Module 5

Independent
 Module 5 Independent
1. Introduction
This module contains the required information that Basic Scaffolders are required to
know and understand regarding the erection & dismantling of independent scaffolds.

2. NASC Guidance TG20:13

TG20:13 Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding was updated in
2013 by the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC). The guidance
booklet is designed to conform to the latest European standards for scaffolding BS
EN 12811 and aims to raise awareness of good practice in scaffolding across the
construction industry and drive up standards of scaffolding and safety.

The NASC have produced 3 different style publications of TG20:13 with a view to
targeting the different end users such as:

TG20:13 User Guide

“TG20:13 User Guide is intended to be a handy, easy to use pocket reference guide
written for scaffolding operatives, supervisors, client site management and all those
involved in the provision and use of tube and fitting scaffolding. It summarises the
principal points of interest for TG20 compliant scaffolds, which are described in more
detail within the TG20:13 Operational Guide.” – NASC November 2013

TG20:13 Operational Guide

“The comprehensive guide to good practice is intended for all those involved in the
procurement, supply and use of tube and fitting scaffolding. The guide provides clear
definitions for TG20 compliant scaffolding: common scaffolding structures that have
been designed by a structural calculation to BS EN 12811.” – NASC November 2013

TG20:13 Design Guide

“The TG20:13 Design Guide provides technical data, commentary and source
material for the use of scaffold designers in circumstances which are outside of the
standard structures provided in TG20:13 Operational Guide and User Guide. It
assumes that readers are competent and suitably qualified engineers or designers.” –
NASC November 2013
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3. Independent Scaffold General Requirements
Independent scaffolds are the most commonly used type of scaffolding and typically
provide access to the façade of a building. Fig. 1 shows a typical independent
scaffold commonly being used in many different industries.

Fig. 1 Typical Independent Scaffold

Scaffolds can be fully boarded, however only 2 lifts can be in service and fully loaded
at one time. BS EN 12811 allows two in service lifts at one time if:
• Maximum of one platform is loaded 100%
• The other platform is loaded 50%

Clients must be informed of any loading capacities and it will be their responsibility
to manage the use of fully boarded independent scaffolds. Any independent scaffold
that requires to have more than 2 working lifts in operation at any time will be
subject to design.

Foundations and Ground Support

The foundations must be capable of carrying the imposed load both locally for each
standard and in general for the whole scaffold. Certain foundations may require
special consideration such as:
• Sloping ground
• Sand
• Nearby excavations, ground works and trenches
• Bearing capacity of suspended surfaces (e.g. roofs, floors, gantries, canopies,
precast beams and staircases, cellar lights etc.)
• Basements, tunnels, service ducts and other voids
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Independent scaffolds generally require to be sited on base plates and sole pads to
spread the load of the scaffold or protect the surface below. Fig. 2 shows the sole
pad and base plate configuration. Fig.3 & Fig. 4 show the required dimensions of the
sole pad and base plate.

Fig. 2

Fig. 3 Sole Pad Dimensions Fig.4 Base Plate Dimensions

Sole pads and base plates must be used if the scaffold is directly supported by sand,
soil, subgrade or on non-structural pavements (e.g. block paving, concrete slabs,
tarmac). Sole pads can be spanned under 2 adjacent standards, providing they have
the same area as two single sole pads. Sole pads should not create a trip hazard.

For sloping ground greater than 1 in 10 (1 vertical to 10 horizontal) engineers input

must be sought. A foot lift / kicker lift with right angle couplers is required for the
sloping ground conditions Fig. 5

Fig. 5 Foot / kicker lift on sloping ground

Standards may be placed directly onto a steel or concrete surface providing:-

• It is level and even
• Is adequately hard
• Has sufficient thickness
• Can prevent penetration
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Independent Scaffold Load Classes
BS EN 12811 defines 6 levels of load classes. Load classes 5 to 6 are required to be
designed by qualified Design Engineers. TG20:13 only classify load classes 1 – 4
(Fig.6).

