System Scaffolds

9.1 System Scaffolds

A. All system scaffolds shall be erected per the manufacturer’s published instructions and the
requirements of this Manual. See Figure II.9.63.
B. Components from different scaffold manufacturers shall not be intermixed (except bracing as
noted below).
C. Unless otherwise specified in manufacturer’s instructions, all system scaffolds shall be
vertically braced in both directions with diagonal braces (as close to 45 degrees as possible)
to its full height for each 10 meters (33 feet) of run.
D. Bracing for system scaffolds shall be specially designed for the grid size of the scaffold.
However, where specially designed system bracing cannot be used, tube and coupler scaffold
components may be used for bracing of system scaffolds.
E. Connections shall be tightened with a single hammer blow to the wedge or cup to provide high
degree of rigidity.
F. Unless otherwise permitted by Loss Prevention, posts (standards), runners (ledgers), and
bearers (transoms) shall be connected by means of one of the following fastening methods:
• Captive wedge system (such as Saudi Scaffolding Factory “Kwikstage”)
• Quick-fix system (such as Layher “All-round”)
• Cup locking system (such as SGB “Cuplock”)

G. The locking-pin type of system scaffold shall not be used. See Figure II.9.32.
H. Posts (standards) shall be connected by bolted spigots and shall be secured into place using
two spigot pins for situations where uplift may occur. The upper post (standard) shall slide
over the spigot. See Figure II.9.15.

Correct lengths of runners (ledgers), bearers (transoms), and lift heights shall be used as required for load
rating of the scaffold. The applied loads on posts (standards), runners (ledgers), bearers (transoms), and
diagonal braces shall not exceed the load carrying capacity of the manufacturer’s specifications.

I. Properly designed system scaffolds are suitable for Light-duty, Medium-duty, or Special- duty
loading.

J. Unless otherwise justified and stated in writing by the system scaffold manufacturer, the
maximum number of working levels and total planked levels shown in Tables II.9.7 and
II.9.8 shall also apply to system scaffolds with the applicable load rating.

K. System scaffold components shall not be used to construct underhung scaffolds.

System Scaffolds
System Scaffolds