Scaffold Testing Procedure

ACCESS CANADA
JULY 2007
Testing
SSFI Testing for
System
SystemScaffolds
Scaffolds
Hydro Mobils 50th
Hydro
Mobiles
50th
Training
session
Training Seminar
Lets Talk Shoring
Lets Talk about ...
Shoring
Magazine of the Scaffold Industry Association of Canada

www.scaffoldaccess.ca
www.scaffoldingtoday.com
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Table of Contents
Editor
John OHara
john@scaffoldingtoday.com
Cover: Courtesy of John Rosenthal. P. Eng.

Water Tower Project in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada
Co-Editor
Bill Nasrala
bill.nasrala@sympatico.ca
COMMITTEES
2007 - 2008
Fall Protection
Stephen Pike
stephen@hightekfallprotection.com
Advertising
Chris Earnshaw
cearnshaw@rogers.com
Mast Climbing Platforms

Jim Wilkinson
jim@hite.ca
Production Advisor
Al Squire
asquire8347@rogers.com
Powered Elevated Work Platforms

Graham McLeod
graham@skyriderequipment.com
Membership
Michael Van Volsen
mikevanvolsen@rogers.com
Scaffold
Peter Hermann
phermann@aluma.com
Technical Advisor
Jim Wilkinson, P. Eng.
jim@hite.ca
Swingstage
Ian Haig
ian@winsafe.com
Technical Advisor
John Rosenthal, P. Eng.
johnr@dunn-wright.ca
Strategic Planning
Peter King
pking@aluma.com
Technical Advisor
Stephen Pike

articles

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Presidents Report
Cantilevered Scaffolds
Alberta Report
Accident Information

Wicked the Musical Project
Lets Talk about ... Shoring
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Ontario Chapter 2007 AGM
Mills Versa Light Scaffold
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Profile 18
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Testing
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JULY 2007
Scaffold Industry Association of Canada

Ontario Chapter
From the President.......Summer Report
nother milestone was achieved in the Canadian Access Industry with the election of
the SIAC National Executive during the last teleconference meeting, with Red Armstrong appointed as Chairman, two representatives from Alberta and Ontario and one each
from Atlantic, BC, and Quebec. The Council will continue to address those issues relevant to
all Canadian Chapters and report on a formal structured basis.
Our lead issue this month is modular system scaffolds, first introduced to the Canadian market in 1979 however originally developed in Europe in early 1960 and now used extensively
all over North America. There are several types of modular system scaffolds but the most
common are either Rosette style or Cup style, both types of systems now the scaffold product
of choice for most industrial scaffold projects and many commercial structures.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2007-2008
President
John OHara
Advisor to the President
Al Squire
asquire8347@rogers.com
Secretary
Chris Earnshaw
Treasurer
Michael Van Volsen
Director
Roger Marsland
marsland@scafom.com
International Director
John Rosenthal
Director
Graham McLeod
graham@skyriderequipment.com
National Director
Stephen Pike
Director
Michael Cutrone
mike.cutrone@eiw-ca.com
Director
Darren Young
young@stephensons.ca
The Alberta Chapter held their annual summer meeting and Golf tournament in mid June
and all who attended reported that this was a major success with the announcement that the
BC Chapter will be merging with Alberta and that this will now be part of the new Western
Canada Chapter that also includes the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. We look
forward to reporting on the details of their meeting in our next issue.
The inaugural meeting of the new Atlantic Chapter was held in Halifax last month with
representation from all the major scaffold companies together with a major labour contractor. Further meetings List of Advertisers
are planned with a steering committee chaired by Kent
Connell of Steeplejack Services formed to map out the Mills Construction Products Inc.
www.mills-scaffold.com
direction and structure of this new Chapter.
Our Committees covering Scaffold Training and Fall
Protection continue to aggressively address these difficult tasks. C.S.A. Standard Z797 for scaffold erection
continues development under the chairmanship of John
Brasil of Etobicoke Ironworks. We look forward to his
report on this national issue.
Winsafe
www.winsafe.com
Scaffolding Today Inc.
www.scaffoldingtoday.com
Aluma systems Inc.
www.aluma.com
Scafom Canada
www.scafom.ca

