AS/NZS 1576.6:2000

This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint TechnicalCommittee BD/36, Scaffolding. It was approved on behalf of the Council ofStandards Australia on 23 June 2000 and on behalf of the Council of Standards NewZealand on 23 August 2000. It was published on 25 August 2000.

The following interests are represented on Committee BD/36:

A.C.T. WorkCoverAustralian Aluminium CouncilAustralian Chamber of Commerce and IndustryAustralian Council of Trade UnionsAustralian Industry GroupDepartment of Industries and Business, Northern TerritoryDepartment of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, TasmaniaHousing Industry AssociationInstitute of Engineers AustraliaLabour Council of New South WalesMaster Builders AustraliaNew Zealand Contractors FederationScaffolding and Rigging, New ZealandScaffolding Association, QldVictorian WorkCover AuthorityWorkCover New South WalesWorksafe Western Australia

Keeping Standards up-to-dateStandards are living documents which reflect progress in science, technology andsystems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, andnew editions are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselvesthey are using a current Standard, which should include any amendments whichmay have been published since the Standard was purchased.Detailed information about joint Australian/New Zealand Standards can be found byvisiting the Standards Australia web site at www.standards.com.au or StandardsNew Zealand web site at www.standards.co.nz and looking up the relevant Standardin the on-line catalogue.Alternatively, both organizations publish an annual printed Catalogue with fulldetails of all current Standards. For more frequent listings or notification ofrevisions, amendments and withdrawals, Standards Australia and Standards NewZealand offer a number of update options. For information about these services,users should contact their respective national Standards organization.We also welcome suggestions for improvement in our Standards, and especiallyencourage readers to notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies orambiguities. Please address your comments to the Chief Executive of eitherStandards Australia International or Standards New Zealand at the address shownon the back cover.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 98414.

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AS/NZS 1576.6:2000

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Scaffolding

Part 6: Metal tube-and-couplerscaffolding—Deemed to comply withAS/NZS 1576.3

Originated as AS 1576—1974.Previous edition AS 1576.3 Supplement 1—1991.Jointly revised and redesignated as AS/NZS 1576.6:2000.

COPYRIGHT© Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand

All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without the written permission of thepublisher.

Jointly published by Standards Australia International Ltd, GPO Box 5420, Sydney, NSW 2001and Standards New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6020

ISBN 0 7337 3484 7

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PREFACE

This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New ZealandCommittee BD/36, Scaffolding, to supersede AS 1576.3 Supp 1—1991, Scaffolding,Prefabricated and tube-and-coupler scaffolding, Metal tube-and-coupler scaffolding—Deemed to comply (Supplement to AS 1576.3—1991).

This Standard is intended to simplify the application of AS/NZS 1576.3 for commonlydesigned scaffolding.

This edition includes the following technical changes from the previous edition:

(a) The height of scaffolding that is covered, as specified by the Scope, has been reducedfrom 45 m to 33 m.

(b) Requirements for access openings, platform brackets and cantilevered catch platforms(fans), each of which contain requirements that imply the need for an engineeringdesign, have been deleted.

(c) Some definitions that are surplus to its needs have been deleted.

(d) The requirements for birdcage scaffolds have been revised.

The Standard is issued as Part 6 to the AS/NZS 1576 series of Standards, so that it will notbe made redundant when Part 3 is next revised, as happened when it was designated as aSupplement to Part 3.

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CONTENTS

Page

SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL1.1 SCOPE.........................................................................................................................41.2 EXCLUSIONS .............................................................................................................41.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ...................................................................................41.4 DEFINITIONS.............................................................................................................51.5 DUTY CLASSIFICATION..........................................................................................5

SECTION 2 COMPONENTS2.1 TUBES.........................................................................................................................62.2 COUPLERS AND ACCESSORIES.............................................................................62.3 SCAFFOLD PLANKS.................................................................................................62.4 SOLEPLATES .............................................................................................................6

