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CONTENTSIntroduction 3

Chapter1:WorkingSafelywithScaffolding 51.1GeneralHealthandSafetyGuidelines 51.2HealthandSafetyGuidelinesforErectors 111.3HealthandSafetyGuidelinesforScaffoldUsers 12

Chapter2:ScaffoldComponentsandEquipment 152.1ComponentsoftheBasicScaffold 152.2ScaffoldComponents-TableofWeights 232.3ToolsandEquipment 242.4PersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE) 25

Chapter3:EstimatingScaffoldRequirements 273.1ScaffoldLoads 273.2DesigningaScaffoldStructure 28

Chapter4:Inspection,CareandMaintenance 334.1InspectionofScaffoldComponents 334.1.1ScaffoldComponentInspectionReadyReckoner 354.2GeneralMaintenanceofScaffoldComponents 374.2.1GeneralCleaning 374.2.2Repairs 384.2.3MaintenanceofPlanks 384.2.4TestingandVerificationofPlanks 394.3InspectionofErectedScaffolds 404.3.1ErectedScaffoldInspectionGuidelines 41

Chapter5:TransportandStorageofScaffoldComponents 455.1TransportingScaffoldingComponents 455.2StorageofScaffoldComponents 46

Chapter6ProceduresfortheErectionandDismantlingofScaffolds 476.1ScaffoldFoundations 476.1.1GroundConditions 476.1.2SafeFoundations 486.1.3UnsafeFoundations 516.1.4FoundationsonSlopingGround 556.1.5UnsafeFoundationsonSlopingGround 576.1.6ProcedureforSitingScaffolds 536.1.7ScaffoldSitingReadyReckoner 616.2SettingUptheWorkArea 636.3ErectingaScaffold 656.4ErectingaScaffoldwithIntermediatePlatform&TopWorkingPlatform 796.5DismantlingaScaffold 83

Chapter7:ScaffoldingCompetancyChecklist 85

Chapter8:LegislativeRequirementsandAustralianStandards 91

Steel Frame Scaffolding

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IntroductionAztexscaffoldsaredesignedtoAustralianStandardsandconsistofanumberofcomponentparts.Whenusedinaccordancewithrecommendedprocedures,Aztexscaffoldsprovidesafe,easytousescaffoldingsolutionsforadiverserangeofjobs,worksiterequirementsandconditions.

Healthandsafetylegalobligationsvaryfromonejurisdictiontoanother.ThismanualservesasaguideandisbasedontheinformationandtrainingprovisionsoftheNationalStandardforPlantNOHSC:1010.BeforeusingAztexscaffolding,makesureyouareawareofthespecificoccupationalhealthandsafetylegislativeobligationsofthejurisdiction(StateorTerritory)wherethescaffoldingistobeused.

Makesureeveryoneisadequatelytrainedandcompetent.Thismeansensuringeveryonehasreceivedtrainingandhastherequiredskillsandknowledgetosafelyandcorrectlyuseandworkwithscaffolding.Ensuringtherighttrainingisprovidedandthatpeoplearecompetenttocarryouttheirjobisanemployer’sdutyofcare.

Training,skillsandknowledgerequirementswillvaryfromonejobandworksitetoanother.Beforecommencinganywork,employeesneedtobeadequatelyinductedandnotifiedofanychangedconditionsorcircumstancesthatcouldimpactontheirhealthandsafety.Takealookatthejob,workareaandscaffoldingrequirements.Establishtheskillsandknowledgerequirementsofpersonnelandprovidethenecessaryinformationandtrainingtoenableemployeesandotherpersonssuchaslabourhireemployees,contractorsandvisitorstocarryoutthetheirjobsinasafemanner.

BeforeusinganAztexscaffold,workthroughthegeneralsafetyinformationcontainedinthisguide.Alwaysfollowrecommendedproceduresandabidebytheprovisionsofalllegislativerequirements,StandardsorCodesofPractice.(Wherefurtherinformationisrequired,contactthemanufacturer).

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Chapter 1: Working Safely With Scaffolding

Consider the following key points before using or working with scaffolding.Legal Obligations

Areuser’sawareoftheirlegalobligationswithrespecttotheuseofscaffolding?

Erect,dismantle,transport,storeandusescaffoldinginaccordancewithanyprovisionsoutlinedinAustralianorInternationalStandards,legislation(Acts,Regulations)and/orCodesofPractice.Peopleneedtobeawareoftheirobligationsandadheretotheprovisionsatalltimes.

Risk Management – ScaffoldingHasariskassessmentbeenconductedonscaffoldingcomponentsandstructurestoidentifyanyhazards?

Theprinciplesofriskmanagementshouldbeappliedtoworkactivitiesinvolvingscaffolding.Asyougoaboutyourworkremembertheriskassessmentandcontrolprocedures:

IDENTIFYASSESSCONTROLMONITOR

Ariskassessmentofallscaffoldcomponents,siteconditionsanderectedscaffoldstructuresshouldbecarriedoutatkeytimesintheoperationalcycletoidentifyanyhazards.Thefollowingthinkingpromptsprovideastartingpointforriskassessment:•Potentialforinjuryduetocrushing,trapping,cutting.•Hazardousenvironmentalconditionsoftheworkenvironmentsuchaselectricity,noise,friction,vibration,fire,explosion,hotorcoldparts,gases,vapour,fumes,dust,vehiclesandotherplant.

•Unstablefoundations.•Potentialinstabilityduetoenvironmentalloads–wind,snow,ice,etc.•Failureofscaffold-collapseofparts,potentialtooverturn.•Potentialforfallingobjectsfromoverheadorontotheground.•Ergonomic/manualhandlinghazards.•Accessandegresshazards.•Damagedcomponentpartsunderminingthestrengthandcapacityofthescaffold.•Impactloads.

1.1: General Health and Safety Guidelines

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Risk Management – Scaffolding cont...Arepeopleawareofthehazardsassociatedwithscaffoldingandthegeneralprecautionstobetaken?

•Donotworkonscaffoldingininclementweather(i.e.wet,raining,excessivewindorlightning).Assessclimaticandenvironmentalconditionsbeforecommencingwork.

•Assessenvironmentalloadssuchassnow,iceandhighwindonthestabilityofscaffoldstructures.•Alwaysuseexpertadvice(i.e.acompetentandappropriatelyqualifiedperson)whenassessingenvironmentalloadsandtheuseofscreencloth.

•Exercisecautionwhenworkingnearelectricity.Scaffoldsmustbeatleast4metresfromuninsulatedpowerlinesorotherelectricaltransmissionapparatus.

•Donotuseplatformbrackets/hopupswithoutconductingariskassessmentoftheoverturningeffectonthescaffoldstructure.

•Observecorrectliftingandcarryingprocedureswheneverhandling,erecting,dismantling,packingandstoringscaffoldcomponents.

•Usemanualhandlingequipmentwhereverpossibletoavoidmanualhandlinginjury.•Usecautionwhenmachineryisbeingusednearby.Considerabledamagecanbecausedbyevenaslightbumpfromavehicleormachinery.

•Provideoverheadprotectionwherehazardsexistforpersonnelonornearbyscaffolding.•Neveroverloadscaffolds.•Installproperguardrailsalongallopensidesandendsofscaffoldplatformstopreventfalls.•Installtoeboardstopreventobjectsfallingfromscaffoldplatformsontopeopleworkingbelow.•Installoverheadprotectionwherepeopleareexposedtofallingobjects.•Secureplanksatalltimes.•Erectbarricadesand/orlightswhereverthereisahazardtoworkersorthepublic.

Havetherisksassociatedwithscaffoldsbeenadequatelycontrolled?

Whereariskassessmentidentifiesaneedtocontrolarisktohealthandsafety,theriskshouldbeeliminatedandwhereitcannotbeeliminated,theriskshouldbeminimised.

GuardingAresafetyguardsfittedtothosepartsofthescaffoldwherethereisanidentifiedhazard?(Eg.Fallsfromheight,fallingobjects.)

Youwillneedtoidentifythehazardsassociatedwithscaffoldstodeterminetheadequacyoftheguardingandthetypeofguardingrequiredtopreventinjury.Guardingtakesmanyforms:•Physicalbarrierssuchascages,fences,enclosures,gates,doors,covers,etc.

Mostcountriesandstateshavelegislationorguidancematerialsuchasstandardsandcodesofpracticecoveringscaffoldandguardingrequirements.YoushouldbeawareoftherequirementscoveringscaffoldinginyourStateorTerritoryandmakesureitcomplies.NEVERREMOVEORBYPASSSAFETYGUARDS.

WARNING - Metal conducts electricity. Be aware of electrical hazards and take the necessary precautions

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Authority to UseAreyouappropriatelyqualifiedtoworkwithscaffolding?

Youshouldonlyeveruse,erect,dismantleormaintainscaffoldingthatyouhavebeentrainedandauthorisedtouse.Thismeanshavingtheappropriatequalificationssuchasascaffolder’scertificatewherethereisariskofafallexceeding4metresorbeingassessedascompetentbyasuitablyqualifiedpersonwhereframescaffoldingunder4metresisused.

Arethescaffoldingproceduresemployedontheworksiteapprovedbyaqualifiedpersonsuchastheemployer,sitemanager,teamleader,supervisororqualifiedscaffolder?

•Notaskshouldbeperformed,unlessapprovedbyyouremployer,supervisororappropriatelyqualifiedscaffolder.•Neverattempttouseorworkwithscaffoldingunlessyouhavebeentrainedandassessedascompetentinthecorrectandapprovedprocedures.Forscaffoldingwhereapersonorobjectcanfall4mormore,youmustholdacurrentscaffolder’scertificate.

•Onlyappropriatelyqualifiedpersonnelshouldattendtoelectricalworkortasksrequiringaqualifiedtradesperson.Training and CompetenceHaveallpersonsworkingwithscaffoldingbeenadequatelytrained?

Havepersonsundertakingtrainingbeenassessedascompetentbyasuitablyqualifiedperson?

Whererequiredbylegislation,arepeoplequalifiedandcertifiedtotherequiredstandard?

Scaffoldingrequirementswillvaryfromonesiteandjobtoanother.Onlyqualified,competentpersonsshoulderect,dismantleoralterscaffolding.

Ifyouareresponsibleforotherpeopleconsiderthefollowingpointsbeforeanyworkiscommenced:•Considerthetypeandconstructionofscaffoldandtherolesandresponsibilitiesofpeopleemployedtouseandworkwithit.

•Considerthelevelofemployeequalificationrequiredtocarryoutspecificscaffoldingjobfunctions(seeAS/NZS4576).

•Useonlycertifiedscaffoldersonthosejobswhereformalcertificationandqualificationsarerequired.•Identifyanygapsintheskillsandknowledgerequirementsofemployees.•Assessthetypeoftrainingemployeesneedtosafelyandeffectivelyusescaffoldingandcarryouttheirjob.•Considertheresourcesrequiredtodeliveradequatescaffoldtraining.•Developtrainingprogramstomeetidentifiedscaffoldtrainingneedsand/oraccessappropriatetrainingprogramsfromrecognisedandsuitablyqualifiedoutsideproviders.

•Identifythosestagesintheoperationalcyclewhentrainingisrequired(e.g.induction,newscaffolds,newprocesses,newpeople).

•Providewrittensafeworkprocedureswhereverpossible.•Usetheproceduresoutlinedinthismanualasaguideandapplythemtotherequirementsoftheworksiteandjob.•Pointoutclearlyanddistinctly,anyriskassociatedwiththesiteandtheuseofscaffolding.•Provideadequateonthejobinstructionandsupervisedpracticalexperience.•Pointoutanddescribetheriskcontrolsinplace.•Assessemployeecompetencetosafelyuseandworkwithscaffoldingoncetraininghasbeencompleted.•Usesuitablyqualifiedpersonnel(followingtheguidelinesofAS/NZS4576)toassessthecompetenceoftrainees.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Personal SafetyAreyoucorrectlydressedforthejob? Whenworkingwithscaffoldingitisimportantthatyouareappropriatelydressed.ThismeansNOlooseclothingor

jewelleryandhairshouldbetiedbackorconfined.

Ifworkingoutdoors,adequateprotectionfromthesunwillberequired.Thiscouldinclude,butisnotlimitedto,thewearingof:•Alongsleevedshirt.•Longtrousers.•Ahatwithbrim(e.g.widebrimmedhatorforeignlegionstylecap).•Sunglasses.•Sunscreen.

Areyouingoodhealth? Scaffoldersandpersonsworkingonscaffoldsmustbephysicallywellandmentallyalert.Neverworkon,orerectscaffoldingifunwellortakingmedicationthatmayaffectmentalalertnessorjudgement.

IsPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE)required?

Doyouknowwhatisrequiredandisitingoodworkingorder?

Somejobswillrequirethewearingofpersonalprotectiveequipment.Thiscouldbe:•Eyeprotection.•Hearingprotection.•Scaffoldersgloves.•Safetyboots.•Hardhat.

DependingontheworkenvironmenttheremaybearequirementtowearotherformsofPPEsuchasbreathingequipmentorspecialpurposeoveralls.Ariskassessmentwillidentifytheseneeds.

Itisimportantyouknowwhatyouneedtowear,howtowearitcorrectlyandthatyouwearitatalltimes.IfunsureaboutPPErequirementsorPPEismissingordamaged,seeyoursupervisorimmediately.

Lockout and Tagging Systems, Safety Warnings and DecalsIsthereanapprovedsystemforscaffoldlockoutandtagginginplace?

Whereascaffoldis:•Underconstruction.•Outofuse.•Hasnotbeensignedoffinaformalhandoverprocedure.

Asystemforlockoutandtaggingshouldbeinplace.Thisshouldinclude:•Aprocedureforlockingoutorisolatingthescaffoldtopreventunauthorisedentryoruse•Aprocedureforwarningpersonnelthattheplantisinastateoflockout.

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Lockout and Tagging Systems, Safety Warnings and Decals cont...Areallemployeesawareofthesystemoflockoutandtagging?

Employeesmustbemadeawareofthesystemforlockoutandtaggingandrecognisethatcertainrulesapplytothissystem.Forexample:

•Neverremovealockortagplacedbyanotherperson•Donotattempttouseorentertheareawhenascaffoldislockedoutandtagged.

Arescaffoldcomponentsclearly,legiblyandpermanentlylabelledwithrelevantwarningsanddecalstoalertpersonneltohazardsandloadratingspecifications?

