Published
Façade scaffolding is one of the items most often left until later. The cost of that approach is usually paid in two places: site safety and the programme.
Why it belongs in the plan from day one
Scaffolding is not simply a platform to stand on; it is the infrastructure along which material moves, formwork is built and façade trades are sequenced. When erection order and platform levels are not planned against the build sequence, crews wait on each other.
Its ties are also fixed into the structure. If the relationship between those tie points and the façade insulation and finish is not resolved up front, the holes left after the scaffold comes down become weak points in the façade.
What certified scaffolding means
A certified system scaffold is one whose components are approved and lock together in a defined way. What separates it from traditional methods is that erection depends on the geometry of the system rather than on the erector's skill.
Platform, guardrail, toeboard and stair are integral parts of that system. If one of them is missing the scaffold is not a certified scaffold — it is an incompletely erected one.
Wind and ties
The force that can topple a scaffold is wind, not the load on it. A scaffold sheeted or netted over presents a large surface to the wind in particular.
Tie count and type therefore follow the wind-load calculation. Rules of thumb applied without regard to height and sheeting are not safe.