There are various rules about the erection of scaffolding. If I'm only ever going to permit myself to go on it, and the means of access (ladder) is removed when not in use, is it legal to construct it myself without approval? It would be of non-standard construction.
NT
Is this "at work", or "at home"? If the latter, you can build it however you like, and you are not required to remove the access (although you /might/ want to stop your toddler crawling up it). If the former, then even if you are a sole trader, you must work safely.
You'd also have to consider if any collapse etc could affect a third party.
It would be at home. It would be safe, but not as prescribed by the usual scaffolding design & construction rules. I'm looking at a timber structure.
NT
I know next to nothing about scaffolding, but I do have a healthy aversion to risk. You can't be doing this for reasons of cost savings so I must assume there's some specialised requirement.
What I would say is that the weak points always seem to be where the "poles" (or should that be "sticks" in this case?) are joined. Scaffolding seems to have developed a fairly simple, effective and reliable technique for connecting poles. Hopefully your wooden structure would have an equally robust jointing mechanism?
I'm sure others here would be interested in a link to some pictures of whatever you come up with - and the story behind it.
There are a couple of ways to do that. One is to add side strapping 4 feet long over the vertical joint on 2 sides, bolting it at several locations to each main upright. It can be steel or timber. Long screws are also inserted through all timbers from both sides into piloted holes to resist cracking.
For right angles, another is to use high load rated steel brackets in addition to constructing the timber joint in a functional manner. Stability requirements are mainly met by attaching the structure to the main building with resin fixed stainless steel fixings, with timber bracing providing secondary support. Key to the whole process is to test all components and joints to 3x load.
yes
NT
NT,
No *LEGAL* rules for such a scaffold erected on private property for sole use by the owner.
But there are some rules you should follow - particularly as it's to be a "non-standard construction":
You must take into consideration the height of it, width, ground surface, wind pressure on any protective coverings you may 'tie' to it, weight of any 'static' and/or 'live' loading, how are you going to 'tie' or brace the structure to prevent it falling over/collapsing, how are you going to safely join the various members together, obtaining indemnity insurance in case the whole lot falls into the neighbours garden damaging property and last, but not least. How long is it going to be standing there, as scaffolding members can move over time and should be inspected regularly.
The above applies to any scaffold erection and the list is not endless.
I am not decrying your idea by the way, I am simply pointing out that working on scaffolding can be dangerous and if you are inexperienced, then there is more to it than simply 'slinging it up' and hoping for the best with non-standard gear.
As for removing the "ladder to prevent access", that is no deterrent, I've seen twelve year old children climbing up a three-storey scaffolding after the ladders have been removed - and as for adults wanting to take your lead flashing to the nearest scrappie, well...
Cash
3 storeys high, 14' long, 3' deep. It'll go on hard paved surface thankfully.
planning to use galv wire netting to keep wind load minimal and provide fall protection.
just me, a few tools and a few bits & pieces, nothing much.
as mentioned above, ss fixings in resin in the house wall, plus a little timber bracing
adressed upthread
Do insurers take on non-standard scaffold? I'd assume not.
the work should take 2-3 months
Security against theft is sufficient.
Thanks, any more points please bring them on
NT
That is small.
Get some quotes on a tower (Hirestation). With two levels of extendable legs since it is 3 storey and do suitable tie-offs into the brickwork (Fischer do them).
Get some quotes on scaffold. Likewise with "legs" and suitable tie-offs into the brickwork.
There might be a lift etc available which can go that high if the paved provides suitable access - however they have quite large legs unless very heavy (as in pigging heavy hydraulic ram laden type rather than the weedy type). If you go this route watch wind loading or go for the really heavy duty type, people are killed on these almost routinely due to complacency.
Alternatively become a mountaineer.
yup, I will check those options too.
Not really doable in this case.
:)
cheers, NT
NT,
As one who has worked off these things (and who has had formal training in scaffold safety and inspection [CTIB ticket long ago expired due to old age]) I would go along with what js.b1 ha suggested, as that would be the safer method [1] [2] - and over that height, please do tie the scaffold into the wall at the top and centre (my preference would be a few rawlbolts with hooks or eyes (see
Also as per your reply to me, specialised Insurers will take on the risk, but their T&Cs will be strict and their price bloody extortionate.
Hope this helps and best of luck with the job.
Cash
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.