Scaffolding

Everything you need to know about scaffolding, but were too nervous to ask.

A liens didn’t build the pyramids. No, some big-brained humans like you did. And they used a complex framework of interconnected poles on which to build the ramps so slaves could push the blocks up. There have also been discoveries that point to our Stone Age ancestors (Upper Paleolithic period) using crude structures to hoist themselves up and paint their stories on cave ceilings. These discoveries, holes in the walls of the famous Lascaux caves just outside Montignac in southwestern France, are evidence of the resourcefulness of paleo humans.

Fast-forward past the dawn of agriculture and the aforementioned building of the pyramids, work done in Alexandria, Carthage and Constantinople, and then 1906 stands out as the next great age of scaffolding. It was then that brother duo Daniel Palmer Jones and David Henry Jones started to standardise designs and obtain patents for their work. Recognition for their efforts came in 1913, when their Patent Rapid Scaffold Tie company won a commission to refurbish Buckingham Palace.

At the turn of the decade, the company revolutionised the industry with the Scaffixer system of standardised fixings that could connect together metal and wooden pieces. This was just in time for the post-war construction boom, and with the emergence of purpose-built metal pipes, the brothers spun out into the Tubular Scaffolding Company. But it wasn’t until the latter stages of WWII that the pair’s other company, Scaffolding Great Britain, introduced the world’s first frame system to the market.

Frame systems, with ties at every four metres, allow for construction to happen as the scaffolding rises.

Local regulations

Our set of standards regarding access to scaffolding was established in 2004 and deals with minutiae such as perforations of open grid or mesh scaffold boards not exceeding 20 mm. The height restrictions on ordinary scaffolding range from 20 m (putlog scaffolding) to 60 m (tubular or system scaffolding), while specially designed rigging doesn’t carry any restriction. And standard scaffolding designed by a professional engineer qualifies as special scaffolding.

The Department of Labour Construction Regulations 2014 mandates that contractors appoint, in writing, a competent person who must ensure that all scaffolding work operations are carried out under his or her supervision. This person can also evaluate the competency of the staff helping erect the scaffolding, team leaders and inspectors. However, the contractor must also ensure that the scaffolding complies with regulations as clearly stated in section 44 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 – this isn’t necessarily the competent person’s responsibility.

What it is and isn’t

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that adds support to the original structure and provides a platform for workers busy on the structure to either work from or to place their equipment and materials, or both. While there are only two broad types of scaffold recognised in SA regulations – regular and special – the variation of structure for different applications is quite wide.

Trestle

If you’ve ever painted or installed a ceiling, You’ve probably encountered a trestle scaffold. Useful up to about five metres of elevation, it’s effectively a raised platform on a sturdy base.

Steel

Made up of interlocking columns, girders and bracings, this is the most durable and robust scaffolding solution. Downsides are cost, but the peace of mind for workers is worth it.

Patented

There are a number of ready-made scaffolding brands ( see Kwik- Stage) on the market, and they each have their specialised riff on the classic form. If you want some stairs, special adjustable levels, or other add- ons, you can rent or buy these quite easily.

Suspended

When you need to do small jobs on the sides of tall buildings, these types of movable working platforms are the best option. Usually suspended from the top of the building, this requires engineering input.

Cantilever

Much like Spider-man crawling up the side of a building, cantilever scaffolding can extend and move as work is completed. The structure is typically anchored to extendable struts inside openings in the building (think windows) and also attached to the walls. So, it might not actually move like a spider, but you get the idea.

Putlog

This single scaffold anchored to the side of the structure with a typical gap of about 1.2 m from wall to standard is beloved in the house-building game.

Double

When you can’t drill holes into the structure, then it’s time to use a freestanding scaffold. This is probably what you were thinking of when you started reading this article.

Kwik-stage

A Kwikform product, but this time made from galvanised steel. The interlocking system is simple and strong.

The patent for builder’s scaffolding was first awarded to Kwikform in 1962, and then refined in the company’s 1966 patent ( above). Kwikform is now a world leader in scaffolding.

H-frame scaffolding patent was first filed by Scaffolding Great Britain is September 1945, and ultimately granted on 3 August 1948. William Charles Jones is credited as inventor.