According to the OHSA reports, almost two out of every three construction workers work on the scaffolding. That is how essential scaffolds are to the construction industry and must carry that sense of high quality when we talk about them. Moreover, the associated risks with climbing height during a construction project depend on the effectiveness and structural integrity of the scaffold. Failure or compromise on the scaffold quality means a significant risk that may be fatal on the construction site.

Below is also a standard procedure for the building of scaffolding structures on a construction site in Sydney. Kindly adhere to the specifications, which apply to all working levels. The details below can also serve as a guide for standard rules of the structural integrity of the scaffold structure. Click here to read about How Scaffolding Companies Can Prevent commercial scaffolding Hazards in a Construction Site in Sydney.

Scaffold construction details

  • Each scaffold platform at all the working levels shall be fully planked with wood or decked with concrete between the front uprights and the guardrail support. Below is the description of how to achieve this step
    • You should install each fabricated or scaffold platform unit between the platform and the upright with a space that is not more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. An exception to that rule is having an employer demonstrate a necessarily more expansive space that can fit around uprights when using side brackets to extend the width of the platform.
  • When the planking of decking has been done as thoroughly as possible, the remaining open space between that platform and the uprights should not exceed 9 inches, which is 24.1 cm. However, note the requirement for the decking or planking procedure does not apply to platforms that are only meant to serve as walkways for employees of the scaffold erection or dismantling. Planking only is enough in such cases to remind safe.
  • The minimum recommended width of each scaffold platform and walkway is 18 inches, which is about 46 cm in width. Also, each ladder jack scaffold, top-plate bracket scaffold, pump jack scaffold, and roof bracket scaffold should have a minimum width of 12 inches (30 cm). When using the boatswains’ chairs, there is no minimum width for that.
  • Suppose the employer can establish that the platforms and walkways are too narrow for 18 inches in the built scaffolds. In that case, the employer can extend the width as comprehensively as feasible while the employees should be guarded by using guardrails and some of the personal fall arrest systems in place. This system will help to prevent falls and other hazards from eh walkways and platforms.
  • Also, the front edge of the scaffold platform for construction works in Sydney should not exceed 14 inches, which is about 36 cm from eh face of the work. However, the exception is when you already have a guardrail system erected along the front edge or with a personal fall arrest system. This system f erection must go in line with standard protocols of the protection standards.
  • The optimum distance between the face of the outrigger scaffolds shall not exceed 3 inches, about 8 cm.
  • Also, the maximum distance from the face of the plastering with the lathing operations should not be more than 18 inches, which is about 46 cm.
  • Each end of the platform shall also extend the centering of its support for better balance with at least 6 inches or 15 cm. on the other hand, the exception to that rule is when the platform is already cleated or restrained by hoots or other equivalent means.
  • The end of the platform on both sides that are about 10 feet or less in length cannot exceed its support beyond 12 inches. However, if the venue has a design, the cantilevered portion can support employees and their materials without tipping them. On the other hand, it may provide guardrails that can block employees’ access to the cantilevered end. 
  • Suppose the platform is longer than 10 feet in length. In that case, the extension over its support should not exceed 18 inches, which is about 46 cm. otherwise, the design and installation should be such that the cantilevered portion of the platform can support employees without tipping. Alternatively, it may possess guardrails that can block employee’s access to the cantilevered end. 
  • Each abutted end must rest on different support surfaces if the scaffold has planks with abutted lots. However, this provision does not preclude the use of common support members like the ‘T’ sections that support abutting planks. In addition, it also hooks on platforms whose design rests on common supports.
  • The scaffolds have platforms with overlapping ends to create a long one; this overlap shall be over only the supports. And it should not be less than 12 inches, which is about 30 cm unless you nail the platforms together or restrained them in any other way to prevent any movement. 
  • Every movable point of the scaffold, such as where the platform changes direction like turning a corner, should be laid first. Another example is the platform that rests on a bearer at only an angle other than a right angle. Those platforms that rest over the same bearer should be laid second right on top of the first platform. 

How to Erect Scaffolding in Sydney

In setting up a scaffolding structure, there is a need to ensure that everyone using the scaffolding is safe. Therefore, the erecting process is a careful but diligent one that should give confidence and safety to anyone using it. A scaffolding component is a more credible alternative to ladders in constructing a building, maintenance or renovation, and cleaning some high towers. 

Using scaffolding gives you a much larger area of work and a level of mobility over the ladder, which is usually inclined at an angle and is far less convenient. Below are the eight simple steps for erecting a scaffold by yourself

  1. Select a secure foundation where you want to set your scaffold. The foundation must be rigid, stable, and non-slippery. 
  2. Use casters in setting up your scaffold because it can enhance the moving of the scaffold around the site
  3. Assemble the scaffolding frames by laying out the ends of the two edges, attaching the upper cross brace, and laying the supports in place.
  4. Ensure the scaffold is stable by checking that all the joints of the frames are intact and firm
  5. Place the planks to establish the platform.
  6. Secure access to the scaffold by placing its ladders or stairs in the right places
  7. Attach the guardrails to protect from falls
  8. Inspect all the scaffold parts one after the other to ensure 100% safety

Now, you are done!