Professional Documents
Culture Documents
41991
Australian StandardR
Scaffolding
This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee BD/36, Scaffolding. It was approved
on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 20 August 1991 and published on
7 October 1991.
Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to
periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important
therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue
of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine The Australian Standard, which
subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of
withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are
welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without
delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
AS 1576.41991
Australian StandardR
Scaffolding
Part 4: Suspended scaffolding
PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee on Scaffolding. It is one of
a series of four Standards which collectively supersede and amalgamate AS 15751974,
Tubes, couplers and accessories used in metal scaffolding and AS 15761974, SAA Metal
Scaffolding Code which will be withdrawn on 30 June 1992.
CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GROUPING OF LIVE LOADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WORKING LOAD LIMIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STRENGTH OF SUPPORTING STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LOADLIMITING DEVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VERTICAL SPEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ROPE TENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STABILITY OF CANTILEVER SUSPENSION RIG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CRADLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ROPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUSPENSION AND SECONDARY ROPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUSPENSION RIG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUSPENSION RIG COMPONENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 5
8
8
8
8
8
STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ALUMINIUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCAFFOLD TUBES AND COUPLERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUSPENSION AND SECONDARY ROPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCAFFOLDING HOISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
COUNTERWEIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TROLLEYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 4
4
4
4
GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SYSTEM OF ATTACHMENT TO STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT CAPABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUSPENSION SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TYPES OF CRADLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
12
GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTROL BOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ELECTRICAL CABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
14
14
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AS 1576.41991
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Scaffolding
Part 4: Suspended scaffolding
AS 1576.41991
1.3.12 Load-limiting device a device that limits the lifting capacity of a scaffold hoist to a specific load below the
stalling load of the motor.
1.3.13 Maximum total suspended load the maximum force which can be imposed on the suspension rig including
the working load limit on the platform, the self-weight of the platform and the suspension and safety ropes together with
any portion of the means of suspension and the rope tensions, and any extra force resulting from the operation of the
equipment and environmental loads.
1.3.14 Needle a continuous structural member that extends from the suspension point to the extreme inboard end
of the supporting structure.
1.3.15 Outboard portion of the suspension rig that portion of the suspension rig which is on the outside of the
fulcrum point (see Figure 1.1).
1.3.16 Prefabricated platforms a framed assembly of one bay length, incorporating a walking surface, which is
capable of connecting to its support structure in such a way as not to be inadvertently dislodged. One or more
prefabricated platform units can be used side-by-side and end-to-end to form a working platform.
1.3.17 Projection length the horizontal distance between the fulcrum point and the suspension point.
NOTE: The projection length is the length which is used in the calculation of moments for stability.
1.3.18 Scaffolding hoist a lifting appliance manually operated or power-operated through which the suspension rope
passes.
1.3.19 Working load limit the working load limit is the maximum live load which may be placed on the cradle
per bay.
1.3.20 Protective device a device which will arrest the descent and support a cradle or boatswains chair in the
event of the failure of the suspension rope or the scaffolding hoist.
1.3.21 Secondary rope rope not normally carrying the weight of a cradle and the imposed load, but rigged for use
with a protective device.
1.3.22 Single-rope suspension system a method of suspending a cradle using one hoist and a single suspension rope
at each support point.
1.3.23 Stop the attachment at or near the end of a rail or track or at an intermediate point to prevent further
traversing of the cradle.
1.3.24 Suspension-mounted hoist a scaffolding hoist which is mounted on the suspension rig or trolley track with
one end of the rope attached to the cradle.
1.3.25 Suspension gear the assembly which joins the cradle to the suspension rig.
1.3.26 Suspension point that point where the suspension rope is connected to the suspension rig.
1.3.27 Suspension rig that portion of the structure (including the trolley track) mounted at a level higher than the
cradle to support and position the cradle.
1.3.28 Suspension ropes ropes carrying the weight of the cradle and the imposed load.
1.3.29 Travelling or traversing cradle a cradle capable of being moved horizontally.
1.3.30 Traversing moving laterally across the face of the building in a cradle.
1.3.31 Traversing ropes ropes rigged for the purpose of traversing the cradle, but not carrying the weight of it.
1.3.32 Traversing suspension rig a suspension rig mounted on wheels or castors and supporting a cradle.
1.3.33 Trolley a wheeled mechanism intended to support a serial hoist and capable of travelling along a suspended
track.
1.3.34 Trolley track the suspended rail which supports and guides trolleys in traversing installations.
1.3.35 Work cage a cradle which is supported by a single suspension rope.
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AS 1576.41991
2.1 GENERAL Suspended scaffolding is described according to the system of attachment to the structure, the
horizontal movement of the cradle, the suspension system, and the type of cradle.
2.2 SYSTEM OF ATTACHMENT TO STRUCTURE The system of attachment to the structure may be one of the
following:
(a) Systems which rely on counterweights for their stability.
(b) Systems which are secured to the building or structure.
(c) A combination of systems specified in Items (a) and (b).
2.3
(a)
(b)
(c)
HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT CAPABILITY The horizontal movement capability may be one of the following:
Fixed.
Traversing cradle.
Traversing suspension rig.
2.4 SUSPENSION SYSTEM The suspension system may be one of the following:
(a) Hoist reeling where the hoist reels the wire rope on to a drum within the hoist.
(b) Hoist climbing where the hoist climbs up the wire rope leaving the tail end of the rope hanging or reeled onto
a separate device below the hoist.
2.5 TYPES OF CRADLES The cradles may be one of the following (see Figure 2.1):
(a) Articulated cradle The working area can be a single deck or several decks beneath each other.
(b) Individual cradle This type can have a single deck or several decks beneath each other.
