Lesson 1Selecting a modular scaffold system: tube-and-fitting vs. prefabricated modular (system) scaffold rationale and suitability for masonry/painting accessThis section explains how to choose between tube-and-fitting and modular system scaffolds. It examines component compatibility, speed of erection, adaptability, and suitability for masonry, painting, and façade access conditions.
Tube-and-fitting advantages and limitsModular system scaffold featuresSuitability for masonry and brickworkSuitability for painting and light tradesMixing systems and compatibility rulesLesson 2Foundations and base preparation: base plate sizing, sole board selection, use of adjustable jacks, shims, and mitigation on sloping groundThis section explains foundations and base preparation for scaffolds. It covers bearing capacity checks, base plate sizing, sole board selection, adjustable jacks, shims, drainage, and mitigation methods on soft or sloping ground.
Assessing ground bearing capacitySizing base plates and sole boardsUsing adjustable jacks and screw jacksShimming and packing best practicesMitigating slopes and soft groundLesson 3Component list and functions: standards/ledgers/transoms/base plates/sole boards/standards/diagonal braces/guardrails/midrails/toe boards/boarding/couplers/tiesThis section identifies key scaffold components and their functions. It covers standards, ledgers, transoms, braces, base plates, sole boards, guardrails, midrails, toe boards, boards, couplers, and ties used in typical access scaffolds.
Standards, ledgers, and transoms rolesDiagonal bracing and sway controlGuardrails, midrails, and toe boardsBoards, decking, and platform gapsCouplers, fittings, and tie devicesLesson 4Access and egress components: ladders, stair towers, trapdoors, stepladders, ladder brackets and secure access sequencingThis section details safe access and egress to scaffolds. It covers ladders, stair towers, trapdoors, ladder brackets, stepladders, landing platforms, and how to plan secure access sequencing as the scaffold height and layout change.
Selecting ladders and stair towersTrapdoor platforms and self-closing hatchesLadder brackets and fixing methodsAccess sequencing during erectionPreventing falls at access openingsLesson 5Bay planning and platform layout: bay length/width standards, bay spacing for 40 ft run and 18 ft height, platform lift heights and working platform levelsThis section focuses on bay planning and platform layout. It covers bay length and width standards, planning a 40 ft by 18 ft scaffold, lift heights, working platform levels, clear headroom, and efficient material and worker flow.
Standard bay lengths and widthsPlanning a 40 ft by 18 ft elevationSelecting lift heights and platform levelsHeadroom and clearance requirementsOptimizing access and material flowLesson 6Reference standards and legal requirements: applicable scaffold standards, national health & safety regulations, electrical clearance rules, and manufacturer guidance to consultThis section reviews reference standards and legal duties for scaffolds. It covers key scaffold standards, national safety regulations, electrical clearance rules, manufacturer instructions, and how to locate and apply current guidance.
Key scaffold design and use standardsNational health and safety regulationsMinimum electrical clearance distancesUsing manufacturer instructions safelyDocumenting compliance and recordsLesson 7Tie and restraint systems: types of ties, tie spacing, load capacity, use of through-bolts, wall anchors, cantilevered ties and restraint checksThis section covers scaffold tie and restraint systems. It explains tie types, tie patterns, tie spacing, load capacity, through-bolts, wall anchors, cantilevered ties, and how to verify restraint against overturning and sliding.
Through-ties, reveal ties, and box tiesTie spacing and tie pattern selectionTie load capacity and verificationCantilevered and raker tie solutionsRestraint checks against overturningLesson 8Fall protection integration: collective protection (guardrails, toe boards) vs. personal fall arrest systems; anchor point selection and certificationThis section compares collective and personal fall protection on scaffolds. It explains guardrail and toe board design, personal fall arrest components, anchor point selection, certification, inspection, and integration into scaffold layouts.
Guardrail and toe board design criteriaPersonal fall arrest system componentsAnchor point strength and certificationPositioning lifelines on scaffold baysInspection and documentation of PFASLesson 9Structural design basics: load classifications, imposed loads, live loads, concentrated loads, load paths, and factor of safetyThis section introduces scaffold structural design basics. It covers load types, load paths, tributary areas, factors of safety, and how to check that platforms, standards, and ties can safely resist imposed, live, and concentrated loads.
Dead, live, imposed, and wind loadsConcentrated loads and point loading checksLoad paths through standards and tiesUsing factors of safety in designReading manufacturer load tables
