info@alpha-scaffolddesign.uk Example 1 of a Mark-up Scaffold Design Brief A common question we get is: "What is a scaffold Design Brief?" The answer is quite simple: a Design Brief is the initial set of information provided by the Client or Scaffold Contractor to the Scaffold Designer at the start of the planning process. It ensures that the design process can be carried out accurately and efficiently.
The Design Brief to consist:

→ site location;
→ period of time the scaffold is required to be in place for the intended use (normally this can be 6 months up to 2 years);
→ height, length and any critical dimensions which may affect the scaffold (lifts height etc);
→ number of boarded lifts (boarded at every floor level or other);
→maximum working loads to be imposed and maximum number of people using the scaffold at any one time;
→ type of access onto the scaffold eg staircase, ladder access bay, external ladders;
→ any bridged openings in the scaffold, any bridge over obstacles or for door access;
→ any Loading Bays (progressive LB, staggered LB or bridged LB);
→ whether there is a requirement for sheeting, netting or brick guards;
→ any specific requirements or provisions eg pedestrian walkway, gantry, fans, any restriction on tie locations, inclusion/provision for mechanical handling plant eg: hoist;
→ nature of the ground conditions or supporting structure
information on the structure/building the scaffold will be erected against together with any relevant dimensions and drawings;
→ any restrictions that may affect the erection, alteration or dismantling process. Along with the scaffold Design Brief, another important and helpful item that can be included is a Scaffold Mark-up.

A Scaffold Mark-up is essentially a drawing or diagram of the existing site or structure, marked up by the client, scaffold contractor, or designer to highlight the intended scaffold arrangement, access points, and any critical details that need to be considered during the design process. It provides visual context to the project requirements and helps to ensure that all parties involved have a clear understanding of what is needed. Let's connect!
What is Scaffold Mark-up Example 2 of a Mark-up read more

info@alpha-scaffolddesign.uk Types of scaffold that normally require a Design → all shoring scaffolds (dead, raking, flying)
→ facade retention
→ buttressed free-standing scaffold
→ complex loading bays
→ temporary ramps and elevated roadways
→ bridge scaffold
→ pedestrian footbridges or walkways
→ pavement gantries
→ power line crossings
→ radial / splayed scaffold on contoured facades
→ sealing end structures (such as temporary screens)
→ advertising hoardings/banners
→ cantilevered scaffold
→ access scaffold with more than the 2 working lifts Chang
→ temporary roofs and temporary buildings
→ mobile and static towers
→ staircases and fire escapes (unless covered by manufacturers instructions)
→ towers requiring guys or ground anchors
→ slung and suspended scaffold
→ marine scaffold
→ lifting gantries and towers
→ system scaffold outside manufacturers guidance
→ temporary storage on site
→ rubbish chute
→ truss-out Scaffold
→ buttressed free-standing scaffold
→ support scaffold
→ free standing scaffold
→ spectator terraces and seating stands
→ offshore scaffold
→ protection fans
→ boiler scaffold
→ steeple scaffold
→ sign board supports
→ masts, lighting towers and transmission towers
→ any scaffold structure not mentioned above that falls outside the ‘compliant scaffold’ criteria in TG20 or similar guidance from manufacturers of system scaffolds.
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info@alpha-scaffolddesign.uk Be aware!
Some designers are issuing drawing as Preliminary only; at this stage there is no liability applicable to the designer and it is very likely that no calculations were performed. Scaffold Designer's Duties → type of scaffold required (tube & fitting or system)
→ maximum bay lengths
→ maximum lift heights
→ platform boarding arrangement and the number of boarded lifts that can be used at any one time
→ safe working load / load class
→ maximum leg loads
→ maximum tie spacing both horizontal and vertical and tie duty
→ details of additional elements such as beamed bridges, fans, loading bays etc, which may be a standard configuration or specifically designed
→ any other information relevant to the design, installation or use of the scaffold
→ reference number, date etc. to enable recording, referencing and checking Prior to installation:
The scaffold designer must provide relevant information in the scaffold design.
This should include as a minimum:
A PRELIMINARY or PROVISIONAL design has no value!
A scaffold is covered by a design only if the design is issued
FOR CONSTRUCTION
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