Module 3

Components
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1. Introduction
This module contains the required information that Level 1 Scaffolders require to
know and understand regarding scaffold components.

2. NASC Guidance

TG20:13 Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding was updated in
2013 by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). The guidance
booklet is designed to conform to the latest European standards for scaffolding BS
EN 12811 and aims to raise awareness of good practice in scaffolding across the
construction industry and drive up standards of scaffolding and safety.

The NASC have produced 3 different style publications of TG20:13 with a view to
targeting the different end users such as:

TG20:13 User Guide

“TG20:13 User Guide is intended to be a handy, easy to use pocket reference guide
written for scaffolding operatives, supervisors, client site management and all those
involved in the provision and use of tube and fitting scaffolding. It summarises the
principal points of interest for TG20 compliant scaffolds, which are described in more
detail within the TG20:13 Operational Guide.” – NASC November 2013

TG20:13 Operational Guide

“The comprehensive guide to good practice is intended for all those involved in the
procurement, supply and use of tube and fitting scaffolding. The guide provides clear
definitions for TG20 compliant scaffolding: common scaffolding structures that have
been designed by a structural calculation to BS EN 12811.” – NASC November 2013

TG20:13 Design Guide

“The TG20:13 Design Guide provides technical data, commentary and source
material for the use of scaffold designers in circumstances which are outside of the
standard structures provided in TG20:13 Operational Guide and User Guide. It
assumes that readers are competent and suitably qualified engineers or designers.” –
NASC November 2013
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3. Scaffold Fittings
A wide variety of scaffold fittings are available and when new should, comply with BS
1139: Section 2.1 or EN 74 (2007) all couplers and fittings should be properly
maintained and examined before use, also the maintenance depends upon the type
of fitting and its application. Fittings should be lightly oiled and kept free from rust.

Right Angle Coupler, 90 Degree coupler or Double Coupler

Double Couplers connect two scaffold tubes at right angles. These are critical
components in the scaffold structure and must be load bearing to resist both slip and
distortion. The design is based on a strong one-piece body with flaps and T-bolts that
can be removed for maintenance or replacement.

• Various types available – commonly Drop Forged or Pressed Steel

• Class A – Safe working slip load of 6.1kN
• Class B – Safe working slip load of 9.1kN
• The torque normally recommended by manufacturers 50Nm normally
achieved when done up tight with a scaffold spanner

Fig 3.1

Swivel Coupler
Swivel Couplers connect two scaffold tubes at any angle to provide a ledger brace,
façade, or similar bracing. These are also key components in the structure. The body
is firmly riveted to permit rotation but still ensures the minimum of further
movement, for maximum rigidity. T-bolts can be removed for maintenance.

• Various types available – commonly Drop Forged or Pressed Steel

• Class A – Safe working slip load of 6.1kN
• Class B – Safe working slip load of 9.1kN
• The torque normally recommended by manufacturers 50Nm normally
achieved when done up tight with a scaffold spanner
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Fig 3.2

Putlog Coupler or Single Coupler or Clip or Wrap-over

Connects putlog or transom tubes to ledger tubes for the support of scaffold boards,
the one-piece body has been carefully designed to provide the maximum resistance
to movement and a long working life.

• Various types available – commonly Drop Forged or Pressed Steel

• Safe working slip load of 0.63kN
• The torque normally recommended by manufacturers 50Nm normally
achieved when done up tight with a scaffold spanner

Fig 3.3

Sleeve Coupler
Sleeve Couplers join two scaffold tubes externally end to end and providing certain
tension resistance. A steel divider located centrally ensures equal insertion of each
tube.
• Class A – Safe working load in tension of 3.6kN
• Class B – Safe working load in tension of 5.5kN
• The torque normally recommended by manufacturers 50Nm normally
achieved when done up tight with a scaffold spanner
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Fig 3.4
Expanding Joint Pin or Spigot Pin
Provides end to end connection of scaffold tubes. Operates by being inserted
internally and expands to apply grip against the inner walls of the tubes. The fittings
are designed only for compression joints, and should not be used where tension can
be developed in the tubes.
• No safe working load in tension
• A shear strength of 21kN
• Should only be used in standards under axial compression
• Never use axial tension

Fig 3.5
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Band and Plate
This is the original load bearing coupler for connecting two scaffold tubes at right
angles with one fastening – still widely used by many scaffolders. This is the only 90°
coupler that can also be used for connecting two load bearing scaffold tubes in
parallel. The band and plate has a safe working load of 6.1kN, Class A only.

