Fabricated Frame Scaffolds

A fabricated frame scaffold (tubular welded frame scaffold) is a supported scaffold consisting of a platform(s) supported on fabricated end frames with integral posts, horizontal bearers, and intermediate members.

Fabricated frame scaffolds must adhere to the following criteria:

• When moving platforms to the next level, the existing platform must be left undisturbed until the new end frames have been set in place and braced prior to receiving the new platforms.
• Frames and panels must be braced by cross, horizontal, or diagonal braces, or a combination thereof, which secure vertical members together laterally. The cross braces must be of such length as will automatically square and align vertical members so the erected scaffold is always plumb, level, and square. All brace connections must be secured.
• Frames and panels must be joined together vertically by coupling or stacking pins or equivalent means.
• Where uplift can occur that would displace scaffold end frames or panels, the frames or panels must be locked together vertically by pins or equivalent means.
• Brackets used to support cantilevered loads must have the following characteristics:
  • Be seated with side-brackets parallel to the frames and end-brackets at 90 degrees to the frames
  • Not be bent or twisted from these positions
  • Be used only to support personnel, unless the scaffold has been designed by a qualified engineer to withstand the tipping forces caused by other loads being placed on the bracket-supported section of the scaffold
• Scaffolds over 125 feet in height above their base plates must be designed by a registered professional engineer, and must be constructed and loaded in accordance with such design.

Please note that plasterers', decorators', and large area scaffolds must be constructed according to their applicable category as a pole scaffold, tube and coupler scaffold, or a fabricated frame scaffold.

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.