Instructions / Assembly

Safe Bearing Loads For Soils
Considering that the allowable loads (bearing) on various soils and rock range from less that 1,000 p.s.f. to more than 50,000
p.s.f. care should be exercised in determining the capacity of the soil for every scaffolding job, realizing that weather conditions
can turn an otherwise suitable ground condition into a hazardous situation. As an example, dry clay with an allowable bearing
capacity of 8,000 p.s.f. could become very plastic after a rainfall and drop to less than 2,000 p.s.f.
Care should also be taken not to excessively disturb the soil. If fill is required in areas where scaffolding is used, a qualified
engineer should be consulted as to materials and compaction.
II. Foundations
The purpose of a good foundation or mud sill is to distribute the scaffolding load over a suitable ground area. The size of the
footing or sill is determined be the total load carried over a particular ground area, and by the nature of the soil supporting these
sills.
The total load should be computed and the sills designed accordingly.
When scaffolding from earth fill, the areas should be leveled and the sills spaced in a pattern assuring adequate stability for all
scaffolding legs.
III. Erection of Frames
The work of erecting the scaffolding should be under the supervision of a person with proper experience and aptitude for
securing a safe installation and who is familiar with all Local, State and Federal Regulations concerning scaffolding as well as
the SSFI Scaffolding Safety Rules.
It shall be the responsibility of the person supervising the erection of the scaffold to see that all components and locking devices
are in working order, and no damaged or deteriorated equipment is used in the setup. Should any scaffolding become damaged
after the equipment has been erected, Workman shall not be allowed on the same until the damaged items have been repaired
or replaced.
Advance planning will help the erection of scaffolding to progress smoothly. The equipment should be unloaded as close to the
area of use as possible and should be arranged in the order it is to be used in the setup. Adjustment screws should be set to the
approximate final adjustment before setting up the scaffolding. Check that all coupling pins are matched with the proper panels.
Consult safety rules as recommended by the Institute.
After erecting the first tier of scaffold frames, plumb and level (using instruments) all frames so that no matter how high the final
scaffolding setup, the additional frames will also be in correct alignment.
As erection proceeds, securely tie all scaffolding to the structure at the ends and at least every 30’ horizontally, and at height
intervals not to exceed * four (4) times the minimum base dimension. Freestanding scaffold towers must be restrained from
tipping by guying or other means. Scaffold frames must be fastened together at coupling pins where there is a possibility of
uplift.