Thelawinmostcountriesandstatesrequireswarningsorsafetydecalstobeclearly,permanentlyandlegiblymarkedonanitemofplant.Donotremove,paintoverorallowdirttobuildupondesigner/manufacturer’ssafetywarnings,orlabelssuchasloadratings.Reportdamagedormissingwarningsanddecalsimmediately.

Specifications and UseArespecificationsknown?

Doscaffoldsandcomponentpartsmeetallstatutoryrequirements?

GuidelinesforScaffoldingAS/NZS4576outlinesscaffoldingrequirementsandspecifications.AllusersofscaffoldingshouldbefamiliarwiththerequirementsoftheStandardandensurespecificationsareadheredtoatalltimes.Usersofscaffoldingshouldconsiderthefollowinggeneralspecifications:

•Guardrailstobeinstalledwhereapersoncouldfall2metresormoreorasariskassessmentindicates.•Adjustablebaseplateextensionnottoexceed450mm.150mmmustremainintheframe.•Scaffoldmustbeatleast4.0mfromuninsulatedpowerlinesorotherelectricaltransmissionapparatus.•Nomixingofcomponentswithothermanufacturersorsystems(exceptguardrail).•Platformsmustbefullyplanked.•Donotexceedscaffoldratedcapacity–basedonlight,mediumandheavyduty(Seesection3.1).•Neverdroporapplyanimpactloadtoplatform.•Donotallowmaterialordebristoaccumulateonworkingplatform.•Accesstotheworkingplatformshouldalwaysbefromtheinternalladderaccess.Exercisecautionwhenenteringorleavingaworkingplatform.

•Examineanerectedscaffoldthoroughlytomakesureitissetupproperly.Thescaffoldshouldbeerectedtobeplumb,level,rigidandsquare.

•Donotalteroradjustscaffoldcomponentswithpersonsormaterialonscaffold.•Donotleanladdersagainstscaffold,(donotuseladdersonworkingplatforms).•Makesureallbracesarelockedinplace.•Provideoverheadprotectionwherehazardexistsforpersonnelonornearbyscaffolding.•Donotoverloadscaffolds.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Specification and Use cont...•Equipandmaintainallplatformswithproperguardrails,alongallopensidesandendsofscaffoldplatforms.•Secureplankswhennecessary.•Allscaffoldswhereapersonorobjectcouldfall4.0mormoremustbeerectedbyaqualifiedscaffolder.•Laddersmustbestable,secure.angledatarecommendedinclinerationof4:1(butnomorethan6:1)andextended1.0maboveplatform.

•Donotovertightennutsandbolts.Useascaffoldspanner.•Provideoverheadprotectionwherepeopleareexposedtofallingmaterial.•Inspectandtestscaffoldinginaccordancewithlegislativerequirements.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedto,inspectiononadailybasisbeforeuseandonceevery30daysbyaqualifiedpersonorwhenariskassessmentindicates.

AS/NZS4576outlinesgeneralusespecifications.Usersofscaffoldingshouldbeawareofthegeneralusespecificationsandadheretothematalltimes.Someimportantguidelinesforuseareoutlinedbelow:

•Inspectequipmentbeforeuse.Checkformissingparts.Checktiesandsubsidence.•Donotusedefectiveequipment.•Donotabuseormisusescaffoldequipment.Onlyuseequipmentthewayitwasintended.•Keepallequipmentingoodrepair.•Donotstackmaterialshigherthanguardrailmeshortoeboard.•Standonplatformonly–Donottrytoincreaseheightbystandingonguardrails,extraladders,trestles,boxes,etc.•Donotuseplatformbrackets/hopupswithoutconductingariskassessmentoftheoverturningeffectonthescaffoldstructure.

•Platformbracket/hopupsareforpersonnelonly.NOTmaterialstorage.•Usebothhandswhenclimbingontoscaffoldplatforms.Usethedesignatedladderandmaintainafirmgripwhilstclimbing.Donotcarryanythingwhileclimbing.Donotclimbonbraces.

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1.2: Health and Safety Guidelines for Erectors

Theseguidelinesareintendedforthosepersonsinvolvedintheerection,modificationordismantlingofscaffolds.Thisisnotanexhaustivelist.Personsinvolvedintheerection,modificationand/ordismantlingofscaffoldingshouldbecertifiedasrequiredbylawandcompetenttocarryouttheirjob.

•Assessenvironmentalloadssuchassnow,iceandhighwindonthestabilityofscaffoldstructures.•Alwaysuseexpertadvice(i.e.acompetentandappropriatelyqualifiedperson)whenassessingenvironmentalloadsandtheuseofscreencloth.•Exercisecautionwhenworkingnearelectricity.Scaffoldsmustbeatleast4metresfromuninsulatedpowerlinesorotherelectricaltransmissionapparatus.

WARNING - Metal conducts electricity. Be aware of electrical hazards and take the necessary precautions

•Donotinstallplatformbrackets/hopupswithoutconductingariskassessmentoftheoverturningeffectonthescaffoldstructure.•Observecorrectliftingandcarryingprocedureswheneverhandling,erecting,dismantling,packingandstoringscaffoldcomponents.•Usemanualhandlingequipmentwhereverpossibletoavoidmanualhandlinginjury.•Usecautionwhenmachineryisbeingusednearby.Considerabledamagecanbecausedbyevenaslightbumpfromavehicleormachinery.•Equipandmaintainallplatformswithproperguardrails,alongallopensidesandendsofscaffoldplatforms.•Installtoeboardstopreventobjectsfallingfromscaffoldplatformsontopeopleworkingbelow.•Installoverheadprotectionwherepeopleareexposedtofallingobjects.•Installadequateandappropriateaccessladders.•Secureplanksatalltimes.•Erectbarricadesand/orlightswhereverthereisahazardtoworkersorthepublic.•Neverdroporapplyanimpactloadtoaplatform.•Examineanerectedscaffoldthoroughlytomakesureitissetupproperly.Thescaffoldshouldbeerectedtobeplumb,level,rigidandsquare.•Donotalteroradjustscaffoldcomponentswithpersonsormaterialonscaffold.•Donotleanladdersagainstscaffold,donotuseladdersonworkingplatforms.•Makesureallbracesarelockedinplace.•Donotovertightennutsandbolts.Useascaffoldspanner.•Donotusedefectivecomponentsinthescaffold.Inspectscaffoldcomponentsastheyareinstalled.•DonotmixAztexScaffoldcomponentswiththoseofothermanufacturersorotherscaffoldingsystems(exceptguardrail).•Donotbridgebetweentowerswithplanksorstages.•Lockoutandtagscaffoldsusinganappropriatesystemwhenscaffoldsareincomplete,defectiveorhavenotbeensubjectto“Approval”inspection.•Indicatebymeansofappropriatetaggingwhenascaffoldhasbeeninspectedand“Approved,ReadytoUse”.

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1.3: Health and Safety Guidelines for Scaffold Users

Your job may require you to use a scaffold in order to carry out certain job functions.Before commencing work, make sure you are familiar with the safe working guidelines for using scaffolds.

Usersofscaffoldingshouldbeawareofthegeneralusespecificationsandadheretothematalltimes.Someofthemorecommonhazardscreatedbyusersaresummarisedbelowasimportantguidelinesforuse.Theseguidelinesarenotexhaustive.Individualorganisationsshouldassesstheriskassociatedwiththeuseofscaffoldingasitpertainstothejobandworkenvironmentandensuretheiremployeesareadequatelytrainedandcompetenttousescaffoldinginasafemanner.

•Donotworkonscaffoldinguntilyouhavebeenproperlyinductedinitsuseandassessedascompetent.•Donotworkonscaffoldinguntilithasbeeninspectedforyourshiftandistaggedas“ApprovedReadytoUse”.•Alwaysinspect(visualinspection)scaffoldbeforeuse.Checkformissingparts,ensureladderaccess,fullplanking,guardrailsandtiesareinplace.Checkfoundationsforsubsidence.Ensurethescaffoldisplumb,rigidandsquare.

•Donotworkonscaffoldingifyounoticeanycomponentswhicharedamaged.Reportdamagedscaffoldcomponentsimmediately.•Useonlyscaffoldsthatarecorrectlyshored(i.e.plumb,squareandrigid).•Donotworkonscaffoldingininclementweather(i.e.wet,raining,excessivewindorlightning).Assessclimaticandenvironmentalconditionsbeforecommencingwork.

•Donotworkoniceorsnowcoveredplatforms.•Donotabuseormisusescaffoldequipment.Onlyuseequipmentthewayitwasintended.•Keepallequipmentingoodrepair.•Donotuseascaffoldunlessaproperladderorotherequivalentsafemeansofaccesshasbeenprovided.•Enterscaffoldsbythesafemeansofaccess.Neverclimbguardrailsorthescaffolditself.•Donotclimbonbraces.•Donotuseascaffoldiftheworkingplatformisnotplankedallthewayacross.Donotusethescaffoldifthereisonlyoneortwoplankswherethereshouldbemore.

•Donotuseascaffoldiftheplanksarenotscaffoldgrade.ScaffoldgradeplankswillbeclearlyandlegiblystampedwiththeweightbearingloadandStandardconformancenumber.

•Donotuseascaffoldiftheplanksarebowing.•Donotworkonascaffoldifyoufeelweak,sickordizzyoraretakingmedicationthatcausesdrowsinessorimpairsreflexes.•Donotworkonascaffoldwhenundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.•AlwayswearthecorrectPPEforthejobandworksite.IfyouareunsureofthecorrectPPE–seeyoursupervisorbeforecommencingwork.•Usebothhandswhenclimbingontoscaffoldplatforms.Usethedesignatedladderandmaintainafirmgripwhilstclimbing.Donotcarrymaterialsasyouclimb.•Donotjumpontoplanksorplatforms.•Donotstackmaterialshigherthanguardrailmeshortoeboard.

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•Donotoverloadtheplatformbymorethanitsintendeduniformloading.•Donotoverloadthescaffoldbypointloadingaplankaboveitscapacity.•Donotoverloadaplatformbypointloadingaframeaboveitscapacity.•Donotbridgebetweentwoscaffoldsbyplanks.•Donotusethescaffoldunlessproperfallingobjectprotectionfortheusersandworkersbelowhasbeenprovided.•Donotallowtools,materialsordebristoaccumulateonscaffoldplatformsandcauseahazard.•Standonplatformonly–notonguardrails,extraladders,trestles,boxesetctoincreaseheight.•Donotuseplatformbrackets/hopupswithoutconductingariskassessmentoftheoverturningeffectonthescaffoldstructure.•Platformbracket/hopupsareforpersonnelonly.NOTmaterialstorage.•Donotalterthescaffold.Competantscaffoldersmayonlyperformscaffoldalterations.•Donotuseheatproducingactivitiessuchasweldingwithouttakingprecautionstoprotectthescaffoldcomponents.•Donotuseascaffoldwithamaterialhoisttowerorforthemountingofderricksunlessthescaffoldisdesignedforsuchuse.

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Chapter 2: Scaffold Components and Equipment2.1: Components of the Basic Scaffold

AztexscaffoldsaredesignedtoAustralianStandardsandconsistofanumberofcomponentparts.Whenused inaccordancewithrecommendedprocedures,Aztexscaffoldsprovidesafe,easytousescaffoldingsolutionsforadiverserangeofjobs,worksiterequirementsandconditions.Aguidetothe(basic)scaffoldcomponentsisdetailedbelow.

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Frame

Theframeconsistsoftwostandardsoruprightsjoinedatthetopbyatransomorhorizontalstructuralmember.

Thesectionat the topofeachstandard is knownasa spigot.Thespigotsaredesignedtoholdtheframesofsubsequentliftsandguardrailpostsonthetopmostlevelofscaffold.

Guardrailspigotslocatedonthestandardsprovideanattachmentpointfortheguardrail.Theguardrailisfittedwithasetofhookscorrespondingtotheguardrailspigotsoftheframe.

Oneachstandardtherearetwopinlocks–fourperframe.Thepinlockssecurethe cross braces to the frame. Eachpinlock has anopen and closedposition.Whenerectingscaffolding,thepinlockshouldbeintheopenpositionforeaseofattachingthecrossbrace.Tosecurethecrossbrace/s,thepinlockmustbeintheclosedposition.(Figures 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05)

Figure 2.01: Thescaffoldframe

Figure 2.02: Thespigotsectionofthescaffoldframe Figure 2.03: Theguardrailspigot

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Figure 2.04: Thepinlockintheopenposition Figure 2.05: Thepinlockintheclosedposition

(Punched Hole) Crossbrace

Thebraceisfixeddiagonallytothepinlocksoftheframestandardsandconsistsof twomembers joinedat themidpointbyaboltandnut.Thebracecanbecollapsedfortransportandstorageandopenedforbracingtogethertwoscaffoldframes.(Figures 2.06, 2.07, 2.08)

Figure 2.06: Thecrossbraceinthe“closed”positionfortransport/storage Figure 2.07: Thecrossbraceinthe“open”positionasitisfixedtotheframe

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Figure 2.10: Anexampleofasoleplate

Figure 2.09: Anadjustablebaseplate

Figure 2.08: Thepointsatwhichthecrossbraceisfixedtothepinlocksoftheframestandards

Adjustable Baseplate

Thisconsistsofabaseplateandadjustablelegwhichisusedforpurposesofloadsupportand levellingthescaffold.Thebaseplatedistributesthe loadfromtheverticalstandardof theframethroughthesoleplatetothesupportinggroundstructureorsurface.Theadjustable legconsistsofa threadedrodwithanut,whichisdesignedtofitinsidetheverticalstandardoftheframeandsupportthestandardload.(Figure 2.09)

Soleplates

The soleplate distributes the scaffold load from the baseplate to the groundor other supporting structure. Soleplate dimensions and requirements aredeterminedbytheheightandwidthofthescaffoldaswellasthestabilityofthegroundonwhichthescaffoldiserected.(Figure 2.10)

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Scaffold Plank

Adeckingcomponentofstandardwidthanddepth,designedtoconformtoAS1577.Setsidebyside,scaffoldplanksprovideaworkingplatform.Thenumberofplanksrequiredisdeterminedbythetypeandsizeofscaffoldframe.Eachendoftheplankisfittedwithasteelend.Theplankendsarepositionedoveratransomduringerectionoftheworkingplatform.(Figures 2.11, 2.12)

Access Platform

Aplatformthatprovidesaccesstoandfromdifferent levelsofthescaffoldforpeople, materials and equipment. The access platform may also be called ahatchdeck.ThehatchdeckisequivalentinwidthtothreescaffoldplanksandisconstructedofwaterproofplywoodconformingtoAS1577.(Figure 2.13)

Figure 2.11: Ascaffoldplank

Figure 2.13: Anaccessplatformofhatcheddeck Figure 2.12: Steelendofascaffoldplank

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Ladder

Theladderallowsmovementbetweenscaffoldplatforms.(Figure 2.14)

Figure 2.14: Ascaffoldladder

Figure 2.15: Aladderrail

Ladder Rail

Aladderrailisusedtoprovideananchorpointfortheladder(Figure 2.15)

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Guardrail

Agalvanisedmeshstructuredesignedtopreventpeopleandobjectsfallingfromtheworkingplatform.

