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Scaffolding Components
Scaffolding Components
Scaffolding Components
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Scaffolding Components:
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Scaffolding is a temporary structure installed against the side of a building, around a chimney, etc. to
provide platforms for workers and materials during construction, maintenance, etc. Although there
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are many varieties of scaffolding systems, a common one is called independent tube and
coupling scaffolding – popular because it transports efficiently, erects intuitively, and breaks down
easily. Other scaffolding designs are used inside facilities for worker access to overhead equipment,
for painting, etc. These designs are usually limited in height but have other features such as the
ability to fold or telescope. Still, other scaffolds are available for specialized tasks such as building
aircraft.
Scaffolding must adhere to OSHA standards for performance requirements and structural design
methods. Because scaffolding must be compatible with a wide array of buildings and structures,
there are numerous kinds of scaffolds to meet specific building requirements. However, scaffolding
generally comprises some basic elements, though the manner in which they are designed and the
way such elements fit together can vary.
1. Base plate
2. Sole plate
3. Standards
4. Ledgers
5. Transoms
6. Bracing
8. Platform/Decking
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15.Tags either green or red tag and shall be renewed after one week.
Base Plate:
A flat supporting plate or frame at the base of a column, designed to distribute the column's weight
over a greater area and provide increased stability.
Flat Base.
Angle Flat.
Ribbed or spigot.
Sole Plate:
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A timber spreader used to distribute the load from a base plate to the ground. Tie Scaffold
components installed to provide an anchor point for a scaffold to a building or structure, including
tie tubes attached to the scaffold. Used to provide lateral stability to the scaffold.
The sole plate, also sometimes referred to as the sill plate, the mud sill, or the base plate, is the
main supporting beam of a wall in the construction industry. Typically, these are the first piece of
wood that is in contact with the masonry of the basement or foundation.
The soleplate area shall not be less than 1000 sq.cm. Sole
plates should be long enough to hold at least two vertical
pipes and should extend 600 mm beyond the vertical pipes.
Sole plates may be avoided in case the scaffold is erected
on the firm ground like the concrete floor.
BASE PLATE / JACKS - to safely carry and spread the load. A metal plate with a spigot for
distributing the load from a standard or raker or other load-bearing tube.
SOLE PLATES - A timber, concrete or metal bearer used to distribute the load from a standard
or base plate to the ground.
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Standards:
A standard is the long pipe or tube running vertically that connects the mass of the scaffold directly
to the ground. The base of each standard is connected to a base plate, or sill, which helps distribute
the weight each standard bears. As standards are of fixed lengths, taller scaffolding requires that the
pipes be connected so as to route the load directly through the structure. This is accomplished by
way of a pin and socket joint which twists to lock successive pipes together.
Pairs of standards are placed at the back of the scaffolding (nearest the building) and at the front of
the scaffold, the two pairs of standards forming a bay that has a width (back-to-front dimension) and
length (side-to-side dimension).
The standards, also called uprights, are the vertical tubes that transfer the entire weight of the
structure to the ground where they rest on a square base plate to spread the load.
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Tubes are usually made either of steel or aluminum; although there is composite scaffolding which
uses filament-wound tubes of glass fiber in a nylon or polyester matrix, because of the high cost of
composite tube, it is usually only used when there is a risk from overhead electric cables that cannot
be isolated. If steel, they are either 'black' or galvanized. The tubes come in a variety of lengths and
a standard outside diameter of 48.3 mm. (1.5 NPS pipe). The chief difference between the two types
of metal tubes is the lower weight of aluminum tubes (1.7 kg/m as opposed to 4.4 kg/m). However
they are more flexible and have a lower resistance to stress. Tubes are generally bought in 6.3 m
lengths and can then be cut down to certain typical sizes. Most large companies will brand their
tubes with their name and address in order to deter theft.
Galvanized steel scaffold tube is the main scaffolding part which creates the framework and the base
for working platforms. Scaffold tubes are made from galvanized steel, are heavy duty and come in
various lengths ranging from 5ft to 21ft and all have a different part to play.
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If you are looking to erect scaffolds higher than 21ft then the standards would need to be connected
on top of one another using a joint pin scaffolding part which is inserted into the inner tube which
then locks the uprights together.
To create a scaffolding bay you would need the following scaffolding parts, two pairs of standards,
one should be close to the building and is usually referred to as the inside standard or upright. The
next standards would be placed directly opposite the inside uprights and are usually called the
outside standards which then creates the bay. The width and length dimensions of each bay may
vary depending on what types of scaffold you require.
