Access and proprietary scaffolds

The provision of temporary safe working platforms for the erection, maintenance, construction, repair, access, inspection, and so on, of structures is known as ‘scaffolding’. Scaffolding can be formed from individual tubes with fittings or from proprietary components. The design philosophy for the stability of scaffolds and loading limits, together with the information necessary to source the safe height of most UK scaffolds without the need for further calculations, is discussed. The designation and simple rules for inspection are included.

Wherever it is required to provide a safe place of work for the erection, maintenance, repair or demolition of buildings and other structures and to provide the necessary access, a temporary structure known as a ‘scaffold’ is erected.