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Scaffolding

Part 3: Prefabricated and

tube–and–coupler scaffolding
Australian/New Zealand Standard
AS/NZS 1576.3:1995
 AS/NZS 1576.3:1995

This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical Committee
BD/36, Scaffolding. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on
24 October 1994 and on behalf of the Council of Standards New Zealand on 7 November
1994. It was published on 5 January 1995.

The following interests are represented on Committee BD/36:

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A.C.T. Occupational Health and Safety Office

Aluminium Development Council, Australia
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
Department of Employment, Vocational Education, Training and Industrial Relations, Qld
Department of Labour, New Zealand
Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, W.A.
Master Builders Australia
Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia
National Association of Scaffolding and Formwork Contractors, Australia
New Zealand Contractors Federation
New Zealand Engineering Federation
Occupational Health and Safety Authority, Vic.
Tasmania Development and Resources
Work Health Authority, N.T.
WorkCOver Authority, N.S.W.

Review of Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Joint Australian/New Zealand

Standards are subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments
or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are
in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Joint Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards
Australia and Standards New Zealand Catalogue of Publications; this information is
supplemented each month by the magazines ‘The Australian Standard’ and ‘Standards New
Zealand’, which subscribing members receive, and which give details of new publications,
new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Joint Standards, addressed to the head office of either
Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand, are welcomed. Notification of any
inaccuracy or ambiguity found in a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard should be made
without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
 AS/NZS 1576.3:1995
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Australian/New Zealand Standard

Scaffolding

Part 3: Prefabricated and

tube–and–coupler scaffolding

First published as part of AS 1575—1974.

AS 1576 first published 1974.
AS 1575—1974 and AS 1576—1974 revised,
amalgamated and redesignated in part as
AS 1576.3—1991.
Jointly revised and designated as Joint Standard
AS/NZS 1576.3:1995.

PUBLISHED JOINTLY BY:

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
1 The Crescent,
Homebush NSW 2140 Australia

STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Level 10, Standards House,
155 The Terrace,
Wellington 6001 New Zealand
ISBN 0 7262 9411 X
 PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee BD/36 on
Scaffolding to supersede AS 1576.3—1991. It is issued as a joint Standard under the terms of the Active
Cooperation Agreement between Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
This series incorporates the following major changes from the 1991 edition:
(a) The referenced Standards have been updated.
(b) Clauses 3.3, 4.2.4 and 4.2.5 have been amended.
(c) The formulae in Items A4(b)(i) and B4(b)(i) and Figures A1 and B1 have been corrected.
(d) Paragraph C4 of Appendix C has been amended.
(e) Much of Appendix D, including Figure D1, has been amended.
The term ‘normative’ has been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which it applies. A
‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard.
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Copyright — STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

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reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from Standards Australia or Standards
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Up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard may be copied for use exclusively in–house by purchasers of the Standard without
payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand.
Inclusion of copyright material in computer software programs is also permitted without royalty payment provided such programs are used
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Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the Standard is amended or
revised. The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identified.
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to the payment of a royalty. This policy may be varied by Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand at any time.
 CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 NEW MATERIALS AND METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.5 TYPES OF PREFABRICATED SCAFFOLDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.6 INFORMATION FROM SUPPLIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SECTION 2 MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
2.1 CAST STEEL COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2 CAST IRON COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.3 ALUMINIUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.4 STEEL TUBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5 ALUMINIUM TUBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 TUBE DIAMETERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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2.7 COUPLERS AND ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.8 STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 3 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
3.1 MODULAR SCAFFOLDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 FRAME SCAFFOLDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 STABILITY OF FREESTANDING SCAFFOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.4 PREFABRICATED PLATFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.5 MOBILE SCAFFOLDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
APPENDICES
A TEST ON ASSEMBLED TOWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
B TEST ON ASSEMBLED FRAME, MODULAR AND
TUBE–AND–COUPLER SCAFFOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
C TEST ON LOAD–BEARING COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
D STIFFNESS TEST ON ASSEMBLED FREESTANDING
SCAFFOLDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
E TEST OF PREFABRICATED PLATFORM UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995 4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Scaffolding

Part 3: Prefabricated and tube-and-coupler scaffolding

S E C T I O N 1 S CO P E A N D G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE This Standard specifies performance requirements for prefabricated and
tube-and-coupler scaffolding. It is to be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 1576.1.