Load Duty Uniformly Distributed Max Bay Max Spacing of

Class Load on Platform Length board Transoms
2
1 Very Light Duty 0.75kN/m 2.4m 1.2m
2
2 Light Duty 1.50kN/m 2.4m 1.2m
3 General Purpose 2.00kN/m2 2.0m 1.2m
2
4 Heavy Duty 3.00kN/m 1.8m 0.9m
Fig. 6 Independent Load Classes

Load Class 1: Very light duty scaffolding

Uniform load of 0.75kN/m2 (approximately 75kg per m2)
▪ Typically used for inspection, access and light cleaning (e.g. window cleaning).
▪ No storage of materials.
▪ 3 to 5 boards wide + 1 inside board.
▪ Maximum Bay Length 2.4m
▪ Maximum Transom Span 1.2m

Load Class 2: Light duty scaffolding

Uniform load of 1.5kN/m2 (approximately 150kg per m2)
▪ Typically used for plastering, painting, stone cleaning, glazing or pointing.
▪ 4 to 5 boards wide + 1 inside board
▪ Maximum Bay Length 2.4m
▪ Maximum Transom Span 1.2m

Load Class 3: General purpose scaffolding

Uniform load of 2kN/m2 (approximately 200kg per m2)
▪ Typically used for general building work including brickwork, window and
mullion fixing, rendering and plastering.
▪ 4 to 5 boards wide + 2 inside boards
▪ Maximum Bay Length 2.0m
▪ Maximum Transom Span 1.2m

Load Class 4: Heavy duty scaffolding

Uniform load of 3kN/m2 (approximately 300kg per m2)
▪ Typically used for heavy masonry work, concrete block work, and heavy
cladding.
▪ 4 to 5 boards wide + 2 inside boards
▪ Maximum Bay Length 1.8m
▪ Maximum Transom Span 0.9m
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Erection Procedure

A. Sole boards/base plates will be positioned in line with the bay sizes required
for the particular load class. The first set of standards will be placed on the
baseplates & sole pads with double couplers fixed to the first kicker lift
height.

B. The inside ledger will be placed into the RAC of the inside standard and
securely tightened.

C. A transom will then be installed (using a double coupler) above the inside
ledger which has been installed and levelled across to an outside standard
and measured to accommodate the number of boards required.

D. An additional ledger will be installed to the outside standard below the

transom using a double coupler and then levelled to an additional standard
the length of the required scaffold.

E. As per the adjacent end, a transom is fixed using a RAC will then be installed
above the ledger and levelled across to an inside standard, the inside ledger
will then be installed to this inside standard using a double coupler.

F. Additional standards will then be installed at intervals to suit the load class of
the scaffold, all components of the kicker lift will be installed/fixed using
RAC’s.

G. As per the kicker lift, ledgers will then be installed to standards using RAC’s at
the required lift height. The inside ledger will be fixed at either end of the
scaffold using RAC’s and levelled.

H. The outside ledger should then be levelled across from the inside standard
and transoms installed on top of both ledgers at either end and at the
measured stipulated width using RAC’s.

I. Ledger bracing and sway bracing will be installed to the scaffold using swivel
couplers in line with all standards levelled. This will be repeated until the
scaffold reaches the working lift.

J. SG4 guardrails will be installed to a height of 1 metre to create a scaffold safe

zone and to accommodate the “scaff step” which will be used to install the
advanced guardrail at the lift above.

K. At the working lift, transoms will be installed using putlog couplers at the
required spacing.
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L. A double guardrail and toe boards are to be installed to a minimum height of
950mm with no unprotected gap in excess of 470mm.

M. The working lift is to be fully boarded, guard railed with toe boards installed
to a minimum of two points using putlog couplers.

Independent Scaffold Lifts

The Independent Scaffolding may be fully boarded or partially boarded. There is a
difference between a boarded lift and a working lift (also referred to as ‘in service’)
• One lift loaded with personnel and materials (100%) per elevation.
• Plus, one other lift loaded to 50% per elevation.
Working lifts do not need to be adjacent lifts. Note that all decking must withstand a
minimum 1.5kN of loading to accommodate personnel (BS EN 12811). Should you
require more working lifts simultaneously loaded then design advice should be
sought.