Don Fry Scaffold Service Inc.
John OHara
www.donfryscaffold.com

President SIAC
Ontario Chapter
Director
James Wilkinson
jim@hite.ca
With the exception of three Canadian manufacturers, all members of the SIAC, most system
scaffolds are now manufactured in many other countries and it is in the best interests of the
scaffold industry if each and every company involved in the procurement of this product
ensured that they were provided with all relevant technical information including test reports.
These tests should be conducted in accordance with the detail included in the comprehensive
article on load testing for system scaffolds in this issue.
Etobike Ironworks Ltd.

www.eiw.ca
ACTION SCAFFOLD SERVICES
www.actionscaffoldservices.com
JULY 2007
By John Rosenthal, P. Eng.
he primary purpose of any scaffold is to support a working platform. Sometimes a working platform is required
that extends beyond the base of the scaffold. This is when we make use of a cantilevered platform. A scaffold with a
cantilevered platform is called a Cantilevered Scaffold. It is especially important to know how to erect Cantilevered Scaffolds properly because the loads on the cantilevered platforms tend to overturn the scaffold. Improper erection procedures
might allow the scaffold to tip. This could result in a very dangerous situation for workers on the scaffold.

Cantilevered platforms are built out from the side of an existing scaffold or platform to provide additional working space
or access to an area above. Cantilevered platforms are also used when an obstruction prevents building the scaffold close
to the working area. Another definition of a cantilevered scaffold is one in which a substantial portion of the weight of the
scaffold is outside the base dimension of the scaffold.

The most familiar cantilevered platform we deal with is a sidebracket
(or end bracket) platform. We use sidebrackets on frame scaffolds
and also on System Scaffolds. For this example, well talk about
Frame Scaffolds, but the concept applies equally to Systems.

The illustration shows a worker on a sidebracket platform. The most
important thing is to know that the scaffold will not tip while he is
carrying out his work. Ontario requires a Safety Factor of 4 against
overturning.

If we consider the scaffold to be like a teeter-totter, pretend that
screwjack on the left side isnt there. With the pivot point at the
screwjack near the wall that is being worked on, we have the weight
of the worker and the sidebracket platform tending to make the
scaffold tip to
the right. The
weight of the
main part of the
scaffold tends to
make the scaffold assembly
tip to the left,
(or the scaffold
weight resists
the tipping).

We need to know if we have an adequate Factor of Safety against tipping, to protect the worker from being injured.

We normally consider that a worker weighs about 250 lb (200 lb man
plus 50 lb of tools). A sidebracket weighs about 12 lb. There are
two sidebrackets, so their total weight is 25 lb. If we assume that the
scaffold is using 7-foot crossbraces, well have 8-foot planks on the
sidebracket platform. Planks weigh about 5 lb per sq. ft. Each plank
covers 10/12 x 8 = 6.67 sq.ft. There are two planks on the sidebrackets, so the planks weigh 2 x 6.67 x 5 = 66.67 lb.

Continued on Page 14
JULY 2007
Alberta Report
By Red Armstrong, SIAC, Alberta Chapter
he Alberta Chapter is alive and well, and continues to play an important role in the Scaffold Industry in Alberta.
As the British Columbia Chapter has worked closely with the Workers Compensation Board of B.C., and as the Ontario
Chapter has a long history of close relationships with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, so the Alberta Chapter maintains
close ties with the Occupational Health and Safety Association of Alberta, as well as the Alberta Construction Safety Association, in the development of safety standards and regulations as it pertains to Scaffolding, Swingstages, Fall Arrest
Systems, and Forming and Shoring. The most recent changes to the O.H.& S. code and regulations reflect this important
association.
The Alberta Chapter currently has 24 members, and at the most recent General Meeting in April, there were 16 attendees.
This represents a large percentage of our membership. We would like to welcome our latest new member, PERI Formwork
Systems Inc.
At the last meeting, the membership agreed to a name change. The Alberta Chapter will now be known as the West-
ern Canada Chapter. While there is no intent on usurping the B.C. organizations autonomy, we recognize that the B.C.
Chapter is undergoing some difficulties, and we would welcome the input from any member of that organization as we
go forward. We will also seek out and welcome companies from Saskatchewan and Manitoba to become members of the
Western Canada Chapter. Talks with the National Council, will continue around this situation. As well, at this time, we
are working with the ACSA in updating the Alberta Scaffold Manual. This is long overdue, and all Companies in the access business in Alberta can benefit from this effort.
The membership of the Alberta Chapter recognizes the need for a stronger National organization, and to this end, have
appointed two members to the National Council. They are Ron Mombourquette and Scott Richardson.
The Provinces of B.C. and Alberta have recently signed an agreement which will make it much easier for companies and
workers to move freely between the two provinces, to work and/or conduct business. As access providers, we should be
working towards standards in training, safety and technical requirements, that would be the same across our country. We
all have the same interests at heart, and simplification and standardization should be a goal of the National SIAC.
The next meeting of the Western Canada Chapter will be June 20th, which is our regular summer meeting/golf tourna-
ment. It will be held in the Red Deer area, and the date is subject to modest change depending upon the availability of a
suitable location. Any members of any Chapters that me be interested in joining us would be more than welcome. Should
there be an interest in more information regarding the SIAC, Western Canada, please contact Wendy Larison of Urban
19373 Winsafe_Ad 5/18/07 10:12 AM Page 1
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JULY 2007
Accident Information
By Garry Bilodeau, SIAC, BC Chapter
Another Workers Fatality, June 22, 2007
indow washer dies after eight story fall
Last updated on: 6/15/2007 6:52:01 PM by Dan Haggerty

