Rules and requirements for scaffolding

There are a number of rules that must be followed to avoid injuries when setting up and using a scaffold. There may be a difference in how the various scaffolds must be set up and used, depending on the brand and type. Therefore, it is important that you read the instructions supplied with the scaffold and familiarise yourself with how the scaffold should be used. It is the responsibility of the scaffolder to ensure that the scaffolding is properly set up and in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

Below, you can read some of the most important rules for setting up scaffolding.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES FOR SCAFFOLDING

Whether it is scaffolding for facade renovation, masonry work or completely covered scaffolding, it is the scaffolder’s responsibility that the scaffolding meets the industry’s requirements for set up and use of scaffolding.

It is worth mentioning that the Danish Working Environment Authority distinguishes between the types of scaffolding. There is a difference between rules for system scaffolding and moveable tower scaffolding, trestle scaffolding and special scaffolding such as hanging scaffolding and chimney scaffolding as well as machines such as hoists and personnel lifts and technical aids such as ladders and the different kinds of towers.

The common system scaffolding includes frame, column, tower and trestle scaffolding, but tower and trestle scaffolding can also be used as leisure scaffolding.

Both private individuals and craftsmen can make use of leisure scaffolding. Leisure scaffolding covers smaller, ladder, telescopic and folding scaffolds.

SCAFFOLDING

SCAFFOLDING RULES CF. THE DANISH WORKING ENVIRONMENT AUTHORITY

The Danish Working Environment Authority’s guidelines on the scaffolder’s responsibilities is addressed both to professional companies and companies that set up common system scaffolding for their own use and is based on the executive order on the use of technical means.

Common rules for scaffolding:

Set up of scaffolding must take the terrain, substrate, weather conditions and other factors that have an importance on the scaffolding's stability and load-bearing capacity into account, cf. section 6.13.
Scaffolding with heights of more than 2 metres must have handrails and footers installed.
Scaffold decks, work platforms, access roads, bridges and the like must be provided with railings of the required strength, cf. section 6.21.
Stairs over 2 metres in height must have both internal and external handrails.
Scaffolding with a height of more than 3 metres may only be set up, changed and taken down by persons and employees with training in scaffolding from a vocational training centre, approved by the Danish Working Environment Authority cf. section 6.24.
Moveable tower scaffolding and folding scaffolding must have a maximum distance of 4 metres between two platforms. The first platform must not be located higher than 4.4 metres above the base.
Scaffolding with wheels must be equipped with a braking mechanism that is secured from falling out.
Separate access areas are required for scaffolding higher than 5 metres or longer than 10 metres, if it is to be used by more than 2 people at the same time.
Outdoor scaffolding with a height of more than 10.5 metres must be attached to a wall.
A fixed scaffold over 2 metres must be provided with a commissioning sign, where the date, weight class/load capacity and the use of the scaffold are noted.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCAFFOLDER AS SUPPLIER

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines on the responsibilities of the scaffolder, the professional who has determined the specific layout of the scaffolding has the responsibility for arranging the scaffolding so that it is safe to work from.

The scaffolder must take account of requirements and regulations for scaffolding.

INSTALLATION ON A SUSTAINABLE SURFACE

Be aware that a scaffold must be set up on a firm and sustainable surface. Terrain and substrate must be level so that the scaffolding is stable and safe. Support points must rest on the entire support surface. Therefore, it is important to examine and assess whether the substrate requires the use of blockwork or foundation for column pressure and based on anchoring and bracing methods, etc. A block may not be more than 0.2 metres high, cf. section 6.14.

RESPONSIBLE INTERIOR

The scaffolder makes sure of proper arrangement and takes the permissible load conditions, weather effects, safety and health conditions into account.

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority guidelines, section 6.16, a scaffold must be provided with suitable devices which prevent inadvertent movement when work is carried out at height.

A scaffold must be set up with safety and health conditions in mind. Tools and materials must be able to be placed so that all functions associated with the work can be performed safely and with safe working positions and movements.

SECURE FIXING

All scaffolding must be securely set up and based on weather influences – both safety and health conditions, such that the scaffolding is stable and securely supported and attached either to the building, other construction or has had ballast installed in the form of concrete blocks or water cans, cf. Danish Working Environment Authority instructions section 6.13.

RAILING

If you use a scaffold that has more than 2 metres down to the ground, a railing must be set up. The railing can consist of a hand rail at a height of 1 metre, a knee rail at a height of 0.5 metres and a footer that is at least 0.15 metres high, or other protection that secures in the same way.

Railings for scaffolding are solely for the safety of the scaffolding user, private or professional craftsman. A railing preferably consists of handrails, kneerails and footers and is installed so that the scaffold user can work safely and efficiently on the platform. A railing can also consist of other protection or barriers that prevents the risk of falling down.

If it is not possible to establish railings or other protection as a safety measure, you can apply for a waiver or wear personal fall protection equipment.

ACCESS

There must be safe access routes in the scaffolding construction. If the scaffolding is higher than 5 metres and longer than 10 metres, there must be two separate access areas with stairs.

Scaffolding must have sound and appropriate access routes established for all scaffolding setups in order to meet all requirements and regulations from the Danish Working Environment Authority.

It may be necessary to establish a stair tower to meet ergonomics and workplace requirements on the scaffolding work platform. A stair tower is mounted on the scaffolding to facilitate access to the work site. A stair tower can be established both as an external stair tower or inside the floor separations of the scaffolding.