1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this

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Standard:
AS
1163 Structural steel hollow sections
1444 Wrought alloy steels—Standard and hardenability (H) series
1576 Scaffolding
1576.2* Part 2: Couplers and accessories
1594 Hot-rolled steel flat products
1650* Hot-dipped galvanized coatings on ferrous articles
1664 Rules for the use of aluminium in structures
1734* Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Flat sheet, coiled sheet and plate
1831* Iron castings—Spheroidal or nodular graphite cast iron
1832* Iron castings—Malleable cast iron
1833* Iron castings—Austenitic cast iron
1866* Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Extruded rod, bar, solid and hollow shapes
1874* Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Ingots and castings
2074* Steel castings
2269 Structural plywood
2848 Aluminium and aluminium alloys—Compositions and designations
2848.1 Part 1: Wrought products
3678* Structural steel — Hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs
3679 Structural steel
3679.1* Part 1: Hot-rolled bars and sections
AS/NZS
1576 Scaffolding
1576.1 Part 1: General requirements

* New Zealand has declared this to be a harmonized Standard with an NZS/AS designation.

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 5 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995

BS
1139 Metal scaffolding
1139.1 Part 1: Tubes
1139.1.1 Section 1.1: Specification for steel tube
1139.1.2 Section 1.2: Specification for aluminium tube
1474 Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general
engineering purposes: bars, extruded round tubes and sections
6323 Specification for seamless and welded steel tubes for automobile, mechanical
and general engineering purposes
6323.1 Part 1: General requirements
6323.2 Part 2: Specific requirements for hot finished welded steel tubes
6323.3 Part 3: Specific requirements for hot finished seamless steel tubes
6323.4 Part 4: Specific requirements for cold finished seamless steel tubes
NZS
3603 Timber structures code
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3614 Specification for the manufacture of construction plywood

1.3 NEW MATERIALS AND METHODS This Standard does not preclude the use of
techniques or materials other than those specified, provided that such new techniques or
materials can be proved, by appropriate performance testing, to be equal or better than
those described herein.

1.4 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given in
AS/NZS 1576.1 and those below apply.
1.4.1 Adjustable castor — a castor incorporating a height adjusting device that fits
inside the vertical member of a scaffold.
1.4.2 Adjustable leg —a threaded bar or tube with nut, designed to fit inside a standard
to support the load from a standard, and which can be used for levelling purposes.
1.4.3 Counterweight — a weight or series of weights used to counterbalance the tower
against overturning.
1.4.4 Diagonal brace — a member in a scaffold placed diagonally in the vertical plane
and attached to the vertical or horizontal members to stiffen the scaffold in that plane.
1.4.5 Frame scaffold — a scaffold assembled from prefabricated frames, braces and
accessories (see Figure 1.2).
1.4.6 Freestanding tower— a tower that is not attached to any other structure and is
stable against overturning on its own account or if necessary assisted by stabilizers,
outriggers, counterweights or backup towers (see Figure 1.1).
1.4.7 Height — the vertical distance from the supporting structure to the topmost
working platform.
1.4.8 Lift — the vertical distance from the supporting surface to the lowest ledger, or
level at which a platform can be constructed. The vertical distance between adjacent
ledgers or levels at which platforms can be constructed.
1.4.9 Mobile scaffold — a scaffold fitted with castors.
1.4.10 Modular scaffold — a scaffold assembled from prefabricated individual
components, braces and accessories (see Figure 1.3).
1.4.11 Outrigger —a framed component that increases the effective base dimensions of
a tower and is attached to the vertical load-bearing members.