LEE COUNTY: A worker cleaning windows at Sanibel Harbor Resort died Friday morning when he fell eight stories.
Tom Kott was training another worker, Marty Gasber, when the accident happened.
The two men were on the roof around 8:30 a.m. Gasber says Kott leaned back off the roof to start cleaning the windows.
He says the safety harnesses werent properly hooked up and the emergency safety line never caught - Kott fell eight
stories.
It happened pretty quick. He went over the side and just went straight down. He tried to grab the ropes with his hand and
his weight and the speed was just too much. I watched him go over. I saw his life line going and going. I was waiting for it
to catch but he just went straight down, said Gasber.
He rushed to the ground and started performing CPR on Kott.
Emergency crews showed up minutes later and pronounced him dead.
It was Gasbers first day on the job.
He was training me today, and Im thinking he didnt pay attention. He failed to connect to the right ring on his safety
harness, said Gasber.
According to the trainee, Kott had been a window washer for more than 30 years and lived in the area.
Kotts best friend, William Negron, says he has been on the phone all day giving other friends and family members the
grim news. My phone has have been ringing left and right with friends and family members that are trying to get in touch
with whats going on here in Fort Myers, said Negron. He had been on higher sky rises bigger than that and he had no
fear of heights he knew his job.
He was the operations manager for Orange Cleaning Service.
Etobicoke Ironworks Limited
141-163 Rivalda Rd.

Weston, ON Canada M9M 2M6
T. (416)742-7111 F. (416)742-2737
www.eiw.ca
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Manufacturers of:
* Total Scaffold System (TSS)
* Standard Frame Scaffold
* Shoring & Forming Systems
* Grandstands/Bleachers
Fabricators & Erectors of:
* Structural Steel
* Miscellaneous Metals
Scaffold Distributor Inquiries Always Welcome
For more information on our products & services please contact us: info@eiw.ca
JULY 2007
P R O P R I E TA R Y
PAT E N T E D P R O V E N
U.S. Patent No. 5,411,113; 5,868,223; 5,143,173 Cdn. Patent No. 2,073,648; 2,153,574; 2,057,615
Mills Construction Products is dedicated to consistently providing technologically advanced scaffold

and shoring systems of aluminum and steel. All of which are user-friendly, safe, rugged, efficient
and of the highest quality.
Versa System Scaffold was designed using a patented reverse wedge and elastic mouthpiece.
This design has many advantages and is compatible with other rosette systems.
The Versa Bleacher System, when used in conjunction with Versa
System Scaffold and Versa Light Plank System offers the versatility
of custom applications. This system is proven and reliable and offers
a wide variety of uses including special events and theme parks.
MILLS CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS INC.

13904 Hurontario St., Caledon, ON L7C 2B8 tel: (905) 451-9471 fax: (905) 838-4059
Wicked the Musical Project
icked: The Musical from Universal Studios Japan.
Wicked: The Musical project presented

by Japans Universal Studios utilized
Mills patented Versa steel systems
scaffold. This project incorporated both
standard and non-standard components,
including custom designed components
for spanning bays up to 16 feet in length.
The complete system that Mills designed
for Wicked had to be powder-coated
black to ensure that the sub-structure
blended into the set without becoming a
source for reflecting light.
Supplying the
stage for Wicked: The Musical
involved Just In
Time (JIT) manufacturing which
requires innovative scaffold
designs using
several custom
and precisely fabricated Versa
components (e.g.
trusses, standards, ledgers and bracing).