Guardrailhooks(locatedonbothsidesoftheguardrail-topandbottom)areadjustable,anddrop into theguardrail spigotsof thescaffold frametosecure theguardrail inplace.

Ametaltoeboardorkickboardispermanentlyfixedtothebottomoftheguardrailtopreventtoolsormaterialsfallingfromtheworkingplatform.(Figures 2.16, 2.17, 2.18)

Figure 2.16: A guardrail

Figure 2.17: Guardrailhooks Figure 2.18: Guardrailhooksarelocatedtopandbottomoftheguardrail

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Guardrail Post

Guardrailpostsareonlyrequiredonthetopmostlevelofthescaffold.Thepostsarefitted to the spigotsof the scaffold framestandardsof the liftbelow.Theguardrailisthensecuredtotheposttopreventpersonsandobjectsfromfalling.Thepostisfittedwithaclamptosecurethepost.Theguardrailisslidintospigotspositionedatthetopandthebottomoftheguardrailpost.(Figures 2.19, 2.20)

Right Angle Coupler

Thisisanonswivelloadbearingcouplerusedtoconnecttwotubesatrightanglestoeachother.Inascaffoldtherightanglecouplerisusedontheintermediatelevelstoconnectaladdersupportrailtoascaffoldframe.Withoutthesupportraila ladderattheintermediatelevelwillmovearoundandbecomeunstable.(Figure 2.21)

Figure 2.19: Overviewoftheguardrailpost

Figure 2.21: Arightanglecoupler Figure 2.20: Aguardrailpostshowingtheclampandbottomspigots

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2.2: Scaffold Components - Table of Weights

ThefollowingtableliststheweightofindividualscaffoldcomponentssuppliedbyAztexEquipment.Youwillneedtoconsidertheweightofcomponentpartswhencalculatingscaffoldloads.Theweightofscaffoldcomponentsshouldalsobeconsideredwhen:

Conducting a manual handling risk assessment–employersshouldbeawareofcomponentweightsandensureappropriatemanualhandlingproceduresandcontrolsareinplacetopreventinjuryassociatedwithpoormanualhandlingpractice.

When determining the appropriate vehicle/equipment for the movement and transport of scaffold components–onlytrucksandmanualhandlingequipmentappropriatelyloadratedshouldbeusedwhenmovingandtransportingscaffoldcomponents.

Scaffold Component Weight (Kg)1.5mFrame 20

1.5mFrame(Narrow) 181.0mFrame 14

1.0mFrame(Narrow) 12Crossbrace(tosuit1.5mframe) 6Crossbrace(tosuit1.0mframe) 5

AdjustableBaseplate 6Soleplate 3

ScaffoldPlank(4.8m) 27ScaffoldPlank(4.2m) 25ScaffoldPlank(2.4m) 14

CaptivePlanks 12Guardrail 13

GuardrailPost 5Coupler 1

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2.3: Tools and Equipment

Beforeyoucanerect,maintainordismantlescaffolding,youwillrequireafewbasictoolsanditemsofequipment.Adescriptionoftherequiredtoolsisoutlinedbelow.(Figures 2.22, 2.23)

Scaffold Spanner-Aboxortubetypewrenchwithaswingoverhandlethathasbeenpurposedesignedforthetighteningandreleasingofcouplers.

Magnetic Spirit Level-Aspiritlevelisusedtolevelthebaseofthescaffold.Thejoboflevellingthescaffoldismadeeasierwhenthespiritlevelismagnetic.

Tape Measure-Thetapemeasureisusedtocheckdistancesandsquarescaffoldcomponentsrelativetoeachother.

Scaffolder’s Belt-Thescaffolder’sbeltincludesprovisionforallscaffoldequipmentaswellasothertools.Thebeltiswornaroundthewaistandprovidesasafeandefficientmeansofcarryingtools.

Figure 2.22: Ascaffoldersbelt Figure 2.23: Basicscaffoldequipment(lefttoright)ScaffoldSpanner,MagneticSpiritLevel,TapeMeasure,RiggersGloves

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2.4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PersonalProtectiveequipmentisdesignedtopreventinjuryarisingfromthehazardsassociatedwithscaffoldingoperationsandcomponents.Handlingscaffoldingequipmentcanbehazardous.Scaffoldplankingisheavy,scaffoldframescanbeawkward,andbracescanpinch.Appropriatepersonalprotectiveequipmentcanreducetheriskofinjury.

DifferentoperationsandsitespecifichazardswilldeterminethetypeofPPEtobeworn.MakesureyouknowwhatsortofPPEyoushouldwearbeforestartingajob.

Riggers’s Gloves-Themetalsurfacesofthescaffoldcomponentsmaycontainmetalburrsorsharpsections.Metalcomponentsleftinfullsun,canbecomehot.Closefitting,nonslipgloves,specificallydesignatedforscaffoldingworkshouldbewornatalltimeswhenhandlingscaffoldcomponentstoprotectthehandsfrompotentialcutsandburns.

Footwear-Worksiteswillrequirepersonneltowearsafetyfootwear.SuchfootwearshouldcomplywiththerelevantAustralianStandards(AS/NZS2210).

Safety Helmets-IndustrialsafetyhelmetscomplyingwithAS/NZS1801shouldbewornwhereverthereisariskofobjectsfallingfromaboveandonanyworksitewhereahardhatisrequiredtobeworn.

Eye Protection-Ariskassessmentwillidentifytheneedforeyeprotection.Eyeprotectionrequirementswilldependontheworkenvironmentandjobbeingperformed.EyeprotectionshouldconformtoAS/NZS1337.

Hearing Protection-Ariskassessmentwillidentifytheneedforhearingprotection.Hearingprotectionrequirementswilldependontheworkenvironmentandjobbeingperformed.

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* Materials must not be stored on light duty working platforms that have the minimum allowable width.

Chapter 3: Estimating Scaffold RequirementsBeforeyoucanbegintoerectorworkwithascaffold,youwillneedtoassesstherequirementsofthejobandplanasuitablescaffoldstructure.

3.1: Scaffold Loads

Inscaffolding,loadisnormallyconsideredintermsofthedeadloadandthedutyliveload.

Thedeadloadgenerallyreferstotheweightofthescaffolditself.Thisincludestheweightoftheframesandallconnectedcomponentssuchasbraces,ties,planks,guardrailsandattachments.Thedeadloadincreasesastheheightofthescaffoldgoesup.Otherforcesmaycontributetothedeadload.Theseincludeenviron-mentalfactorssuchaswetplanks,snowandiceandtheeffectofwindonsheetingattachmentssuchasshadecloth.

Thedutyliveloadconsidersthefunctionofthescaffoldandtheloadsitmustcarry.Functionisbestexpressedastheusetobemadeofthescaffold(e.g.light,mediumorheavydutyuse).Thenatureofworktobeperformedisagoodindicator.Abricklayerismorelikelytoimposeaheavierloadthanapainterforexamplebecausetheweightofbricksismuchhigherthanafewcansofpaint.Theliveloadaccountsforthematerialsandequipmenttobeusedandstoredonthescaffoldaswellasthemaximumnumberofpeopleworkingonitatanygivenpointintime.

Scaffoldsshouldbedesignedtocarrytherequirednumberofworkingplatformsandtosupporttheliveload.

Whendesigningscaffoldsandestimatingcomponentrequirementsfollowtherequiredspecificationsoutlinedinthetablebelow.

Duty Classificatoin as specified in AS/NZS 1576

Approximate maximum total load for people and materials

(Kg per platform per bay)

Approximate maximum mass of any single concentrated load of

materials or equipment(as part of total load)

(Kg)

Minimum length and/or width of platform

(mm)

LightDuty* 225 100 450MediumDuty 450 150 900HeavyDuty 675 200 1000

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3.2: Designing a Scaffold Structure

Step 1: Define the function of the scaffold

1.Thinkaboutthetypeofworktobecarriedoutonthescaffold.(Forexample,painting,rendering,bricklaying.)

2.Definethefunctionofthescaffoldintermsofdutyload.Dutyloadsarenormallyexpressedas:

-LightDuty:Thisincludesactivitiessuchaspainting,wherethescaffoldwillberequiredtocarrypeopleandpaintsupplies

-MediumDuty:Thisincludesactivitiessuchasrenderingwherethescaffoldwillberequiredtocarrypeopleandmixedrendermaterials

-HeavyDuty:Thisincludesactivitiessuchasbricklayingwherethescaffoldwillberequiredtocarrypeople,bricksandmortar.

Step 2: Determine the duty rating load

1.Havingdefinedthefunctionofthescaffoldintermsoflight,mediumorheavyduty,gotothetableinSection3.1ScaffoldLoadsanddeterminethetotalloadforpeopleandmaterials.Notethisdown.Forexampleabricklayershouldhavedefinedthefunctionasheavyduty.Thismeansthatthedutyratingload(peopleandmaterials)cannotexceed675kg.

2.DeterminethemaximummassofanysingleconcentratedloadofmaterialsorequipmentusingthetableinSection3.1ScaffoldLoads.Forexample,abricklayerhavingdefinedthefunctionasheavydutymustnotexceed200kgwithanysingleconcentratedload.Thisspecificationreferstoasinglepointloadexertedonasingleverticalmemberorframe.

Step 3: Determine the minimum width/length platform proportions

1.Theloadratingsgoverntheminimumplatformwidthallowable.UsingthetableinSection3.1,determinetheminimumlengthandwidthdimensionsofthescaffoldplatform.Forexample,theplatformdimensionsforaheavydutyscaffoldsuchasthatusedbyabricklayer,mustbenolessthan1000mminboththelengthandwidth.

2.Notethespecificationsdown.Youwillneedthesespecificationswhenitcomestoestimatingcomponentrequirements.

Working platforms are subject to minimum width and length dimensions. At all times, ensure working platforms meet minimum length and width dimensions.

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Step 4: Estimate the number of bays and lifts

1.Estimatethenumberofbaysrequiredtobuildthescaffold.Youwillneedtoknowthelengthofthejob.(Forexample,thelengthofwallbeingconstructed).

2.Estimatethenumberofliftsrequiredtobuildthescaffold.Youwillneedtoknowtheheighttowhichthescaffoldmustbebuilt.Remember,anyjobwhereapersonorobjectcouldfallover4metresacertifiedscaffolderwillberequiredtoerectthescaffold.Also,thebasicscaffoldmustnotexceedaworkingheightof15meters.

Only a certified scaffolder can erect scaffolding where a fall exceeding 4 metres in height is possible.The scaffold must not exceed a working height of 15 metres.

Note:Thediagrampicturedbelowisanexampleofascaffoldplan(howtoworkouttherequiredscaffoldcomponents)ofascaffoldthatis12mlongwithaworkingplatformof4mand1.5m.Usingadiagramsimilartothis,inconjunctionwiththestepsoutlinesinsection3.2willhelpwithcalculatingthequantityofscaffoldcomponentsrequired.

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Step 5: Estimate the number of working platforms required

1. Aworkingplatformisonethatcarriespeopleandmaterials.Thenumberofworkingplatformstobeerectedwilldependonthejob.Thiscalculationwilldeterminerequirementsforcomponentssuchasguardrails,hatchesandladders.

2. Thenumberofworkingplatformsinuseatanyonepointintimeislimitedto3workingplatformsintheverticaldirection.Whilstmoreworkingplatformscanbeerectedatthetimeofbuildingthescaffold,only3platformscanbeused(i.e.carrypeopleandmaterials)atanygivenpointintime.Asworkproceeds,someplatformswillbecomeredundantwhilstotherswillcomeintouse.

In the vertical direction, the number of working platforms is restricted to 3 at any one point in time.

3.Inthehorizontaldirectionthereisnorestrictiononthenumberofworkingplatformsinuse.

4.Determinethenumberofworkingplatformstobeincludedinthescaffolddesignandincorporatethisinthescaffoldplan.

FigureX:Picturedisthesamescaffoldplanasonthepreviouspage,notetheworkingplatformshi-lightedinred.

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Step 6: Determine tie requirements

1. Tiesareusedtosecureandstabiliseascaffold.Thetypeoftieandthecomponentsrequiredwillbedeterminedbythejobandthedesignofthescaffold.Asageneralruleofthumbtierequirementsarebasedonaheighttowidthratio,(i.e.thehigherandnarrowerthescaffold,thegreatertheneedtotiethescaffoldin).

2. Designandplanthesystemofties.Consider:•Thespacingoftheverticalandhorizontaltieassemblies•Theloadforcesapplied•Thefunctionofthescaffold•Accessandegresspointsfromworkingandaccessplatforms

3. Estimatetiecomponentrequirementsincludingthenumberoftubesandcouplersrequired.

Ensure tubing and couplers used to tie in scaffolds conform to the relevant Standard AS 1576 and any other legislative requirement.

Step 7: Calculate scaffold component requirements

1. Fromtheinformationcompiledabove:

•Scaffoldfunction–light,mediumorheavyduty•Loadrating–deadanddutyliveload•Platformdimensions•Numberofbays•Numberoflifts•Numberofworkingplatforms•Tierequirements

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Asaruleofthumb(andforabasicscaffoldstructure),therearecertainprimarycomponentsthatarenearlyalwaysusedwhenerectingascaffoldstructure.Seethediagrambelow.

Toerectasinglebayyouwillneedthefollowingcomponents:•2xFrames•2xCrossbraces•4xAdjustablebaseplates•Captiveplanks

Forsubsequentbaysyouwillneedthefollowingcomponents:•1xFrame•2xCrossbraces•2xAdjustablebaseplates•Captiveplanks

Whenerectingmulitplelifts,thecomponentsareexactlythesameasoutlinedabovewiththeexceptionoftheadjustablebaseplatesandthecaptiveplanks(dependngonwhereworkingplatformsarerequired).