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 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995 6

1.4.12 Plan brace —a brace in the horizontal plane attached to the vertical load-bearing
members.
1.4.13 Prefabricated platform — a framed assembly of one bay length, incorporating a
walking surface that is capable of connecting to its support structure in such a way as not
to be inadvertently dislodged. One or more prefabricated platform units can be used side
by side and end to end to form a working platform.
1.4.14 Prefabricated scaffold — a scaffold assembled from prefabricated components
manufactured in such a way that the geometry of the scaffolding is predetermined.
1.4.15 Stabilizer — a component with a swivelling friction foot that increases the
effective base dimensions of a tower and is attached to the vertical load-bearing members.
1.4.16 Tower scaffold —a scaffold of one bay (see Figure 1.1).
1.4.17 Tube-and-coupler scaffolding —a scaffold in which individual circular tubes
serving as standards, braces or ties are joined together by means of purpose-designed
couplers.
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1.5 TYPES OF PREFABRICATED SCAFFOLDING The types of prefabricated

scaffolding include the following:
(a) Modular.
(b) Frame.
(c) Tower frame.

1.6 INFORMATION FROM SUPPLIER The supplier shall provide the following
documented information:
(a) Instructions for erection, dismantling, transportation, storage and maintenance.
(b) A guide on safe working practices, including ensuring stability of the erected
scaffold.
(c) Guidance on the type of scaffolding coupler to use when connecting ties and other
accessories.
NOTE: Couplers complying with AS 1576.2 may not necessarily be suitable for
prefabricated scaffolding.
(d) Duty of scaffold, including maximum platform capacity.
(e) Maximum number of working platforms.
(f) Maximum height.

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 7 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995
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NOTE: Scaffold may be on baseplates or castors.

FIGURE 1.1 EXAMPLE OF TOWER FRAME SCAFFOLD

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AS / NZS 1576.3:1995

FIGURE 1.2
8

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EXAMPLE OF FRAME SCAFFOLDING
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FIGURE 1.3
9

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EXAMPLE OF MODULAR SCAFFOLDING
AS / NZS 1576.3:1995
 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995 10

S E C T I O N 2 M AT E R I A L S A N D
C O M P O N E N T S

2.1 CAST STEEL COMPONENTS Cast steel components shall be manufactured

from steel complying with AS 1163, AS 1444, AS 1594, AS 2074, AS 3678, AS 3679.1,
BS 1139.1.1, BS 6323.1, BS 6323.2, BS 6323.3 or BS 6323.4, as appropriate.

2.2 CAST IRON COMPONENTS Cast iron components shall comply with AS 1831,
AS 1832 or AS 1833, as appropriate.

2.3 ALUMINIUM
2.3.1 Cast components Components shall be designed to enable the assembled
scaffold to comply with Section 4. They shall also comply with AS 1874, BS 1139.1.2 or
BS 1474, as appropriate, and meet the following minimum mechanical properties:
(a) Ultimate tensile strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 MPa.
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(b) Elongation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 percent.

Where pressure die casting is used as a method of manufacture, the casting technique
shall ensure compliance with the above properties.
The 700 series alloys shall not be used.
2.3.2 Wrought components Components made from wrought alloys shall be designed
in accordance with AS 1664 and shall comply with AS 1866 for extrusions or AS 1734
for sheet and plate.

2.4 STEEL TUBE

2.4.1 General Steel tube shall be manufactured by the continuous weld process (CW)
or by the electric resistance weld process (ERW), shall have a minimum yield strength of
not less than 200 MPa and shall comply with AS 1163.
In New Zealand, the following steel tubes may also be used:
(a) Steel tubes that comply with BS 1139.1.1, have an outside diameter of not less than
48.3 mm and have a wall thickness of not less than 4.0 mm.
(b) Steel tubes that comply with one of the four Standards BS 6323.1, BS 6323.2,
BS 6323.3 or BS 6323.4, are galvanized in accordance with Annex A of
BS 1139.1.1, have an outside diameter of not less than 48.3 mm and have a wall
thickness of not less than 3.2 mm.
2.4.2 End finish The ends of the steel tube shall be cut cleanly and square with the
axis of the tube. Any bevel trimming of tube ends shall leave a minimum end-face bearing
width of 2 mm.
2.4.3 Surface finish
2.4.3.1 General Types of surface finish shall include the following:
(a) Galvanized.
(b) Black (uncoated).
(c) Other coatings.
Galvanizing shall be hot-dip galvanized in accordance with the requirements for hollow
sections of AS 1650.
NOTE: It will be necessary for the purchaser to state in the order or enquiry whether
galvanizing is to be internal and external or external only.

