy duty suspended hinged scaffold on

steel joist outriggers
© BSI 01-1999 27
BS 5974:1990
Section 3. Suspension system
13 Ropes Proprietary fittings are also available to attach

ropes to scaffold tube roof rigs.
NOTE For materials and factors of safety see 6.4, 6.5, 6.6
and 6.12. Any edges over which the rope passes should be so
13.1 Lashings finished or protected as to prevent damage to the
rope.
13.1.1 General
When a trolley track is to be slung beneath
Only lashings which comply with 6.4 should be outriggers the girder clip may have a 50 mm
used. diameter hole in the upper portion so that it may be
A lashing should never be used as a single slipped on to the scaffold tube and prevented from
suspension rope, a lifting rope, a tie wire or in a displacement either way along the tube by scaffold
single turn. Application should be with a minimum fittings.
of three turns (i.e. six parts).
13.7 Wire rope terminations
13.1.2 6 mm diameter wire rope scaffold
Wire rope terminations should be suitable for their
lashings
purpose and should have a strength of not less
When new, a 6 mm diameter scaffold lashing has a than 80 % of the minimum breaking load of the
breaking load of approximately 1 100 kg. rope. Any free end of rope should be finished to
13.1.3 9 mm diameter wire rope for lashing prevent unlaying.
When new, such 9 mm diameter lashings have a 13.8 End fixing of wire ropes
breaking load of approximately 4 400 kg. The end of the suspension rope other than that on or
13.2 Attachment of suspension ropes by through the lifting device or winch should be fixed to
lashings the suspension point on the roof rig or on the
platform with a thimble eye splice or ferrule secured
Lashings between suspension ropes and pole rigs eye termination or bulldog grip fixing or other rope
should either attach the top of the rope block or coupling device giving a strength of not less
suspension wire directly to a pole outrigger, or than 80 % of the breaking load of the wire rope.
should attach a girder clip to the pole when a
travelling track is required. When intermediate The end of a suspension rope which does not reach
lashings are made on to the front ledger of a pole rig, the ground passing through a climbing device
this ledger should be above the outriggers. should be stopped off with a nipple or fitted on site
Suspension wire lashings should never be carried with a clip suitable to prevent the climbing device
over the front ledger and tied off on some other part being worked off the end of the rope.
of the roof rig. The end of a suspension rope feeding into a reeling
winch should be fastened on to the drum of the
13.3 Padding
winch in the manner specified by the manufacturer
Lashings on structural steel work should be padded and in addition should preferably have at least three
to prevent damage to the lashing, and this padding turns left on the drum when the platform is at its
should be prevented from falling from the structural lowest level, but in no circumstances less than two
steel work when there is no load on the lashing. turns
13.4 Mousing If the platform can be lowered to the end of the rope
The tail end of lashings should be secured with cord. without coming to the landing ground the end of the
rope fixed to the drum should be painted red for a
13.5 Lashing on to tubes
distance of two turns and two metres, so that a
Lashings should not be used on steel tubes unless warning is given to an operator that the lowest safe
they are across node points at the intersection of two level has been reached.
tubes or are prevented from slipping either way by
13.9 Rigging of fibre suspension rope systems
scaffold fittings.
13.9.1 Methods
13.6 Attachment of suspension ropes to
scaffold tube roof rigs Figure 22 shows two methods of rigging. The forces
shown assume either that the person applying the
An attachment is best achieved by using a shackle
pull is standing on the floor outside the suspended
which should be prevented from slipping either way
platform, or that the platform has been obstructed
along the tube by means of scaffold fittings.
by a snag during ascent and the person pulling
Steel fiats with 50 mm holes may be used to slip on raises his own weight from the platform.
to the tubular work. These also should be prevented
from slipping either way.
28 © BSI 01-1999
13.9.2 Choice of rope type 13.10.3 Inspection and registration

Careful attention should be given to the choice of Wire ropes should have been inspected and
rope type (see 6.6.1 and 6.6.2). registered in accordance with statutory regulations
13.9.3 Hooks and knots within the previous six months and marked with the
safe working load and means of identification. If the
The rope hook on the lower block of either of the two rope is not detachable from the winch or climbing
block systems should be of the long tail type to device the inspection testing and registering of the
facilitate the formation of the knot on the fall rope. machine should include the rope, and if this has
Figure 23 and Figure 24 show alternative methods been done within the last six months the rope need
of tying the fibre rope to the cradle. not be treated separately.
13.10 Rigging of wire suspension ropes 13.11 Safety ropes
3.10.1 General 13.11.1 Recommendations
In all types of mechanical systems and for platforms It is strongly recommended that safety ropes
longer than 3.2 m only wire suspension ropes, consisting of steel wire should be fitted
terminated with thimbles, should be used. (see 6.5 and 6.12.6), where reasonably practicable,
Reference should be made to 13.7 and 13.8. on all suspended scaffolds except where:
The wire used should be of the type specified by the a) the platform is supported on two independent
manufacturer of the winch or climbing device and suspension wire ropes at each end of a single
should also be suitable for use with the safety device platform or at each hinge of a continuous
which works on it. platform such that, in the event of the failure of
13.10.2 Pulley sizes one suspension rope, the other is capable of
suspending the platform;
When wire ropes pass over pulleys or round drums
in winches and climbing devices, such pulleys or b) the introduction of a secondary safety wire rope
drums should have a pitch circle diameter of not less would introduce overriding safety hazards
than 19 times the diameter of the rope. (see also 13.11.2);
Guide pulleys, external to the winch or climbing c) a painter’s cradle is suspended on fibre ropes
device, should have a pitch circle diameter of not (see also 13.11.2).
less than 11 times the diameter of the rope.
Reverse bending around pulleys and/or drums at
close centres should be avoided wherever possible.
Figure 22 — The rope tension and its effect
© BSI 01-1999 29
13.11.2 Alternative safety arrangements 13.11.4 Aerial transfer

