From the ground, scaffolding can look pretty straightforward.
You have tubes, boards, and fittings. Put them together the right way, and you get a safe place to work. But it’s not always that easy.
Some scaffolds are routine and follow standard setups. Others are taller, heavier, more exposed, have unusual shapes, or are just awkward to build. That’s when scaffold design becomes important.
So, does every scaffold need a custom design? No. But many do.
Most everyday scaffolding can be built using a standard setup, without needing an engineer to create a custom design from the beginning.
For tube and fitting scaffolds, this is generally covered by NASC guidance known as TG20. There is also TG30 guidance covering system scaffolding. If the scaffold fits the right limits and requirements, you can usually get a compliance sheet to show it matches the standard setup.
That works for most regular jobs. Access scaffolds. Birdcages. Towers. Some loading bays. The sort of scaffolding you see every day on houses, commercial buildings and construction sites.
There are still rules to follow. Height and width are important. Loading, wind exposure, ties, foundations, and how the scaffold is used can all affect whether it fits a standard setup. Simply guessing or saying “that looks about right” is not an accepted way to design scaffolding.
That’s probably a good thing.
When a scaffold doesn’t fit the standard setups, the process changes. Under the Work at Height Regulations, a scaffold that cannot be erected to a recognised standard configuration needs to be designed by a competent person, with calculations showing that it will have the strength, rigidity and stability required.
This usually includes more complicated scaffolds like:
This isn’t a complete list. Put simply, the more unusual the scaffold, the more likely it will need a custom design.
What does a scaffold designer consider? They look at more than you might expect.
The designer needs to know what the scaffold will be used for, its height, where it will be built, and what loads it must support.
They also consider working platforms, access points, ground conditions, loading bays, hoists, ties, and the building itself. Even netting and sheeting can have a big impact.
If you add sheeting to a large scaffold, it can catch a lot of wind. On an exposed site in Scotland, this is an important factor. After all, we do get the occasional breeze in Scotland…
The design must consider these extra forces.
Yes, sometimes it can.
But don’t assume you can just remove a tie, extend a platform, or hang something extra from the scaffold just because it seems safe. Even small changes can have a bigger impact than you might think.
Adding extra materials increases the load. Removing ties can make the scaffold less stable. Adding sheeting or netting can greatly increase wind loads.
If changes move the scaffold away from its original setup, it may need more design work and calculations.
So before anyone says, “We’ll just move that bit,” it’s best to check first.
Good scaffold design begins with good information. The best time to consider all these factors is before the scaffold is built. Let your scaffolding contractor know what you need the scaffold to do.
The more information the scaffolding company has at the start, the easier it is to plan the job well.
At M8 Scaffolding, we provide scaffolding for everything from relatively straightforward access work to large and complex scaffolding projects throughout Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Highlands and across Scotland.
Some projects can use a standard setup. Others need more careful planning. And if the building, location, or project is especially tricky?
Even better. We actually enjoy the challenging ones.
If you have any questions that aren’t covered below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.
You don’t need to work that out yourself. Your scaffolding contractor should assess the job before anything is erected. Many straightforward scaffolds can follow recognised standard configurations, while unusual heights, shapes, loading requirements or site conditions may mean a bespoke design is needed. The important thing is to explain exactly what the scaffold will be used for from the start.
Not without checking first. Something that looks like a minor change, such as removing a tie or extending a working platform, can affect the stability of the whole scaffold. Alterations should only be carried out by competent scaffolders, and if the change takes the scaffold outside its original configuration, the design may need to be checked or amended as well.
The more accurate the information, the better. They’ll need to know what the scaffold is being used for, the size and shape of the building, required working heights, access points and any unusual loads. Tell them about loading bays, hoists, temporary roofs, sheeting and anything else you’re planning to attach or store on the scaffold. Surprises are rarely helpful once several tonnes of scaffolding are already standing on site.
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M8 Scaffolding has a track record of successfully completing a wide-range of commercial scaffolding projects in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Our skilled professionals provide tailored scaffolding solutions that meet the specific needs of each project
Safety is our top priority. We adhere to the strictest safety protocols and industry standards and conduct thorough risk assessments for every project we undertake. Our fully certified team undergoes continuous training to ensure safe operations on every site.
Reliability and timeliness are key to our service. We are committed to meeting project deadlines without compromising quality or safety. Our team maintains open communication, keeping you informed at every stage and promptly addressing any issues that arise.
As a company rooted in Glasgow and Fort William, we possess deep local knowledge and understand the region’s specific challenges. We are dedicated to supporting the local economy and building long-lasting relationships with our clients. We’re easy to work with too.