The entire scaffold system along with
set was fully assembled prior to being
shipped abroad ensuring proper fit and
system function.

By Owen Lubinski
Mills Construction Products Inc.
JULY 2007

he main focus in the Scaffold Industry magazines (both Access Canada and Scaffold Industry) is scaffolding. But
many of us get involved in shoring or falsework as well. Its probably not a bad idea for us to introduce the basics of
shoring, as it was scaffold frames, originally, that were used for supporting concrete.
The starting place, obviously, is the depth of the concrete slab to be supported. Concrete weighs about 23.5 kiloNewtons
per cubic metre. That means that one square metre of concrete, 1 metre thick, has a mass of 23.5 kN. If the concrete is
200 mm thick, then it has a mass of 200/1000 x 23.5 = 4.70 kN. Its still 1 metre square, so the pressure the concrete applies to whatever is supporting it is 4.70 kN per square
metre.
Many of us are too old to understand the differences
between Mass and Weight. To get this understanding,
we need to compare a few points:

1)
Mass is a measurement of the amount
of matter something contains, while Weight is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object.

2)
Mass is measured by using a balance
comparing a known amount of matter to an unknown
amount of matter. Weight is measured on a scale.

3)
The Mass of an object doesnt change
when an objects location changes. Weight, on the
other hand, does change with location.
In other words, if we go to the moon, we weigh a lot
less because the moon has much less gravity than
earth, because its smaller. But we dont change, we
still have the same amount of mass.
Carrying on with the topic of Shoring, we also have to
consider Live Load which is the weight of the workers and tools that will be used in pouring and finishing
the concrete. The value for this Live Load is 2.4
kN/m2, which includes 0.48 kN/m2 for the self-weight
of the formwork.
The total load to be supported then, for a 200 mm thick
slab, is 4.70 + 2.4 = 7.1 kN/m2.
The next step is to consider whats going to be used to
support the concrete. In most cases, its going to be
a sheet of plywood. Plywood manufacturers provide
charts or graphs that tell how far apart the supports
must be for the plywood to hold up various thicknesses
of concrete, and have a limited amount of deflection of
the slab surface.
For most applications, we use 19 mm thick plywood.
The first graph in this article is for COFIFORM-Plus
plywood ( part of the COFIFORM Chart), laid down
so that the grain on the face of the plywood is at right
angles to the direction of the supports (joists), and
deflection of the plywood is limited to 1/360 span.
Its important that we know that if the grain of the
plywood is in the same direction as the joists, then the
joists need to be placed closer together.

Continued on Page 15
10
JULY 2007
Hydro Mobiles 50th Training Seminar
ydro Mobile, Canadian manufacturer of mast climbing work platforms, organizes its 50th training seminar in its
office of LAssomption, Quebec.
As mast climbing work platforms become more prevalent in North Americas construction industry, additional attention
needs to be paid to this technologys proper use. In fact, because of concerns regarding the misuse of the machines, the
industry is currently looking for standards to make sure that operators use this access equipment in a safe manner.
Hydro Mobile, LAssomption, Quebec, did not wait for standards to be elaborated and has already set his own. A pioneer
in the North American market of mast climbers, Hydro Mobile is also considered a precursor when it comes to training
and safety issues by developing a training program and a certification process for workers operating its platforms in the
1990s.
Our mast climbers are relatively easy to use, and they provide a safe working environment, said Training Director
Gabriel Daigle. However, even with the best products, the key factor for safety in the construction industry remains the
qualifications, experience and training of the responsible persons. For this reason, the company has created a dedicated
structure called Hydro Mobile University.
We also organize training tours throughout North America and provide our clients with training DVDs. Overall, more
than 5,000 persons have been trained by Hydro Mobile in the past 10 years, he concluded.
Hydro Mobile held its 50th training seminar in May. Students from all over North America gathered for a three-day program. A testing process ratified their proficiencies so they could obtain a competency card that allows the attendees to
erect, operate and dismantle a Hydro Mobile mast climber.
Some of the 35 students were trained to later train other operators, such as Donald Walker of the International Union of
Bricklayers. He said, Training masons on security issues is of high importance and what this seminar really focused on.
Ill pass along what Hydro Mobile University taught me to make sure that my trainees can use their mast climbers properly.
Paul Contrino, Henry J. Knott Masonry Inc., offered his observation. Hydro Mobile University gave me all the knowledge I needed to use
my mast climbers
properly and to prevent
accidents and injuries
for me and my colleagues. I also learned
how to optimize the
advantages of this
access equipment. I
have no doubt that this
information will give
my company a true
competitive advantage
when biding against
other contractors.
Hydro Mobile is a
privately owned corporation. The company
is mainly involved in
the design, manufacturing and distribution of mast climbing
work platforms for the
construction industry.
Hydro Mobile platforms are distributed
throughout North America and Europe through a wide network of distributors that are recognized as key players in construction equipment sales and rental. With over 5000 platforms on the market, Hydro Mobile is unquestionably the leader
of the industry.
JULY 2007
11
Ontario Chapter- 2007 AGM