SECTION 3 INDEPENDENT SCAFFOLD3.1 STANDARDS..............................................................................................................73.2 LEDGERS....................................................................................................................73.3 TRANSOMS ................................................................................................................83.4 LONGITUDINAL BRACING .....................................................................................83.5 TRANSVERSE BRACING..........................................................................................83.6 TIES...........................................................................................................................153.7 PUTLOGS..................................................................................................................203.8 WORKING PLATFORMS.........................................................................................203.9 EDGE PROTECTION................................................................................................22

SECTION 4 SINGLE-POLE SCAFFOLD4.1 STANDARDS............................................................................................................234.2 LEDGERS..................................................................................................................234.3 LONGITUDINAL BRACES......................................................................................234.4 TRANSVERSE BRACES ..........................................................................................234.5 TIES...........................................................................................................................234.6 PUTLOGS..................................................................................................................234.7 WORKING PLATFORMS.........................................................................................234.8 EDGE PROTECTION................................................................................................23

SECTION 5 SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS5.1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................245.2 BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLDS ........................................................................................245.3 MOBILE SCAFFOLDS .............................................................................................245.4 SLOPING WORKING PLATFORMS .......................................................................255.5 ACCESS WAYS AND BARROW RUNS .................................................................255.6 ACCESS FOR WORKING PLATFORMS ................................................................265.7 EDGE PROTECTION................................................................................................27

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STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Scaffolding

Part 6: Metal tube-and-coupler scaffolding—Deemed to comply withAS/NZS 1576.3

S E C T I O N 1 S C O P E A N D G E N E R A L

1.1 SCOPE

This Standard specifies requirements for unsheeted metal tube-and-coupler scaffolding thatdoes not exceed 33 m in height and is deemed to comply with the performance requirementsof AS/NZS 1576.3 for light, medium and heavy duty loads.

1.2 EXCLUSIONS

This Standard does not apply to—

(a) prefabricated (modular) scaffolds (see AS/NZS 1576.3); and

(b) scaffolding installations that require specific engineering design to establish thestrength of any part of the scaffold or the adequacy of the supporting structure.

NOTE: Examples of scaffolding installations that require a specific engineering design are accessopenings, cantilever scaffolds, catch platforms (fans), drilled-in anchors, trusses and tube-and-coupler scaffolds that support any form of screening (e.g. chain-wire mesh, fabricated-meshpanels, plastic sheeting, plywood, shade cloth).

1.3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referred to in this Standard:

AS1576 Scaffolding1576.2 Part 2: Couplers and accessories

1577 Scaffold planks

1892 Portable ladders1892.2 Part 2: Timber

AS/NZS1576 Scaffolding1576.1 Part 1: General requirements1576.3 Part 3: Prefabricated and tube-and-coupler scaffolding

1892 Portable ladders1892.1 Part 1: Metal

2269 Plywood—Structural

4576 Guidelines for scaffolding

NZS3609 Specification for timber ladders

3620 Scaffold planks

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1.4 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given in AS/NZS 4576 and those belowapply.

1.4.1 Uplift

The lifting of one end of a plank, caused by a downward force being applied to the otherend of the plank.

1.4.2 Working face

A face of a building or structure at which a scaffold has been erected, to enable work to becarried out at some stage during the project.

1.5 DUTY CLASSIFICATION

The duty classification shall comply with AS/NZS 1576.1. Duty live loads shall includeimpact forces and the weight of persons, materials, debris, tools and equipment.

The following duty classifications and minimum dimensions of working platforms shallapply:

(a) Light duty A load of 225 kg per bay, including a single concentrated load of 100 kg,and a working platform with dimensions of not less than 450 mm.

(b) Medium duty A load of 450 kg per bay, including a single concentrated load of150 kg, and a working platform with dimensions of not less than 900 mm.

(c) Heavy load A load of 675 kg per bay, including a single concentrated load of200 kg, and a working platform with dimensions of not less than 1000 mm.

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S E C T I O N 2 C O M P O N E N T S

2.1 TUBES

2.1.1 Steel tubes

Steel tubes shall—

(a) comply with AS/NZS 1576.3;

(b) have a yield strength of not less than 200 MPa;

(c) have a nominal outside diameter of 48.3 mm; and

(d) have a nominal wall thickness of not less than 4.0 mm; except that in New Zealand,galvanized tube with a wall thickness of 3.2 mm is also permitted.