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Chapter 4: Inspection, Care and Maintenance

4.1: Inspection of Scaffold Components

Themaintenanceofcomponentsusedintheconstructionofscaffoldingisveryimportant.Visualinspectionisessentialtoprovideasafeandreliablescaffoldinginventory.

It is the responsibility of the:

•Thesupplier•Erector•User

Toensuretheregularinspectionofscaffoldcomponentparts.Asuitablyqualifiedandcompetentpersonshouldcarryoutsuchinspection.

Inspections should be undertaken:

•Routinely-aspartofaregularscheduleofhazardidentificationandriskassessment(notmorethan30days).•Atkeytimesintheoperationalcycle–uponreceipt,whenremovedfromstorage,installationandcommissioning,inuseandfollowingdismantling•Whenconditionsorworkpracticeschange.

Damagedorunserviceablecomponentsmustbesetaside for repairordiscarded inaccordancewith legaldisposal requirements.Only suitablyqualifiedandcompetentpersonsshouldrepairdamagedcomponentparts.

Checkeachofthescaffoldcomponentpartsfordefectordamageinaccordancewithroutinemaintenanceschedulesandatkeytimesintheoperationalcycle.Damagedorunserviceablecomponentsshouldbesetasideforrepairordisposal.Thereadyreckonerprovidesaguidetotheinspectionofscaffoldcomponents.

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YES NO Scaffolding Component Parts To Be InspectedWeldedcomponentsarefreeofcracksorbrokenweldsifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTubingisfreeofsplitsifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTubingisstraightandnotbentifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTubingisfreeofcracksifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTubinghasnotbeencrushedinanywayandisfreefromdentsanddimplesifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalThecrosssectionoftubularmembersisroundandwithoutdeviationifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalMetalscaffoldcomponentshavebeencheckedtoensuretheyarefreeofrustbothinsideandout.ThishasbeenconfirmedusingaflashlighttoinspecttheinsidesifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTherearenomissingmembersifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideandreplacemissingcomponentsorsendforrepairordisposalThepinlocksonallframesarefullyfunctionalandfreefromwearordamageifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalThereisnoevidenceofcomponentshavingbeensubjectedtoextremesofheatorfireifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTheverticallegsofframesandothercomponentswithstraightsections,arecompletelystraightandwithoutdeviationifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalAdjustablebaseplatethreadsareinworkingorderandfreeofdamageifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalSoleplatesareofasuitablematerial(Standardrequirements)andinserviceableconditionifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalRivetsorboltsonbracesareinsoundworkingorderandfreeofwearanddamageifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalTheendsofcrossbracesareinsoundworkingorderandarenotbentorbrokenifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalClampsareinsoundworkingorderandarenotbentorbrokenifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalScaffoldplanksaresoundandfreeofwearordamagesuchasbowed,warpedorsplitsectionsifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalScaffoldplanksaresoundandfreeofdamagesuchascutouts,burns,oilstainsorprojectingnailsifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalComponentpartsshownosignofexposuretochemicalifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalComponentpartsshownosignofexposuretoextremeheatifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalFramesandothercomponentsaresquareandunwarpedifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalComponentpartsarecleanandfreefromforeignmaterialsuchasdirt,grease,cement,adhesives.EspeciallywheresectionsjoineachotherifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposalMovingpartsarelightlylubricatedandmovefreelyifYES-proceedwithuse.IfNO-setasideforrepairordisposal

4.1.1: Aztex Equipment Scaffold Component Inspection Ready ReckonerDate:_____________

Site:_____________________________________________________

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4.2: General Maintenance of Scaffold Components

Scaffoldcomponentsmustberegularlycleanedandinspectedtoensuretheyaremaintainedinoptimumconditionandworkingorder.Careofscaffoldcomponentswillprovideasafeandreliablescaffoldingsystem.

4.2.1: General CleaningAllcomponentsshouldberegularlyinspectedandcleaned.Incasesofseveredeterioration,thecomponentsshouldbediscarded.Superficialcleaningshouldbecarriedoutbyscraping,brushingorotherabrasivemethodswhichdonotaffectanysurfacetreatmentsuchasgalvanising.

Cleanthethreadsonadjustablebaseplatesbywirebrushing.Keepthescaffoldascleanaspossiblebutespeciallywheresectionsaredesignedtojointoeachother(e.g.adjustablebaseplates,pinlocksandallpivotingconnections.)

Threadedpartsrequireparticularcarewhenanytreatmentinvolvingspecialcleaningprocessesorthedepositofprotectivecoatingsisapplied,toensurethatthreadsretaintheirshapeandsize.

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4.2.2: RepairsAscaffolderisverylimitedtothetypeofrepairstheyareauthorisedtocarryout.Allrepairsmustbeperformedbyqualifiedpersonswhohavereceivedinstructionsspecifictotheequipmentbeingrepaired.Somepointstoconsiderintherepairofequipmentinclude:

•Consultthemanufacturerbeforeattemptinganyrepairs–therearemanythingsthatcannotbedonetorepairscaffolds.•Onlysuitablyqualifiedandcompetentpersonsshoulddeterminewhetherscaffoldingcomponentscanberepairedorshouldbedisposedof.•Onlyqualifiedandapprovedpersonsshouldrepairscaffoldcomponents.•Ifthereisanydoubtaboutthesoundnessofcomponentparts,thesaidcomponentshouldbedisposedof.•Onlygenuineandapprovedmanufacturer’spartsshouldbeusedtoreplacedamagedorworncomponents.

Typical Defects Repairs RequiredBowed or Slightly Bent

TubesTubesthathavebeenbowedorslightlybentmaybestraightenedprovideditcanbedonewithoutdeformingthecircularsectionofthetube.

Deformed Tubes Anysectionofdeformedtubemustbediscarded.

Straightening Workhardeningandconsequenttendencytobrittlenessoccursduringeachbendingorstraighteningoperation,thereforestraighteningshouldonlybecarriedoutbyacompetentperson.

Fittings Allfittingsshouldbeexaminedregularlyandcaretakenthatmovingpartsaresoundandlubricatedtoensureeasyandpositivemovement.Heatmustnotbeappliedexceptbythemanufacturer.

4.2.3: Maintenance of Planks

Maintenanceentailingregularinspectionandprooftestingisnecessarytoensurethatplanksreachingtheendoftheirservicelifeandwhicharenolongersafeforuse,aredetectedandremovedfromservice.Thefollowingrecommendationsforcareinmaintenanceareprovidedtoassistuserstomaximiseservicelifewhilstmaintainingthenecessarylevelsofsafety.

Tomaximiseservicelifeandensuresafetyinuse,planksshouldnotbesubjectedtomechanical,physicalorchemicalforces.Suchforcesarelikelytocausedamageandrendertheplankunsafeforuse.

•Cleanandmaintainplanksregularly.•Takeprecautionstopreventslagburnsfromoxycuttingorwelding.•Takeprecautionstopreventchemicalcontamination.•Avoidoverloadingandstressingplanks.•Inspectplanksregularlyandinaccordancewithrecommendedinspectionregimestoensuretheyaresafetouse.•Removeanyplankswithobviousdefectsfromserviceorthosesuspectedofhavingbeenmisused.•Replacedamagedorwornplankends.

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•Provideregularsupportforplanksoverlongspansorthosebeingusedasramps.•Donotuseplanksoverspansgreaterthanthoserecommended.•Donotdropplanksfromexcessiveheights.•Donotdropheavymaterialsontoplanks.•Donotallowvehiclestodriveoverplanks•Donotuseplanksascrossoverboardsorduckboardsforvehicles.•Donotuseplanksassawbenches–evenshallowsawcutsreducestrength.•Donotspillstrongacidsoralkalisonplanks.•Donotpaintoverortreatplanksinanywaythatmayconcealdefects.•Donotstressplanksbyoverloadingoroverstressingsuchasimpactloading.

4.2.4: Testing and Verification of Planks

Whereplankshavebeensubjectedtophysical,mechanicalorchemicaldegradation,theymustbetestedtoverifycontinueduse.Fracturesresultingfromoverloadmaynotbereadilyapparentbyinspection-prooftestingistheonlymeansofdetection.Thereforeregularinspectionandstrengthtestingisrecommended.

Whilstplanksarelargelyunaffectedbyexposuretomoderatestrengthacidsoralkalis,strongacidsandalkaliswillattackthenaturallyoccurringligninwhichbindswoodfibreandintimecauseareductioninplankstrength.Forplanksusedintheseenvironmentsregularprooftestingisrecommended.

Thefrequencyoftestingdependsuponthenatureofuse.Furthermore,anyplanksubjecttotraumaorshowinganyobvioussignsofdegradationshouldbewithdrawnfromusependingverificationofstrengthbyprooftesting.

Anexampleofsplit/damagedplanks

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4.3: Inspection of Erected Scaffolds

Erectedscaffoldsshouldbeinspectedaspartofaregularscheduleandatcertainkeytimesintheoperationalcycle.Thismeansscaffoldsshouldbeinspected:

•Atcommissioning•Daily–priortouse•Routinely–every30daysbyaqualifiedperson•Priortodismantling.

Apartfromroutineinspections,theprinciplesofhazardidentificationandreportingshouldbeemployedatalltimes.Thismeans,personnelworkingonoraroundscaffoldingshouldbealerttoscaffoldhazards.Peopleshouldalsobeawareoftheirobligationtoreportscaffolddamage,siteconditionsorworkpracticesthatcouldplacepeopleatrisk.

Not only is a regularly scheduled system of inspection required, but all personnel working on or around scaffolding should be aware of potential scaffold hazards and report hazards immediately.

Asystemofscaffoldtaggingisrecommendedtocommunicatetheoperationalstatusorlock-outofascaffold

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Inspection Criteria ExplanationSite and Work EnvironmentSufficientpublicprotectionhas

beenprovided.Wherethescaffoldhasbeenerectedadjacenttooroverpublicspaceoradjoiningproperty,controlssuchashoardings,catchplatforms,barricades,warninglights,illuminationorshadeclothshouldbeinplace.

Sufficientsafeguardsagainstelectricpowerlinesareprovided. Powerlinesareamajorhazard.Scaffoldsshouldbeerectednocloserthan4metresfrompowerlines.

Vehiclemovementisstrictlycontrolled.

Uncontrolledvehiclemovementincloseproximitytoascaffoldisahazardthatmayleadtothescaffoldoritssupportingstructurecollapsingorbecomingunstable.Vehiclecontrolssuchasprotectivebuffersorre-routingvehiclesmaybenecessary.

Controlsovercraneoperationareinplace.

Wherecranesoperateincloseproximitytoascaffoldthereisariskthatloadsmaysnagonthescaffoldorplacepersonnelworkingonscaffoldsindanger.Specificsiteproceduresshouldbeinplacewherecranesareused.

Controlsoverthestorage,handlinganduseofhazardoussubstances

areinplace.

Wherechemicalsorhazardoussubstancesareusedonthescaffoldorinthevicinityofthescaffold.Specificprocedurestominimiseriskshouldbeinplace.

Supporting StructureThesupportingstructureisingood

condition.Soilunderthescaffoldiswelldrainedandconsolidatedtopreventwaterlogging.Floors,wallsandotherstructuresthatprovidesupportortransmitloadsfromthescaffoldaresound.

Thesupportingstructurehasadequatestrength.

Somestructuresmayrequireanengineer’scertificate.Pointloadstransmittedbystandardsandothermemberssuchasties,shouldbeestimated,takingintoaccountdeadloads,liveloadsandenvironmentalloads.Thesupportingstructuremaybestrengthenedbybackproppingorothersuitablemeans.

4.3.1: Erected Scaffold Inspection Guidelines

Usethecriteriaoutlinedbelowwheninspectingscaffolds.Ifanyhazardorconditionthatcouldleadtoinjuryorillnessisidentified,itshouldbereportedimmediatelyandappropriatecorrectiveproceduresactionedbeforethescaffoldissignedoffforuse.

Controlsareinplacetopreventadversedeteriorationofthe

supportingstructure.

Anumberofhazardscanimpactonthesafetyofscaffoldsupportstructures:•Soil/groundmovementanddestabilisation•Trenchingandexcavationwork•Demolitionofsupportingstructures.

Topreventdeteriorationofthesupportingstructurecontrolmeasuresmustbeimplemented.Methodstostrengthensupporting

structuresareadequate.BackproppingcomplieswithAS3610.Controlsareinplacetoensurethatanymaterialorequipmentusedtostrengthenasupportingstructureisnotremovedordamaged.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Supporting Structure cont...

Thesupportingstructureisnotoverloadedfromothersources.

Controlstopreventthefollowingshouldbeinplace:•Vehicleloads•Storedmaterials•Impactforces•Debrisbuild-up

Soleplates and BaseplatesSufficientsoleplatesareinplace. Soleplatesshouldbeprovidedtodistributetheloadtransmittedbystandards.

Soleplatesareofasuitablematerialandinserviceable

condition.RecommendedsoleplatesareusedandconformtoAustralianStandardAS/NZS4576.

Soleplatesaresecured. Soleplatesshouldbepositionedtopreventthembeingdislodgedorundermined.Sufficientbaseplatesareinplace. Allstandardsarefittedwithametalbaseplatetodistributetheload.Baseplatesareofthecorrecttypeandconformtospecification. AdjustablebaseplatesareinplaceandconformtoAS/NZS1576.

Baseplatesareserviceableandofsuitabledimensions. BaseplatesconformtoAS/NZS1576andarenotbowedorbent.

Baseplatesaresecure. Wherea riskassessmenthas identified thepossibilityof slippageordislodgment, thebaseplates shouldbe securedbyapprovedmeans(e.g.nails,screwsorwelding).

Scaffold StructureStandardsareplumb. Standardsthatarenotverticalwilltakelessloadthanstandardswhicharevertical.

PlatformsThescaffoldhastherequirednumberofworkingplatforms.

Thenumberofworkingplatformsshouldbesufficientfortheintendedwork,butshouldbenomorethanthenumberstatedinthedesignspecificationsandsupplierinformation.

Workingplatformsareattherequiredlocation.

Workingplatformsshouldbepositionedsothattheintendedjobtaskscanbecarriedoutwithoutunnecessaryrestrictionoroverreaching.Theheightoftheplatformandtheamountofclearancefromtheworkingfacearecriticalfactors.