It is strongly recommended that in the situations Aerial transfer should only be carried out when no
detailed in 13.11.1 b) and c) where a safety wire other safe practical method of platform
rope is not fitted one or more of the following safety repositioning is possible. Operatives undertaking
precautions should be taken. the work should be competent riggers under
a) When the suspension wire rope is terminated adequate supervision.
at the point where it is joined to the roof rig it Where it is not possible to lower the platform to the
should be supplemented by a second short length ground, or such other area where its weight can be
of wire rope attached to the suspension wire rope supported to enable its suspension and secondary
and separately to the roof rig by-passing the safety wire anchor points to be repositioned, the
suspension wire rope attachment. repositioning should be carried out using the
b) In the case of a platform mounted winch or equipment’s secondary safety system as a positive
lifting device, there should be a second short anchor. Operatives should be harnessed to a
length of wire rope attached to the platform and structurally sound anchor point when carrying out
to an automatic safety device mounted on the an aerial transfer.
suspension wire rope above the winch or lifting It is essential that all materials are removed from
device by-passing the winch or lifting device. the cradle prior to aerial transfer, and no other
c) Provision should be made for the adequate person should be allowed in the cradle during the
attachment of a safety harness to an independent operations except for the rigger actually carrying
safety line [see clause 24 x)]. out the work.
The by-pass ropes referred to in a) and b) above
14 Winches and climbing devices
should be as taut as practicable in order to obviate
undue snatch loads. Their design and installation Petrol or diesel winches should not be used for
should be appropriate to the particular equipment suspended scaffolds. Hydraulic, pneumatic and
in use. electrically operated climbing devices or winches
are admissible. Mechanical speed changing devices
13.11.3 Safety rope anchorage points
should not be fitted, and the cradle should be both
The safety rope should have separate anchorage raised and lowered under power.
points from those of the suspension rope for its NOTE The electrical requirements of these appliances are
terminations. given in clause 15.
Figure 23 — Typical method of securing fibre ropes to cradles
30 © BSI 01-1999
Figure 24 — Alternative method of securing fibre ropes to cradles

Power driven winches or climbing devices should c) 110 volt, single phase 50 Hz,
incorporate a mechanical means of manual and should be capable of operating within the range
operation for use in the event of power failure or of + 6 %, – 8.5 % of the nominal voltage supply.
electrical fault.
All electrical equipment and wiring should be
The appliance should be of good construction and selected for the foreseeable conditions of use
adequate to raise and lower the platform and its safe including accidental impact and environmental
working load at a speed not in excess of 10 m/min. damage. Additional mechanical protection should
The means of attaching the appliance to the roof rig be provided where necessary.
or to the platform should be properly designed and 15.3 Electrical safeguards
adequate to carry the forces resulting from the
operation of the platform. The control system should be so designed that an
electrical supply failure, or the failure or
It is advisable that safeguards, e.g. slipping clutches
malfunction of any electrical component, will
or load sensing devices, be incorporated to limit the minimize any danger.
maximum load in the suspended rope to a
nominal 50 % above the safe working load of the The electrical equipment and wiring should be
winch (see also 7.1). protected against overload, short circuit and earth
faults.
15 Electrical requirements Electrical protection should also be provided against
phase reversal in 3-phase systems.
15.1 General
No live parts should be exposed when the equipment
Reference should be made to clause 4 and 20.2 of is assembled and in use. Access to circuit panels and
this code.
other items of electrical equipment (other than
15.2 Basic requirements interconnecting cables and control units) should be
All electrical equipment is to comply with the via doors fitted with locks or via panels requiring a
statutory requirements in force. tool other than a coin for their removal. Where locks
NOTE The relevant legislation is the Electricity at Work
are provided, the keys should be retained or
Regulations 1989. The appropriate standard for the equipment is controlled by an electrically competent person.
BS 2771:1986 Electrical equipment of industrial machines, Protection against the ingress of water and dust into
which is the harmonized standard EN 60204-1.
electrical equipments should be achieved by
All equipment and wiring should be suitable for use provision of enclosures with a rating of not less than
with one of the following: IP 54 according to BS 5490.
a) 415 volt, 3 phase 50 Hz; or Where cables, etc. are taken into enclosures it is
b) 240 volt, single phase 50 Hz; or imperative that the glanding systems used
maintain this degree of integrity.
© BSI 01-1999 31
15.4 Bonding 15.7 Power supply cables

All metal parts should be efficiently and effectively Cables feeding power from the main power supply
bonded together and connected to the protective point to the suspended platform installation should
conductors. This may require the provision of extra be of adequate length to allow for the planned
bonding conductors not less than 6 mm2 in movements of the platform. They should be
cross-section copper equivalent. All terminations sufficiently robust to permit repeated use and of
should be protected from corrosion. such a nature and be so placed that they do not
15.5 Main power supply cause a hazard or become subject to mechanical
damage. These cables should be of the braided type
An independent electrical power supply should be to permit flexing and should be terminated in
provided by the user at the place of work in appropriate fittings which will ensure earth
consultation and agreement with the supplier of the continuity.
power operated suspended platform. This electrical
supply should be of adequate capacity as regards Any plugs and sockets should be so placed so that
they cannot be damaged by the intended movement
voltage and current. The supply should be provided
of the platform or by the accidental swinging of the
with appropriate overload short circuit, and
platform against the building.
earth-fault electrical protection. It should provide
an efficient and effective earth connection back to Where power supply cables pass over parapets,
the main earth connection at the main point of edges of roofs, or over the corners of beams or slabs,
electrical supply. The supply at the place of work they should be protected from abrasion or other
should be provided with a suitably rated mechanical damage. All cables should be provided
disconnecting and isolating switch incorporating with means of support where they hang in free air
“lock-off” facilities controlling a socket outlet to from buildings or structures; suitable means include
BS 4343 with a degree of protection not less than cables stockings of appropriate size held by support
IP 54 according to BS 5490:1985, or equivalent wires or cables.
means. The power supply point should be accessible Cables terminating in a control unit on the platform
at all times. A notice warning against unauthorized should be of such a length that the control unit is
operation of the switch and use of the power socket within easy reach of the operatives working on the
outlet should be provided. platform.
The design and installation of the electrical power The correct arrangement of the electric parts of the
supply should be carried out in accordance with the power-operated suspended platform should be made
requirements of the current edition of the clear by instructions to the person erecting/using
Regulations for Electrical Installations published by the equipment. The connection arrangements
the Institution of Electrical Engineers and CP 1017. e.g plugs, sockets, between the various parts, should
15.6 Earthing be so arranged and placed that they cannot be
incorrectly assembled.
The protective conductors (earth circuit) of the
equipment should be connected to the electrical 15.8 Hoist control units
supply earth terminal only when it has been verified The following three categories of hoist control unit
that this terminal provides an efficient, effective are in common use:
and reliable earth path. Where mains voltage is fed a) hoist mounted control;
to platforms on structures and buildings under
construction it is recommended that one of the b) central control (two or more hoists operated
following is incorporated. from a platform mounted control station);
a) A residual current device (a current operated c) hand-held pendant control station.
earth leakage circuit breaker) complying with All control units and pendant controls should be so
BS 4293, with a rated tripping current not marked that there is no confusion between the
exceeding 30 mA. various controls as to their purpose and the
b) A circulating current earth monitoring system direction of travel resulting from their operation,
complying with BS 4444. whichever way up the units are handled or stored or
attached to the platform.
NOTE The contract for supply of suspended scaffold does not
normally include provision earthing of the main supply.
32 © BSI 01-1999
The voltage in pendant controls should be limited

