How to Erect Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that creates a stable and safe platform for workers performing tasks at height. It is used in construction, maintenance, and repair work. Scaffolding supports workers, tools, and materials while offering safe access to hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to scaffolding, workers can perform their tasks with safety and efficiency at elevated heights.

Scaffold erection processes include preparing the work area, checking components, erecting the base and frame assembly, adding transverse braces, access installation, erecting the return, adding the second lift, installing safety features, and inspecting.

OSHA defines the main guidelines for erecting a scaffold. These include installing guardrails and toeboards, hiring a competent person, offering safe means of access to workers erecting or dismantling scaffolds, and erection, dismantling, and alteration of scaffolds by trained employees under the supervision and direction of a competent person.

1. Prepare the Work Area

Inspection of the site is the first step of the pre-erection planning process. You need to check the ground and its level. When erecting a scaffold on an even surface, you don’t need to use additional components like stabilizers and outriggers. They are required to balance a scaffold on a slope on uneven ground. The base of the scaffold must be able to handle the load of the scaffold. The area must be free of holes, obstructions, and debris; if you find any such thing, clear the area.

Review your project plans and understand scaffolding configurations. Then, select appropriate scaffolding based on project requirements such as load capacity, height, and access. 

2. Check Components

The next step of the scaffolding erection process is to inspect all the components for any deformities, cracks, or corrosion. A faulty component can collapse the scaffold structure, so it’s better to perform an inspection beforehand and replace or repair any component. When components are not in good condition, you should not use them during scaffolding setup. Another thing to check is whether components are compatible with the scaffold type you are erecting. The primary reason behind scaffolding failure is often mismatched components. Always choose compatible components to ensure scaffold structural integrity.

3. Erect the Base

Place sturdy sole boards on the ground to distribute the scaffold’s weight evenly. Position base plates of adjustable jacks on the sole boards to enhance their stability. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling the base frame. Prepare the scaffold foundation properly. 

4. Assemble the Frame

Level and plum vertical frames before attaching them to the base. Place vertical scaffold frame uprights on the base plates and attach them with pins or couplers. Once the vertical frames are settled in place, install scaffold planks or platforms. Always double-check that frames are correctly aligned and have even space.

5. Add Transverse Braces

Add transverse braces to the vertical frames. These braces will form a rigid structure. Add diagonal and vertical bracing to increase the stability and rigidity of a scaffold structure. You need to secure the frames tightly through clamps or couplers. At this step, you must check that the scaffold structure doesn’t sway or lean. You can adjust and re-tighten braces if you notice any frame instability.

6. Install Access

Every type of scaffold requires a specific kind of access. You need to install safe access to the platform by attaching stair units or ladders. Once the access system is installed, ensure it is safe and free from hazards.

7 . Erect the Return

When you plan to erect scaffolding around the end of the building facade, you need to extend the scaffold frames and connect them with braces and couplers. You can also use additional ties and anchors to stabilize the extended structure or scaffold returns.

8. Add Second Lift

Once you set up one level of scaffold, the next step is to repeat the process, such as installing braces, planks, or frames to add a second lift or the next level of scaffold. You need to make sure that the scaffold remains straight and stable while you are building higher. All the planks must be secured to prevent swaying.

9. Install Safety Features

Once you have built the required scaffold levels, the next step is to attach the guardrail to the outer edges of the working platform. You need to install top-rail and mid-rail as per OSHA guidelines. Install toeboards alongside the platform’s edges to prevent tools and materials from falling. Secure the scaffold with nearby buildings or structures by using ties and anchors.

10. Inspect the Scaffold

Inspect the scaffold before use. Look at all connections, platforms, and braces. Ensure that they are stable and aligned perfectly. During the scaffold inspection process, verify that the scaffold can safely support the expected load. A final safety check probes safety features, looking for any signs of missing or loose components. It is advisable to inspect the scaffold daily before use. Always follow scaffold assembly instructions given by the manufacturer to prevent any mistakes.

What are the Guidelines for Scaffolding Erection?

The nine guidelines for scaffolding erection are as follows:

1. Competent Person
2. Trained Employee
3. Safe means of access
4. Install hook-on or attachable ladder
5. Install guardrail
6. Install toeboard
7. Inspection
8. Scaffold design
9. Compatible components

1. Competent person: Effective September 2, 1997, every employee must hire a competent person who can determine the feasibility and safety of offering fall protection to employees involved in supported scaffold erection and dismantling. 

2.Trained Employees:Scaffolds shall be moved, changed, dismantled, or erected only under the direction and supervision of a competent person with experience, qualification, and training in scaffold erection, dismantling, moving, or alteration. They should be erected, altered, or dismantled only by trained employees selected by a competent person.

3.Safe means of access:The employer should provide safe access to every employee erecting or dismantling a scaffold if a secure means of access is possible and doesn’t lead to any hazards. A competent person must determine whether it is feasible to provide safe means of access to employees. A competent person will look at the type of scaffold and site condition to assess the feasibility of safe means of access. 

4.Install hook-on or attachable ladder: It is essential to install a hook-on or attachable ladder as soon as the scaffold erection reaches a point that allows safe use and installation.

5.Install guardrails: Install guardrail systems on all open sides and ends of platforms. It is vital to install a guardrail before the scaffold is released for use by employees other than the crew handling the erection and dismantling of the scaffold. A guardrail system must have a small opening to prevent the passage of potential falling objects.

6.Install toeboards: Toeboards shall be erected on the platform’s edges more than 10 feet above the lower level. This distance is required to protect the employee below. 

7.Inspection: According to OSHA’s S 1926.451(f)(3), a competent person must inspect the scaffold before each work shift and after any incident that may have impacted its integrity. Employees shouldn’t use a scaffold until a competent person inspects or approves it.

8.Scaffold design: As per OSHA’s S 1926.451(a)(1), scaffold designs must support structure weight and at least four times the intended load. A competent person must design the scaffold after considering design capacity and load rating. 

9.Compatible components:Mixing parts or accessories is crucial to maintaining structural integrity. Always use components from the same manufacturer or those a competent person recommends.

How long does it take to erect scaffolding​?

You can erect scaffolding for a regular residential project within 2 to 48 hours. However, you may need a week or more to set up scaffolding for a large-scale industrial project. 

How much does it cost to erect scaffolding?​

The cost of erecting scaffolding in the UAE is 2700 AED to 3650 AED for a residential project. The cost of scaffolding erection depends on various factors:

• Type of property: The cost to erect a scaffold for a single-story house is less than that for a large property.
• Location: Scaffolding erection will be an expensive option in urban areas as you need to rely on advanced access points.
• Terrain: Erecting scaffolding on uneven or sloppy terrain is more costly than setting up this temporary structure on a stable foundation.
• Duration: The longer you need a scaffold, the higher cost you will pay.
• Type of scaffolding: the cost of erecting a single scaffold is lower than erecting a complex one.
• Other factors: You need to hire a competent person to inspect and supervise the scaffold inspection process. Labor hire and transportation costs are also some other factors contributing to the overall cost of erecting a scaffold.