2.1.2 Aluminium tubes

Aluminium tubes shall—

(a) comply with AS/NZS 1576.3;

(b) have a yield strength of not less than 241 MPa;

(c) have a nominal outside diameter of 48.4 mm; and

(d) have a nominal wall thickness of not less than 4.47 mm.

2.1.3 Mixing of tubes

Steel tubes and aluminium tubes shall not be mixed in the one scaffold, except forguardrails, midrail or other members that are not structural members.

2.2 COUPLERS AND ACCESSORIES

Couplers and accessories shall comply with AS 1576.2.

2.3 SCAFFOLD PLANKS

Scaffold planks shall comply with AS 1577 in Australia or NZS 3620 in New Zealand.

2.4 SOLEPLATES

On surfaces such as compacted soil or gravel, soleplates shall be—

(a) timber scaffold planks positioned under the baseplates; and

(b) long enough to prevent visual subsidence or damage to the foundation or supportingsurface.

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S E C T I O N 3 I N D E P E N D E N T S C A F F O L D

3.1 STANDARDS

Standards shall—

(a) be founded on baseplates;

(b) be vertical;

(c) extend to the full height of the scaffold;

(d) be spaced to comply with Table 1;

(e) be joined with end-to-end couplers; and

(f) not have joints that occur—

(i) in longitudinally or transversely adjacent standards in the same lift;

(ii) in the same standard in adjacent lifts;

(iii) more than once between adjacent ledgers; or

(iv) more than 300 mm from a ledger.

TABLE 1

SPACING OF STANDARDS FOR INDEPENDENTTUBE-AND-COUPLER SCAFFOLDS

metres

Duty classification(see AS/NZS 1576.1)

Minimum transversespacing

Typical dimensions forworking bays

(width ×××× length)

Light dutyMedium dutyHeavy duty

0.50.951.05

0.5 × 1.50.95 × 1.81.05 × 2.4

3.2 LEDGERS

3.2.1 General

Ledgers shall—

(a) be fixed to each standard in a longitudinal row with right-angle couplers;

(b) be horizontal; and

(c) extend for the full length of the scaffold.

The distance between the surface supporting a standard and the first ledger, and the distancebetween vertically adjacent ledgers, shall be not more than 2 m.

NOTE: Consideration should be given to the inclusion of a base lift in some circumstances, suchas high scaffolding, scaffolding erected on sloping ground, and scaffolding erected on a low-resistance surface.

3.2.2 Joints

Joints shall be made with sleeve type end-to-end couplers. Joints shall not be located—

(a) in horizontally or vertically adjacent ledgers in the same bay;

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(b) in the same ledger in adjacent bays;

(c) more than once between adjacent standards;

(d) in the end bays of a scaffold; or

(e) more than 300 mm from a standard.NOTE: Internal joint pins used in tubes of different wall thicknesses or in tubes produced by theERW process are incapable of resisting tensile forces in the joint.

3.3 TRANSOMS

Where transoms are used to fix transverse standards, they shall be—

(a) full length tubes without joints;

(b) horizontal;

(c) fixed to each standard with right-angle couplers; and

(d) fixed as closely as possible to the node point of each ledger and standard.

3.4 LONGITUDINAL BRACING

The outside row of standards in the scaffold shall be provided with longitudinal bracingthat

(a) extends from the base of the scaffold to its full height;

(b) is provided in both end bays of every scaffold run;

(c) is arranged

(i) across the longitudinal plane of the bays, forming diagonal bracing(see Figure 1); or

(ii) up a bay, forming parallel bracing (see Figure 2); or

(iii) up a bay, forming heel-and-toe bracing (see Figure 3);

(d) has any brace in sections joined by lapping or splicing; and

(e) is fixed, as close as possible to the node points at every crossing, to

(i) the standard crossed with a swivel coupler; or

(ii) the transom crossed with a right-angle coupler.

