Frame scaffolds are the most popular type of scaffold because they are adaptable, cost-effective, and simple to use. They are often used in one or two stacks by painters, residential contract workers, etc., but their modular frames can also be layered several floors up for large-scale construction work.
Each type and size of mason scaffold frame is designed to satisfy a specific purpose and improve the efficiency of a certain type of work. This is a guide to determining which scaffold frame is appropriate for you.
The right frame scaffold for a specific activity is determined by the parameters of the site (space available on the plan, space available in height), the working height, and climate factors, particularly wind.
The basic frame scaffold components are scaffold tubes, couplers, diagonal braces, standards, decks, ledgers, etc.
Various Styles Of Scaffold Frames
The frame style describes the scaffold’s original frame design. Each style has slightly different dimensions and parameters so that they can all be used to do a certain task, but they cannot be intermingled.
For example, each frame design has a walk-through version that is suitable for masonry projects, but a Safeway-style frame cannot be stacked on top of a Waco-style frame.
If you have established scaffolding that you need to match, considering the styles is important; otherwise, there is a variation of each style that will satisfy your specific project requirements.
There are three different styles of scaffolding frames:
- Safeway Scaffolding Frame
Safeway scaffolding will only fit in frames that are already made by Safeway Scaffolding. Full-size frames are 6’4″ tall, take a 1-7/16″ coupling pin (USA-104 Coupling Pin), have pin holes at 45 degrees to the horizontal member, and have drop locks to hold the cross braces in position.
- Bil-Jax Frame for Scaffolding
This type of mason frame scaffolding has full-size frames that are 6’6″ tall and use a 1-3/8″ coupling pin (SWS-107) with 90-degree pin holes. The cross braces are held in place by C Locks.
- Waco Scaffolding Frame
It contains full-size frames that are 6’7″ tall, 1-3/8″ coupling pins (USA-100 or 103 coupling pins), drop locks in the shape of candy canes, and pin holes that are 90 degrees to the horizontal member.
Types Of Frame Scaffolds
The purpose and kind of work a mason frame scaffolding is meant to do determines its type. For example, do the sides of the scaffolding need ladder rungs so you can climb them? Do you need a work platform that is higher than your feet? Do you need a tall tower or a long platform? Are you working outdoors or indoors?
There are broadly two types of Frame scaffolds:
- Walk-Through Scaffolding Frames
Walk Through Scaffold Frames have an open center that allows you to walk through the frame while carrying a wheelbarrow or supplies. They are frequently utilized when a long working platform as well as the capacity to scaffold and cover the length of a wall are required.
You may build numerous long working platforms on top of each other using walk-through frames, and workers can go and work on each level.
- Ladder Scaffolding Frames
Ladder frames are frequently utilized in the construction of scaffolding towers, for interior purposes, and where minor changes to the working platform height are required. They also enable you to build a standing platform and a working platform many feet higher to keep your tools and supplies at waist level.
Some frames have a ladder on one side only, while others have ladders on both sides. OSHA allows the frame itself to be used as a ladder if the rungs on the frames are less than 18″ apart. Ladder frames, in combination with walk-thru frames, can be used at the ends of a scaffolding platform.
How To Choose The Right Size Of A Scaffold Frame?
Before choosing a frame scaffold, figure out the following questions – What sort of job are you doing? Do you have to work in a small area? Will you get close to the ceiling? How high do you need to go? All of these things should be thought about when selecting the size of your scaffold frame.
- Frames with Full Height
Full height frames range in size from 6’4′′ to 6’8′′. A taller frame has various advantages. If you need to stack numerous work platforms on top of one other, this frame allows you to roam around and function on a lower platform.
This frame may get you to the height you need for a project, and when you need to go high, it takes very few of these tall frames to get you there. Full-height frames are available in both walk-through and ladder configurations.
- Half-high Frames
The half-high frames range in height from 2′ to 4′ and are frequently employed in interior situations where a precise platform height is required, like when a ceiling prevents the use of a full-size frame.
- Frames 5′ Tall
The 5′ frames are frequently used to construct scaffold towers. The 5′ divisions make calculating platform height and how many frames to mount simple. The reduced height may allow you to approach a ceiling closer without hitting it than a taller frame might.
- Skinny Frames
Any frame less than 5′ broad is considered skinny. These frames are frequently used for small spaces, light-duty applications, and interior purposes. These frames have the advantage of being simple and quick to assemble, easier to move, taking up less storage space, and allowing you to work in confined locations.
They also demand less decking. A 5′ broad frame, for example, requires six planks to deck all the way across. A 3′ broad frame takes only four planks.
To Summarize
Frame scaffolding, which is also called “fabricated scaffolding,” is the most common type of supported scaffolding because it is cheap, easy to set up and take down, and has the most uses.
The scaffolding in this style is built from the ground up using modular components. Usually, it has one or two tiers, building it can be challenging because the base has to be completely flat.
Now that you have an idea of different styles and types of frame scaffolding, you will be able to choose the right type of scaffolding for your project at scaffolds supply.
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