SUBSTRATE

The scaffolding must be set up on an even and firm surface so that the scaffolding cannot move or tilt during work.

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority, the scaffolding must be stable, therefore the terrain must be examined and assessed before set up. The support points of the scaffold must rest on the entire support surface. A block must not be more than 0.2 metres high and larger differences in level must be compensated with adjustable supports or other safe construction.

When using loose tools such as ladders, it is a requirement to support the ladder on a stable, sustainable and firm surface of suitable size, so that the steps are in a horizontal position.

SCAFFOLDING ON WHEELS

If you are working with a transportable scaffold, it is important that the wheels are locked during use.

It is quick and easy to work from a moveable scaffold when you have to work at height. As easy as it is to move your scaffolding around, it is just as important to lock the wheels when you have to work from the scaffolding. The moveable scaffolding is suited for small construction jobs.

A moveable scaffold must be attached to the building or other structure for outdoor use or if the height is more than 2 metres. The moveable scaffold must be provided with a green commissioning sign if it is over 2 metres in height.

SIGNAGE

All fixed scaffolding over 2 metres in height must have a safety sign attached. The sign must indicate the purpose of the scaffolding, the date of installation, information on the scaffolding class and purpose.

It is only permitted to access a scaffolding over 3 metres in height when the scaffolding’s ladders are equipped with a green in-use sign.

If parts of the scaffolding are not in a ready-to-use state, for example, in connection with installation, a change in installation or dismantling, warning signals must be posted in accordance with the regulation on safety signage and other forms of signalling.

WORKING HEIGHT

Working height and standing height are often confused. Standing height is from the ground to the upper edge of the upper scaffold deck, while the working height is the standing height and 2 metres above. This means that private individuals may not set up, adjust or dismantle a scaffold where the scaffold deck is more than 3 metres from the ground.

The working height provided by the scaffold must never be increased by use of boxes, ladders, stools, trestle scaffolding or the like. If extra working height is required on a scaffold deck, the material must be suitable and secured
properly.

If it is necessary to carry out work at height using a ladder, the use must be limited to situations such as temporary work and based on the aid which is best suited and ensures ergonomic conditions.

USE

It is important that the scaffolding is not used for other work functions than it is intended for.

The scaffolding task is planned and calculated based on the specified work functions and craftsmen, and associated loads of materials and tools. The scaffolding is designed so that the deck and work platforms are dimensioned in terms of safety and fully suitable for the work task.

It is therefore not permitted to use a facade scaffold intended for window replacement, for a roof renovation or other renovation work.

You must not work from ladders, trestles or other loose objects on a scaffold deck. If extra working height is required on a scaffolding deck, this extra height must only be established using suitable and securely attached material.

WEATHER CONDITIONS

You must always take precautions for the weather when working on scaffolding. If there is strong wind, snow or other weather that poses a danger, no work may be done on the scaffolding.

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the employees’ working conditions are properly arranged in terms of safety and health. Therefore, during winter it is important to cover the platforms. This is applicable from October to March.

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority’s guidelines for winter covering, it is not permitted to work at height if the weather conditions pose a risk to the safety and health of the employees.

The work must therefore take place under conditions where it is assumed that the employees are not exposed to health-damaging effects from the weather such as cooling of the body such as hands, as this increases the risk of joint damage, accidents and fractures.

Service - Quality - Safety

GET A QUOTATION ON RENTAL OF MOBILE MAST CLIMBING WORK PLATFORMS

If you want to know more about our mobile mast climbing work platforms, as well as how they can help to facilitate the work day on your construction site, then you are more than welcome to contact us.

We can tailor the solutions that fits your construction or renovation project best, regardless of the scope of the project.

Give us a call on (+45) 32 114 333 or fill in the form for more information.

WE HELP YOU WITH THE PROFESSIONAL SETUP

At Platform.as, we have replaced the traditional scaffolding with a mobile mast climbing work platform, which provides a healthy working environment, great flexibility and far more safety. When you rent a mast climbing work platform from us, we take care of the entire process, and we make sure that the platform is set up according to applicable regulations.

A work platform for all needs – regardless of the work task at height. Our mast climbing work platforms can be put together in a myriad of ways, from which it is possible to handle everything from masonry work, facade renovation, painting, new construction, renovation and bridge construction.

At Platform.as, we rent out mast climbing work platforms from Scanclimber, which is a leading manufacturer of solid and efficient mast climbing work platforms. Your project requires the right solution, and we help you customise the platform so that it is adjusted to your needs. In addition, it is also possible to choose a number of additional equipment to make work even more efficient and comfortable.

Craftsmen’s routines are different. Therefore, we offer additional equipment that takes ergonomic conditions, safety and time efficiency into account. Compared to the scaffolding, it is possible to adjust the working height on the deck by fitting a mason’s console.

A mason’s console is a recessed deck that minimises the wear and tear of bending, lifting and stretching, as a mason’s console makes it possible to find the right working height in relation to how high the shift has reached. When you rent a mast climbing work platform with a mason’s console from us, we set up the console approx. 50 cm below the deck of the platform itself, so that the craftsman can easily access his work tools.

A mobile mast climbing work platform belongs under the same guidelines from the Danish Working Environment Authority on safety and health as scaffolding, as well as requirements and regulations for hoisting, lifting and transport equipment.