Thickness of tubes: measure the inside wall and regardless of the length most galvanized tube
measures in at 4mm in thickness.
Scaffolding tubes diameter: you need to measure the outside of the tube from edge to edge. You
will find most type 4 tubes no matter what length they are have a diameter which is usually 48.3mm
or 1.90 inches.
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The galvanizing process: is pretty simple, when the poles are manufactured the metal is sealed
from all corrosion and oxidation. The steel poles are hot dipped in to a bath of molten zinc at
temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Fahrenheit adding a
bonded coating to the steel for extra protection.
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Ledgers:
In between each standard, running horizontally along the length of the scaffold, is a ledger or runner
or cross beam, which adds further support and weight distribution. Multiple bays are connected with
these ledgers both at the back and the front of the scaffold. Placement of ledgers defines the height
at which the worker platforms are staged (except for the lowest one which is placed near the
ground).
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Ledger bracing should be installed on tube and fitting scaffolds. Brace alternate pairs of tube and
fitting standards, ensuring that the bracing forms a complete series of triangles from bottom to top of
the scaffold. Install the bracing from ledger to ledger or from standard to standard. For tube and
fitting scaffolds, brace each pair of standards where the bracing is installed from the inside ledger to
the guard-rail of the lift below to allow access along a boarded lift.
When clear access is required on base lifts of tube and fitting scaffolds, the cross bracing may be
omitted on the base lift provided the first lift does not exceed 2.7m, or the lift is knee braced. In
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Transoms:
Transoms or bearers, placed on top of ledgers and at right angles to them, run horizontally from back
to front, defining the bay width. Main transoms provide support for standards by holding them in
position as well as supporting boards or planks. Intermediate transoms are placed alongside main
transoms to lend additional board support.
Transoms are secured to ledgers with either right angle or putlog couplers unless braces are secured
to them, in which case only right-angle couplers are acceptable. On boarded lifts, transoms will be
spaced to ensure adequate supporting of the scaffold boards overlap 50mm over the transom. On
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non-boarded lifts and transoms should be secured at not more than 300mm from each standard or
pair of standards.
Transom Beam: In scaffolding. A beam spanning a wider gap between standards than normal.
Usually where wider access is required at ground level for vehicles and equipment. In modular
systems they only have one attachment point each end to the standards.
Transom Truss :In scaffolding. A beam spanning a wider gap between standards than normal.
Usually where wider access is required at ground level for vehicles and equipment. In modular
systems they are deeper than transom beams and so have two attachment points at each end to the
standards.
Above is a shot of a break in a scaffold to allow access to the inside of the building. It is spanned by
two rather tired looking beams (at the bottom) and beefed up by two ladder beams (above) fixed to
the standards with couplers.
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Bracing
No scaffold can remain stable or safe unless properly braced. Bracing should remain in position at
all times to ensure this stability. There are two main types of bracing, as follows:
Façade Bracing:
These are used to stop the framework from moving or swaying. They are attached to the front face of
the structure and run along the length of the frame in a diagonal position and are fixed securely on
every platform. This type of bracing should be installed every forth bay as well as the first and last
bays, so the space between the braced bays is a maximum of three bays.
All bracing points should be 300mm off the connection node joint of the standards, transoms, and
ledgers.
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Fixed to the long face of the scaffold normally parallel to the face of the structure and is fitted to the
outside row of standards. It can either run across the face of the scaffold to its full height at an angle
of 45° or run in a zig-zag fashion to its full height.
Bracing should be provided at least every 3.0m along the scaffold. Bracing will be fixed to extended
transoms with right angle couplers or to standards with swivel couplers. Where braces are fastened
to transoms, the transoms should be fixed with right-angle couplers, (load-bearing) to the scaffold.
Brace couplers may be used as an alternative.
This type of brace is mainly run diagonally in between the inside ledger and is fixed to the outside
standards using a swivel coupler to boost the frameworks firmness. They can also be fixed ledger to
ledger on the lifts above the base out. This brace should be added to every other bay or every other
set of standards.
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Fixed to join inner and outer alternate pairs of standards, fixing is by using right angle or brace
couplers connected to the ledger or with swivel couplers to standards.
When a bay length is 1.5m or less, the bracing may be fixed to every third pair of standards. On
boarded lifts, the brace would be fixed under the outside ledger to the inside ledger of the lift below
to avoid the toe board. Bracing may be fixed from the inside ledger to the guardrail level of the below
provided that every pair of standards are braced.