to 55 V except class I pendants where circulating
earth monitoring is used and for class II all
insulated pendants where 50 V maximum is
preferred, but in any case the voltage should not
exceed 125 V. Electrical supplies for any circuit
where a contactor is used should not be provided by
a centre-tapped earth system via a transformer or
otherwise.
Pendant controls should be so placed or fixed that
they cannot be damaged by the intended movement
of the platform or by the accidental swinging of the
platform against the building. The control button or
levers should be robust and require continuous light
pressure to maintain powered movements and the
control units should be designed so as to prevent
them being operated accidentally, e.g. by the
provision of shrouds.
15.9 User instructions

Clear instructions should be available to all persons
concerned with the use of power operated suspended
scaffolds, and access equipment including the use of
the safety devices, including the correct method of
connection to the mains electrical supply.
15.10 Maintenance, testing and inspection
Maintenance instructions and spares should be
available for the electrical installation.
Manufacturers should provide adequate and
appropriate instructions, advice and guidance as
regards the maintenance, testing and inspection of
equipment both when erected and dismantled.
These instructions, advice and guidance should be
made available to each hirer or user by the
manufacturer, supplier or hire body as necessary to
ensure the safe use of the equipment.
© BSI 01-1999 33
BS 5974:1990
Section 4. Types of platform
16 Hinged continuous platforms When the platform is fixed to the building and the
building itself forms a barrier at that level, or
16.1 Description
alternatively when the workers sit at the edge of the
A hinged continuous platform is a series of platform to work and ropes or chains which afford
demountable units hinged together at their ends in all workers a safe and secure hand hold are
such a way that operatives have access past the provided, then the inner guard rail and toe board
hinges along the continuous platform. It is may be removed.
suspended at the hinges on one or two wire ropes in Guard rails and toe boards should be securely fixed
such a manner that the units can be raised or to prevent accidental displacement either due to
lowered either together or in an articulated manner working or to the wind. No guard rail should
to give access to different levels of a building. fracture or show any permanent deformation when
Provision can be made for additional decks one a mass of 50 kg is hung at any point between two
below the other provided the load ratings are points of support and the platform is tilted about its
suitably adjusted and taken into account and that longitudinal axis at an angle of 30° from the
the resulting configuration has been specifically so horizontal.
designed.
16.2 Dimensions 17 Individual suspended platforms
The width of the platform should be not less 17.1 Description
than 700 mm. Portions of the platform may be An individual suspended platform is an isolated
occupied by the lifting appliances provided these do working platform suspended at or near each end. It
not adversely impede the access from one unit to may be fabricated in separate sections which are not
another. hinged together but are assembled rigidly to become
Specially shaped units may be inserted to give one structure.
access to buildings which do not have a plane face The large length of independent working platforms
and to deal with corners, providing that the in general enables them to be rigged without
resulting configuration has been specifically so travelling gear, but they may sometimes be
designed. mounted either on a track or on a travelling roof
16.3 Loading trolley.
The loading adopted for calculation when this type 17.2 Dimensions
of platform is to be used should be based on a safe The width of the platform should be not less
working distributed load on the working platform of than 640 mm if used as a footing only and 870 mm
not less than 75 kg/m2. if used additionally for the deposit of materials.
16.4 Decking, guard rails and toe boards However, if the work is of such a light nature that
the suspended scaffold can be used with safety a
The decking of the platform should have a sound,
smaller width can be used. In no case should it be
slip resistant surface. It should be fixed so that it
less than 440 mm.
cannot be accidentally displaced. Except to the
extent necessary for drainage, the decking should be End units may be attached which project the
closely boarded, planked or plated. Gaps in the working platform beyond the end point of support.
decking of separate units should not exceed 10 mm These cantilever units should be limited in length to
and those at the end of the units adjacent to the that allowed by the manufacturers and to that
hinge should not exceed 25 mm, but only if there is which will not overload the outriggers carrying the
no risk of persons below any such platform being weight
struck by materials or articles falling through the Provision may be made for adding additional decks
platform. one below the other provided the load ratings are
Guard rails should be fitted to the perimeter of the adjusted and such installations are so designed.
platform at not less then 915 mm and not more 17.3 Loading
than 1.15 m above the platform. When the guard
The loading adopted in calculation when this type of
rail interferes with working its height may be
working platform is used should be based on the safe
reduced to not less than 690 mm on the working
working load of the platform (see 7.1 to 7.4).
face while work is in progress.
17.4 Decking, guard rails and toe boards
Toe boards of at least 152 mm height above the
decking should be provided to the perimeter of the The decking, guard rails and toe boards should
platform and the space between the guard rail and comply with the requirements of 16.4.
the toe boards should not exceed 760 mm.
34 © BSI 01-1999
17.5 Protection 18.4 Decking, toe boards and guard rails