The horizontal distance between intermediately braced panels in any lift shall not exceedthree bays.

NOTE: A typical brace against a slope is illustrated in Figure 4.

3.5 TRANSVERSE BRACING

Each end of the scaffold shall be provided with transverse bracing in each lift (see Figure 5)that

(a) extends from the base of the scaffold to its full height;

(b) is arranged across the transverse plane of the bay, forming diagonals; and

(c) is fixed, as close as possible to the node points at every crossing, to

(i) the standard crossed with a swivel coupler (see Figure 6); or

(ii) the ledger crossed with a right-angle coupler (see Figure 7).

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NOTE: Longitudinal braces are most effective at 45°.

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGURE 1 TYPICAL DIAGONAL BRACING OF TUBE-AND-COUPLER SCAFFOLDING

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FIGURE 2 TYPICAL PARRALLEL BRACING OF BAYS


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FIGURE 3 TYPICAL HEEL-AND-TOE BRACING OF BAYS


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FIGURE 4 TYPICAL BRACE AGAINST SLOPE

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NOTE: Ties, edge protection and access not shown.

FIGURE 5 TYPICAL TRANSVERSE BRACING

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FIGURE 6 DETAIL A IN FIGURE 5 FOR A TRANSVERSE BRACE TO STANDARDCONNECTION

NOTES:

1 End bay shown.

2 A brace each side of the standard can interfere with the working platform.

FIGURE 7 DETAIL A IN FIGURE 5 FOR A TRANSVERSE BRACE TO LEDGERCONNECTION

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3.6 TIES

Where the height of a scaffold exceeds three times its least base width, the scaffold shall betied to a supporting structure (see Figures 8 and 9), and —

(a) each tie shall be rigidly connected to the supporting structure and fixed to preventinwards and outwards movements of the scaffold. Drilled-in anchors and othermethods relying on friction between components and the supporting structure shallnot be used;

(b) each tie shall be connected to not less than two standards or two ledgers withright-angle couplers;

(c) a tie tube shall be a full length tube without joints;

(d) the distance between the end of the scaffold and the first tie at any level shall notexceed —

(i) one bay in the case of a scaffold with no return; or

(ii) three bays in the case of a scaffold with a tied return;

(e) the distance between longitudinally adjacent ties at any level shall not exceed threebays;

(f) the vertical distance between the supporting surface and the first level of ties shall benot more than three times the least base width, subject to a maximum of 4 m;

(g) the vertical distance between adjacent levels of ties shall not exceed 4 m; and

(h) the location of ties shall not obstruct clear access along the full length of any workingplatform or access platform.

NOTES:

1 A transom of extended length may act as a tie tube.

2 It is good practice to vertically stagger the ties.

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FIGURE 8 (in part) TYPICAL TIE ASSEMBLIES

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3.7

NOTE: Bracing is not shown.


FIGURE 9 TYPICAL HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL TIE SPACINGS


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3.7 PUTLOGS

Putlogs shall be provided to support platforms constructed from scaffold planks. Whereputlogs are used instead of transoms, the following apply:

(a) Putlogs shall be fixed with right-angle couplers.

(b) Putlogs shall be horizontal.

(c) Each putlog shall be fixed to the upper surface of each ledger it crosses with putlogcouplers or right-angle couplers.

(d) The types of couplers used in any one lift shall be compatible, so that putlogs providetrue and even support for the scaffold planks.

(e) Putlogs shall be fixed at not less than 150 mm nor more than 250 mm from each sideof each standard.

(f) Putlogs may cantilever towards the working face to support additional scaffoldplanks, provided that—

(i) the width of the additional platform does not exceed 450 mm;

(ii) the transverse standard spacing is not less than 950 mm; and

(iii) the putlogs are fixed to ledgers with right-angle couplers.

(g) Putlogs shall be full-length tubes, without any joints over their length.

(h) Additional intermediate putlogs shall be provided to comply with Table 2.