Platformsandsupportingscaffoldstructurescansafelysupportdutyliveloadsandconformto

specification.

Thenatureoftheworktobeperformedfromthescaffoldandtheweightofmaterialstobedepositedonplatformswilldeterminewhethertheplatformsshouldbelightduty,mediumdutyorheavyduty.

Platformdimensionsaresuitablefortheintendedenduse.

Workingplatformsshouldbewideenoughforthestorageofanymaterialthatwillneedtobeplacedontheplatformwhilemaintainingclearaccessalongtheirentirelengthandallowingsufficientspacetoperformtheintendedworktaskswithoutunnecessaryobstruction.Platformsneedtobelargeenoughtocatchanyfallingdebris.

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Platforms cont...Adequateedgeprotectionisin

place.Edgeprotectionisrequiredattheopensidesandendsofallworkingplatformsandaccessplatformsfromwhichapersonorobjectcouldfallmorethan2metresorifrequiredbyriskassessment.

Platformsarecorrectlyconstructed.

Scaffoldplanksshouldbecheckedfordeteriorationordamage.Workingplatformsarerequiredtobe:•Slipresistant•Closelydecked•Incapableofupliftunderworkingconditions•Level•Freeoftriphazards.

Planksaresecuredagainstwindwherewindhazardshavebeen

identified.Somelocations(e.g.cycloneproneareasandalpineregions)arepronetowindgusts,whichmaydislodgeplanks.

Access and EgressAccessandegressisprovidedtoall

workingplatforms.Ameansofsafeaccessandegressmustbeprovidedtoallworkingplatforms.Thiscanbeachievedwithstairways,accessways,laddersorothersuitablemeans.

Portableladdersareofanindustrialgrade,serviceableand

correctlyinstalled.

Industrialgradeladdersforaccessandegressmustbeused.LaddersshouldbecheckedfordefectsanddeteriorationtoconformtoAS/NZS1819.

Accesswaysarecorrectlyinstalled. Accesswaysmustbe450mmwideforpeopleor675mmwideforpeopleandmaterials.

Ties

Tiesareofadequatestrengthtostabilisethescaffold.

Tieassembliesshouldbespacedverticallyandhorizontallytostabilisethescaffoldagainstthecombinedeffectof:•Environmentalloads•Liveloads.

Eachtieassemblymusthaveaminimumtensileandcompressiveworkingloadcapacityof6.0kN.Thereisclearaccessalongthefulllengthofworkingplatformsand

accessplatforms.Tiesshouldnotobstructinanywaythefulllengthofaworkingplatformoraccessplatform.

Tietubesandcouplersmeetspecification. Thetypeoftubeandcouplerusedinthesystemofties,conformstoAS/NZS1576.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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General Fitness for PurposeClearancesbetweenthescaffoldandadjacentscaffoldarecorrect.

Specificclearancesarerequiredparticularlywherecladdingorsimilarworkisundertakenfromascaffold.Boilersandsimilarplantmaybesubjecttosignificantexpansionandcontractionduetotemperaturevariation(230mmmax).

Adequateprotectionfromfallingdebrisisprovided. Somejobsmayexposeworkersandorpedestrianstofallingdebris.Adequateandsuitableprecautionsmustbeinplace.

Approachesandplatformsareeffectivelylit. Ifinsufficientnaturallighting,artificiallightingmustbeerectedandsetuptoavoidglareanddeepshadows.

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Chapter 5: Transport and Storage of Scaffold Components

5.1: Transporting Scaffold Components

Whentransportingscaffoldcomponentsfollowthesafetyprecautionsoutlinedbelow.

•Useasuitablevehicleofadequatecapacity.•Distributetheloadtosuitthevehicle.•Usesuitablerestraintequipment.Ensureitisingoodconditionandofadequatecapacity.•Provideadequateloadrestraint.•Drivecarefullyandobserveallroadlawsandsiteprocedures.•Regularlycheckloadrestraintduringthetrip.•Complywithgovernmentlaws,rulesandregulationsatalltimes.(Forfurtherinformationreferto:“LoadRestraintGuide–GuidelinesfortheSafeCarriageofLoadsonRoadVehicles”,AustralianGovernmentPublishingService.

•Donotclimbonstacksofequipment.Theymaybeunstableandcauseyoutotriporfallorcausedamagetoscaffoldcomponents.•Becarefulwhenstackingorremovingtubingfromstorage.Itisroundandwillrollifnotproperlyblocked.•Usecribbingtominimisethechanceofhandorfingercrushing.•Donottrytocatchfalling,slidingorslippingequipment.•Useextremecautionwhenhandlingwetequipment,itcanbeveryslippery.•Followthemanufacturer’sinstructionswhenusingstrappingequipment.•Whencuttingstrapping,weareyeandfaceprotectionandstandclearoftheendsofthebandsaswellasanyareawheretheequipmentmayfallwhenreleased.

Scaffolding equipment can cause injury unless handled correctly. Poor handling may also result in damage to scaffold components. Damaged components can reduce scaffold strength and stability, increasing the risk of scaffold collapse or destabilisation.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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5.2: Storage of Scaffold Components

Properstorageofscaffoldingequipmenthelpstoensurethatscaffoldingissafeandfittobeused.Improperlystoredequipmentcanresultindamage,lossofequipmentstrength,andlossofsafeoperation.Whetherthestorageisinascaffolder’swarehouseoratthejobsite,thefollowingconditionsshouldalwaysbemet:

•Storeequipmentsothatitiseasilyaccessible.•Allowforthesafemovementoftrucks,forkliftsorotherhandlingequipment.•Donotobscureaccess/egresspoints,emergencyexits,safetysignsandwarningsoremergencyequipmentwithscaffoldcomponents.•Provideadequatesupporttokeepscaffoldcomponentsofftheground.•Providesupportbetweenlayerssothatsuitablematerialscanbehandledbyforklifts.•Storedifferentsizepartsinseparatestacks.•Clearlymarkpartnumbersonallstacks.•Provideboxesorbinsforsmallparts.•Segregateandisolateanycomponentpartsthatareinneedofrepair.Storedamagedcomponentsinaclearlymarkedareauntilrepairedordisposedoftoensuretheydonotgobackintothegeneralinventory.

•Discardordestroydamagedpartsfollowingappropriateandlegaldisposalprocedures.•Donotstackequipmentsohigh,thatitbecomesunstable.Unstablestackscanfallandcauseseriousinjuryordeathaswellasdamagetocomponentparts.•Provideblockingtopreventtubingfromrollingwhenbeinghandled.Unsupportedtubingmaybecomedamagedorrollontopersonnelcausinginjury.•Keepstorageareasinacleanandorderlycondition.•Donotputscaffoldcomponents(especiallyplanks)intostoragewhenwet.Alwaysdrycomponentpartsbeforestoringaway.•Planksthatremainwetforlongperiodsoftime(months)arelikelytomildewanddecay.Anyplankshowingevidenceofmildewshouldbeallowedtodryandtestedforverificationofstrengthbeforeuse.

•Wetplanksshouldbestackedonlevelbearerswellclearofthegroundwithspacersbetweeneachlayer.Locatethestackinadry,wellventilatedlocationandalignspacerswithbearers.Aminimumofthreespacersperlayerisrecommended.

•DryPlanksshouldbestoredundercover.

Examplesofscaffoldingcomponentstorage

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Chapter 6: Procedures for the Erection and Dismantling of Scaffolds6.1: Scaffold Foundations

Thefoundationisthesupportingstructureonwhichascaffoldiserected.Toensurescaffoldstability,thescaffoldermustfirstensureasoundfoundation.Scaffoldfoundationsmustbeadequatetocarryanddistributetheloadsimposedateachstandardandofthewholeloadedscaffold.Aninadequatefoundationcancauseascaffoldtocollapse.

Toensureanadequatefoundation,considerationshouldbegiventotheintendeduseofthescaffoldandtheenvironmentinwhichitistobeerected.

Toworkoutwhetherthesupportingsurfaceorfoundationisadequate,considerationshouldbegiventotheloadthefoundationwillberequiredtobear.

6.1.1: Ground Conditions

Groundconditionswillneedtobeassessedforadequacybeforeascaffoldiserected.Failuretoidentifyhazardousgroundconditionswillleadtoinadequateandunsafefoundations,exposingworkersandotherpersonstorisk.

Suitable ground conditions Unsuitable ground conditions

•Hardlevelsurfacessuchasconcreteorsteel•Wellcompactedanddrainedsoils

•Soft,loosesoils•Uncompactedsurfaces•Waterloggedsoils•Subsidenceproneareas•Areasexposedtoexcavationortrenchingworks

Ifyouareunsureorhaveanyconcernsaboutthestabilityofthegroundconditions,asuitablyqualifiedandcompetentpersonshouldbeconsulted.Itmaybenecessarytoconsultacivilorstructuralengineer.

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6.1.2: Safe Foundations

Thepurposeofagoodfoundationistospreadtheloadoverawidearea.Considerationshouldbegiventothegroundorstructureonwhichthescaffoldistobeerectedaswellastheliveanddeadloadstobecarried.Theuseofbaseplatesandsoleplatesarenecessarytostabilisescaffoldsandtheirfoundations.

Abaseplateisamemberusedtodistributetheloadthroughasoleplatetothegroundorothersupportingstructure.Abaseplateisaplatethatisabletodistributetheloadfromaloadbearingmembertoasupportingstructure.Thefoundationconditionswilldeterminetherequirementforbaseplatesandsoleplatesandthedimensionsandspecificationsofeach.

Thetotalloadandtheconditionsofthesupportingsoilorfloordeterminethesizeofthefoundation.Whensoilconditionsarepoororfrozen,itmaybenecessarytodigdowntoanadequatebasematerial.Ifthisisnotpractical,thenthelegloadmustbespreadoveramuchlargerareausinglargersoleplatesorcontinuousdeckingunderthescaffoldlegs.Tosupportscaffolds,backfilledsoilsmustbewellcompactedandlevelled.Mudorsoftsoilmustbereplacedwithgravelorcrushedstonethathasbeenwellcompacted.

At all times, baseplate and soleplate design and use should conform to AS/NZS 1576

Adequate Foundation What It Looks Like Explanation

HardLevelSurfacessuchasconcreteorsteel

Thehardconcretesurfaceprovidesanadequatefoundation,however,theverticlemember

(standard)issupportedonabaseplate.

Standardsshouldbesupportedonbaseplates.

Soleplatesmaybenecessaryifthesurfacerequiresprotectionoralargersurfacearea.

Asuitablyqualifiedpersonshouldbeconsultedifunsure.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Adequate Foundation What It Looks Like Explanation

Pointloadsfromstandardsareevenlydistributedbybaseplatesandsoleplates

Soleplatesdistributepointloadsfrombaseplatesandstandardsonafirmground

Soleplatesdistributetheloadandensureasoundfoundation.

Onslopingground,thesoleplateislevelandfully

beddedFullybeddedandlevel

soleplatesprovideasoundfoundationonsloping

ground

Removeearthtolevelandsquarethefoundation

forsoleplates

Excavateorremoveearthtobedasoleplatesothatitissquareandlevel.Thismayrequiresomespade

workoroverlargeareas,poweredequipmentmaybenecessary.

Donotlevelthefoundationbybackfillingunlessappropriatebackfillingmaterialisusedanditiswellcompacted.Simplyshovellingearthtolevelandfillfoundationsincreasestheriskofsubsidenceand

erosion.

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Adequate Foundation What It Looks Like Explanation

Timberflooring,pedestrianpavements

andanyothersupportingstructurelikelytobe

adverselyaffectedbypointloadsfromstandards,requiretheloadtobe

distributedbybaseplatesandsoleplates.

Aqualifiedstructuralengineershouldbeconsultedtodetermineloadratingsandfoundationrequirements

includinguseofbaseplatesandsoleplatestodistributepointloads.Soleplatedimensionsshould

alsobeassessed.

Nearexcavations–anadequatefoundationsupportsthescaffoldwithoutanyriskof

subsidence Thedistancefromthetrenchisgreaterthanorequaltothedepth

oftheditch.

Thelegsareplacedatleastthedepthoftheditchawayfromtheedgeoftheexcavationtoeliminate

subsidencerisk.

Softasphaltorcompactedgravel

Soleplatesofdimension500mmx220mmdistributetheloadofbaseplateson

afoundationofcompactedgravel.

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Foundations must be maintained in good condition for the life of the scaffold

6.1.3: Unsafe Foundations

Thestabilityofthescaffolddependsonasafefoundation.Poorworkpracticessuchasthoseshowninthefiguresbelowwilldestabiliseascaffold,exposingworkersandotherstotheriskofseriousinjuryordeath.

Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Standard sittingdirectly on unstable

foundation(e.g.scrap materials suchastimberandbricks).

Unstablefoundationandconcentratedpointload

Unstablefoundationandconcentratedpointload

Scraptimber,bricksandtiles fail to meet the

specificationsofAS/NZS1576.

The point load isconcentrated.

The foundation isunstable.

High risk of foundationcollapsing and causingscaffold to overturn/

collapse.

Baseplates andsoleplates meeting the

requirementsofAS/NZS1576tobeused.

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Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Baseplate/s notcentrally supported

onsoleplate/s

Baseplateoffcentretosoleplate

Baseplatestraddlingsoleplateandground

Slopingfoundation-soleplateincorrectlybeddedand

baseplateoffcentre

Scaffolddestabilised–possibleriskofcollapsedueto:

Thebaseplateslippingfromthesoleplate

Skewingofthescaffold.

Baseplatesmust alwaysbe centrally supported

onsoleplates.

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Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

No baseplate –standard placeddirectlyongroundor

flooring

Standardseateddirectlyonground–point

loadingextremelyhigh

Standardplaceddirectlyonconcretefloor–pointloadingextremelyhigh

Standardplaceddirectlyonsuspended

particleboardfloor

PointLoad/snotevenlydistributeddestabilisingscaffold and increasingthe risk of the scaffoldoverturning or

collapsing

Load from the standardto be distributed byboth baseplates and

soleplates

Baseplates andsoleplates meetAustralian Standard

specificationsAS/NZS1576.

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Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Soleplate straddlingatrenchorexcavated

area

Soleplatestraddlingatrench

Scaffold destabilised –possibleriskofcollapsedueto:

Uneven point loaddistribution

Subsidence andcollapse of structureintothetrench.

Soleplatestobebeddedin a firm foundationaway from trenches orexcavation work at all

times.