At the request of the user protective covering may be The decking, toe boards and guard rails should
fixed to the platform. This may consist of a single comply with the requirements of BS 2830.
vertical sheet on the outside of the platform or a NOTE These requirements are as recommended in 16.4 of this
hood over the top or both. code.
The increased wind forces that will result from the
use of such a covering should be taken into account.
19 Suspended safety chairs
(bosun’s chair)
18 Painter’s cradles 19.1 Description
18.1 Description Bosun’s chairs should be used by one man at a time
A “painter’s cradle” is a working platform, not and should comply with the requirements of
specifically confined to use by painters, for use by up BS 2830. They can be suspended on one or more
to three men depending on its length. The normal blocks using rope (natural or man made) or wire.
use is for painting, window and stone cleaning and They may be manually or mechanically operated
other light maintenance operations with equipment (see Figure 2).
and materials of small weight. It is distinguishable It is essential that the traditional single block plain
from an individual working platform by its shape seats are rigged only by trained specialists for their
and size and by the fact that its platform or “boat” is own use.
self sufficient without a structural beam between its 19.2 Loading
end supports.
For the purpose of loading calculations the safe
A “travelling” cradle is one which can be raised or working load of a suspended safety chair should be
lowered and made to traverse horizontally. A “fixed” taken as 115 kg.
cradle is one which can only be raised or lowered.
The factor of safety against overturning on a
Wire ropes should be used to suspend cradles longer cantilevered outrigger stabilized by added weights
than 3.2 m. for a bosun’s chair should be four to allow for the use
Consideration should be given to the use of power of multiple pulley blocks and the condition of a
operated equipment in preference to manual worker raising his weight off the chair if this should
equipment when the height of the building or facade become hooked up on an obstacle.
being served exceeds 30 m.
18.2 Dimensions
The dimensions and form of construction should be
as specified in BS 2830.
18.3 Loading
For the purpose of loading calculations, the safe
working load of cradles of 2 m length or less should
be taken as 225 kg, and of cradles of between 2 m
and 3.2 m as 295 kg.
Where one man only is to use the cradle he should
be assumed to be at one end for the purpose of
assessing the suspended load.
In the case when more than one man is to use the
cradle the loads resulting from them being grouped
at one end should be taken into account. It is
recommended that 75 % of their total weight be
assumed to act at either suspension point.
© BSI 01-1999 35
BS 5974:1990
Section 5. Care, use and inspection of equipment
20 Care of materials and equipment in 20.4 Decking

store Timber decks and thin sheet metal decks are
20.1 General particularly subject to deterioration and should be
closely inspected.
Temporarily installed suspended scaffolds and
access equipment are structures in which it is 20.5 Joints
particularly important to have equipment and All welds and other joints should be closely
materials of the best quality and in the best state of inspected and if suspect should be re-formed or the
maintenance. When not in use materials and component rejected.
equipment should be kept in protective storage. 20.6 Safety components
Regular inspection by a competent person is also of All lock nuts, cotter pins and other retaining pins
paramount importance. Items which are subject to should be replaced if found to be missing or
inspection, testing and certification under the
defective.
statutory regulations should be so inspected, tested
and certified. 20.7 Glass reinforced plastics and similar
materials
Items which may have been subject to corrosive
agents, or have been cleaned with corrosive agents, These should be carefully inspected for cracks and
should be closely inspected and rejected if suspect. other defects and repaired or replaced as necessary.
20.2 Inspection and testing of components

21 Erection and dismantling
Components which are used as a means of
suspension or for raising or lowering the working The procedure for erection and dismantling should
platform are subject to statutory inspections and be such that at no time is there an unstable
tests and should have been subject to such condition. If it is required to move a scaffold to
inspections and tests and be registered accordingly. another location the user should instruct the
original erector to carry out the move unless the
Definitions of such components and the statutory user is specifically authorized and competent to
requirements for them are given in the Construction undertake such work
(Lifting Operations) Regulations: 1961. All the
requirements of this statutory instrument apply to During dismantling care should be taken in the
temporary suspended platforms and attention is disposal of materials and components; components
drawn to the need to comply with them. should not be thrown on the ground, they should be
lowered hand to hand in an orderly fashion or
The inspection of the equipment should also extend brought down by crane, gin wheel or other suitable
to components which carry loads resulting from the means.
suspension of the working platform which are not in
the categories referred to in the statutory 22 Handing over and inspections
instrument. Such components should be of sound
construction in accordance with the 22.1 Handing over
recommendations of the appropriate codes. Following the erection of every suspended scaffold
The attention of the inspector is especially drawn to the adequacy of the installation should be subject to
the possible degradation of fibre ropes and general assessment by a person competent to carry out such
deterioration of all ropes. It is emphasized that the an assessment. A certificate confirming the
minimum breaking load for any rope is that quoted adequacy of the installation should be provided by
by the manufacturer when it is new. the organization responsible for erecting the
The electrical equipment should be inspected scaffold see Appendix D for recommended format.
regularly and have a thorough examination 22.2 Inspections and examinations
annually. 22.2. General
The inspector should check that the safe working The inspection of suspended platforms should be
load notice and other instructions are displayed divided into two parts. Firstly the components
clearly on the equipment and have not been defaced should be considered as separate units and secondly
or made difficult to read. the installation as a whole should be inspected. The
20.3 Scaffolding materials whole of the equipment should be inspected before
The care of scaffolding materials should be as being delivered to the site (see clause 20).
recommended in BS 5973.
36 © BSI 01-1999
22.2.2 Installed equipment A platform should be raised and lowered whilst

The first characteristic of the complete installation remaining reasonably horizontal and, with the
which should be inspected is the stability of the roof exception of hinged continuous platforms should not
rig against overturning when the maximum be used on the slope between different floor levels of
suspended load is applied. a building. The maximum slope at which it may be
used should be ascertained from the manufacturers
The inspector should ascertain the weights of the and should not exceed 15°. In particular, when rigid
equipment suspended and the working load carried suspension stirrups are incorporated, the platform
by it. Then, having regard to the method of should not be inclined or suspended in such a
suspension and rigging the inspector should manner that they cannot accommodate the
evaluate the maximum suspended load and the longitudinal forces imposed on them. Any
balancing load. recommendations in this respect by the
The inspector should then ascertain that the factors manufacturer of the equipment should be available
of safety given in 6.12 are met. to the user.
At sites where vandalism may occur the Hinged continuous platforms are designed such that
counterweighting of the roof rig should receive they may be used on a slope. The maximum slope to
special attention. which any platform may be set should be
ascertained from the manufacturer and this slope
23 Use of installed equipment
should never be exceeded.