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 11 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995

2.4.3.2 Thin-walled hollow sections Open-ended hollow sections of wall thickness

3.2 mm or less shall be hot-dip galvanized internally and externally in accordance with
the requirements for hollow sections of AS 1650.
2.4.4 Internal projections Internal projections shall not exceed 0.8 mm.
NOTE: Internal projections include the weld upset produced by the electric resistance welding
process.

2.5 ALUMINIUM TUBE

2.5.1 General Aluminium tube shall be extruded aluminium complying with AS 1866.
Aluminium alloy composition shall comply with AS 2848.1.
Also in New Zealand, aluminium tubes complying with BS 1139.1.2 may be used,
provided that they have an outside diameter of not less than 48.3 mm and a wall thickness
of not less than 4.47 mm.
2.5.2 Tube-and-coupler scaffolding The aluminium tube for tube-and-coupler
scaffolding shall have the following minimum properties:
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(a) Tensile strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 MPa.

(b) 0.2 percent proof stress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241 MPa.
(c) Elongation on 50 mm gauge length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 percent.
2.5.3 Other scaffolding Aluminium tube for scaffolding systems other than
tube-and-coupler scaffolding may be of any suitable alloy that enables the scaffolding to
comply with the requirements of Section 4.
NOTE: Any change to the alloy or temper specified for a particular design would normally
require retesting to ensure continued compliance.
Alloys of the 2000 series shall not be used.

2.6 TUBE DIAMETERS The outside diameter of the tube for tube-and-coupler
scaffolding shall comply with one of the following, as appropriate:
(a) Steel tube—48.3 mm outside diameter.
(b) Aluminium tube—48.4 mm outside diameter.
(c) Aluminium or steel tube—less than 45 mm outside diameter.
(d) Aluminium or steel tube—greater than 55 mm outside diameter.

2.7 COUPLERS AND ACCESSORIES Couplers and accessories shall comply with
AS 1576.2.

2.8 STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD Structural plywood shall comply with the

requirements of AS 2269, NZS 3603 or NZS 3614, as appropriate.

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 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995 12

S E C T I O N 3 S P E C IF I C R E QU I R E M E NT S

3.1 MODULAR SCAFFOLDING

3.1.1 Base lift Modular scaffolding shall be capable of incorporating a lift of ledgers
and transoms no higher than 500 mm above the base of the standards.
3.1.2 Lift height Modular scaffolding shall be capable of incorporating lift heights not
exceeding 2.1 m, to facilitate erection.

3.2 FRAME SCAFFOLDING A frame scaffolding system shall be designed in such a

way that full-length working platforms can be constructed with access along such
platforms.

3.3 STABILITY OF FREESTANDING SCAFFOLD Freestanding scaffolds shall

comply with the stability requirements of AS/NZS 1576.1.
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Stability can be achieved by increasing the least base dimension. Where such means are
used, stabilizers or outriggers shall be capable of transferring the load from the scaffold
without slip, rotation or other movement.
NOTE: Where counterweights are used to increase stability in a mobile scaffold, the capacity of
the castors to take the extra load should be checked.

3.4 PREFABRICATED PLATFORM A prefabricated platform shall have a surface

that does not become slippery under expected working conditions.

3.5 MOBILE SCAFFOLDS The base of a mobile scaffold shall be stiff enough in the
horizontal plane to allow relocation of the tower.