The distance of thescaffold from thetrench positioned neartrenches or excavation

areas

Unstable foundation– bricks stackedto raise and levelscaffold. Point loadconcentrated on

unstablestack.

Pointloadconcentratedonanunstablefoundation

ofbricks

The point load isconcentrated.

The foundation isunstable.

High risk of foundationcollapsing causingscaffold to overturn/

collapse.

No soleplate underbaseplate

Thebaseplatehasnosoleplateforscaffoldsupportandload

distributionoverthefoundation

Concentrated pointloads.

No soleplate todistribute load evenlyover a foundation thatwouldnormally require

asoleplate.

High risk of scaffoldoverturnorcollapse.

Soleplatestobeusedonallrequiredfoundations.

Soleplates of type anddimension conformingto AS/NZS 1576 to be

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Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Soleplate positionedtooclosetoatrenchorexcavatedarea

Trenchbeingcutunderscaffold

Scaffold destabilised –possibleriskofcollapsedueto:

Uneven point loaddistribution

Subsidence andcollapse of structureintothetrench.

Relocate scaffold tosoundfoundation/s.

6.1.4: Foundations on Sloping Ground

Wherethescaffoldisfoundedonslopingground,eachstandardmusthaveastablefoundation.Slopessteeperthanaoneintengradientmustbeassessedbyasuitablyqualifiedandcompetentperson.Allsoleplateareasmustbelevelledbyexcavatingratherthanbyfillingandcompacting.

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Adequate Foundation What It Looks Like Explanation

Soleplateislevelandfullybedded.

Fullybeddedandlevelsoleplatesprovideasoundfoundationon

slopingground

Removeearthtolevelandsquarethefoundationfor

soleplates

Excavateorremoveearthtobedasoleplatesothatitissquareandlevel.Thismayrequiresomespade

workoroverlargeareas,poweredequipmentmaybenecessary.

Donotlevelthefoundationbybackfillingunlessappropriatebackfillingmaterialisusedanditiswellcompacted.Simplyshovellingearthtolevelandfillfoundationsincreasestheriskofsubsidenceand

erosion.

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Adequate Foundation What It Looks Like Explanation

Pointloadsaredistributedbyabaseplateonafully

beddedandlevelsoleplate

Pointloaddistributedbyabaseplateand

soleplate

Thebaseplatemustbecentredonthesoleplate.

Thesoleplatemustbefullybeddedonalevelsurface.

Levelfoundationsensurealevelandsquarescaffold

Squareandlevelscaffoldonslopingground

Scaffoldplatformsmustbesquareandlevel.Onslopinggroundthiscanonlybeachievedwherethefoundationsbearingthepointloadsaresquareand

level.

Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Unlevel foundationonslopingground

Soleplateshavebeenlaidstraightontoslopingground

withoutlevellingthefoundation

Scaffoldcollapsesdueto:•Soleplateslidesdownhill

•Baseplateslipsoffsoleplate.

Levelthefoundationbeforeerectingscaffold.

Ensuresoleplatelevelandfullybedded.

6.1.5: Unsafe Foundations on Sloping Ground

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Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Unsuitable materialsused to chockbaseplates to level

foundation

Discardedbuildingmaterialsusedtochockbaseplatestoachievealevelscaffold

Levellingachievedbythechockingofstandards

Scaffoldcollapsesdueto:

•Collapseoffoundation•Thebaseplateslipsoffthefoundation.

Level the foundationbeforeerectingscaffold.

Ensure soleplate levelandfullybedded.

Only use soleplatesconformingtoAS/NZS1576.

Soleplate is not fullybedded

Soleplateisnotfullysupportedbythe

foundation

Scaffoldcollapsesasaconsequenceof

subsidence.

Soleplatemovesonthefoundationdestabilising

thescaffold.

Level the foundationbeforeerectingscaffold.

Ensure soleplate levelandfullybedded.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Unsafe Foundation What It Looks Like Nature Of Risk Control

Baseplatenotcentredandunsupported

Baseplaterideshighofthesoleplatebecause

thefoundationisunlevel

Pointloadsarenotuniformlydistributedoverthesoleplatecausingthescaffoldtobeunstable.

Highriskofcollapse.

Levelandfullybedsoleplate.

Centrebaseplateonsoleplateandensureloadisfullyanduniformly

distributed.

6.1.6: Procedure for Siting Scaffolds

Step 1: Perform a site inspection

1.Performasiteinspection.Thebearingsurfacemustbeabletoadequatelysupportthescaffoldandalltheloadsplacedonit.

Step 2: Assess the site conditions to ensure suitability and capability to support the scaffold structure.

1.Determinethesubsurfaceconditionsinageneralway–usingthereadyreckonerasaguide(seesection6.1.7fortheSitingScaffoldsReadyReckoner).2.Determinewhichofthecommontypesofsupportsaremostsuitableforconstructionundertheexistingconditions.Considerationmustbegivento:

•Capacitytocarrytherequiredloads•Likelihoodofsettlingcausinginstability.

3.Rejectanytypesofsupportsthatareobviouslyunsuitable.Ifyouareunsureofthecapacityofthesupportstomeettherequiredspecificationsconsultastructuralengineerorcompetentperson.

4.Makeadetailedstudyoftheremainingtypesofsupportsandtentativescaffolddesigns.Thiswillincludeobtainingmoredetailedinformationaboutthescaffoldloadsandsubsurfaceconditionstodeterminethenumberandsizeofsoleplatesrequired.

5.Ifthefoundationisanexistingstructure,contactasuitablyqualifiedpersontodeterminewhetherthestructureiscapableofsupportingthescaffoldstructureandloads.

6.Usethereadyreckoner(section6.1.7)asaguidewhilstmakingyourassessment.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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YES NOSoiliswellconsolidatedIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisingoodcondition.IfNO-lookforalternativesiteorseekexpertadviceSoiliswelldrainedtopreventwater-loggingIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisingoodcondition.IfNO-lookforalternativesiteorseekexpertadviceTrenchingand/orexcavationhazardshavebeenidentifiedIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisingoodcondition.IfNO-conductariskassessmenttoidentifyanyhazardsorseekexpertadviceIdentifiedtrenchingandexcavationhazardshavebeenadequatelycontrolledIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisingoodcondition.IfNO-implemantappropriatecontrolsandseekexpertadviceAllnecessarymeasureshavebeentakentoadequatelystrengthenthesupportingstructureIfYES-implementcontrols.IfNO-identifythenecessarycontrolsandimplementappropriateactionsseekingexpertadvicewherenecessaryThesupportingstructureisadequatetocarrythecombineddeadandliveloadsIfYES-continuewithassessment.IfNO-looktoreassessscaffoldrequirementsseekingexpertadvicewhererequiredTherearesufficientsoleplatestodistributethefullloadtransmittedbythestandardswithoutdamageorfailureIfYES-continuewithassessment.IfNO-recalculaterequirementsseekingexpertopinionasrequiredThesoleplateareofasuitablematerial(meetingStandardrequirements)andinserviceableconditionIfYES-continuewithassessment.IfNO-replacesoleplateswiththosemeetingStandardrequirementsSoleplatescanbepositionedonsitetopreventthemfrombeingdislodgedorunderminedIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisadequateIfNO-determineappropriateactionsseekingexpertadviceTherearesufficiantbaseplatestodistributethecombinedliveanddeadloadsIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisadequateIfNO-determineappropriateactionsseekingexpertadviceBaseplatesareofanappropriatetypetoprovideadequatelevellingandpreventdislodgementIfYES-continuewithassessmentIfNO-replacebaseplateswiththosemeetingStandardrequirementsBaseplatesareserviceableandofsuitabledimensionsIfYES-continuewithassessmentIfNO-replacebaseplateswiththosemeetingStandardrequirementsHazardsassociatedwithslippageordislodgementhavebeenassessedandprovisionsforfixingthebaseplateshavebeenmadeIfYES-thisaspectofthesupportingstructureisadequateIfNO-determineappropriateactionsseekingexpertadvice

6.1.7: Aztex Equipment Scaffold Siting Ready ReckonerDate:_____________Site:_____________________________________________________

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6.2: Setting Up the Work Area

Step 1: Check the unloading site and ensure safety measures are implemented

1.Checkintothesite,advisingthesitemanagerorsupervisorofdeliveryofscaffoldcomponents.

2.Checkwiththesitemanagerorsupervisoratthelocationoftheunloadingzone.Thisshouldbeincloseproximitytotheerectionsitetoreducemanualhandling.

3.Undertakesiteinductionifthisisthefirsttimeonthesite.Seekinformationabouttheworksiteandconditionstoverifyscaffoldrequirements.

4.Proceedtotheunloadingarea.

5.Checktheareadesignatedforunloading.Ensuretheunloadingprocedureandplacementofscaffoldcomponentsdoesnot:•Interferewiththemovementofsitetraffic•Blockemergencyaccessandegresspoints(peopleandvehicles)•Placesiteworkersordriversofothervehiclesatrisk•Placevisitorstothesiteorthepublicatrisk•Blockthoroughfares.

6.Beconsciousoftheworkareaandtakethenecessaryprecautionstosafeguardpersonalhealthandsafetyandthatofyourfellowworkers.Takeintoaccounttheactivitiesoffellowworkersandanyplantorvehiclesoperatinginthevicinity.

7.Putonanypersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE)required.Thisshouldincludesafetybootsandscaffolder’sglovesasaminimum.ThesiteriskassessmentmayrequireotherformsofPPEsuchashardhats,hearingprotection,safetyeyewear.IfunclearofthePPErequirements,checkwiththesitemanagerorsupervisorbeforecommencingwork.

Step 2: Unload scaffold components

1.Using correct lifting and carrying techniques, commenceunloading the vehicleof scaffoldcomponents.Removetopmostitemsfirst.

2.Stackthecomponentsintogroupsoflikepiecestooptimiseefficiencyoftheerectionprocess

Componentsstackedintogroupsoflikepiecestooptimiseefficiency

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Whenstackingcomponents:

•Donotstackheavyitemsontopoflighteritems–thereisariskofdamagingcomponentsandthereforedestabilisingthescaffoldonceerected•Donotstackanythingontopofladders–ladderscanbeeasilydamagedwhichwillreducetheirloadbearingcapacity•Layframesflattopreventbendingordistortion,whichwillreducetheloadbearingcapacityoftheerectedscaffold.

Groupedtogether,theerectionprocessisfasterandmoreefficient.Componentsarelesslikelytosustaindamageduetopoorhandling

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6.3: Erecting a Scaffold

Whenthefirstbayiserected,allsubsequentbaysarebuiltontoit.

Step 1: Protect workers and pedestrians from scaffold hazards

1.Cordonoffthescaffolderectionsitewithhighvisibilitytapetopreventinjurytopedestriansandpersonsworkinginthevicinity.

Step 2: Check scaffold components for wear or damage

1.Checkeachofthescaffoldcomponentpartsfordefectordamagepriortouse.Damagedorunserviceablecomponentsshouldbesetasideforrepairordisposal.(See Section 3.1 Inspection and Maintenance of Scaffold Components).

Step 3: Erect the First Bay

1.Locatetheworkareaorstartingpointforthefirstbay.Startingpointsincludeeitheraninternalcornerorwherethegroundissloping,thehighestpoint.Onslopingground,alwaysworkdownhillwhenthescaffoldistwoormorebays.

2.Placethesoleplatesforthefirstbay(fourinall)intheirapproximatelocationsusingthetapemeasureasaguidetotherelevantpositioning.Thesoleplatesaresettotheapproximatewidthofthescaffoldframeandthedistancebetweenthefirstframeandsecondframeofthebay.(Figure 6.01)

3.Placeanadjustablebaseplatesoneachsoleplate.Theseshouldbecentredandsquaredascloseaspossibletotheirfinalposition.(Figure 6.02)

4.Usingthetapemeasure,setthestartingpointadjustablebaseplateto25mmaboveitslowestadjustment.Eyeleveltheotherthreeadjustablebaseplatewingnutstothesameheight.Theinitialadjustmentsareeyelevelledinresponsetotheslopeoftheground(Figure 6.03)

5.Laythefirstframeonthegroundinlinewiththeadjustablebaseplates.(Figure 6.04)

6.Insertthetwoadjustablebaseplatesintothebottomoftheframestandards.(Figure 6.05)

7.Checkthatthepinlockslocatedontheframeareopen.Attachacrossbracefirsttoonesideoftheframeandthentotheothersideoftheframe.Thecrossbraceisattachedbyslippingthepunchedholesofthebraceovertheopenpinlocksandthenlockingthebraceinpositionbyclosingthepinlock.(Figures 6.06, 6.07, 6.08, 6.09, 6.10)

8.Standtheframeupsothattheadjustablebaseplatesarepositionedinthecentreofthesoleplates.Resttheunattachedendsofthecrossbracesonthegroundtosupporttheframeinanearverticalposition.(Figure 6.11)

9.Laythesecondframeonthegroundandinsertits2xadjustablebaseplatesintothebottomofthestandards.(Figure 6.12)

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10.Standtheframeupplacingtheadjustablebaseplatesinthecentreofthesoleplates.Attachtheunattachedendsofthetwocrossbracestothefourpinlocks.Lockthepinlockstosecurethecrossbraces.(Figures 6.13, 6.14)

11.Squarethebaybymeasuringdiagonallybetweenthefourstandardsandmovingthelocationoftheadjustablebaseplatesuntilthetwomeasurementsareequalineachdirection.Whilstundertakingthistask,itisimportanttokeepthebayinlinewiththeworkarea(i.e.thebaylinemustremainalignedtothefaceoftheworkareasuchasabrickwall).Duringtheprocessthesoleplatesmayneedtobecentralisedtoensurecorrectandaccuratealignment.(Figure 6.15)

12.Levelthefirstframebyplacingaspiritlevelontheoutsideofthelowsidestandardandraiseorlowertheadjustablebaseplatewingnutasrequired.(Figure 6.16)

Always start on the low side when levelling the adjustable baseplates

13.Levelandplumbthesecondframetothefirstframebyplacingaspiritlevelonthebacksideofeachstandardoneatatimeandraiseorlowertheadjustablebaseplatewingnutasrequired.Thisstageoferectingascaffold iscriticalasany inaccuracyherewillbemagnifiedasthewholescaffold iscompleted.(Figure 6.17)

Levelling and plumbing the frames of the first bay are critical to the stability and safety of the scaffold as any inaccuracy here will be magnified as the whole scaffold is completed.