T
he Ontario Chapter Annual General Meeting held in
late April in Toronto was very well attended. Members enjoyed a casual breakfast and get-together prior
to presentations from Peter King on Strategic Plan and
Stephen Pike on the web site which were well received
together with the annual reports from Mike Van Volsen,
Finance and an overview from John OHara .
The current Board of Directors was re-elected with the

addition of James Wilkinson. There were some changes
to certain committee chairs and these can be found inside
the magazine.
Also announced was the introduction of The Presidents
Award, the first recipient being Chris Earnshaw for his
outstanding, steadfast contribution to the SIAC Ontario
Chapter during the last 20 years.

John OHara
Bill Nasrala receives an Honorary Associate Membership
President SIAC
Ontario Chapter
Thank you Note to SIAC
t the recent AGM I was honoured (and surprised!)

to receive the Presidents Award, an Honorary membership to the SIAC.
I did not really have time to think on my feet at the meeting, in thanking the Association for this award so I want
to say how pleased I was to receive this.
Jim Wilkinson receives an Associate Membership for
I have been President of the Association, National DirecHite Engineering Corp.

tor and Secretary ( more times than I care to mention) and
over the years have made many friends in the Industry.
The Association is healthier now than at any time I can
recall, we are doing some great things and I am pleased
to be serving another term under a terrific president John
OHara and a very strong Board of Directors.
In particular I would also like to acknowledge two gentlemen who have been so supportive to me personally and
within the Association for many years, Al Squire and
John OHara. Finally, not forgetting Harold Forbes who
would be thrilled at the progress we are making.
Best regards,
Chris Earnshaw
Chris Earnshaw receives the Inaugural Presidents Award
12
JULY 2007
Ontario Chapter- 2007 AGM
President John OHara delivering the Annual Report
Peter King delivering the 2007 Strategic Plan
National Director Stephen Pike - Website Presentation

2007 AGM - Toronto, Ontario
2007 AGM- Toronto, Ontario
Fall Protection Meeting

JULY 2007
13
Continued from Page 5

The total weight (W2) tending to tip the scaffold to the right is 250 +25 + 66.67 = 341.67 lb.
We can consider that all of this weight acts in the middle of the sidebracket platform. If the sidebracket is 20 inches wide,
then the weight acts at a distance of 10 inches or 0.83 feet to the right of the right-hand screwjack.
The total force tending to tip the scaffold to the right is 341.67 x 0.83 = 284.73 lb-ft.
The rest of the scaffold is resisting the tipping action.

A walk-through frame weighs about 60 lb. Two frames, then, weigh 120 lb. There are 5 planks across the deck, so the
weight of the planks is 5 x 6.67 x 5 = 166.75 lb. We also have two 4 x 7 crossbraces. They weigh about 10 lb each, or
20 lb total. We cant consider the weight of the screwjacks, because they are not attached to the frame. The frame leg can
slide up (or down) over the screw.

The total weight (W1) tending to prevent the scaffold from tipping is 120 + 166.75 +20 = 306.75 lb.
Again, we can consider that all of this weight acts in the middle of the scaffold. If the frames are 5 ft wide, then the
weight acts at a distance of 2 ft to the left of the right-hand screwjack.

The total force tending to resist overturning is 306.75 x 2.5 =
766.88 lb-ft.

