Light duty suspended scaffoldLight duty suspended scaffold

Light duty suspended scaffold

A suspended scaffold incorporates a suspended platform that is capable of being raised or lowered when in use (see Figure 8). Common types of suspended scaffolds include:

• swing stages which have cradles supported by a single row of suspension ropes
• double rope scaffolds, with cradles supported by two rows of suspension ropes
• work cages which are small cradles supported by one suspension rope only
• false cars, which are specialised forms of suspended scaffolding and are often used in the construction of lifts before lift cars are installed.

There are specific safety considerations for swing stages, including that:

• the working load and specifications are in accordance with AS 1576.4 Scaffolding – Suspended Scaffolding
• persons operating light duty suspended stages are trained in safe operation
• persons installing or servicing a light duty suspended stage hold a licence for advanced rigging or advanced scaffolding
• where the swing stage is suspended by two wire ropes to each winch, a safety harness and restraint lanyard is attached to a suitable anchor point of the swing stage.

Further guidance on the safe design, erection and use of scaffolding, including suspended scaffolding, is available in the Scaffolding Code of Practice [under development].

Figure 8: Example of a light duty suspended scaffold with two wire ropes to each winch.
The platform must remain horizontal when moving it up or down.

Figure 8 shows an example of a light duty suspended scaffold with two wire ropes to each winch.