TABLE 2

MAXIMUM SPAN OF SOLID TIMBER SCAFFOLDPLANKS COMPLYING WITH AS 1577 OR NZS 3620

Nominal thickness of plank

mm

Maximum span between putlogs

m

32 (hardwood only)385063

1.01.522.5

3.8 WORKING PLATFORMS

Working platforms shall comply with Clause 1.5 and the following:

(a) Platforms shall be constructed from scaffold planks complying with AS 1577 inAustralia or NZS 3620 in New Zealand.

(b) Platforms shall extend across the full transverse width of the bay.

(c) Planks forming any one working platform shall be of uniform thickness.

(d) Planks shall be closely laid with gaps between adjacent planks of not more than10 mm.

(e) Except at returns or irregular profiles, planks shall be butted rather than lapped.

(f) Each plank shall overhang its end putlogs by not less than 150 mm nor more than250 mm.

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(g) Where it is necessary to lap planks, the overlapping plank shall extend past the putlogby not less than 150 mm.

(h) Planks less than 3 m in length shall be positively secured against an end being liftedby a downward force on the other end.

(i) The loading shall not exceed the designated duty loading of the scaffold.

(j) Additional planks may be supported by that portion of putlogs cantilevered towardsthe working face, provided that the outermost plank is secured against displacementand the platform does not exceed light duty, irrespective of the duty of the adjacentworking platform.

(k) The number of planked platforms shall comply with either Table 3 for scaffoldconstructed with steel tube or Table 4 for scaffold constructed with aluminium tube.

(l) Access shall be provided to the scaffold, either from the building (see ‘A’ options inTables 3 and 4) or from the base lift (see ‘B’ options in Tables 3 and 4).

(m) Access between adjacent working platforms shall be provided by a ladder.NOTES:

1 Platforms may be continuous on one level or staggered at different levels.

2 Where strong winds are likely to occur, consideration should be given to positively securingthe planks against displacement.

TABLE 3

NUMBER OF WORKING PLATFORMSFOR SCAFFOLD CONSTRUCTED WITH STEEL TUBE

Number of working platforms (see Legend)Top workingplatform heightabove base lift

Light duty loading0.45 m ×××× 1.5 m bay

Medium duty loading0.9 m ×××× 1.8 m bay

Heavy duty loading1.0 m ×××× 2.4 m bay

m A B A B A B

8 (see Note) 4 4 4 4 4 4

>8 ≤16 7 3 5 1 4 —

>16 ≤24 6 — 5 — 3 —

>24 ≤33 6 — 4 — 3 —

LEGEND: A = Where access is provided to the scaffold from the building.

B = Where access is provided to the scaffold from the base lift.

NOTE: The number of working platforms specified by this Table for a top working platform height above baselift of 8 m implies that all but the base lift are working platforms.

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TABLE 4

NUMBER OF WORKING PLATFORMSFOR SCAFFOLD CONSTRUCTED WITH ALUMINIUM TUBE

Number of working platforms (see Legend)Top workingplatform heightabove base lift

Light duty loading0.45 m ×××× 1.5 m bay

Medium duty loading0.9 m ×××× 1.8 m bay

Heavy duty loading1.0 m ×××× 2.4 m bay

m A B A B A B

8 (see Note) 4 4 3 1 2 —

>8 ≤16 4 — 2 — 2 —

>16 ≤24 3 — 2 — 2 —

>24 ≤33 3 — 2 — 2 —

LEGEND:

A = Where access is provided to the scaffold from the building.

B = Where access is provided to the scaffold from the base lift.

NOTE: The number of working platforms specified by this Table for a top working platform height above baselift of 8 m implies that all but the base lift are working platforms.

3.9 EDGE PROTECTION

Edge protection shall comply with Clause 5.7.

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S E C T I O N 4 S I N G L E - P O L E S C A F F O L D

4.1 STANDARDS

Standards shall comply with Clause 3.1 and the following:

(a) The longitudinal spacing of standards, measured centre to centre, shall be not morethan 1.8 m, irrespective of the classification.

(b) The transverse distance from the supporting wall to the centre-line of a standard shallbe not less than 1150 mm nor more than 1250 mm.

