Last edited 25 Mar 2021

Scaffolding

Scaffolding provides a temporary safe working platform for activities such as:

It is formed from individual tubes and joints or proprietary components.

There are two main types of scaffolding:

Freestanding scaffolds, such as Independent towers,
Independent tied scaffolds, such as independent towers tied to an adjacent structure.

NB For more types of scaffold, see Types of scaffolding.

The most common piece of structure used in scaffolding is the scaffold tube (known as a standard). The tube generally comes in two thicknesses, 3.2 mm or 4 mm. The tubes are galvanised due to their exposure to the elements and axial capacity loads are given either ‘as new’ or ‘used.’ Capacities of tubes used in tension are usually limited by the safe slip load capacity of the coupler, which is far lower than the actual tensile resistance of the tube.

Scaffolding is designed for its self-weight, i.e. the weight of the boards, tubes, guardrails, toeboards, etc. and imposed loads such as wind. The imposed load applied to the scaffolding depends on its use.

Four classes of loading are available:

Service Class 1 - 0.75 kN/m2 – Inspection and very light duty access
Service Class 2 - 1.50 kN/m2 – Light duty such as painting and cleaning
Service Class 3 - 2.00 kN/m2 – General building work, brickwork, etc.
Service Class 4 - 3.00 kN/m2 – Heavy duty such as masonry and heavy cladding

The wind load applied to scaffolding will change depending on whether sheeting or debris nets are used. The magnitude of the wind load will alter the required capacity of the ties and may affect their frequency.

When scaffolding is tied to a building it uses the permanent structure of the building to provide stability. The selection of tie positions should be tested and checked before use and the suitability of the permanent structures composition to carry the ties should be analysed.

Scaffolding is also braced laterally using façade and ledger bracing.

Workmanship and inspection is vital for the erection and dismantling of scaffolding and must be undertaken by competent personal under supervision.

For more information, see Scaffold register.

For information about removing scaffolding, see How to remove scaffolding.

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has published TG20:13, a suite of guidance for scaffolding design and operation, supported by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

This includes a software application TG20:13 e-Guide '...making it extremely easy to check scaffolds for TG20:13 compliance digitally, with user-friendly software which will facilitate printing and circulation of details of TG20:13 compliant structures by email.' It has been reported that this could reduce the cost of scaffolding design by 50% (ref. Construction Enquirer 26 February 2014).