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S E C T I O N 4 P ER F OR M A N C E
R E Q U I R E M E NT S

4.1 GENERAL A prefabricated or tube-and-coupler scaffold system shall be tested for

strength and stiffness in accordance with Clauses 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 respectively. The system
shall comply with the stability requirements of AS/NZS 1576.1.
Where a previously tested scaffold system is subsequently varied, its load capacity shall
be determined by either structural analysis or testing.
Where a component of a previously tested scaffold system is subsequently varied, its load
capacity shall be verified by testing.
Where a specific application of a previously tested scaffold system requires dimensional
or loading variations, the load capacity of the scaffold shall be determined by either
structural analysis or testing.
Structural analysis shall be in accordance with AS/NZS 1576.1. Testing shall be in
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accordance with the relevant requirements of Clause 4.2.

Components of a scaffold system that have been subjected to any test required by this
Standard shall not subsequently be used as scaffolding.

4.2 TESTING
4.2.1 General When tested in accordance with Clauses 4.2.2 to 4.2.5, failure is
considered to have occurred when the equipment under test is no longer able to support
the test load.
When tested in accordance with Appendix A, the assembled tower scaffold shall not fail
or show any permanent deformation that would render the scaffold structurally
unserviceable.
4.2.2 Assembled frame, modular or tube-and-coupler scaffold When tested in
accordance with Appendix B, the assembled frame, modular or tube-and-coupler scaffold
shall not fail or show any permanent deformation that would render the scaffold
structurally unserviceable.
4.2.3 Load-bearing components When tested in accordance with Appendix C,
load-bearing components shall not fail or show any permanent deformation that would
render the scaffold structurally unserviceable.
Ledgers that carry loads shall be tested.
4.2.4 Stiffness of assembled freestanding scaffold When tested in accordance with
Appendix D, the assembled freestanding scaffold at the uppermost working platform shall
not deflect by more than 33 mm per metre of height, subject to a maximum deflection of
200 mm.
4.2.5 Prefabricated platform unit When tested in accordance with Appendix E, a
prefabricated platform unit shall—
(a) not dislodge from the points of support under the test loads;
(b) while the point load is applied at the centre of the platform, deflect by not more
than the sum of the decking thickness plus 5 mm, subject to a maximum deflection
of 20 mm;
(c) while the point load is applied at the edge of the platform, deflect by not more than
the sum of the decking thickness plus 5 mm, subject to a maximum deflection of
20 mm; and
(d) not fail when the test load for the duty of the scaffold is applied.

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 AS / NZS 1576.3:1995 14

APPENDIX A
TEST ON ASSEMBLED TOWER
(Normative)

A1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the vertical
load-carrying capacity of an assembled tower.

A2 PRINCIPLE A vertical force is applied to the assembled tower and the tower is
then inspected for signs of failure or any permanent deformation.

A3 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required:

(a) Weight or device for applying the specified axial test force to the standards of the
assembled scaffold.
(b) Timer.
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(c) Deflection-measuring device.

A4 PROCEDURE The procedure is as follows:

(a) Assemble the tower scaffold on a firm horizontal foundation such that the height
from the foundation to the working platform is three times the least base dimension
or the design height, whichever is the lesser. The scaffold shall be assembled in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is not necessary to incorporate
toeboards and guardrails where these interfere with the test loading. Where the
scaffold is designed to be used with adjustable legs, they shall be fitted to the tower
under test in the fully extended position. Where castors are provided as one of the
standard features of a scaffold, they shall be fitted to the tower under test and the
brakes applied. Where the castors are eccentric, they shall be turned towards the
diagonally opposite corner. Adjustable castors shall be extended to their maximum
extension.
(b) Apply the following test loads simultaneously for 15 min:
(i) At each standard—an axial load of (2G W)/4
where
G = the weight of the assembled tower at its design height
W = the weight of the assembled tower erected to the height for the
test.
(ii) At one set of transverse standards—an axial load of 2(0.7Q)
where
Q = the live load on the working platform as specified in
AS/NZS 1576.1, multiplied by the number of working platforms.
(iii) At the set of transverse standards not covered by Step (ii)—an axial load of
2(0.3Q)
where
Q = the live load on the working platform as specified in
AS/NZS 1576.1, multiplied by the number of working platforms.
(c) Remove the test load and inspect the tower for failure or any permanent deformation
that would render the scaffold structurally unserviceable.
NOTE: See Figure A1 for the test loading on a typical assembled tower.