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Platforms/Decking:
Platform/decking planks may be made of solid sawn wood, manufactured wood, manufactured steel,
or manufactured aluminum. If solid sawn wood is used, it must be scaffold grade.
Note: Once a plank has been used as a mud sill, it cannot be used as decking again.
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Scaffolds must be fully planked or decked whenever possible. The space between the last plank and
the uprights cannot exceed 9 1/2 inches. The space between planks cannot exceed 1 inch, except
where necessary for obstructions. Platforms and walkways, in general, must be at least 18 inches
wide.
Where the platform will not be more than 14 inches from the
face of the work (18 inches for plastering and lathing
operations), fall protection is not required. The face of the work
(ex. the side of a building) basically serves as the fall
protection system.
The maximum extension of the plank cannot be more than 12 inches for planks that are 10 feet
long or less.
For planks that are greater than 10 feet long, the maximum extension past the centerline of the
support is 18 inches.
Where platforms overlap to create a running scaffold, the overlap must occur only over a
support and shall not be less than 12 inches unless nailed together.
Where a platform changes direction (ex. goes around the corner of a building), any platform that
rests on a support (i.e. bearer) at an angle other than a right angle, shall be laid first. Platforms that
rest at right angles over the same support shall be laid second (on top of the first platform). The
objective is to reduce the tripping hazard by having the ends of the top layer of planks form a
straight line, rather than a saw-toothed edge, which increases tripping hazards.
Wooden platforms (i.e. decking, planks) must not be painted to hide defects. They may, however, be
treated periodically with clear preservatives, fire-retardants, and/or slip-resistant finishes.
Scaffold couplers are essentially the fundamental component that is used to assemble tube-and-
coupler scaffolding. Tube-and-coupler scaffolding is defined as ‘a scaffold in which individual
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circular tubes serving as standards, braces or ties are joined together by means of purpose-designed
couplers’.
This basic fitting that is designed to join two scaffold tubes can be used to create a diverse range
of scaffolding structures or used as an accessory to prefabricated scaffolding systems.
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Used to attach 48mm barrel to a girder / Used to secure boards to to the transom
beam at 90 degrees. below.
It is important to note these couplers must Sometimes referred to as a left/right board
be used in pairs as supplied. clip as it secures two boards by its unique
design.
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Used to connect two tubes internally end used for connecting an upright standard to
to end. the toe board on a scaffold.
Expands to fit the internal diameter of This is suitable for a 38mm thick
the scaffold tube when bolt tightened. scaffolding board connecting to a 48.3mm
tube.
Ties:
Ties connect the scaffold to the structure being built. Ties perform a dual function:
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they stabilize the entire scaffold to prevent it from falling towards or away from the building;
and
they stabilize the individual scaffold standards to prevent them from buckling. As the load on a
scaffold increases, more ties may be needed to prevent the standards from buckling.
There are several different tie types. Those types of tie that are non-movable should be chosen,
where reasonably practicable, as they present fewer difficulties with maintenance or interference.
Non-movable ties are assumed to be cast or drilled into the structure and will not need to be moved
until final dismantling of the scaffold.
Ties should resist movement towards the building and away from the building. Where a tie cannot
resist movement towards the building, e.g. through ties, long bolts and wire ties, the tie should be
supplemented by other measures, e.g. tubes butted against the building.
Ties should be securely coupled to both standards or to both ledgers, in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations, and be as near to a node point as possible. Where ties are
attached to the ledgers, they should be attached not more than 300mm from a standard. Where this
hinders access along a working platform, attachment to the inside ledger or standard only is
permissible.
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The vertical interval between ties should be determined in the scaffolding design and communicated
to the scaffolding erector. In the case of system scaffolds, reference should be made to the
manufacturer ’s instructions.
Scaffolds of normal width of 1.25m should not be erected higher than the manufacturer ’s instructions
and to a maximum of 4m higher than the highest line of ties, unless to a specific design.
Working platform:
Working platforms should be wide enough and be sufficiently boarded out to allow safe passage of
persons along the platform. They should also be capable of resisting the loads imposed upon them,
including high wind loads that could dislodge the scaffold boards. The contractor in control of the
workplace must risk assess for potential adverse weather conditions.
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Where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury, the working platform should be
of the widths. A clear passageway, at least 450mm wide, should be maintained for persons to pass
between stored materials and the side of the platform. They should be kept free from construction
materials and waste to avoid causing an obstruction or a trip hazard.
