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What scaffolding parts are needed to build a scaffold structure?
This page provides all the information you need on the different names for the scaffolding parts and components a scaffolder uses to erect a temporary scaffold structure.
Scaffolding is a structure that is put up around buildings of any shape or size for workers to gain safe access for various types of repair, construction, and maintenance works.
There are three vital pieces of equipment along with other scaffolding components that are required to be able to construct any type of scaffolding structure. Below we detail what elements are involved when erecting traditional tube and fitting scaffolds.
The integral parts of a scaffolding:
Scaffolding tubes
What is a scaffold tube? A galvanised steel scaffolding tube is the main scaffold part which creates the framework and the base for working platforms. Scaffold tubes are made from galvanised steel, are heavy duty and come in various lengths ranging from 5ft to 21ft and all have a different part to play.
Scaffolding standards
What is a scaffold standard? In general 21 foot or 6.4 metre tubes are used as the upright standards and these are one of the main components that connects most of the scaffolding together. Standards are placed in a vertical position from the ground up on to a baseplate which is a scaffolding part that helps spread the weight.
For general scaffolding works e.g. painting and decorating, each upright standard should be placed a maximum of 2 metres apart. For heavy duty works where there is a heavy load going to be placed on the working platform then the standards should be a very maximum distance of 1.8 metres apart and this is generally called the bay length.
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.
Scaffold ledgers
What is a scaffolding ledger? Using longer length tubes, ledgers are run horizontally between each standard along the length of the scaffolding and this provides additional weight distribution and support to the structure. Each bay is fixed with ledgers at the front and back of the framework. The location of a ledger specifies the height of the working platform excluding the very first row of ledgers nearest the ground which is sometimes referred to as a ‘kicker lift’.
Scaffolding transoms
What is a scaffold transom? Transoms tubes are scaffolding components that are fixed along each bay on top of the ledger at a right angle running from the back to the front of the structure which identifies the bay width. The main transom gives support to the standards by holding them in place as well as offering support for the boards. Intermediate transoms are also used for additional supporting of the boards and these should be spaced out no more than 1.2m throughout the bay.
There are other a number of other scaffolding parts that are involved in supporting the scaffolding framework and these are:
Scaffolding braces
What is a scaffold brace? A scaffolding brace adds support to the structure and can be positioned in the following ways:
Scaffolding cross or diagonal braces – 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.
Scaffolding sway braces – 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.
Scaffold couplers, clamps & fittings
Scaffold fittings are what connects the tubes together and there are many different types that have a variety of uses. Right angle couplers are usually used to connect the standards, ledgers, and transoms together and you can either use a single or double coupler to achieve this.
Swivel and double couplers are to be used for bracing. Whereas single couplers should never be used for this and are generally used for securing the transoms to ledgers as they are not a load bearing fitting.
It is advised that all couplers should be fully tightened by either using a scaffolding spanner or a handheld impact wrench and they should also be used as per their class for example:
Class A has a load capacity of 6.1kN.
Class B has a max load capacity of 9.1kN.
Scaffold ties
Aside from the basic scaffolding components we have mentioned above there are also many different types of ties that fix the scaffold framework to the building when required. Ties are required at a ratio of 4 to 1 in width and height and the distance of these increase the higher the scaffold structure goes. For example: the very first tie should be presented at a height of 8ft and then all following ties should be provided every 20ft.
Depending on what type of scaffolding you are erecting the kind of tie you will need will be different.
Examples:
Through ties: This is where the scaffold is secured through the window of the building.
Box ties: This is when the structure is secured to the external part of a building for example pillars.
Scaffolding boards
Timber planks called scaffold boards are another vital scaffolding part which are used to create a safe and secure working platform and are placed on top of the scaffold tube that creates the bay. These types of boards are made from European whitewood and usually come in 2.4m, 3.0m and 3.9m lengths and are banded both ends with metal to prevent the boards from splitting. Each board should be straight, firm and have no cracks and should also have a minimum width of 225mm and a minimum thickness of 38mm when using them on a transom space of no more than 1.2m.
A platform area should be at least 3-4 boards wide and when they are placed next to each other a maximum gap of 1-inch should be present, they are then fixed to the structure with board retaining clips which will prevent them from moving. When creating a working lift you must overhang the boards a small distance past the transom which is approximately 2 to 6 inches. It is also important to use these boards around the perimeter of the platform to prevent materials and equipment falling off, and these are called toe boards. There should be a maximum 6mm space vertically from the toe board and the platform.
What other parts are required on a working platform?
To complete a working platform there are more safety measures and other scaffolding parts that have to be put into place as this area must protect workers from falling at height. There needs to be guardrails installed on every working lift with the top rail being fixed at a height of 38 inches to 45 inches. The lower guardrail (mid-rail) should be fixed at a distance of approx. 470mm from the top rail. Each guardrail should tie into every standard at each joint using double couplers. Finally when there is no access available from the building itself then a ladder access is required along with safety ladder gates at each exit/entrance. Ladders should be fixed at both ends using ladder clamp scaffolding parts.
Other scaffolding components that can be used:
If you are erecting a scaffold on a public highway, path or on a busy construction site, where the general public or other workers gather then for their health and safety the following scaffolding parts would need to be added to your scaffold structure:
- Foam - This scaffold component is attached to each standard to help prevent injury should a pedestrian walk into them.
- Scaffold lighting - Lights are fixed to the scaffold to inform drivers or pedestrians there is a large scaffolding structure at night or on gloomy days.
- Hazard warning tape - Red and white tape is wrapped around the tube to warn people.
- End caps - These scaffolding parts are placed on the ends of each tube if they are in a position that could cause an accident or injury or damage property.
- Debris netting - Netting is installed around the outside or inside of the scaffold framework to help reduce noise, and to stop dust and debris from entering a public area.
- Rubbish chutes - These chutes are attached to the scaffold and are used to drop debris and building materials securely from height directly into a skip.
Need more information?
If you would like more information on the scaffolding parts that make up a safe working structure then please get in touch, we will endeavour to answer all of your scaffold component related questions.
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