4.2 LEDGERS

Ledgers shall comply with Clause 3.2.

4.3 LONGITUDINAL BRACES

Longitudinal braces shall comply with Clause 3.4.

4.4 TRANSVERSE BRACES

Transverse braces shall comply with Clause 3.5 and, where there is no return or where anadditional standard has not been provided at the ends of a scaffold, be fixed to the tie tubes,as close as possible to the supporting wall, with swivel couplers.

NOTE: Longitudinal braces in the first bay of the return may perform the additional function oftransverse braces at the end of the run.

4.5 TIES

Ties shall comply with Clause 3.6, except for Item 3.6(b), and the following:

(a) Every tie tube shall be connected to at least one ledger or standard.

(b) Every scaffold that exceeds one lift in height shall have its first level of ties located ator immediately below the first lift.

4.6 PUTLOGS

Putlogs, complying with the following requirements, shall be provided at every lift of thescaffold:

(a) Clause 3.7.

(b) Except at openings in the supporting wall, the inner end of each putlog shall be fittedwith a putlog blade.

(c) Each putlog blade shall be inserted into the supporting wall by not less than 75 mm.

(d) Putlog blades shall be reversed on returns, to enable horizontal platforms to beconstructed on both the run and the return.

(e) Where putlogs are required at window openings, door openings or other recesses inthe supporting wall, their inner end shall be supported by standards built up frominternal floors or bridles.

4.7 WORKING PLATFORMS

Working platforms shall be heavy duty platforms complying with the relevant requirementsof Clause 3.8.

4.8 EDGE PROTECTION

Edge protection shall comply with Clause 5.7.

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S E C T I O N 5 S P E C I F I C A P P L I C A T I O N S

5.1 GENERAL

Except where the requirements herein specify otherwise, the requirements ofAS/NZS 1576.3 shall apply to specific applications.

5.2 BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLDS

The following additional requirements apply to birdcage scaffolds (also, see Figure 10):

(a) Each external face shall be braced as if it is a longitudinal face complying withClause 3.4.

(b) In each direction, there shall not be more than two rows of standards betweenlongitudinally braced rows of standards.

(c) Joints in ledgers, transoms and putlogs shall not be made in the following locations:

(i) In transversely or vertically adjacent members in the same lift.

(ii) In adjacent bay widths in the same member.

(iii) More than once in any member in the same bay.

(iv) In the outermost bay widths.

(d) Where heavy duty platforms are set up in adjacent bays at the same lift, the ledger tostandard or transom to standard connections that support such adjacent platformsshall be strengthened with check couplers.

(e) Where bay widths are not a multiple of the width of the scaffold plank, appropriatemeans such as plywood overlay shall be used to cover excessive gaps between planks.

Structural plywood with a grade of not less than Grade F11, as specified in AS/NZS 2269,and thickness of not less than 13 mm may be used to span gaps of not more than 150 mmbetween planks, provided the plywood fully covers and is securely fastened to the planks oneither side of the gap.

5.3 MOBILE SCAFFOLDS

Scaffolds having standards fitted with castors for mobility shall comply with the following:

(a) A base lift of ledgers and transoms shall be fixed to the standards as close as possibleto the castors.

(b) The castors shall be positively fixed to the standards.

(c) Plan braces shall be fixed to the standards with right-angle couplers at the base of thescaffold and at every second lift, to prevent distortion of the scaffold while it is beingmoved. The length of a plan brace shall be not more than 3 m between connectingpoints, unless it is fixed at approximately the mid span to prevent buckling.

(d) Longitudinal face braces shall be fixed to each outer longitudinal row of standards. Inthe case of a multi-bay scaffold, braces shall comply with Item 5.2 (b).

(e) Scaffold planks shall be secured against displacement.

(f) The supporting surface shall be hard and level.

(g) The height of the scaffold shall not exceed two times its least base width.

