Erecting façade scaffolding

Start with the scaffold drawing and the supplier's assembly instructions. These set out the load class, width class, bay length, lift height and anchor plan — these are designed conditions, not something you judge on site. Clarify the purpose of the work (e.g. painting, bricklaying or roofing) so the load class suits the task, and divide the tasks within the crew before you begin.

Deviating from the assembly instructions requires a structural calculation — never build 'from experience' without documentation.

The ground must be firm, level and load-bearing. If the ground is soft or uneven, sole boards are laid out so the load is spread and the jacks do not sink. A crooked or yielding foundation accumulates errors all the way up and is a common cause of instability.

A crooked base becomes a crooked top — take your time on the bottom.

Extend the adjustable base jacks and use them to level out differences in height. The jack may be extended by a maximum of 0.20 m (BFA) — beyond that a special base is required, or the ground must be levelled. The base plate must have full contact with the ground so the full load-bearing capacity is used.

Set the bottom row of frames/standards exactly level and plumb, and check the diagonals. The first row is the reference for everything built on top — use a spirit level and plumb, not your eye. Also check the width class (W) against the drawing: it is linked to the load class.

Fit frames, beams and diagonals in the order and with the connections the supplier specifies. Diagonals/bracing are fitted according to the system's pattern (typically at least every 5th bay per lift as an estimate — the exact pattern is in the instructions). Check that all locks, wedges and rosettes are engaged before you continue upwards.

Lay out the decks so the bay is fully covered without dangerous openings. Each deck is secured against accidental lifting with at least one stop/clamp at both ends — a loose deck can tip when you step on the edge, or be lifted by the wind.

Secure decks with at least one stop at both ends — a deck that can be lifted is a trap.

On working platforms with a fall height of more than 2 m, fit full guardrails: top rail 1.00 m above the deck, knee rail 0.50 m and a toe board at least 0.15 m high. Use approved guardrail components with locking — never rope or improvised solutions that do not count as collective fall protection.

The anchorage ties the scaffold to the facade and takes wind and overturning forces. It must be installed AS YOU GO while building upwards — not at the end. Outdoor scaffolding over 10.5 m must be anchored, and anchor type, load and pattern follow supplier requirements and the design. Netting or sheeting increases the wind load significantly and requires more/stronger anchors.

The distance between the working deck and the facade must be max. 0.30 m — and max. 0.10 m for bricklaying and plastering work, where you could otherwise lose your footing or drop material into the gap. If the limit cannot be kept (e.g. at steps in the facade), inner guardrails must be fitted.

Provide a safe access route — internal stairs, a ladder with back protection or a hatch deck — so no one has to climb on the outside. Where the scaffold spans a passage, the headroom must be at least 1.9 m (BFA), so people can walk underneath without hitting their heads.

Before the scaffold is handed over for use, the written erection inspection is carried out: base, screw jacks, connections, decks, guardrails, anchorage, distance to facade and access routes. Findings are recorded in the QA log with the date and the inspector's name, and any defects are rectified before the scaffold is released.

The inspection is not paperwork — it is the last chance to catch a forgotten anchor or a loose deck.

On scaffolding over 2 m, hang the green safety sign in a visible place showing the erection date, load class/permitted load, scaffold type, latest inspection date and erecting company. The sign tells users that the scaffold is approved for use. At the same time, hand over the user instructions to the user's employer.