Use and Care Manual

Recommended Scaffolding Erection Procedure
Introduction
This Guide has been prepared by the Scaffolding, Shoring & Forming Institute to assist contractors, architects,
engineers, dealers, erectors, and users, etc. for the proper use of scaffolding equipment. Scaffolding Safety Rules
published by the Institute should be used in conjunction with this publication, as well as the instruction for the use of
scaffolding provided by the manufacturer. Safety precautions and requirements prescribed by local, state, and
federal agencies, including OSHA, must be followed at all times and persons working with scaffolding systems
should be equipped with requisite safety devices.
Nomenclature
1. Accessories-Those items other than the frames and braces used to facilitate the construction of scaffolding
towers and structures.
2. Adjustment Screws-Device composed of a thread screw and on adjusting handle used for the vertical
adjustment of the scaffolding.
3. Base Plate- A device used to distribute the leg load.
4. Climbing Ladders-A separate ladder attached to the scaffolding structure or built into the scaffold frame.
5. Casters- Wheels of a suitable dimension and unit designed to attach to the base of a tower and containing a
brake to prevent the wheels from rotation.
6. Coupling Pin-Device used to align and connect lifts or tiers together vertically.
7. Cross-bracing- Systems of members connecting frames or panels of scaffolding other than an adjustment
screw.
8. Extension Device- Any device used to obtain vertical adjustment of scaffolding other than and adjustment
screw.
9. Factor of Safety- The ratio of ultimate load to the allowable load.
10. Frame or Panel-The principal prefabricated, welded structural unit.
11. Guardrail-A rail secured to uprights and erected along the exposed sided and ends of platforms.
12. Horizontal Diagonal Bracing- Diagonal braces running horizontally between frames of scaffolding.
13. Lifts or Tiers- The number of frames stacked one above the other in a direction.
14. Locking Device- A device used to secure the cross brace to the panel.
15. Putlog or Truss-A separate horizontal load carrying member.
16. Rolling Towers- A composite structure of frames, braces, platforms, guardrails, and accessories supported
by casters.
17. Safe Leg Load- That load which can safely be directly imposed on a horizontal member.
18. Safe Scaffold Frame Horizontal Member Load- That load which can safely be directly imposed on a
horizontal member.
19. Scaffolding Layout- A engineered drawing prepared prior to erection showing arrangement of equipment for
proper scaffolding use.
20. Side Basket- A cantilevered arm unit supported by the scaffolding frame.
21. Sill or Mud Sill*- A footing, usually wood, which distributes the vertical leg loads to the ground.
22. Ties- A tension compression member used to securely attach scaffold to a structure.
23. Toeboard- A barrier secured along the sides and ends of a platform to guard against the falling of material.
24. Towers- A composite structure of frames, braces, and accessories.
25. Ultimate Load- The maximum load which may be placed on the scaffolding causing failure by buckling of
column members or yielding of some component.
*These terms can be used synonymously.
Inspection of Scaffolding Equipment Prior to Erection
Three main areas of inspection are for corrosion, straightness of members and welds. This applies to all
components of a scaffolding system.
1.
Corrosion- Heavily rusted or eroded scaffolding equipment is a telltale sign of abuse or neglect.
2. Straightness of Members- Mishandling, trucking and storing may cause damage to scaffolding equipment.
All scaffolding components should be straight and free from bends, kinks or dents.