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A5 REPORT The report shall include the following information:

(a) Identification of assembled tower.
(b) The total test force applied and the length of time it was applied.
(c) The dead and live load applied to each standard.
(d) The calculations of the dead and live loads.
(e) Detailed description, drawing or photograph of the force-transmitting device.
(f) Location of testing facility.
(g) Date and time of the test.
(h) Names, positions and qualifications of personnel carrying out or supervising the
test.
(i) Names, positions and qualifications of witnesses, if any, to the test.
(j) Each page of the report shall be signed and dated by the person responsible for the
test.
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(k) Location and details of failure or any permanent deformation.

(l) Whether the assembled tower passed or failed the test.
(m) The number of this test method, i.e. Appendix A of AS/NZS 1576.3.

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NOTE:
Test load A1 = (2G W)/4 + (0.7Q)
Test load A2 = (2G W)/4 + (0.3Q)

FIGURE A1 TEST LOADING OF TYPICAL ASSEMBLED MOBILE TOWER

(SHOWING CASTORS FITTED)

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APPENDIX B
TEST ON ASSEMBLED FRAME, MODULAR AND
TUBE-AND-COUPLER SCAFFOLD
(Normative)

B1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the vertical
load-carrying capacity of an assembled frame, modular and tube-and-coupler scaffold.

B2 PRINCIPLE A vertical force is applied to the assembled scaffold, which is then

inspected for signs of failure or any permanent deformation.

B3 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required:

(a) Weight or device for applying the specified axial test force to the standards of the
assembled scaffold.
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(b) Timer.
(c) Deflection-measuring device.

B4 PROCEDURE The procedure is as follows:

(a) Assemble three bays of the frame, modular or tube-and-coupler scaffold on a firm
horizontal foundation. The height shall be three lifts. The scaffold shall be
assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It is not necessary to
incorporate toeboards and guardrails where these interfere with the test loading.
Where the scaffold is designed to be used with adjustable legs, they shall be fitted
in the fully extended position.
At the second lift, at each end, the test structure shall be rigidly tied to a supporting
structure. Except where diagonal members form an integral part of each bay in each
lift, diagonal bracing shall not be fixed to the members under test load.
(b) Apply the following test loads to a pair of standards in the transverse direction
simultaneously for 15 min:
(i) At each of two standards—an axial load of (2G W)/2
where
G = for one bay, the weight of the scaffold assembled to its design
height. This includes accessories normally used with the scaffold
W = for one bay, the weight of the assembled scaffold erected to the
height for the test.
(ii) At one standard—an axial load of 2(0.7Q)
where
Q = for one bay, the live load on the working platform, as specified
in AS/NZS 1576.1, multiplied by the number of working
platforms.
(iii) At the standard not covered by Step (ii)—an axial load of 2(0.3Q)
where
Q = for one bay, the live load on the working platform as specified
in AS/NZS 1576.1, multiplied by the number of working
platforms.

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(c) Remove the test load and inspect the scaffold for failure or any permanent
deformation that would render the scaffold structurally unserviceable.
NOTE: See Figure B1 for the test loading on a typical frame scaffold. Modular and
tube-and-coupler scaffolding is to be loaded the same way.

B5 REPORT The report shall include the following information:

(a) Identification of assembled tower.
(b) The total test force applied and the length of time it was applied.
(c) The dead and live load applied to each standard.
(d) The calculations of the dead and live loads.
(e) Detailed description, drawing or photograph of the force-transmitting device.
(f) Location of testing facility.
(g) Date and time of the test.
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(h) Names, positions and qualifications of personnel carrying out or supervising the
test.
(i) Names, positions and qualifications of witnesses, if any, to the test.
(j) Each page of report shall be signed and dated by the person responsible for the test.
(k) Location and details of failure or any permanent deformation.
(l) Whether the assembled scaffold passed or failed the test.
(m) The number of this test method, i.e. Appendix B of AS/NZS 1576.3.

