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( Scaffolding)
Scaffolding is a temporary framework used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes (termed tubes in Britain), although it can be made out of other materials. Bamboo is still used frequently in Asia. The following description is for 'classic' rather than systems scaffolding. All scaffolds are subject to certain minimum requirements set out in British Standard (BS) 5973 (Withdrawn by the BSI in 2004)- the Code of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds and Special Scaffold Structures in Steel. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1993) also applies. BS 5973 was the recommended code of practice for around 25 years, however since its withdrawal, and the introduction of BS EN 12811-12003, the UK industry has been in limbo. The reason for this being that the new BS EN 12811-1 does not lend itself to the use of tube and fitting scaffolding (the majority of scaffolding in the UK is tube and fitting) and also uses a the limit state design method (BS 5973 uses permissible stress design method). Therefore the NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) released a technical guidance called TG20 which aimed to provide a good practice guide for the use of tube and fitting scaffolding whilst conforming to the requirements of BS EN 12811-1. TG20 is largely based on BS 5973 with extracts taken directly from the old code, it also uses permissible stress design method. However, TG20 received a mixed response from the UK industry and as a result TG20 is being re-written and the new version is due for release sometime in 2008. This is the reason for the 'limbo' situation. Until the release of the revised TG20 the HSE continue to allow scaffold to be built in accordance with BS 5973. For more information on this you should contact your local HSE office. This European Standard specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds. Requirements given are for scaffold structures that rely on the adjacent structures for stability. In general these requirements also apply to other types of working scaffolds. The purpose of a working scaffold is to provide a safe place of work with safe access suitable for the work being done. This document sets out performance requirements for working scaffolds. These are substantially independent of the materials of which the scaffold is made. The standard is intended to be used as the basis for enquiry and design.
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