Figure 6.01: Positioningthesoleplatesforthefirstbay

Figure 6.02: Baseplatespositionedontopofthesoleplate

Figure 6.03: Adjusting the starting point adjustable baseplate to 25mm above the lowest point

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Figure 6.04: Theframeisaligned(ontheground)withtheadjustablebaseplates

Figure 6.05: Insertingtheadjustablebaseplatesintotheframestandards

Figure 6.06: Attachingacrossbracetooneofthestandardsoftheframe

Figure 6.07: Thepinlockintheopenposition Figure 6.08: Slippingthepunchedholeofthecrossbraceovertheopenpinlock

Figure 6.09: Thepinlockintheclosedpositiontosecurethecrossbracetotheframestandard© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Figure 6.10: Crossbracesattachedtobothsidesoftheframe

Figure 6.11: Standingtheframeuptothenearverticalposition

Figure 6.12: Thesecondframepositionedforerection

Figure 6.13: Attachingoneoftheunattachedendsofthecrossbracetothesecondscaffold

frame

Figure 6.14: Crossbracesattachedatbothendswiththeframesofthefirstbaystanding

vertical

Figure 6.15: Measuringandadjustingtheframestoensurethebayissquareanddistancesinboth

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Figure 6.16: Toleveltheframe,aspiritlevelisattachedtothestandardandthebaseplate

adjustedaccordingly

Figure 6.17: Levellingandplumbingthesecondframetothefirst

Step 4: Erect the second bay

1.Ifmorethanonebayisrequired,attachtwocrossbracestothefourpinlocksofthesecondframe.Lockthepinlockstosecurethecrossbracesofthesecondbay.(Figures 6.18, 6.19)

2.Placetwosoleplatesandadjustablebaseplatesintheapproximatelocationofthethirdframeorendframeofthesecondbay.Eyeleveltheadjustablebaseplatewingnutstothesameheightasthesecondframe.(Figure 6.20)

3.Laythethirdframeonthegroundandinsertitstwoadjustablebaseplatesintothebottomofthestandards.(Figure 6.21)

4.Standtheframeupplacingtheadjustablebaseplatesinthecentreofthesoleplatesandattachtheunattachedendsofthetwocrossbracestothefourpinlocksoftheframe.Lockthepinlockstosecurethecrossbrace.(Figure 6.22)

5.Squarethebaybymeasuringdiagonallybetweenthefourstandardsandmovingthelocationoftheadjustablebaseplatesuntilthetwomeasurementsineachdirectionareequal.Keepthebayinlinewiththeworkareaandcentralisethesoleplatesifnecessary.

6.Levelandplumbthesecondframetothefirstframebyplacingaspiritlevelonthebacksideofeachstandardoneatatimeandraiseorlowertheadjustablebaseplatewingnutasrequired.(Figure 6.23)© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Figure 6.21: Aligningthethirdframewiththeadjustablebaseplates

Figure 6.22: Securingthecrossbracesofthesecondbay

Figure 6.23: Levellingandplumbingthesecondbay

Figure 6.18: Attachingthecrossbracesofthesecondbay

Figure 6.19: Attachingthecrossbracesofthesecondbay

Figure 6.20: Positioningthesoleplatesandbaseplatesoftheendframeofthesecondbay

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Step 5: Build subsequent bays as required

1.Whereadditionalbaysarerequired,followtheproceduresdetailedinStep2:Erectthesecondbay.ThreebaysareshowninFigure6.24

Figure 6.24: Threebays

Step 6: Build a work platform or interim platform (where the platform is not a working platform)

1.Ifthefirstlevelistobeusedasaworkplatform,fullyplanktheplatformexceptforanendbaywhereanaccessplatformandladderwillbepositioned(seepoint4and5ofthisstep).Takingthefirstplankandenteringthroughtheendframe(FigureX),lifttheplankoveryourheadandpositiontheplankendsoverthetransomsoftheframes.(Figures 6.25, 6.26)

2.Continuetopositionplanksalongthefirstleveluntilitisfullyplanked.(Figure 6.27)

3.Wherethefirstliftisnotaworkingplatformandonlytobeusedtocontinueerectingsubsequentlifts,installaminimumoftwoplanksineachbayexcepttheendbaywhereanaccessplatformorhatchdeckwillbeinstalled.Installtheplanksoneatatime,holdingtheminthecentre,liftingthemoverheadandpositioningtheminthemiddleofthebay.Undernocircumstancesshouldadeck,erectedpurelyforthepurposeoferectingsubsequentlifts,beusedasaworkplatform.(Figure 6.28)

4.Placealadderinanendbay.(Notethisispositionedatthesecondframenottheendframe).Placeasoleplateunderthefeetoftheladdertoensureafirmfooting.(Figure 6.29)

5.Placeanaccessplatformintheendbaywiththehatchopeningpositionedabovetheladder.(Figure 6.30)© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Figure 6.28: Plankspositionedpurelyforthepurposeoferectingsubsequentlifts.

Figure 6.29: Positioningaladderinanendbay Figure 6.30: Theaccessplatformandladderpositionedintheendbay.

Figure 6.25: Enteringthroughtheendframe Figure 6.26: Placingtheplankovertheframetransoms

Figure 6.27: Afullyplankedworkplatformwherethefirstlevelisusedastheworkplatform

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Step 7: Erect the second level (lift) of the scaffold and erect ties as required

1.Climbontothefirstlevelplatformviatheladder.(Figure 6.31)

WARNING - At this point the scaffolder working on the scaffold is subject to a fall hazard. Persons erecting scaffolding must be physically well and mentally alert to work above ground level. Constant vigilance, balance, ability and concentration are required. Never work from outside of the scaffold. Always work from the inside of the scaffold. When working above ground level, a second person is required to work on the ground to pass equipment and for safety reasons.

2.Whenyoucannolongerworkonthegroundtoerectthescaffold,solicittheassistanceofasecondpersontopassequipmentfromtheground.Whenraisingequipment,onlyuseropethatisingoodcondition,carriesaloadratingsuitabletotheloadandmeetsAustralianStandards.(Figure 6.32)

3.Liftthefirstframeandplaceitsecurelyonthespigotsoftheendframeoftheliftbelow.(Figure 6.33)

4.Liftthesecondframeandplaceitsecurelyonthespigotsoftheadjacentframeoftheliftbelow.(Figure 6.34)

5.Attachthecrossbraces(twointhefirstbayofthesecondlift)tothepinlocksofthefirstandsecondframes(eightintotal).Lockthepinlockstosecurethecrossbraces.(Figure 6.35, 6.36)

6.Commenceerectingties.Whererequired,tiesshouldbeerectedatthispointtostabiliseandsecurethescaffold.

Do not underestimate the number of ties required. The scaffold must be properly and adequately secured.

Someexamplesoftiesusedtostabiliseandsecurescaffolding

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7.Collecttherequirednumberofscaffoldtubesandcouplers.

8.Positionatube/sbetweenthescaffoldandthestructure.

9.Attachthetubetothescaffoldusingtheappropriatecoupler.(Figure 6.37)

10.Continuetheprocedureoftying(points8and9)asthescaffoldstructureisbuilt.

11.Ifmorethan1xbayisrequired,liftthethirdframeandplaceitsecurelyonthespigotsoftheadjacentframeoftheliftbelow.

12.Attachtwocrossbracestotheeightpinlocksofthesecondandthirdframes.Lockthepinlockstosecurethecrossbracestotheframes.(Figure 6.38)

Do not erect frames until they can be immediately secured with crossbraces.

13. Continuetoerectsubsequentbaysasperthesecondbay(points4and5).

14. ContinuetoerectsubsequentliftsaspertheproceduredetailedinStep5:Erectthesecondlevel(lift)ofthescaffold.Thisprocedureisfolloweduntilaworkingplatformheightisreached.

Figure 6.31: Accessingtheworkplatformorsecondliftviathehatchdeckandladder

Figure 6.32: Thebuildingofsubsequentlevelsisatwopersonoperation

Figure 6.33: Positioningthefirstframeofthenextlift

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Figure 6.34: Positioningthesecondframeofthenextlift

Figure 6.35: Securingfirstonecrossbraceinthefirstbayofthesecondlift

Figure 6.38: Thethirdframepositionedwiththescaffolderopeningthepinlockstoattachthe

crossbrace

Figure 6.36: Securingthesecondcrossbraceinthefirstbayofthesecondlift

Figure 6.37 Tyingthescaffoldintostabiliseandsecurethescaffoldstructure-tubeand

couplertie

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Step 8: Install the guardrails

Guardrailsensurethesafetyofpersonnelworkingontheworkplatformoraccesswayandpreventobjectsfallingfromtheworkplatformontootherworkersandpedestriansbelow.Guardrailsareattachedtothosesidesofthescaffoldthatareopenandwherethereisariskoffalling.

1.Lifttherequirednumberofguardrailpostsontotheworkingplatformbeforestartingtoinstalltheguardrail.Usecorrectliftingtechniques,ensureanyropesmeetAustralianStandardsandensurethatpostsaresecurebeforeliftingthemontotheplatform.

2.Oneatatimeandintherequiredbay,placeaguardrailpostontopoftheframestandardoftheliftbelow.(Figure 6.39)

3.Closetheclampbutdonotovertightenit.Thisallowstheposttoberotatedintoposition.(Figure 6.40)

4.Taketheguardrailandwiththeendofthescaffolder’sspanner,loosentheboltsontheguardrailhookssothattheyarefreetoslide.(Figure 6.41)

5.Lifttheguardrailintoposition.(Figure 6.42)Todothis:-sitthetwolowerhooksoftheguardrailintheguardrailpostspigots-lineupthetwoupperhookswiththeirguardrailpostspigots–youmayneedtorotatethepostslightlytoensureitsitsinthecorrectposition(thisiswhytheclampisnotinitiallyfullytightened)-lowertheguardrailintopositionensuringallfourhooksareintheircorrespondingspigots-tightentheguardrailhookswiththescaffoldersspanner-tightentheclampsoftheguardrailpostswiththescaffoldersspanner.

6.Securetheladder.(Figure 6.43)Todothis:-restalengthofscaffoldtubeacrossthetopoftheguardrailsoneithersideoftheplatformtodeterminetheposition-securearightanglecouplertothestandard-securethescaffoldtubethroughtherightanglecoupler-tightentheboltsoftherightanglecouplertofullysecuretheladderrail.

7.Hooktheladderortietheladdertotheladderrail.Ensurethefeetoftheladderareseatedfirmlyonthegroundandtheladderisstraightandonthecorrectincline.

8.Anexampleofbasicscaffoldconstructedfollowingtheproceduresoutlinedin5.3ErectingScaffoldingisshownbelow.(Figure 6.44)

Guardrails must be positioned on all open sides of the scaffold where the bay is used a work platform or access way.

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Figure 6.42: Installingtheguardrail Figure 6.43: Fixingtheladderrail Figure 6.44: Athreebay,singleliftscaffoldstructure

Figure 6.39: Placingaguardrailpostinposition Figure 6.40: Closingtheclamp Figure 6.41: Looseningtheboltsoftheguardrailhooks

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Step 9: Inspect and approve scaffold ready for use

1.Onceascaffoldhasbeenerected,itmustbeinspectedbyaqualifiedscaffolderandapprovedas“ReadytoUse”.Ascaffoldapprovalsystemrequiresthatacertifiedscaffolderinspecttheerectedscaffoldandapproveitfitforusebeforeanyoneusesthescaffoldoranymaterialsareloadedontotheworkingplatform.

2.Ensurethescaffoldisinspectedbyacertifiedscaffolderanda“ReadytoUse”approvalcertificateisissuedbeforeanyoneisallowedtoenterthescaffoldstructure.

Someexamplesof“ReadytoUse”scaffoldtags

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6.4: Erecting a Scaffold with an Intermediate Platform and Top Working Platform

Step 1: Erect the first and second levels

1.ErectthefirstandsecondlevelsofthescaffoldaspertheproceduredetailedinSection5.3ErectingScaffolding.

Step 2: Prepare the top working platform

1.Withonepersonworkingonthegroundtopasscomponentparts,placetwoplanks,(oneatatime)acrossthetransomsoftheframesofthesecondlift.Leaveaspaceofoneplankwidthtoenablecomponentpartstobepassedfromthegroundtothesecondliftwitheaseandsafety.(Figure 6.45)

2.Positionaladderintheendbaymakingsurethefeetsitsquarelyontheplanksofthefirstworkingplatform.

3.Positionahatchdeckinthefirstbayofthesecondliftrelativetotheladder.(Figure 6.46)

Use correct manual handling procedures at all times when lifting scaffold components.

Figure 6.45: Positioningplankstoenabletheconstructionofthetopworkplatform

Figure 6.46: Thehatchdeckbeingpassedfromthegroundtothefirstworkingplatform© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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2.Withonepersonworkingonthegroundandtheotheronthefirstlevelworkplatform,usingcorrectmanualhandlingtechniques,lifttherequirednumberofguardrailsupandontotheworkplatform.(Figure 6.47)

3.Usingextremecaution,onepersonshouldmovetothetopworkplatformviatheladderandhatchdeck.Rememberatthispointtherearenoguardrailsinplace.Thepersonworkingonthegroundshouldnowmovetothefirstlevelplatformviatheladder.

4.Usingextremecaution,beingawareofthefallhazardandusingcorrectmanualhandlingtechniques,lifttherequirednumberofguardrailpostsontothetopworkingplatformbeforestartingtoinstalltheguardrail.

5.Oneatatimeandstartingattheendframe,placeaguardrailpostontopoftheframestandardoftheliftbelow.(Figures 6.48, 6.49)

6.Closetheclampbutdonotovertightenit.Thisallowstheposttoberotatedintoposition.

Figure 6.47: Liftingguardrailpostsontothefirstworkingplatform

Figure 6.48: Placingguardrailpostsinpositionwhenworkingfromthetopmostworkplatform

Figure 6.49: Placingguardrailpostsinpositionwhenworkingfromthetopmostworkplatform

Until the guardrails of the next lift are erected, the top platform presents a fall hazard

Step 3: Attach the guardrail posts

1.Youmustworkwithextremecautionastheheighthasincreasedbyanotherliftandtheworkplatformofthebayisunguarded.Atalltimes,workwithcareandbeawareofthefallhazardandrisk.

