What Are the Main Components of Aluminium Scaffolding?

Aluminium scaffolding is a product that is assembled freely to suit the requirements of the job. Put simply, it is not a single product but a kit of parts put together on site. So what are the main components of an aluminium scaffold?

To help buyers choose with confidence, this article explains the parts that make up an aluminium scaffold.

As a whole, a complete aluminium scaffold should include: frames, horizontal ledgers, diagonal braces, H-guardrails, toe boards, platform decks (at least one deck for every 2 m of height), swivel castors, adjustable legs and outriggers. The details are as follows.

1. Aluminium frames. The frame is normally welded from 50.8 mm diameter aluminium tube in 2.0 mm or 1.8 mm wall. Frames are made in 3, 4 and 5 rung versions, plus a 2 rung frame used purely as a guardrail. A platform deck can be laid on every rung, at 460 mm spacing. Common frame heights are: 5 rung 2.32 m, 4 rung 1.85 m, 3 rung 1.39 m, and the 2 rung guardrail frame 0.85 m.

2. Horizontal and diagonal braces. The scaffold is braced into a stable form by horizontal and diagonal members. The number and arrangement of these braces is critical to the stability of the whole structure. The hooks at both ends are self-locking, and the end hooks are die-cast in high-quality cast aluminium for high strength, keeping the tower safe.

3. Toe boards. Fitted around the platform deck at the working level, they close off the edges, effectively preventing tools from falling off the deck, and stopping operatives' feet from stepping into the gap.

4. Platform decks. Two kinds are available - deck with hatch and standard deck - built from an aluminium frame riveted to waterproof, slip-resistant, fire-retardant high-density plywood.

5. Outriggers. Outriggers support the scaffold at the four corners and steady the base, keeping the whole tower stable. They are simple and quick to fit.

6. Swivel castors. Genuine aluminium scaffold castors are the European pattern, each rated at 800 kg, with a polyurethane tyre that prevents scratching the floor.

7. Adjustable legs. A threaded spindle is fitted to the castors so the scaffold can be set to suit floors at different levels. The adjustable leg is 600 mm long, 300 mm of it threaded and the remaining 300 mm plain.

8. Safety clips. Safety clips connect and lock the frames above and below, locating the frames and preventing them from coming apart.

Knowing these parts makes it easier to buy and to erect an aluminium scaffold with confidence. For more information on aluminium scaffolding, please follow our website.