Scaffolding
Scaffolding is an important tool, commonly used for safely working at heights. This module will show you the different types of scaffolding used and which one is right for the job at hand.
What is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding is one of the most essential assistive devices to complete a job that requires continuous work at heights or other odd elevations. Scaffolding can be broken down into three categories:
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Wood Scaffolding
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Metal Scaffolding
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Pump Jack Scaffolding
Scaffolding Terms
Poles: These are the vertical supports for all scaffolding. They should all have ample support at the base to secure it in place and spread the load. If poles should be stacked for greater height, they should be squared at each end and bound with scabs on at least two sides of the poles.
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Bearers: Sometimes called putlogs are the horizontal load-bearing members. They are measured from building to pole, and if there are wider platforms, they measure at a right angle from each pole (so no diagonal platforms).
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Plank: Staging planks rest on the bearers and are placed tightly against one another to avoid holes, raises, or pockets. This is to avoid tools or material falling below and potentially injuring someone.
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Scaffolding Terms
Ledgers:​ These run horizontally from pole to pole. They run parallel to the building and must be long enough to cross two poles and overlap with one another. They are part of the horizontal support of the scaffolding.
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Braces: These are the diagonal members that help prevent the scaffolding from leaning or buckling. This should be applied to the entire face of the scaffold, with extra support by cross-bracing.
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Guardrails: These should be installed on all open ends of the platforms. This will prevent people from falling off accidentally. Although they should have a harness, either way, it is good to be safe.
Wood Scaffolds
Wood scaffolds are either single-poled or double-poled and are mainly used when working against a wall. The single-pole scaffold is used when the scaffolding can be braced with the wall, while the double pole is used to ensure distance from the work being done on the wall.
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The image shows someone assembling a double-poled scaffold.
Metal Scaffolds
Otherwise known as Metal Tubular Frame Scaffolds, are often easier to assemble than wood scaffolding. They consist of manufactured:
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End frames
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Cross braces
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Adjustable screw legs
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Baseplates
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Platforms
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Guardrail hardware
These metal end frames consist of the previously mentioned, posts, bearers, and other intermediate members of the scaffold. These end frames can vary in style, with some being narrow, some being wide, and others having a ladder built-in.
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Cross braces are used to connect scaffolding members that are tightened in place through the use of locking devices. These connections can be vertical, horizontal, and diagonal, so it is important to use the right brace with the right locking device.
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Regulations in Ontario also require fastened base plates on the bottom of each pole for ground-based scaffolding. This helps distribute the load.
Pump Jack Scaffolds
Pump Jack Scaffolds typically consist of 4 x 4 poles, a pump jack mechanism, and metal braces for each pole. The braces are attached in intervals near the top, as the arms of the bracket extend at a 45-degree angle. The other end of the arm is then attached to the wall for support.
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This type of scaffolding is ideal for steady work that cannot touch the walls and would be too time-consuming to build a double-poled scaffold. It's typically used for siding, and should not bear more than two people at a time.
Fall Protection​
Current safety legislation dictates that anyone working above 3m (or 10ft) should have some form of fall protection. This applies to both the user and the assembler. ​There are several items for protection that must be used at all times:
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Lanyard
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Lanyard Shock Absorber
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Body Belt
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Anchor
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Helmet
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Harness
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Lifeline
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Rope Grab
Scaffold Inspection
Things to look for during the inspection include:
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Broken and excessively rusted welds
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Split, bent, or crushed tubes
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Cracks in tube circumference
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Distorted members
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Excessive rust
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Damaged Brace Locks
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Lack of straightness
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Excessively worn rivets or bolts
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Split ends on cross braces
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Bent or broken clamp parts
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Damaged threads on screw jacks
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Damaged caster brakes
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Corrosion parts
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Metal fatigue due to temperature flux
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Leg ends filled with dirt or concrete.
Remember to be safe
While simple in its design, there are many crucial components that need to be secure before assembling, dismantling, or working on scaffolding. It is the responsibility of those working on it to protect themselves and others surrounding it.