(h) An internal ladder access, complying with Clause 5.6, shall be provided.Acc

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FIGURE 10 PLAN VIEW OF A FREESTANDING BIRDCAGE SCAFFOLD

5.4 SLOPING WORKING PLATFORMS

The slope of working platforms shall be not more than a rise of 1:8 horizontal.

Where it is necessary to provide sloping working platforms, the scaffold shall comply withthe following:

(a) The ledgers supporting the sloping platform shall be fixed to the upper surface oftransoms with right-angle couplers.

(b) To prevent creep, the planks shall be fixed by—

(i) lashing to the putlogs;

(ii) fixing cleats to their underside, hard against a putlog; or

(iii) other suitable means.

(c) The guardrails and midrail shall be fixed to the standards with swivel couplers.

(d) Where further lifts are above the sloping platform, the lift immediately above thesloping platform shall provide adequate head clearance along the full length of thesloping platform.

5.5 ACCESS WAYS AND BARROW RUNS

5.5.1 General

Access ways and barrow runs shall comply with the requirements for heavy duty workingplatforms, except that the platform width may be reduced to—

(a) 450 mm, where passage is required for persons only; or

(b) 675 mm, where passage is required for wheelbarrows (see Figure 11(a)).Acc

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5.5.2 Slope

The slope of access ways shall be not more than a rise of 1:3 horizontal.

The slope of barrow runs shall be not more than a rise of 1:6 horizontal.

Where an access way or a barrow run has a slope of more than a rise of 1:8 horizontal, itshall be fitted with cleats complying with Clause 5.5.3.

5.5.3 Cleats

Cleats shall be—

(a) nominally 25 mm thick;

(b) nominally 50 mm wide;

(c) spaced at intervals of nominally 450 mm;

(d) fitted across the full width of the access way or barrow run, except for a gap of100 mm in the centre of barrow runs for use by the wheel of barrows; and

(e) nailed, screwed or otherwise securely fixed to the upper surface of the platform.

5.6 ACCESS FOR WORKING PLATFORMS

5.6.1 General

Working platforms shall be provided with safe access and egress that takes the form ofaccess ways, barrow runs, ladders or other means (see Figure 11).

Ladders shall not adversely affect the stability of the scaffold. External ladders shall beused only on birdcage scaffolds and tied scaffolds. Mobile scaffolds shall be fitted withinternal ladders that are clear of the surface supporting the scaffold.

External access to a scaffold from a ladder shall be unobstructed and shall not requirepersons to climb over or through guardrails. Such ladders shall be parallel to the scaffold asshown in Figure 11(b).

5.6.2 Portable ladders

Portable ladders shall be single ladders complying with the industrial-grade requirementsof —

(a) for metal ladders, AS/NZS 1892.1; and

(b) for timber ladders, AS 1892.2 in Australia and NZS 3609 in New Zealand.

5.6.3 Use of ladders

Ladders shall —

(a) have a slope with a rise of not less than 4:1 horizontal nor more than 6:1 horizontal;

(b) be secured against displacement in any direction;

(c) be provided with landings at the head and at the base; except that where the ladderrests on a fully covered supporting structure, the base landing may be omitted;

(d) have a base offset from the head of the ladder below, so that ladders do not take theform of a single continuous ladder;

(e) extend at least 900 mm above landings; and

(f) have a clear and unobstructed access and egress at each landing.

The vertical spacing between successive landings serviced by a portable ladder shall be notmore than 6 m.

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5.7 EDGE PROTECTION

5.7.1 General

Except where Clause 5.7.6 applies, edge protection shall be provided on the open sides andends of any access platform, barrow run or working platform located at a height from whicha person or object could fall. The fall height shall be not greater than that stipulated in therelevant legislation of the relevant State, Territory or country.

Such edge protection shall be either —

(a) a guardrail, a toeboard and a midrail; or

(b) a guardrail, a toeboard and infill.

5.7.2 Guardrails

Guardrails shall be—

(a) of scaffold tube;

(b) parallel to the platform;

(c) set at a height above the platform of not less than 900 mm nor more than 1100 mm;

(d) joined with end-to-end couplers; and

(e) fixed to—

(i) the inside of each standard crossed with right-angle swivel or putlog couplers;or

(ii) the upper end of each standard crossed with finial couplers.