Fig 3.6 Fig 3.7

Gravlock / Girder Coupler

There is often a requirement to fasten scaffold tubes to girders and other steel
sections which demands a specialised fitting with a high degree of versatility. The
Gravlock Girder Coupler has been specifically designed for attachment to either
horizontal or vertical flanges, and will accommodate up to 43mm (13/4”).
In erection, the Gravlock Coupler is highly effective, as it enables the fitting to be
bolted to the girder first, leaving both hands free to present and secure the tube. As
the tube is not compressed against the girder it is not distorted by the fastening
process.
• MUST be used in pairs
• Safe working slip load (in the direction of the scaffold tube) of 5kN
• Total vertical safe load of approximately 10kN
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Fig 3.8

Base Plate
Designed to receive compression loads from the ends of scaffolding tubes and must
always be used under standards.

Fig 3.9

No base plate must ever bear directly on any fragile surface.

• Main function to distribute load from standard

• Measure minimum 150mm by 150mm
• If made from steel minimum 5mm thick
• Fixing holes diagonally opposed 6mm diameter, minimum 50mm from
centre of plate and minimum 19mm from edge
• Shank minimum 50mm height centre of plate
• On sloping surface suitable packing should be used to maintain level
bearing

Ladders
Ladders will be used within the erection of scaffolding for use of access to higher lifts
of the scaffold. Ladders. The technical requirements for ladders are defined by 3
standards:
• BS EN 131 European Standard for all types of ladders
• BS 1129 British Standard for timber ladders
• BS 2037 British Standard for metal ladders
TG20 recognises 3 classes of Ladder:
• Class 1 – Industrial Safe Load of 135kg
• Class 2 – (EN131 Commercial) Safe Load of 110kg
• Class 3 – Domestic, NOT SUITABLE for scaffolding

Ladders require to be ideally set at an angle of 75 degrees (4:1) where space

permitting. Ladders require to be secured at the top as a minimum but best practice
is to secure with ladder stays at the top & bottom and every 3m for longer ladders.
Ladders can be secured with the use of either ladder clamps (Fig. 3.14) or lashing
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(Fig. 3.15). During erection the scaffolder must ensure that the ladder stays do not
obstruct the rung and become a trip hazard whilst climbing or descending the ladder.

Fig. 3.10 Fig 3.11

Ladders require to be sited on an even base on both stiles and require to extend 1m
above the platform (Fig. 3.16) unless an alternative handhold is provided.

Fig. 3.12
Ladder Couplers
It is good practice to use couplers to secure ladders (Fig. 3.13, 3.14, 3.15) but some
scaffold companies find this an additional cost and will still use the traditional way of
securing a ladder which is using a 6mm polypropylene rope.
• Various types available
• Must be used in pairs, one pair ladder stile.

Fig
3.13

Fig 3.14

Fig 3.15
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Square lashing
This is a cheaper alternative method which is commonly used in the scaffolding
industry to secure ladders to the scaffold structure. Begin the lashing with a clove
hitch and pass the rope over and behind the transom or ledger and back in front of
the ladder stile four times. Make two trapping turns and finish off with another clove
hitch. Lash both stiles.

4. Scaffold Tube
Tubes and fittings are manufactured tEN 39:2001 (Loose Steel Tube for Tube and
Fitting Scaffolds) and BS 1139 SECTION 1.1 requires the marking of steel scaffold
tube to determine its specification.

Steel tube - EN39 - SB - 4 - E

EN Number
(Equivalent to BS
1139)

Type of manufacture Thickness 3.2-4.0mm

‘S’ = Seamless
‘W’ = Welded
‘A’ = Composition
Corrosion protection
specified
‘C’ = temporarily painted
‘B’ = Silicon Content
‘D’ = paint coated
‘E’ = hot dip galvanised
‘R’ = no protection (black)
Fig 4.1

There are three main types of tube in common use:

• Black steel tubes.
• Galvanised steel tubes.
• Aluminium alloy tubes.

Black steel and galvanised steel tubes have the same dimensions, but galvanised
tubes are more resistant to corrosion. The common dimensions for type-4 tubes are
as follows:
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• Outside diameter, 48.3 mm.
• Nominal wall thickness, 4.0 mm.
• Weight, 4.4 kg/m.
Type-3 steel tube has a slightly thinner wall thickness of 3.2 mm

Aluminium tube has the same outside diameter as steel, but it is slightly thicker and
much lighter. It is more flexible than steel but not as strong. For this reason
aluminium tube should not be used on the same lift as steel tube. However,
advantage can be taken of the best characteristics of the two materials by placing
aluminium tube on top of steel tube in tall scaffold structures. The common
dimensions of aluminium tube are as follows:
• Outside diameter, 48.3 m.
• Nominal wall thickness, 4.5 mm.
• Weight, 1.7 kg/m.

Aluminium tube is heat tempered during manufacture. Any further heat applied to
the tube, therefore, may weaken it.

Lightly corroded tubes should be cleaned with a wire brush and the extent of the
damage assessed by a competent and experienced scaffolder. Bent steel tubes may
be straightened using a rolling machine, but bent aluminium tube should be
discarded.

Inspection
Any scaffold’s ability to carry its load is largely dependent on the strength and
condition of the tubes used in its construction. Consequently, tubes must be checked
to ensure that they are:
• Straight
• Free from cracks, splits, bad dents and excessive corrosion
• Cut square and clean at each end.