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3.8 TROLLEYS Trolleys shall comply with AS 1418.2 and the following requirements:
(a) Where intended for use with a cradle, the trolley shall be designed to incorporate a space bar.
(b) The working load limit shall be the greater of
(i) the maximum rope tension; and
(ii) 5 kN.
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AS 1576.41991
For a wire rope braced suspension rig, the restraining wire ropes shall be so angled in plan, or supplemented by
additional angled wire ropes or other means that lateral stability in both directions is achieved.
4.8.4 Counterweights Counterweights shall be fixed to the suspension rig in such a way as to prevent their
dislodgement under all expected conditions of operation of the equipment.
4.8.5 Suspension anchorage points Suspension anchorage points shall take into account the nature of the
material into which the anchor is fastened.
Drilled-in anchors, whether expanding or chemical type, shall not be used in an anchorage system to resist a
tensile (pull-out) force.
Bolts used in an anchorage system shall be fitted with locknuts.
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4.9 CRADLE
4.9.1 Width The width of the platform shall be not less than 450 mm.
4.9.2 End extensions End extensions to the cradle shall be limited in length to that allowed by the cradle
design.
4.9.3 Decking The decking of the platform shall have a surface that does not become slippery under expected
working conditions. It shall be fixed so that it cannot be accidentally displaced. Except to the extent necessary
for drainage, the decking shall be closely boarded, planked, or plated.
A prefabricated platform shall comply with the performance requirements of AS 1576.3.
Scaffold planks if used for decking shall comply with AS 1577 or AS 1578.
4.9.4 Guardrails, midrail, and toeboards Guardrails, midrails and toeboards shall be designed in accordance
with AS 1576.1 and fitted to the perimeter of the platform.
Where the cradle is tied to the building and the building forms a barrier at that level, the inner guardrails may
be removed provided they are not an integral component of the cradle design.
4.9.5 Suspension link The design of the link used to attach the hoist to the cradle shall take into account any
forces resulting from out of level of the cradle in any direction.
4.9.6 Buffers Where face wall rollers or buffers are used, they shall be attached to the cradle, and visible to
the operator.
4.9.7 Articulated cradles Articulated cradles shall be designed to take into account the configurations and
resulting loads.
The hinged area shall be designed to minimize gaps in the decking, guardrails and toeboards.
4.9.8 Other shapes Various shaped cradles may be used, and such configurations shall be specifically designed
and special attention paid to the required suspension rig.
4.9.9 Boatswains chair The scaffolding hoist fitted to a boatswains chair shall be capable of being manually
operated by the user, in a safe manner, in an emergency or power failure.
4.10 ROPE Fibre ropes shall not be used for the lifting or suspension of scaffolding, but may be used for
traversing.
Steel wire rope of a construction other than that recommended by the scaffolding hoist manufacturer shall not
be used with such a hoist.
4.11 SUSPENSION AND SECONDARY ROPES Suspension and secondary ropes each shall be terminated
at the rig end with a thimble eye splice, or ferrule secured eye termination or other rope coupling device which
does not damage the rope and gives a strength of not less than 80% of the breaking load of the rope.
The rope shall hang freely from the suspension rig by an eye which complies with AS 2317 and shall not be
reeved through the eye.
Rope bullet end termination shall be suitable for its purposes and finished to prevent overlaying.
Where appropriate, the tail end of the rope shall be fitted with a suitable rope clamping device to prevent the rope
passing through the hoist.
The rope shall be long enough so that the system does not run out of rope.
A secondary rope shall have a strength of not less than the relevant suspension rope.
4.12 SUSPENSION RIG The fulcrum point for static suspension rig is shown in Figure 1.1. The fulcrum point
for a mobile suspension rig is the centre-line of the front wheel.
Adequate means shall be provided to ensure that the suspension system shall not slip off the end of the needle.
4.13 SUSPENSION RIG COMPONENTS
4.13.1 Trolley track Suspension from a scaffold coupler designed for joining tubes is not permitted.
Stops shall be attached to the trolley track using a positive method (e.g. nut and bolt). Friction stops shall not
be used.
4.13.2 Parapet clamps Parapet clamps shall be used only where the parapet has adequate strength.
NOTE: Parapet clamps should not be used on bri ck parapets.
4.13.3 Pulleys Where a wire rope passes over pulleys or around drums other than in winches and climbing
devices, such pulleys or drums shall have pitch circle diameters in accordance with AS 1418.1.
Guide pulleys external to the winch or climbing device shall have pitch circle diameters in accordance with
AS 1418.1.
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AS 1576.41991
4.13.4 Protective device A protective device shall be provided for each scaffolding hoist. The protective device
shall operate on the suspension rope above the scaffolding hoist or on a secondary rope. A protective device shall
comply with the following requirements:
(a) The device shall be designed to withstand the greatest of the following:
(i) The combined loading of the working load limit and mass of the equipment in motion.
(ii) The inertial-effect loading of the combined loading of maximum working load limit and mass of the
equipment in motion resulting from the operation of the protective device under free-fall stopping
conditions for the rate of deceleration determined by rational analysis, without stressing any component
in excess of 75% of its yield stress.
(iii) The inertial-effect loading of the combined loading of the working load limit and mass of the equipment
in motion due to the operation of the protective device under overspeed stopping conditions for the rate
of deceleration determined by rational analysis without stressing any component in excess of 75% of
its yield stress.
(b) Means shall be provided to deactivate the device.
(c) The device shall be mounted in such a way that the stability of the cradle is not adversely affected when the
device is activated.
4.13.5 Secondary rope A secondary rope, where fitted, shall be independently attached to the suspension rig.
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5.4 ELECTRICAL CABLES Electrical cables shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) Electrical cables shall be purpose designed.
(b) Cables shall only be suspended from a device that does not damage the core wires. A built-in thimble is one
form of such device.
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