23.1 Access to equipment On construction sites the standing safety orders of
The user should ensure that safe access and egress the main contractor with regard to operating the
is available for operatives. Usually it will be platforms should be followed.
preferable for access to be at either ground or roof When installed the platform and its controls should
level. If it is necessary to enter or leave at roof level, not be left between periods of use in a position in
the user should raise the platform to roof level and which unauthorized persons can readily gain access
only one person should attempt to enter or leave the to it.
platform at one time. Under no circumstances When it is intended that modifications are to be
should any person be allowed to climb up or down made or extra equipment is to be incorporated or
the ropes or to use other dangerous means of access attached to a platform by the user, such adaptations
or egress. When two or more suspended platforms should only be made after consultation with the
are adjacent, scaffold boards or any form of decking manufacturer.
should never be used to give access from one to In the case of a suspended safety chair, the means
another. adopted for fastening the fall rope to the chair
23.2 Operation should make use of specific fitments provided on the
The means of suspending the platform, its operation chair for that purpose.
between working levels and its use should be strictly The correct method of tying off should be
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. ascertained by the user before use. The rope should
Similarly, the order of operation and the use of the be threaded through a part of the chair or otherwise
controls and safety devices should be strictly in placed in such a way that it cannot swing clear from
accordance with the instructions of the the chair in the event of it being accidentally
manufacturers. It is recommended that not more released.
than two persons should use a painter’s cradle 23.3 Tying in
suspended on fibre ropes.
When stationary or left in place between two periods
of work, the platform should be tied at each end into
the building to prevent undue movement.
This may be effected by tying in at a firm point at
intervals of approximately 10 m. Alternatively the
trailing end of suspension or safety ropes may be
fixed to the structure at a lower level. Care should
be taken to ensure that the trailing ends cannot be
easily reached by unauthorized persons.
© BSI 01-1999 37
Use may be made of permanent guides, or other f) Each day, before operation is commenced the
fixings in the building or suction cups provided user should inspect the equipment, including the
these are properly designed and fixed to the roof rig, to see that it is sound and has not been
building. The connections between the platform and interfered with in any way. At sites where
the permanent guides should have sufficient vandalism may occur the counterweight
tolerance to accommodate the lateral displacement requirement should be established and checked
occurring when the platforms are sloping. before every use.
g) When two or more trades are to be carried out
24 General duties of the user and his from the platform both parties should carry out
workpeople inspections to see that the platform remains
To ensure the correct and safe use of the equipment suitable for their particular work.
its user and his employees should observe the h) The user should see that safe access and egress
recommendations of clause 23 and the following: is available for operatives. (See 23.1).
a) The user should only carry out work from a i) The workpeople should keep the equipment
suspended scaffold, platform or cradle with men clean and, in particular, wash it down if
experienced in the use of the equipment, and aggressive chemicals have been used, and clean it
these persons should have been trained by a free from paint or other materials which might
qualified person in the use and control of the cause persons to slip or fall.
equipment and its safety devices. j) Only a person who is able to work at heights
b) The user should recognize that a suspended should work in a cradle. No person should
scaffold is designed for specific loads and to be attempt to work in a cradle if liable to attacks of
operated in the manner specified by the supplier. vertigo, epilepsy or having any physical or mental
The equipment cannot perform correctly and may problem that might affect that person’s safety or
be dangerous if it is overloaded or operated in a that of others.
wrong manner. k) When winds give rise to unsatisfactory
c) The user should acquaint himself and his working conditions work should be stopped until
employees and workpeople with the safety the winds subside. Wind conditions arise during
apparatus and systems which have been installed which suspended platforms or the suspension
and be fully aware of the procedures for use. The wire rope can do damage to the buildings which
user should subsequently ensure that any person they serve. The user should see that the
using the equipment is similarly instructed. necessary precautions are taken, e.g. by the use of
The safety devices should not be disconnected or fenders or tie wires or struts, to prevent such
prevented from working for any reason. damage.
d) Only the work for which the suspended Because temporary rigs cannot be connected to
platform or cradle was erected should be carried permanent lightning conductor systems they
out from it. should not be used when electric storms are in
the vicinity.
If another use is anticipated reference to the
designer of the equipment and its erection l) During and between periods of work the
should be made. platform should be tied to the building in such a
manner that it cannot sway and create a hazard.
e) The user should also ascertain that all parts of
it have been inspected, tested and registered in m) When the platform is left unattended at night
accordance with the appropriate statutory the workpeople should see that the platform is
regulations at the time it is erected, and he properly secured, that any hanging tackle is out
should see that all the necessary notices with of reach, and that any electrical gear is out of
regard to the safe working loads have been fixed reach and electrically isolated. Specific
in place. instructions should be given to the workpeople to
carry out this operation.
Subsequently, and at least every week and when
a change in operating conditions may have n) In the event of any malfunction or suspected
affected the safety of the installation, he should defect the persons using the scaffold should not
inspect, or arrange for a competent person to attempt to put right the defect themselves but
inspect on his behalf, every unit of the should communicate with the erector of the
equipment to see that it has been maintained in scaffold, or person authorized by the erector, for
a serviceable condition. technical assistance.
o) The electrical feeds should be so arranged that authorized persons.
the current cannot be switched on or off except by
38 © BSI 01-1999
p) The workpeople using the scaffold should 3) positioned at all times at a level higher than
refrain from reckless or careless actions and from the place of work.
creating any circumstances which might result in The selection of a suitable harness or line and its
a hazard and pay particular attention to position may be a matter for specialist advice
projecting features on the building which could and reference should also be made to the
impede the movement of the platform. standards required in BS 1397.
q) No materials other than those for which the y) Where electric arc welding and/or cutting is
equipment is designed should be stored on it. A being carried out from the platform, special
suspended platform should not be used as a precautions are required to prevent stray welding
means of transferring workpeople from place to currents being carried by suspension and safety
place. ropes which could impair their strength or cause
r) One of the workpeople on the platform should their fracture. Such ropes should be insulated
be in charge of the raising or lowering or from the structure and platform metalwork and
travelling operation and no movement should be further protected from contact with welding
started by any person without reference to the cables and apparatus. The minimum length of
person in charge. rope needed should be exposed to such contact
s) The user should not attach supplementary and slack rope stored in an insulated container on
lifting tackle to the suspended platform for the the platform.
purpose of raising or lowering materials to and z) The user should ensure that suitable warning
from it or to and from any other part of the notices and protection are placed below areas of
building. working where appropriate.
t) When a suspended scaffold has served its aa) Notice that work is taking place should be
purpose and it is required to move it along to given to a responsible person able to summon
another portion of the face of the building, or to help in cases of emergency. Alarm devices or
another face, the user should instruct the original means of communication should be fitted where
erector to carry out the move, unless the user is appropriate, and an emergency procedure should
specifically authorized in writing to move the be specified and made clear to the user. In some
scaffold and is competent to do so. circumstances this may require that a person is
u) Mobile roof rigs should not be moved whilst in attendance at all times in order to provide or
workpeople are on the platform. summon assistance if needed.
v) All operatives on the platform should wear
suitable protective clothing particularly where
aggressive chemical cleaning agents are being
used and with regard to the possibility of falling
objects. Operatives should also recognize the
possible danger from their safety helmets falling
off and should take adequate precaution to
prevent this, e.g. by a firmly fitting chin strap.
w) If the operation to be carried out from a
platform suspended on fibre ropes involves the
use of aggressive chemicals or blow lamps or
burners or other heat sources including lighting,
the user should check that the type of rope is
appropriate (see 6.6.1 and 6.6.2). In certain
circumstances suitable fire extinguishers should
be attached to the cradle.
x) Where secondary wire ropes are not provided
nor the alternative safety arrangements given
in 13.11.2 a) and b), the user should provide each
operative with a suitable safety harness and
safety line of appropriate length which should be
securely fastened to a safe anchorage point on the
building which is:
1) independent of the support structure;
2) independent of the platform itself; and
© BSI 01-1999 39
BS 5974:1990
Appendix A British Standards giving BS 3032, Specification for higher tensile steel
details of materials and components shackles.
BS 3551, Specification for alloy steel shackles.
The following standards give details of materials
and components for temporary suspended scaffolds BS 4344, Pulley blocks for use with natural and
and access equipment Which will satisfy the synthetic fibre ropes.
recommendations of this code of practice. BS 4928, Specification for man-made fibre ropes.
General BS 5281, Specification for ferrule secured eye
BS 2482, Specification for timber scaffold boards. terminations for wire ropes.
BS 5268, The structural use of timber. Electrical equipment
BS 5973, Code of practice for access and working BS 4363, Specification for distribution units for
scaffolds and special scaffold structures in steel. electricity supplies for construction and building
sites.
Aluminium and steel components
BS 4444, Guide to electrical earth monitoring.
BS 4, Structural steel sections.
BS 4465, Specification for design and construction of
BS 449, Specification for the use of structural steel in
electric hoists for both passengers and materials.
building.
BS 1139, Metal scaffolding. CP 1017, Distribution of electricity on construction
and building sites.