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NOTE:
Test load B1 = (2G W)/2 + 2(0.7Q)
Test load B2 = (2G W)/2 + 2(0.3Q)

FIGURE B1 TEST LOADING OF TYPICAL FRAME SCAFFOLD

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APPENDIX C
TEST ON LOAD-BEARING COMPONENTS
(Normative)

C1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the load-carrying
capacity of components of scaffolds, which were not loaded in their normal manner in
Appendix A or Appendix B (e.g. transoms, load-bearing ledgers, platform brackets,
putlogs, catch platforms, stair stringers).

C2 PRINCIPLE Each component is supported in such a manner as to simulate the

conditions of support in the assembled scaffold. A test force is applied and the component
is inspected for failure or permanent deformation.

C3 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required:

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(a) Weights or device for applying the specified test force to the load-bearing
components.
(b) Timer.
(c) Deflection-measuring device.

C4 PROCEDURE The procedure is as follows:

(a) Support the component to be tested in such a manner as to simulate the conditions
of support in the assembled scaffold.
(b) Apply the test load (L) for 15 min, to simulate the most adverse service condition,
where
L = 2(G + Q)
G = dead load supported on the component
Q = total live load supported on the component.
NOTE: For determination of Q, see the design requirements in AS/NZS 1576.1, including
the design of ledgers, putlogs and transoms.
(c) Measure and record the deflection of the component under load.
(d) Remove the test load and inspect the bearing component for failure or any
permanent deformation.

C5 REPORT The report shall include the following information:

(a) Identification of component and its location in the assembled scaffold.
(b) The test force applied, location and the length of time it is applied.
(c) The calculations of the dead and live load, as appropriate.
(d) Detailed description, drawing or photograph of the force-transmitting device.
(e) Location of testing facility.
(f) Date and time of the test.
(g) Names, positions and qualifications of personnel carrying out or supervising the
test.
(h) Names, positions and qualifications of witnesses, if any, to the test.

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(i) Each page of the report shall be signed and dated by the person responsible for the
test.
(j) Details of any failure, permanent deformation or deflection that would render the
scaffold unserviceable.
(k) Whether the component passed or failed the test.
(l) The number of this test method, i.e. Appendix C of AS/NZS 1576.3.
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APPENDIX D
STIFFNESS TEST ON ASSEMBLED FREESTANDING SCAFFOLDS
(Normative)

D1 SCOPE This Appendix applies to freestanding scaffolds. The test is used to

determine the maximum height of the working platform where the limiting factor is the
stiffness of the assembled scaffold. This includes the elastic stiffness and any take-up of
slack or play in the structure.

D2 PRINCIPLE The assembled scaffold is subjected to horizontal forces in opposite

directions, with the height limitation being determined by the lesser stiff direction of the
scaffold.

D3 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required:

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(a) Weight or device for applying the specified horizontal forces to the vertical
structural members of the scaffold.
(b) Deflection-measuring device.
(c) Timer.

D4 PROCEDURE The procedure is as follows:

(a) Assemble the scaffold on a firm horizontal foundation to a height where a node
point is over 6.0 m above the foundation, or the design height, whichever is the
lesser. The scaffold shall be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. It is not necessary to incorporate toeboards where these will interfere
with the test loading. Towers intended to be used as a mobile scaffold shall be fitted
with castors, otherwise baseplates shall be fitted. Castors, if adjustable, shall be
extended to their maximum extension. Castors, if eccentric, shall be turned towards
the diagonally opposite corner and the brakes applied. Fix the baseplates or castors
opposite the face of the scaffold being loaded (see Figure D1).
(b) Carry out four independent tests, one for each of the four outer vertical faces of the
scaffold.
The test load shall consist of two horizontal 250 N forces applied outwardly, normal
to the outer face of the scaffold from the uppermost nodes, one onto each of the two
vertical structural members (see Figure D1).
For each independent test, without any other force applied to the scaffold, apply the
test load for 15 min and while still loaded at the end of this period measure the
deflection at a height of 6.0 m above the surface on which the scaffold is standing
or the design height, whichever is the lesser. Each deflection in a test shall be
measured from the same datum that is used to measure the deflection at the same
position when testing the opposite face.