The Work at Height Regulations require sufficient space for working and the safe
passage of people and materials. BS EN 12811 requires a 500mm clear width. This
can be achieved with 3 x 225mm scaffold boards (675mm). TG20 allows platform
widths of 430mm. Fig. 7 shows the minimum platform width for an independent
scaffold being used for personnel and materials. Fig. 8 shows the minimum width for
an independent scaffold for personnel only. Fig. 9 shows the minimum and
maximum overhang from centre to centre.

Fig. 7 Fig. 8
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Fig. 9

Ledger Bracing
Ledger bracing requires to be fixed to ledgers with doubles (Fig. 10) or standards
with swivels (Fig. 11) from the base lift to the top lift. Alternative pairs of standards,
unless bay length is 1.5m or less – then every third pair of standards is permitted.
The end pairs of standards must be ledger braced. All tube & fitting scaffolds must be
fully ledger braced. Independent Scaffold requires working platforms to have
unhindered access (This can only be achieved in T&F using specially designed
components e.g. unit transoms).

Fig. 10 Fig. 11

Ledger brace patterns can be achieved either by “Dog Leg” Fig. 12 or “Zig Zag” Fig. 13
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 12 Fig. 13

Façade Bracing
Façade bracing for independent scaffold requires one façade brace in every 6 bays.
The brace must reach from the base to the top lift and be between 35 and 55
degrees. Three principle configurations of façade bracing:
• Zig-zag over two bays Fig. 14
• Zig-zag over one bay Fig. 15
• Continuous (only possible for wider facades) Fig. 16
The brace must be fixed to transoms with doubles at each lift or each pair of
standards with swivels. Façade braces should be fixed within 300mm of the
intersection (Node Point). Joints in continuous tubes shall be overlapped (300mm),
or a Class B sleeve coupler used. Note spigot joint pins must be spliced.

Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 16

Joints in Ledgers
Joints in ledgers should be made with sleeve couplers and must be stagger to avoid
joints in the same bay. They should be ideally located in the end thirds of each bay,
adjacent to the standards Fig. 17.
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 17

Joints in Standards
All joints in standards should be staggered Fig. 18. Four joints can be in one bay as
long as at least one is spliced.

Fig. 18
Guardrails and Toe-boards
Guardrail and Toe-Board on Working Platform Requirements Fig. 19:
• Min main guardrail 950mm
• Max gap 470mm
Toe-board required if there is a risk of people, materials or objects falling from the
scaffold. The min toe-board height 150mm specified by BS EN 12811 Typically
225mm scaffold boards are used.
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 19

Toe-boards require to be secured at two points per toe board. They should be fixed
to the inside of the standards and must resist a minimum horizontal load of 0.15kN.
The below methods Fig. 20 show the different types of fitting to be used to secure
the toe-board.

Fig. 20

Free-Standing Independent Scaffolds

These scaffolds can be built up to a maximum height of 6m providing they are
erected to the following specifications:
• The height to the top working platform does not exceed 6m
• The scaffold shall not have any debris netting or sheeting attached
 Module 5 Independent
• The lift heights do not exceed 2m or 2.7 for the first lift

Ties & Stability

All scaffolding must be suitably stable and secure to prevent collapse, uplift or
overturning. This is generally referred to as ‘stability measures’, which include:
• Ties to a building façade or other structure
• Freestanding scaffolds (such as self-supporting towers relying upon their self-
weight and height to base ratio for stability)
• Other measures (e.g. rakers, buttressing, kentledge, guys and anchors).
Ties are the most common method for stabilising scaffolding and inadequate tying is
the most common cause of scaffold collapses.

Fig. 21

Tie Assemblies
Tie tubes should be connected to the inner and outer ledgers or standards with
right-angle couplers. Ties should be positioned within 300mm of the node point
otherwise design advice must be sought. However, it is common practice to connect
to the inner ledger only to maintain head clearance along the lift. The suitability of
this tying method would be stated on the TG20 eGuide Compliance Sheet. For tying
to the inner standards only design advice should be sought.

Methods of Tying Scaffolds

Box Ties (also known as column ties)
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 22

Box ties are formed using right-angle couplers and connected within 300mm of the
node point Fig. 22. Packing used to protect the building fabric but also resist inward,
outward and lateral movement. This tie method can be used for standard and heavy
duty ties.

