CODE OF PRACTICE

FOR ACCESS AND

WORKING SCAFFOLDS

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 Code of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds

Where reveal ties are used, a greater number of ties are required. Where
practicable, no more than 50% reveal ties should be used unless they are
supplemented by permanent bolted or cast-in anchorages and a high level of
maintenance.

Reveal ties are not suitable for use on sheeted scaffolds.

3.3.2.4. Returns
Where a system scaffold is continually and correctly returned around the corner of
a building, it can be regarded as being equal to a tie to the first pair of standards in
each direction from the quoin (e.g. the ties can commence from the second pair of
standards back from the return). It should be noted that if a correct and continuous
return is not in place, then each elevation should be regarded as separate and must
then be tied at each end. Plan bracing of ledgers would be required to provide tying
to adjacent standards.

Returns of tube and fitting scaffolds may be regarded as providing attachment of

the scaffold to the façade for a 3m length measured from the end of the building.

3.3.2.5. Structurally Designed Buttresses

Structurally designed buttresses provide tying to those system scaffolding
standards directly connected to the buttresses. Plan bracing is required to provide
tying to adjacent system standards. Buttresses connected to tube and fitting
scaffolding may be regarded as providing attachment of the scaffold to the facade
for a 3m length measured from each side of the buttress.

3.3.2.6. Single Unjointed Raking Tubes

Single unjointed raking tubes coupled to the scaffold at 6m intervals and tied back
to the scaffold at the foot may be considered as providing adequate stability in the
direction of the raker for scaffolds up to 6m high. The tube should be at an angle of
not more than 2 vertical to 1 horizontal and not more than 6m in length. Plan
bracing is required to provide tying to adjacent system standards between the
rakers.

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 Code of Practice for Access and Working Scaffolds

Figure 11: Stabilising a Scaffold Less than 6m High – Raking Tubes

(refer to manufacturer’s instructions)

3.3.3. Tie Spacing

The spacing of ties is determined mainly by the loading and layout of the scaffold.
As the loading, height, number of working platforms or number of boarded
platforms or the wind loading increases, so does the number of ties required. The
system manufacturer’s instructions for tie spacing should be followed; for tube and
fitting scaffolds, the spacing of the ties determined by the designer must be
followed.

3.3.3.1. System Scaffold Ties

Each type of system scaffold has a characteristic tying pattern recommended by
the manufacturer. These patterns should be followed unless structural design
calculations show any proposed variations to be safe. The system scaffolding
manufacturer’s recommended tying arrangements should be available to the
scaffolders. The recommended tying arrangements should also be provided to the
persons responsible for inspecting the system scaffold during use.

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