BS 1470, Specification for wrought aluminium and
Safety equipment
aluminium alloys for general engineering
purposes — plate, sheet and strip. BS 1397, Specification for industrial safety belts,
harnesses and safety lanyards.
BS 1474, Specification for wrought aluminium
alloys for general engineering purposes — bars, BS 3367, Specification for fire brigade and
extruded round tubes and sections. industrial ropes and rescue lines.
BS 2830, Specification for suspended safety chairs BS 3913, Specification for industrial safety nets.
and cradles for use in the construction industry. BS 5240, Industrial safety helmets.
BS 3019, TIG welding.
BS 3019-1, Specification for TIG welding of
Appendix B Masses and strengths of
aluminium, magnesium and their alloys. materials and components
BS 3019-2, Austenitic stainless and heat-resisting NOTE Additional data may be found in BS 5973.
steels. B.1 Masses of components
BS 3571, MIG welding. Where the masses of materials are not given in this
BS 3571-1, Specification for MIG welding of code they should be taken from BS 648, and imposed
aluminium and aluminium alloys. loads given in CP 3: Chapter V should be used. Data
for some commonly used materials are given
BS 4360, Specification for weldable structural steels. in Table 1.
BS 5135, Specification for arc welding of carbon and B.2 Bending strengths
carbon manganese steels.
Table 2 gives the bending strengths of tube
BS 6323, Specification for seamless and welded steel complying with the requirements of BS 1139 and for
tubes for automobile, mechanical and general timber poles.
engineering purposes.
NOTE It is important to note the reduction of strength and
BS 8118, The structural use of aluminium3). mass of a timber pole towards its thin end.
Ropes and fittings B.3 Section properties of scaffold tubes
BS 302, Stranded steel wire ropes. The data given in Table 3 is for new tubes complying
BS 462, Specification for wire rope grips. with the requirements of BS 1139. For data
appropriate to steel tubes that are not covered by
BS 463, Specification for sockets for wire ropes.
BS 1139, but which are nevertheless occasionally
BS 464, Specification for thimbles for wire ropes. incorporated in scaffolding structures, reference
BS 1692, Specification for gin blocks. should be made to BS 4360 and BS 4848-2.
BS 2052, Specification for ropes made from manilla,
sisal, hemp, cotton, and coir.
3)
In preparation.
40 © BSI 01-1999
BS 5974:1990
B.4 Safe loads on the cantilevered portion B.6 Cantilever strengths of steel and
(see 2.3) of the projection length aluminium beams or joists used as outriggers
Table 4 gives the maximum safe loads for These beams or joists should be standard rollings
cantilevers of steel scaffold tube complying with the with known section properties and metal strengths.
requirements of BS 1139, and Table 5 gives the The cantilever loads should be calculated from the
maximum safe loads for timber poles. relevant standard tables using the methods for
NOTE Only the thick “butt” end of a timber pole should be used cantilevers given in BS 449, BS 81184) or other
as a cantilever. It is important to note the reduction in load which appropriate code. Care should be taken to ensure
may be applied to a timber pole cantilever as its thick end is that the lateral loadings will not induce buckling.
extended over the last point of support.
This is particularly important with a slender
B.5 Beam strengths of steel and aluminium section.
joists used as travelling track
Special regard should be paid to the fact that the
Special 4 in × 3 in rolled I beam sections are upward force at the fulcrum point will be greater
frequently used for travelling track. Properties are than the total load carried by the cantilever.
given in Table 6. When different rollings or
alternative beams or joists are used, it is important In the case of a beam or joist laid on a packing but
that their suitability and loading be referred to a not fixed down at the fulcrum point the effective
structural designer. Reference should be made to length of the cantilever should be taken as 2l where
BS 449 or BS 5950 for steel track and BS 81184) for l is the distance between the centre of gravity of the
aluminium. various suspended loads on the beam or joist and