Guardrail Systems:
A fall protection system (i.e. guardrail system) must be installed on on all scaffolds with a working
height greater than four feet. The guardrail system shall be installed along all open sides and ends
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of the platform before being used as a work platform by employees. One exception is when the
scaffold platform is within 14 inches of the face of the work.
Top rails (manufactured after 1/1/2000) must be 38 - 45 inches above the platform surface. (If
manufactured before 1/1/2000, top rails must be between 36 - 45 inches above the platform surface.)
Top rails must be capable of supporting at least 200 pounds applied in a downward or outward
direction.
Mid rails must be installed at a height approximately midway between the top rail and the platform
surface. Mid rails must be capable of supporting at least 150 pounds applied in a downward or
outward direction.
Guardrails will be installed on every platform from which it is possible for a person to fall.
Guardrail system shall be able to withstand a force of at least 90kg. (200 lbs.) It consists: (As
per OHSA Guide lines)
The minimum permitted height is 950 mm (37 inch) and the maximum is 120 mm (47 inch) as
measured from the top of the working platform.
Mid rails – installed approximately halfway between the walking/working surface and top rail.
Guardrails shall be installed on all sides of a working platform.
Guardrails shall be fixed to the inside of the standards with right angle (Double) couplers.
All toe boards must be placed on the inside of uprights
Every open side of a working platform will be fitted with toe boards (or other barriers) which
must be a minimum of 150 mm (6 inch) high.
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Toe boards must be fixed to all exposed edges where there is risk of fall or risk of falling
materials. There should be no gaps larger than 25 mm (1 inch) other than at access points.
Toe boards
Toe boards must be installed on work platforms where materials or tools will be in use. Toe boards
must be installed not more than 1/4 inch above the platform and securely fastened. They may be
made of solid material or mesh with openings no greater than 1 inch. Toe boards must be capable of
withstanding at least 50 pounds applied in a downward or outward direction.
Additional protection from falling debris and other small objects must be provided in areas where
personnel will be in the vicinity of scaffolds. Such protection may be in the form of:
Large or heavy materials stored on the scaffold platform must be located away from the edges of the
work platform and secured, if necessary.
Ladder access:
ladder access towers, fixed to the outside of the scaffold, should be erected, where practicable
using single lift ladders and self-closing ladder gates to separate the access tower from the
working platform;
the top of ladder stiles should be securely fixed to the scaffold by lashings;
the ladder should be set, where practicable, at an angle of not more than 4 vertical to 1
horizontal and allow sufficient room for workers access and egress through the ladder access
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opening;
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the clear dimensions of an access opening in a platform shall be at least 450mm wide,
measured
across the width of the platform, and 600mm long;
It has been inspected by a qualified and authorized safety engineer before using; also it has
been inspected by a trained and qualified scaffold inspector.
Before the scaffold is first used
At least once every 7 days
After any modifications to the structural components of the scaffold.
After any severe weather that may have damaged the scaffold
All scaffold inspections will be recorded on the Scaffold tag and in the scaffolding register on
the day of the physical inspection
Scaffolds that are approved as safe for use by the scaffold inspector will be have a GREEN tag
placed at each access point to clearly show the scaffold users that the scaffold is safe to use.
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Scaffold Read Tag - Indicates the scaffold has not been inspected or is not safe for use (by
anyone other than the scaffold erector.
Scaffolds that do not have a tag must be considered to be RED tagged and must never be
used.
Visually inspect the scaffold before you use it, if your believe it to be unsafe in any way inform
your supervisor before using the scaffold.
Never replace, remove, add or alter a scaffold tag in any way, this is the sole responsibility of
the scaffold inspector.
Never alter or modify scaffolding in any way, this includes modifications to handrails and toe
boards. Only trained and approved scaffolder may alter or modify scaffolding in any way.
Never climb bracing or climb under or over a guardrail of any type to gain access onto or off of
a scaffold. Keep only the tools and materials necessary to perform the task on the platform.
Control slipping and tripping hazards by removing or securing tools or materials.
Use fall protection systems when working 1.8m (6feet) or more above a lower level.
Maintain a clean and tidy work area on the scaffold; do not allow loose materials to build up on
the platforms and remove all tools and materials that are finished at the end of your shift.
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Never use a scaffold as a lifting support unless it has been designed for that purpose, check
with your supervisor if you are unsure.
Never store materials near the edge of a scaffold higher than the height of the toe board.
Click the below link to download more details about scaffolding safety
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