D5 CALCULATIONS The maximum permitted height of the working platform shall

be determined from the following equation:
h = 1200/S
where
h = the maximum permitted height of the working platform where the
deflection is limited only by stiffness, in metres

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S = the greater of S1 or S 2, subject to a maximum of 200 mm.

S1 = the sum of the two deflections, measured in accordance with Item (b) of
Paragraph D4, of two opposite faces of the scaffold, in millimetres
S2 = the sum of the two deflections, measured in accordance with Item (b) of
Paragraph D4, of the two opposite faces of the scaffold that are
perpendicular to those used to determine S1, in millimetres.

D6 REPORT The report shall include the following:

(a) Identification of assembled scaffold.
(b) The total test force applied, its direction and the length of time it was applied.
(c) Detailed description, drawing or photograph of the force-transmitting device.
(d) Location of testing facility.
(e) Date and time of the test.
(f) Names, positions and qualifications of personnel carrying out or supervising the
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test.
(g) Names, positions and qualifications of witnesses, if any, to the test.
(h) Each page of report shall be signed and dated by the person responsible for the test.
(i) Deflections S1 and S 2.
(j) The calculation of the maximum height of the working platform.
(k) The number of this test method, i.e. Appendix D of AS/NZS 1576.3.

FIGURE D1 FIXING OF BASEPLATES AND CASTORS

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APPENDIX E
TEST OF PREFABRICATED PLATFORM UNIT
(Normative)

E1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out the method for determining the load-carrying
capacity of a prefabricated platform unit.

E2 PRINCIPLE The prefabricated platform unit is supported in such a manner as to

simulate the conditions of support in the assembled scaffold. A platform duty test force is
applied and the platform unit is inspected for failure. A point force is applied and the
deflection is measured.

E3 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required:

(a) Weights or device for applying the specified test force to the platform unit.
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(b) Timer.
(c) Deflection-measuring device.

E4 PROCEDURE The procedure is as follows:

(a) Support the platform unit in such a manner as to simulate the conditions of support
in the assembled scaffold.
(b) Apply the following test force on an area 100 mm 100 mm at the centre of the
platform unit for 15 min:
(i) Light-duty loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 kN.
(ii) Medium-duty loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5 kN.
(iii) Heavy-duty loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0 kN.
(iv) Special-duty loading . . . for the design point load, but not less than 2.0 kN.
(v) Suspended platform ... .. .. .. .. ................ . as for Step (i).
(c) Measure and record the midspan deflection of the platform under load.
(d) Remove the test force.
(e) Apply the test force given in Step (b) 50 mm in from the edge of the platform unit.
(f) Measure and record the midspan deflection of the platform under load.
(g) Remove the test force.
(h) Apply twice the total working platform live load, as specified in AS/NZS 1576.1, as
a uniformly distributed load over the middle third of the span for 15 min.
(i) Measure and record the midspan deflection of the platform under load.
(j) Remove the test force and inspect the platform for failure or any permanent
deformation.

E5 REPORT The report shall include the following information:

(a) Identification of prefabricated platform.
(b) The test forces applied, their location and the length of time they were applied.
(c) Detailed description, drawing or photograph of the force-transmitting device.
(d) Location of testing facility.

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(e) Date and time of the test.

(f) Names, positions and qualifications of personnel carrying out or supervising the
test.
(g) Names, positions and qualifications of witnesses, if any, to the test.
(h) Each page of report shall be signed and dated by the person responsible for the test.
(i) Details of any failure, permanent deformation or midspan deflection.
(j) Whether the prefabricated platform unit passed or failed the test.
(k) The number of this test method, i.e. Appendix E of AS/NZS 1576.3.
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