the centre of the packing at the fulcrum point.
Short lengths with end supports should be
calculated on the basis of a simply supported beam. For proprietary or special sections, if not quoted by
the supplier, the safe load at the end of a cantilever
Table 1 — Mass of materials may be determined by tests.
Materials Mass B.7 Safe working loads for couplers
Timber poles Fittings which comply with the requirements of
Butt 115 mm diameter 5.82 kg/m BS 1139:1964 will have the following capacities
Top 65 mm diameter 1.86 kg/m (see Table 7). It is necessary that they are in
Scaffold tubes (See B.3) reasonable condition and properly fastened. They
Scaffold fittings 1.00 kg to may be used on steel or aluminium tubes complying
2.25 kg each with the requirements of BS 1139 unless the
One man + 10 kg of equipment 90 kg each supplier states that they are for use only with
Continuous lengths when suspended on three or certain types of tube. Greater loads may be used on
more wires or brackets should be calculated on an the recommendation of the manufacturer or
applied moment of 0.278 wl where w is the supplier.
maximum suspended load which can come in any
span of length l between suspension points
and 0.278 is the appropriate continuous beam
bending moment constant.
The end supports of the track should be calculated
on the basis of carrying the maximum suspended
load. Supports at intermediate points along a
continuous track carried by 3 or more wires may
receive loads from two or more suspension ropes.
They should be calculated for at least the maximum
suspended load and if the spacing of the suspension
ropes from either one platform or two in relation to
the supports is such that a greater load can come on
the support this greater value has to be calculated.
It may rise to 1.375 times the suspended load from
a single independent platform or 2 times the
suspended load if there are two platforms (see 7.5 b)
and 7.5 c) and clause 12).
4)
In preparation.
© BSI 01-1999 41
BS 5974:1990
Table 2 — Bending strengths of scaffold tubes and timber poles

Type of tube, pole Maximum Elastic Modulus of Safe moment Youngs Stiffness (E1)d
allowable modulus section of resistancec modulus (E)
stress in
bending
N/mm2 cm3 cm3 N·m N/mm2 N/mm2

Steel tube 139 a
5.70 — 792.3 b
2 10 000 28 980 × 106
Aluminium tube 154 6.18 — 951.72 68 900 10 270 × 106
Timber pole 6.86 — Butt 149 Butt 1 023 — —
Top 27 Top 185
a See note to B.3.
b
This value does not include a factor for the effect of corrosion on the bending strength, which would reduce the bending strength.
c
See also Table 5 for timber poles.
d
The stiffness is used in calculating deflection which may be critical with aluminium tube.
Table 3 — Section properties of scaffold tubes

Type of tube Outside Nominal wall Mass per linear metre Cross-sectional Moment of
diameter thickness area (A) inertia (I)
mm mm kg/m cm2 cm4

Steel tube 48.3 ± 0.5 4.0 ± 0.5 4.37, 5.57 13.8
(seamless) max. reduction 7.5 %
4.0 + 0.8, – 0.4
(welded)
Aluminium tube 48.3 ± 0.5 4.47 ± 0.56 1.67, 6.15 14.9
(HE 30TF) max. reduction 7.5 %
Table 3 — Section properties of scaffold tubes

Type of tube Radius of Minimum yield Maximum allowable Maximum Maximum
gyration (r) strength stress in bending (Pbc) allowable stress allowable shear
in tension (Pt) stress
cm N/mm2 N/mm2 N/mm2 N/mm2
Steel tube 1.57 210 139 (see note) 127 93
Aluminium 1.56 255 (0.2 % tension 154 139 83
tube (HE 30TF) proof stress)
NOTE For those cases where tube may require the application of an allowance for corrosion, Pbc should be limited to 125 N/mm2.
Table 4 — Maximum safe loads on steel Table 5 — Maximum safe loads on the butt
scaffold tubes ends of timber poles
Cantilever length Safe maximum load Cantilever length Safe moment of Safe maximum
on the cantilever resistance load on the
cantilever
mm kg
300 270 mm N.m kg
300 965 328
400 200
600 907 154
500 160
600 135 900 852 97
700 115
800 100
900 90
1 000 80
42 © BSI 01-1999
BS 5974:1990
Table 6 — Properties of the “old 4 in × 3 in” I beam section

Dimensions
External size lxx lyy Zxx Zyy A kxx kyy root radius
4 in × 3 in cm4 cm4 cm3 cm3 cm2 cm cm cm
(101.6 mm 323.9 55.2 63.8 14.5 18.96 4.13 1.71 0.94

× 76.2 mm)
Material Mass per linear metre Minimum yield stress 0.2 % tension proof stress
kg/m N/mm2 N/mm2
Steel 14.88 247.12 —

Aluminium 5.13 — 254.77
Table 7 — Safe working loads for individual NOTE 1 This appendix uses the metric unit of measurement
couplers and fittings kgf·m. This is not the preferred SI unit [which is the newton
metre (N·m)] but has been used here without any conversion as
Type of coupler Type of load Safe working in this instance it is a more useful unit when considering work on
load site. Preferred SI units should be used when designing a new
installation.
kNa
NOTE 2 For the sake of simplification, in these examples no

account has been taken of any additional overturning moment
Right angle Slip along a tube 6.25 induced by the self weight of the outboard portion of the roof rig
couplers or of the righting effect of the self weight of the inboard portion of
Swivel couplers Slip along a tube 6.25 the roof rig. In all cases, after the minimum required righting
Joint pins Shear strength 21 effect including the factor of safety has been calculated, the
righting effect of the self weight of the inboard portion of the roof
(expanding rig may be deducted, and the remainder of the righting effect
spigot couplers) should then be provided by counterweights placed at an
appropriate lever arm. Similar calculations will be required when
Sleeve couplers Tension 3.1 all or some of the stability is provided by means of structural
Adjustable base Axial load 30 fixings.
plate Case 1. Manually operated winch or climbing device
a
1 kN = 101.972 Kgf = 224.809 lbf. The righting effect to be provided is:
3 × 263 kgf·m = 789 kgf·m.
Other couplers may be used in which case the
maximum load applied should not exceed 0.5 times Case 2. A power operated winch or climbing device
their slip or ultimate strength, as appropriate to the on a single wire suspension fitted with an overload
conditions of use. clutch adjusted to exert a maximum tension
of 775 kgf
When it is intended to increase the safe working
capacity of a joint by the use of supplementary The righting effect to be provided should be the
couplers to back up the main coupler, the greater of:
information required regarding the strength of the a) 3 × 263 kgf·m = 789 kgf·m;
proposed arrangement should be obtained from the b) 1.25 × 775 kgf × .75 m = 727 kgf·m.
manufacturer or supplier. The value of a) is greater than the value of b)
Where the main coupler is a swivel coupler no more therefore the righting effect required is 789 kgf·m.
than one supplementary coupler should be used Case 3. A power operated winch or climbing device
unless butt tubes are used to give additional on a single wire suspension fitted with an overload
support. clutch and adjusted to exert a maximum tension
of 1 100 kgf
Appendix C Stability calculations
The righting effect to be provided should be the
The following examples are typical of those greater of:
necessary to find the righting effect to be provided
a) 3 × 263 kgf·m = 789 kgf·m;
solely by the mass of the inboard portion of the roof
rig and added counterweights. They are based on b) 1.25 × 1 100 kg × .75 m = 1 031 kgf·m.
the recommendations of 7.8 and assume a The value of b) is greater than the value of a)
maximum total suspended load of 350 kg and a therefore the righting effect required is 1 031 kgf·m.
projection length of .75 m, giving an overturning Case 4. A power operated winch or climbing device
moment of 263 kgf·m. not fitted with any load-limiting device but stalling
at a rope tension of 1 250 kgf
© BSI 01-1999 43
BS 5974:1990
The righting effect to be provided should be the Appendix D Recommended format for
greater of: a handing over certificate
a) 3 × 263 kgf·m = 789 kgf·m;
A recommended format for a handing over
b) 1.33 × 1 250 kgf × .75 m = 1 247 kgf·m. certificate is shown in Figure 25.
The value of b) is greater than the value of a),
therefore the righting effect required is 1 247 kgf·m.
Figure 25 — Recommended format for a handing over certificate
44 © BSI 01-1999
BS 5974:1990
Publication(s) referred to
BS 302, Stranded steel wire ropes.

