Suspended Scaffolding

Suspended scaffolds are platforms suspended by ropes, or other non-rigid means, from an overhead structure. We get into the specific associated regulations for each later in the course.

A catenary scaffold is a scaffold consisting of a platform supported by two essentially horizontal and parallel ropes attached to structural members of a building or other structure.

An interior hung suspension scaffold consists of a platform suspended from the ceiling or roof structure by fixed-length supports

A multi-point adjustable scaffold consists of a platform (or platforms) suspended by more than two ropes from overhead supports and equipped with means to raise and lower the platform(s) to desired work levels. These scaffolds have many uses in tanks, silos, stacks, and chimneys.

A single-point adjustable scaffold consists of a platform suspended by one rope from an overhead support and equipped with means to permit the movement of the platform to desired work levels. The most common among these is the scaffold used by window washers to clean the outside of a skyscraper (also known as a boatswain’s chair).

A float, or ship, scaffold is a suspension scaffold consisting of a braced platform resting on two parallel bearers and hung from overhead supports by ropes of fixed length.

A multi-level scaffold is a two-point or multi-point adjustable suspension scaffold with a series of platforms at various levels resting on common stirrups.

Needle Beam – This simple type of scaffold consists of a platform suspended from needle beams, usually attached on one end to a permanent structural member.

Two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds, also known as swing-stage scaffolds, are perhaps the most common type of suspended scaffold. Hung by ropes or cables connected to stirrups at each end of the platform, they are typically used by window washers on skyscrapers, but play a prominent role in high-rise construction as well.