Common Faults

Flame-cut Split end Cross-cut

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Bent Mushroom Headed

Fig 4.2

5. Scaffold Boards
The most common scaffold boards are manufactured from sawn and seasoned
timber. All boards should comply with BS 2482 (Specification for Timber Scaffold
Boards). This standard identifies the types of wood that may be used in the
manufacture of scaffold boards and recommends a method of testing to assess their
bending strength. NASC guide TG5 (Scaffold Board Specification) follows the British
Standard.
Timber boards come in three thicknesses (38 mm, 50 mm and 63 mm) and they are
normally 225 mm wide and 3,900 mm long. Shorter boards can be used when
necessary. The most common board is 225 mm x 38 mm in cross-section.
• BS 2482 : 2009 Specification for timber scaffold boards
• Max Span 1.5m for machine graded board however TG20 states 1.2m,
50mm = 2.6m and 63mm = 3.25mm
• 38mm boards supported on 4 transoms, but less than 3.35mm support on
3 transoms. Short boards less than 2.13m should be tied down to prevent
tipping.
• Many boards in use do not comply with this specification (known
generally as Grade ‘A’) non-standard boards generally reduce the
maximum span between supports to 1.2m to mitigate the risk of failure.

Identification of boards
Each board should be clearly marked with the following information:
• The British Standard number (BS 2482).
• The supplier’s identification mark.
• The letter M or V (which denote machine or visually graded).
• Manufactures grading license number
• The word ‘support’, followed by the maximum span in metres over which
the board has to be supported, followed by the abbreviation ‘max’ (for
example, BS 2482 AB Co. M support 1.2 max).

This information is normally given on the hoop irons (Fig. 5.2) or nail plates (Fig. 5.3)
which provide board-end protection.
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Fig. 5.2 Fig. 5.3

Alternatively, a special identification plate also may be used.

Inspection and maintenance

Care should be taken of all the boards in use (for example, overstressing caused by
impact loading should not be allowed). Boards being used as ramps or platforms
over long spans should be supported regularly, and they should not be placed where
vehicular or other loads can be put on them. Boards showing any signs of damage
from vehicles, such as tyre marks, should be destroyed.

Scaffold boards should be cleaned, and the hoop irons or nail plates secured or
replaced if necessary. Split boards may be cut down or repaired using nail plates,
depending on the degree of damage. Cut-outs, burns, oil stains or projecting nails
should not be present, and boards that have any of these should be discarded.

Boards should not be painted or treated in any way that may conceal defects, but
they can be fireproofed using an approved material.

Figure 5.4 illustrates common faults which are found within scaffolding when using
timber boards.

Common Faults

Damaged Ends Tyre Marks Notches

Fractured / Broken Split Rotten

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Impact Damage Cuts / Score Marks Warped

Fig 5.4

Storage

Scaffold boards should be stacked no more than 20

high. The stacks should be separated by short timber
battens and should be placed on level timbers, off
the ground, to protect them from surface water.
Boards must be protected from the weather and
must have a free circulation of air.

Fig 5.5
(roof shown cut away for clarity)

Other Types of Scaffold Boards

Steel
Steel boards (Fig. 5.6) most are typically designed for use with system scaffolding,
however they may be used with tube and fitting scaffolding if they meet the
requirements outline previously for LVL and Plastic boards below.

Fig. 5.6

Plastic
Plastic Boards may be used on Scaffold Platforms (Fig. 5.7), providing the following
conditions are met:
• Target span should be at least 1.2m
• Equivalent strength and stiffness to a 38mm BS2482 timber board
• The weight of the plastic board should not exceed that of a softwood board
of the same length, otherwise the safe height may be reduced.
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Fig. 5.7

LVL Boards ( Laminated Veneer Lumber)

• may be used to erect TG20 Compliant Scaffolds, providing the following
conditions are met:
▪ Target span should be at least 1.2m
▪ Equivalent strength and stiffness to a 38mm BS2482 timber board
▪ The weight of the LVL board should not exceed that of a softwood board
of the same length, otherwise the safe height may be reduced.

Fig. 5.8
Fire Retardant Treatment for Boards
There is an increase in the number of contracts which require the use of timber
scaffold boards with high level of fire retardant properties. This demand is mostly in
the North Sea Oil industry or some Petro-Chemical sites, although treatment is also
required by the London Underground Ltd, the Power Industry, and is becoming
widely recognised by insurance companies. Several fire retardant systems are
available and all add to the basic cost of the timber. It is therefore essential that the
scaffold contractor understands these systems and makes the correct choice.

***The following of the e-learning and this handout would enable you to understand
scaffolding better. These provide the user with a basic knowledge of scaffolding
systems of work and the principals involved. For further details on e-learning
packages and training courses please contact pkaur@simianinternational.com
***