BS 302-2, Specification for ropes for general purposes.
BS 449, Specification for the use of structural steel in building.
BS 648, Schedule of weights of building materials.
BS 1139, Metal scaffolding.
BS 1397, Specification for industrial safety belts, harnesses and safety lanyards.
BS 1474, Specification for wrought aluminium alloys for general engineering purposes: bars, extruded
round tubes and sections.
BS 2052, Specification for ropes made from manila, sisal, hemp, cotton and coir.
BS 2771, Electrical equipment of industrial machines.
BS 2830, Specification for suspended safety chairs and cradles for use in the construction industry.
BS 4293, Specification for residual current-operated circuit-breakers.
BS 4343, Specification for industrial plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for a.c. and d.c. supplies.
BS 4360, Specification for weldable structural steels.
BS 4444, Guide to electrical earth monitoring and protective conductor proving.
BS 4848, Specification for hot-rolled structural steel sections.
BS 4848-2, Hollow sections.

BS 4928, Specification for man-made fibre ropes.
BS 5268, Structural use of timber.
BS 5268-2, Code of practice for permissible stress design, materials and workmanship.
BS 5490, Specification for classification of degrees of protection provided by enclosures.
BS 5950, Structural use of steelwork in building.
BS 5950-1, Code of practice for design in simple and continuous construction: hot rolled sections.
BS 5950-2, Specifications for materials, fabrication and erection: hot rolled sections.
BS 5973, Code of practice for access and working scaffolds and special scaffold structures in steel.
BS 6037, Code of practice for permanently installed suspended access equipment.
BS 8118, The structural use of aluminium5).
CP 3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.
CP 3:Chapter V, Loading.
CP 3-2, Wind loads.
CP 1017, Distribution of electricity on construction and building sites.
5) In preparation.
© BSI 01-1999
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BS 5974 1990 Temporary Scaffold

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British Standard

A single copy of this British Standard is licensed to

This is an uncontrolled copy. Ensure use of the most

Code of practice for

Committees responsible for this

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Civil

Associated Offices Technical Committee

National Federation of Painting and Decorating Contractors

This British Standard, having

7068 July 1992 Indicated by a sideline in the margin

ISBN 0 580 18896 5

11 Roof rigs of other structural sections 20

Figure 22 — The rope tension and its effect 29

may need to be made to BS 1139 and BS 5973.

© BSI 01-1999 iii

2.12 2.21 Ropes

from which the cradle is suspended suspension rope(s).

Figure 1 — Examples of roof rig definitions

Figure 2 — Typical travelling cradle arrangement

Figure 3 — Types of suspended scaffolds (concluded)

2.31.3 Type 2. Individual platforms. These may have

aerial transfer be traversed horizontally.

their mass, in kg. Aluminium scaffold tubes and scaffold fittings

6.12.3 Aluminium 7 Design

factor of safety of not less than 8, based on the

c) the increased loads derived from two 7.9.1.1 Use of counterweights

centre of gravity. counterweights and/or the self-weight of the

Figure 4 — The righting and overturning moments

Figure 5 — Square lashing

Figure 6 — Diagonal lashing

Section 2. Types of roof rig

Figure 7 — Typical simple pole roof rig (lay down fixing)

Figure 9 — Typical parapet roof rig

withdrawn over the parapet.

Figure 10 — Typical parapet frame roof rig (tube and fittings)

11 Roof rigs of other structural 12 Roof rigs for travelling platforms

Figure 14 — Typical ridge pole fixing for a small roof

Figure 15 — Typical ridge pole fixing clear of the parapet

Figure 18 — Typical stepped roof tubular roof rig

Figure 20 — Typical mobile fixing for a short cradle on a straight wall

Figure 21 — Typical cross section of a heavy duty suspended hinged scaffold on

Section 3. Suspension system

13 Ropes Proprietary fittings are also available to attach

13.9.2 Choice of rope type 13.10.3 Inspection and registration

Figure 22 — The rope tension and its effect

13.11.2 Alternative safety arrangements 13.11.4 Aerial transfer

Figure 23 — Typical method of securing fibre ropes to cradles

Figure 24 — Alternative method of securing fibre ropes to cradles

15.4 Bonding 15.7 Power supply cables

The voltage in pendant controls should be limited

15.9 User instructions

Section 4. Types of platform

17.5 Protection 18.4 Decking, toe boards and guard rails

Section 5. Care, use and inspection of equipment

20 Care of materials and equipment in 20.4 Decking

20.2 Inspection and testing of components

22.2.2 Installed equipment A platform should be raised and lowered whilst

should never be exceeded.

and building sites.

aluminium. various suspended loads on the beam or joist and

Table 2 — Bending strengths of scaffold tubes and timber poles

N/mm2 cm3 cm3 N·m N/mm2 N/mm2

Table 3 — Section properties of scaffold tubes