Refer to Appendix E Figure 6.5-2 For Typical Couplers and Connection Illustrations.
Multi-dimensional diagonal bracing shall be provided as necessary to square and align vertical members and prevent swaying, tipping, or overturning of the structure.
Parallel or zigzag diagonal bracing shall be provided at every lift, bottom to top across the width at the scaffold ends.
Face bracing shall be installed on the outside of the vertical standards at an approximate angle of 45º from near the base of the end corner standard upward and inward to the top of the scaffold at each end. Multiple bay scaffolds shall not have more than 3 un-braced face bays between the braced end bays. The bracing shall be attached to ledgers when it is not possible to attach to standards.
Diagonal plan bracing should be provided at every other lift of bays with "z" Axis bracing bottom to top and also under the top platforms.
Where the height or length of the scaffold exceeds 3 times the narrowest base dimension, the scaffold shall be tied to a permanently fixed structure to prevent sway or tip over. Anchors utilizing scaffold tube as ties are preferable, alternatively a double lash of #12 gauge annealed galvanized iron wire can be used. If ties are not possible, the scaffold shall be stabilized by the use of outriggers or guy cables. (Only metal wire rope is permitted for guys.) Tie support is preferred to outriggers.
The strength of the adjacent structure for scaffold tie points shall be assessed to ensure adequate integrity and safety based on the anticipated loading of: men, equipment, materials and the environmental conditions along with the access means or any planned winching operations.
Equipment or piping that is in operation should not be used as a support, or tie-point for scaffolds.
The use of a TCS outrigger (raker) is limited to a single length of scaffold tubing not more than 6.4 meters (21 ft.) in length with an angle between 65 and 75. For scaffolds stabilized by outriggers, only one additional lift is allowed above the outrigger tie-in point. The bottom of the outrigger must align with and connect to the two standards of the row, and the top of the outrigger should be coupled to the scaffold no higher than the third lift. Midpoint bracing shall be provided for the outrigger to prevent buckling.
Untied scaffolds shall be braced on all sides.
Refer to Appendix E, Figure 6.5-3 for Typical Bracing Arrangements.
Scaffold platforms shall be fully planked and secured to transoms between the guardrails. During scaffold erection or dismantling a minimum width of 3 planks is required.
Planking should be butted end to end to form a flush work platform support by transoms rather than overlapped to minimize the tripping hazards. If overlapping is necessary, a minimum of 300 mm (12") of overlap supported by a transom shall be provided. Abutted plank ends should be close together and shall be secured to individual transoms. Planking gaps shall be ≤ 25 mm (1") but preferably butted to minimize all gaps.
Half couplings shall be used for transom to ledger connections when planks will be installed.