5.7.3 Toeboards

Toeboards shall be—

(a) scaffold planks complying with AS 1577 in Australia or NZS 3620 in New Zealand.

(b) securely fixed to the inside of the standards; and

(c) positioned so that—

(i) they extend above the platform surface by not less than 150 mm; and

(ii) gaps between the toeboard and the platform are not more than 10 mm.

5.7.4 Midrails

Midrails shall be—

(a) of scaffold tube;

(b) parallel to the platform;

(c) set at approximately midway between the guardrail and the upper edge of thetoeboard;

(d) joined with end-to-end couplers; and

(e) fixed to the inside of each standard crossed using right-angle, swivel or putlogcouplers.

5.7.5 Infill

Infill shall be—

(a) brickguards of proprietary manufacture, secured between the guardrail and theplatform and incorporating a kickplate with a height of not less than 150 mm; or

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(b) chainwire mesh, secured between the guardrail and toeboard, where the mesh is ofsteel wire with a diameter of not less than 2.5 mm and openings with a size of notmore than 50 mm × 50 mm.

5.7.6 Omission of edge protection

Edge protection or components of edge protection may be omitted at points of access from aladder or at edges of platforms adjacent to the face of a building or structure, provided thefollowing apply:

(a) Points of access to ladders are—

(i) adequately protected by gates, safety chains or other means; or

(ii) sufficiently distant from working platforms to prevent persons working fromsuch platforms inadvertently falling through any opening.

(b) Where a toeboard is omitted adjacent to the face of a building or structure (other thana working face), such face—

(i) is of a strength and rigidity not less than that of a toeboard;

(ii) extends at least 150 mm above the top of the platform; and

(iii) is not more than 10 mm from the platform edge.

(c) Where a toeboard is not provided adjacent to the working face of a building orstructure—

(i) the gap between the platform edge and the face is less than 225 mm; and

(ii) adequate safeguards are taken to prevent any person being endangered in theevent of debris falling.

(d) Where a guardrail or midrail is omitted adjacent to the face of a building or structure,other than a working face, such a face—

(i) is not more than 100 mm from the platform edge;

(ii) has a strength and rigidity of not less than that of a guardrail;

(iii) extends at least 900 mm above the top surface of the platform; and

(iv) adequately performs the function of a guardrail.

(e) Where a guardrail or midrail is omitted adjacent to a working face of a building orstructure, such a face—

(i) is less than 225 mm from the platform edge;

(ii) has a strength and rigidity not less than that of a guardrail;

(iii) extends at least 900 mm above the top surface of the platform; and

(iv) in all other respects, adequately performs the function of a guardrail.

5.7.7 Additional protection

Where equipment or materials are intended to be deposited on a working platform to aheight exceeding the height of the toeboard or in a position where there is any likelihood ofsuch materials or equipment falling or being knocked from the platform, a guardrail,toeboard and infill shall be provided for edge protection.

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FIGURE 11 (in part) TYPICAL MEANS OF ACCESS

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NOTE: Edge protection not shown for clarity.

FIGURE 11 (in part) TYPICAL MEANS OF ACCESS

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FIGURE 12 TYPICAL MEANS OF SECURING LADDERS

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Standards Australia

Standards Australia is an independent company, limited by guarantee, which prepares and publishes

most of the voluntary technical and commercial standards used in Australia. These standards are

developed through an open process of consultation and consensus, in which all interested parties are

invited to participate. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth

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in published Standards are a consensus of the views of representative interests and also take

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and are updated regularly to take account of changing technology.

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and New Zealand viewpoints are considered in the formulation of international Standards and that

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Electrotechnical Commission).

Visit our Web sites

www.standards.com.au www.standards.co.nz

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Phone (02) 8206 6000

Fax (02) 8206 6001

Email [email protected]

Customer Service

Phone 1300 65 46 46

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Internet www.standards.com.au

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Internet www.standards.co.nz

ISBN 0 7337 3484 7 Printed in Australia

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