Through Ties

Fig. 23

Through ties are a tie assembly through a window or other opening Fig. This type of
tie prevents inward and outward movement. It is formed using right-angle couplers
connected to inner and outer ledgers or standards. The tie method is classed as a
standard duty tie.
Reveal Tie
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 24
A reveal tie is a light duty tie only. The tie method relies on friction and should not
comprise more than 50% of the ties. The tie is generally fitted into a window recess
or similar structural feature where it is not possible to provide a through tie.

Girder Clamps

Fig. 25
For girder clamp tie method, the clamps must be used in pairs and be opposing.

Drilled in or cast anchors

Fig. 26
TG4 and TG20 (Section 7) are the authoritative guidance for the use of drilled or cast
in anchors for scaffolding ties. There is a requirement for the specification, use and
testing of this type of tie method Fig. 27.
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 27

Tie Spacing
Ties are normally spaced evenly throughout a façade. The number, frequency and
duty of ties is specified by a TG20 Compliance Sheet or a scaffolding design engineer.
The maximum vertical spacing and horizontal spacing between the lines of ties
should not be exceeded. Ideally all, but at least half the ties should be at ledger
braced frames. The top lift should be tied at alternate standards if the scaffold is clad
with sheeting or debris netting (or if otherwise specified). TG20 Compliance Sheets
specify the maximum area of the façade that should be supported by each tie in
square metres. Typically, 16m2 although will be more for clad and netted scaffolds.

Fig. 28 shows a typical scaffold erected with 2m bays and 2m lifts therefore achieving
4m2 bays. The ties are effective over a 16m2 area. Fig. 29 shows the same scaffold
but using half the ties and ties being effective over 32m2 area (TG20 guidance
required).

Fig. 28 Fig. 29
Tie Spacing Examples
At alternate lifts Fig. 30 (unclad scaffolding at 2m lifts)
 Module 5 Independent

Fig. 30
At every lift Fig. 31 (unclad scaffolding at 2m lifts)

Fig. 31

Fewer ties with double the tie duty Fig. 32 (unclad scaffolding at 2m lifts)

Fig. 32

For further or more detailed information regarding ties & stability should be sought
from the latest TG20 & TG4 publications.

4. Dismantle of Independent Scaffold

 Module 5 Independent
The following best practices should be adopted when dismantling an independent
scaffold:
• Dismantling of the scaffold is generally the reverse procedures of the
erection, if site conditions have changed and this is not possible then a
separate method statement and risk assessment requires to be carried out.
• Any hazard identified prior to dismantle will require to be controlled within
the risk assessment.
• Before dismantling begins the area requires to be inspected to ensure the
scaffold is clear of debris or materials.
• Barriers and signage are required around the dismantle area.
• The scafftag requires to be removed leaving the red ‘Do Not Use’ tag. Further
warning signage ‘Incomplete Scaffold’ should be displayed in prominent areas
to prevent unauthorised access.
• Scaffolders should ensure 100% tie off as per their SG4 training received.
• Scaffolders not to connect fall arrest systems to anchorage points that are
part of the structure being removed.
• During dismantle scaffolders should dismantle back to the safety of the
ladder access.
• Any anchoring of the scaffolding is not to be released until the scaffold levels
above have been completely dismantled.
• Components of which the connectors have been released must be removed
immediately.
• Scaffolders must work off supported scaffold boards during the dismantle
process.
• Dismantled scaffolding components must be removed from the scaffold via a
controlled measure such as ‘hand balling’, under no circumstance must they
be thrown from the scaffold.
• Once removed from the scaffold the components require to be stored
correctly and safely within the approved storage areas allocated.
• Only decking surfaces that are complete can be walked on.
• Scaffolding can only be entered via the accesses provided and under no
circumstance are scaffolders to climb the outside of the scaffolding during
erection and dismantle.
• A partially dismantled scaffold must be left in a safe condition and prevention
in place to stop unauthorised persons accessing the incomplete scaffold.

***The following of the e-learning and this handout would enable you to understand
scaffolding better. These provide the user with a basic knowledge of scaffolding
systems of work and the principals involved. For further details on e-learning
packages and training courses please contact hello@[Link] ***