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Step 4: Fully plank the work platform

1.Withonepersonpassingplanksandtheotherlayingthem,fullyplankthetopmostworkplatform.Thisprovidesthescaffolderwithasoundplatformonwhichtoworktocompletethescaffoldingprocedure(Figure 6.50)

Step 5: Erect the Guardrails

1.Thisisatwopersonjob.Liftthefirstsectionofguardrailontothetopmostworkplatform.(Figure 6.51)

2.Taketheguardrailandwiththeendofthescaffolder’sspanner,loosentheboltsontheguardrailhookssothattheyarefreetoslide.

3.Lifttheguardrailintoposition.(Figure 6.52)Todothis:- Sitthetwolowerhooksoftheguardrailintheguardrailpostspigots- Lineupthetwoupperhookswiththeirguardrailpostspigots–youmayneedtorotatethepostslightlytoensureitsitsinthecorrectposition(thisis

whytheclampisnotinitiallyfullytightened)- Lowertheguardrailintopositionensuringallfourhooksareintheircorrespondingspigots- Tightentheguardrailhookswiththescaffoldersspanner- Tightentheclampsoftheguardrailpostswiththescaffoldersspanner

Figure 6.50: Completingtheplankingofthetopmostplatform

Figure 6.51: Liftingguardrailuptothetopmostplatform

Figure 6.52:Installingtheguardrailonthetopmostlevel

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Step 6: Secure the ladder

1.Fitaladderrailoverthetopsoftheguardrailposts.(Figure 6.53)

2.Hooktheladderoverthetopandsecuretheladderwithatietopreventitmovingaround.

3.Anexampleofbasic scaffoldconstructed following theproceduresoutlined in6.4ErectingaScaffoldwithan IntermediatePlatformandTopWorkingPlatformisshownbelow.(Figure 6.54)

Figure 6.53: Positioningaladderrail Figure 6.54: Scaffoldwithintermediateplatformandtopworkingplatform

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6.5: Dismantling Scaffolding

Thedismantlingofascaffoldisatwopersonoperation.Onepersondismantlescomponentswhilsttheotherpersonreceivescomponentsandtakesthemawaytoadesignatedstorageorloadingarea.

Forsafetyreasons,theeffectofremovingcomponentsonthestabilityofthescaffoldstructureshouldbeconsideredbeforedismantlingorremovingscaffoldcomponentparts.

Assess the scaffold and work site for risk before commencing the dismantling procedure.

Step 1: Assess the weather conditions1.Assesstheweatherconditionspriortodismantling.Undernocircumstancesshouldscaffoldingbedismantledininclementweather(i.e.wind,rain,

lightning,frostorsnow).

Step 2: Check the environment to identify any hazards1.Lookforanyhazardousconditionsinthevicinity/environmentofthescaffoldtobedismantled.Beawareofelectricalpowerlines,ensuringthescaffoldis

atleast4metresfromelectricaldevices.2.Checkthatthedismantlingprocedureposesnoriskofcontactinglivepowerlineswithcomponentparts.

Step 3: Check supporting structures/foundations1.Checksupportingstructures/foundationshavenotsubsidedandarestilladequate.2.Checktheareaaroundthefoundationlookingforsignsofexcavationortrenchingworkwhichcoulddestabilisethefoundationandcauseittocollapse.

Step 4: Check the scaffolding for alterations

1.Checkthatthescaffoldinghasnotbeenalteredinanywaysincethelastscheduledinspectionand/orduringuse.Ensure:•Allguardrailsareinplaceandnonehavebeenremoved•Allplatformsareinplaceandnonehavebeenremoved•Allbracesareinplaceandnonehavebeenremovedforaccessorotherreasons•Alltiesareinplaceandnonehavebeenremoved•Allplanksareinplaceandnonehavebeenremoved.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Step 5: Reconstruct missing scaffold parts1.Reconstructscaffoldcomponentswheremodificationshavebeenmadebeforecommencingwithdismantlingprocedures.2.Replaceanytiesthathavebeenremovedbeforecommencingdismantlingprocedures.3.Inspectplankspriortoundertakinganyreconstructionworkorbeforedismantlingscaffoldtoensurethattheyaresafetoworkon.

Step 6: Remove any materials/equipment remaining on platforms1.Carefullyclimbontothescaffoldandremoveanymaterialsorequipmentthatmayhavebeenleftonworkingplatformsduringuse.

To prevent serious injury from falling objects, all materials and equipment must be removed from scaffold platforms before commencing the dismantling procedure.

Step 7: Dismantle scaffold1.Thedismantlingprocedureisreallytheerectionprocedureinreverse.Safetyprecautionsinclude:

•Lowerscaffoldcomponentsasthescaffoldisdismantled–donotallowcomponentstoaccumulateonplatformsincludingthosecomponentsfromthelevelbeingdismantled

•Workinpairs–thisisatwopersonoperation,onepersondismantlesastheotherreceivesandtakesawaycomponents•Donotdropcomponentsontotheground–seriousinjury,deathordamagetocomponentsmayoccur•Securecomponentsusingcorrectknotsandappropriaterope•Signalyourintentiontolowercomponentstothepersononthegroundreceivingthem•Carefullylowercomponentsoneatatimetotheground.

2.Removethescaffoldcomponentsinthereverseordertothatoftheerectionprocedureleavinganytieasthelastcomponenttoberemovedfromthelift.Tiesshouldbeleftinplaceaslongaspossiblebeforeremoval.

Only remove the ties from the lift you are currently dismantling. Never remove the ties of a lower lift.

3.Stackdismantledequipmentintogroupsinadesignatedarea.Ensurethestackedequipmentdoesnotpresentahazardorobstructaccessways.4.Ifanythingisdamagedinthedismantlingprocess,segregateitforinspectionpriortostorage.Donotmixdamagedcomponentswithdismantledinventoryasitwillbedifficulttolocateoncepacked.Damagedcomponentsnotsegregatedmayfindtheirwaybacktotheregularscaffoldinginventoryandposeariskforfutureusers.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Chapter 7: Scaffolding Competency ChecklistThechecklistcriterialistedbelowarenotmeanttoreplacerecognisedsystemsofcompetencyassessmentandscaffoldingcertification.Thechecklistcriteriahasbeendevelopedforuser’sofAztexSteelFrameScaffoldingwhomaywishtoincorporatethematerialintositeandjobspecificinductiontrainingand/oraspartoftheirworkplaceprogramofOHStrainingandassessment.

Trainee-Usethecompetencychecklist:

•Toidentifygapsinyourskillsandknowledge•Asapretesttoworkoutwhetheryouneedfurthertrainingorhavetheknowledgeandskillsnecessarytocarryoutyourjobcorrectlyandsafely

•Asapretestbeforeanycompetencybasedassessmentisundertaken•Asareadyreckonerandmeasureofhowmuchyouhavelearntfromyourtraining.

Trainer/Supervisor-Usethiscompetencychecklist:

•Toidentifygapsintheknowledgeandskillsofemployeesorothersworkingonyoursite/job•Asabasisforplanningtrainingprogramsandtrainingsessions•Toensureemployees/othershavethenecessaryskillsandknowledgetocarryouttheirjobcorrectlyandsafely.

Competency Assessor - Usethiscompetencychecklist:

•Asaguidetotheknowledgeandskillsrequiredofpersonstocarryoutspecificjobscompetency•Asaquestioningtooltofindouttheknowledgeandskillsofemployeesorothersworkingonthejob/site•Toensureemployees/othershavetherequisiteknowledgeandskillstocarryouttheirjobcorrectlyandsafely•Toconfirmindividualcompetence.© AZTEX EQUIPMENT

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Working Safely with Scaffolding

YES NO TASKOutlineslegalobligationsandcompliancestandardsforscaffolds.

Citesprovisionsfromthedifferentitemsoflegislationandcompliancestandards.

Explainshowthedifferentprovisionsimpactontheuseofscaffoldsintheworkplace.

Appliestheprinciplesofriskmanagementtoworkactivitiesinvolvingscaffoldingandscaffoldcomponents.

Explainshowriskassessmentproceduresareusedatkeytimesintheoperationalcycle.

Outlineskeyareasforscaffoldhazardidentification.

Participatesinscaffoldhazardidentificationandriskassessmentactivities.

Outlinestheriskcontrolstrategiesimplementedforscaffoldingandscaffoldingactivitiesinplaceforspecificjobsandworksites.

Pointsoutguardingmeasuresinplaceonerectedscaffolds.

Assessestheadequacyofguardingandpointsoutanydefects.

Identifiesthoseactivitiescompetentandauthorisedtoundertake.

Identifiesthoseactivitiesthatcanonlybecarriedoutbyauthorisedandcertifiedpersonnel.

Participatesinalltrainingactivitiesdesignedtodevelopcompetenceinscaffoldingactivities.

Explainsthetypeofclothingbestsuitedtotheconductofscaffoldingactivities.

DescribesthetypeofPPErequiredtobewornwhenusingscaffolding.

OutlinesthetypeofPPEtobewornfordifferentworkenvironmentsandworktasks.

Identifiesdifferentwarningsigns,decalsandtaggingsystemsandexplainswhensuchsystemsareused.

Explainstheimplicationsforfailingtofollowsafeworkproceduresforlockingoutandtaggingplant.

Citesscaffoldspecificationsasperstatutoryrequirements.

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YES NO TASK

Citesandexplainsscaffoldguidelinesrelevanttopersonsinvolvedintheerection,modificationordismantlingofscaffolds.

Explainshowtoassesstheenvironmentalloadofascaffold.

Statesscaffoldcompliancerequirementswhenerecting,modifyingordismantlingscaffoldingnearelectricity.

Outlinespotentialhazardsassociatedwiththeinstallationofplatformbracketsandhopups.

Demonstratescorrectmanualhandlingprocedures.

Explainsprecautionarymeasurestobetakenwhenmachineryorvehiclesareusedinthevicinityofscaffolds.

Outlinesanddemonstratesthecorrectprocedurefor:

•Installingtoeboards•Installingoverheadprotection•Installingaccessladders•Securingplanks•Installingguardrails.

Describesprovisionsforsafeguardingthepublicagainstscaffoldhazards.

Describesscaffoldinspectionproceduresandcriteria.

Outlinestheimplicationsofmixingscaffoldcomponentswiththoseofothermanufacturersorsystems.

Citesprecautionarymeasuresfortheerection,modificationanddismantlingofscaffolds.

Health and Safety Guidelines for Erectors

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YES NO TASK

Participatesinscaffoldinductiontraining.

Differentiatesbetweenascaffold“Approved”foruseandwhichhasnotbeenapproved.

Outlineshazardstolookforinadailyinspection.

Describessafeguardsandprecautionarymeasuresforusingscaffolding.

Describes“good”scaffoldhousekeepingprocedures.

Demonstratesthecorrectuseofscaffolding.

Describesthedifferentloadratingcapabilitiesofscaffoldsinuse.

Describesprecautionarymeasureswhenconductinghotworkonscaffolds.

Health and Safety Guidelines for Scaffold Users

YES NO TASK

Identifiesarangeofscaffoldcomponents.

Explainstheuseandfunctionofdifferentscaffoldcomponents.

ExplainswhatPPEisandthetypestobeusedindifferentworkenvironmentsandjobs.

Outlinesbasicequipmentrequirementsofascaffolderandexplainshowitisused.

Scaffold Components and Equipment

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YES NO TASKDefinestheterms:

•Deadload•Dutyliveload

Relatesscaffoldloadratingstothedifferentdutyclassificationsofscaffolding(e.g.light,medium,heavyduty).

Demonstratesandexplainstheprocessfordesigningascaffoldstructureincluding:

•Definingthescaffoldfunction•Determiningthedutyloadrating•Determiningtheminimumwidth/lengthplatformproportions•Estimatingthenumberofbaysandlifts•Estimatingthenumberofworkingplatforms•Determiningtierequirements•Calculatingscaffoldcomponentrequirements

Estimating Scaffold Requirements

YES NO TASK

Outlinestheinspectionresponsibilitiesofsuppliers,erectorsandusersofscaffolds.Nominatestimesintheoperationalcyclewhenscaffoldinspectionsshouldbeconducted.Outlinesinspectioncriteriaforscaffoldcomponents.Describesappropriatemethodsforcleaningscaffoldcomponentparts.Describesappropriaterepairproceduresforscaffoldcomponentparts.Identifiesappropriatepersonneltoconductcleaningandrepairofscaffoldcomponentparts.Identifiestypicalscaffoldcomponentdefects.Explainswhenrepairscanbeeffectedandwhencomponentpartsmustbescrapped.Outlinesinspectioncriteriaforerectedscaffolds.

Inspection, Care and Maintenace

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YES NO TASK

Outlinessafetyprecautionsforthetransportofscaffoldcomponents.

Outlinesproceduresforthesafestorageofscaffoldcomponents.

ProceduresfortheErectionandDismantlingofScaffolds

Explainswhatascaffoldfoundationis.

Describessuitablefoundationgroundconditions.

Describesunsuitablefoundationgroundconditions.

Pointsoutsuitableandunsuitablefoundationsonaworkingsite.

Describeswhatasoleplateis.

Outlinessoleplatespecifications.

Describesarangeofadequatefoundationsonbothlevelandslopingground.

Describesarangeofunsafefoundationsonbothlevelandslopingground.

Demonstratesthecorrectprocedureforsitingscaffolds.

Demonstratesthecorrectprocedureforunloadingatruckofscaffoldcomponentsandsettinguptheworkingsite.

Demonstratesthecorrectprocedureforerectingabasicscaffoldoftwoormorebaysandlifts.

Demonstratesthecorrectprocedureforerectingascaffoldwithanintermediateplatformandtopworkingplatform.

Citessafetyprecautionstobeexercisedwhenerectingscaffolding.

Demonstratesthecorrectprocedurefordismantlingabasicscaffold.

Transport and Storage of Scaffold Components

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Chapter 8: Legislative Requirements and Australian Standards

Reference TitleAS/NZS1576 Scaffolding-seriesAS/NZS1577 ScaffolddeckingcomponentsAS/NZS4576 GuidelinesforscaffoldingAS/NZS1892 PortableladdersAS/NZS2210 Safety,protectiveandoccupationalfootwearAS/NZS1801 OccupationalprotectivehelmetsAS/NZS1337 Personaleyeprotection

Australian Standards and Australian/New Zealand Standards

Thetablebelowisalistofpublishedtechnicalstandardsthatprovideguidanceonthedesign,manufactureanduseofcertaintypesofscaffold.

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