So we have a Factor of Safety of 766.88/284.73 = 2.69.
That doesnt satisfy the regulations!
We need to add more weight to the main part of the scaffold

To get a Factor of Safety of 4, the force tending to resist tipping
must be 341.67 x 4 = 1,366.68 lb-ft. We know that the weight
of the scaffold is acting at 2 ft away from the screwjack, so we
need 1366.68/2.5 = 546.67 lb total weight on the main scaffold
side.

We already have 306.75 lb, so we need an additional 546.67
306.75 = 239.92 lb. If we can place a load of some sort that
weighs 240 lb on the platform of the scaffold, we will have our
required Factor of Safety for the worker.

If the scaffold was two frames high, with both levels planked,
we would have more than sufficient weight to protect the
worker without having to add more weight to the scaffold.

In this case, we have exactly the same information as before,
but we now have 2 additional frames, two more crossbraces and
5 more planks. They weigh (2 x 60 [frames]) + (2 x 10 [braces]) + (5 x 6.67 x 5 [planks]) = 306.75 lb.

The total force tending to resist overturning is 306.75 [level 1] +
306.75 [level 2] x 2.5 = 1533.75 lb-ft.

So we have a Factor of Safety of 1,533.75/284.73 = 5.39.
14
JULY 2007

Continued from Page 10
There is another chart for plywood laid so the face grain is parallelf we look up the left hand side of this graph for a value
of 7.1 kN/m2, we have to guess at a position just below the third line from the bottom (which would represent 7.5 kN/
m2). Because we have a Safety Factor of 2, we can probably get away with just using that 7.5 kN/m2 line. If we do
that, we follow the line across to the right to find where it meets one of the curves representing the thicknesses of plywood
that the graph displays.
Were using 19 mm plywood, so were looking for the place where that line crosses the second curve down. The intersection is at or near the vertical line just left of 700, indicating that the joists should be spaced 675 mm apart.
Now that the concrete is supported by plywood, and the plywood is supported by joists, we have to bring in the strength of
the joist members.

If were using 165 mm aluminum beams as joists, then we must
obtain, from the beam supplier, a loading chart for the type of
beam were using. We want to use as much of the beam capacity
as we can.
Each beam is supporting 675 mm of plywood, which in turn is
supporting a 675 mm wide band of 200 mm thick concrete as well
as the live load. This total load has a value of 675/1000 x 7.1
kN/m2 = 4.8 kN per linear metre.
to the joists.
Now we look at a joist loading chart (This one is similar to a real
load/span chart, but these values are imaginary). For a load of
4.8 kN/m, we can span about 2.8 metres. More than likely, were
going to be spacing our frames with 2.13m braces, so were well
within the allowable load capacity of the joists. By installing our
stringers 2.13m apart to support the joists, we can now work out
what sort of spacing we can use for supporting the stringers.
We have to find out what spacing the stringers need to be set at.
Again, if were using 165 mm aluminum beams as stringers, we
work out that each stringer now is supporting a strip of slab that is half of 2.13 m wide, plus half the distance to the next
stringer.
The load on the stringer is 2.13 x 4.8 = 10.2 kN imposed at every 675 mm along the length of
the stringer. If we have 10.2 kN at every 675 mm, that works out to an equivalent load of 15.1
kN/m along the length of the stringer. The same member that we used as a joist can support this
load on a maximum span somewhere between 1.8m and 2m.
Shoring frames are usually 1.2m wide, so the frames would have to be set at 1.9m apart, and we
would use stringers 3.1m long.
The next step is to verify the strength of the frames for this kind of load. Each frame leg is going to be supporting 0.6m (half the width of the frame) plus half of the 1.9m span, or a total of
1.55m length of concrete by 2.13m width, or 3.3 sq. m. of concrete with a mass of 7.1 kN/m2 =
23.44 kN.
Generally, shoring frames have a rated capacity of 44.48 kN per leg. This is based on a Factor
of Safety of 2.5:1. That means that you could actually apply a load of 111.2 kN on each leg of
the scaffold before it will fail.
If we apply 23.44 kN on each leg of the frame, that means that were actually working with a
Factor of Safety of 111.2/23.44 = 4.74).
In order to fully load the frame legs, we would have to have stronger stringers, and wed use different spacing.
JULY 2007
15
Mills Patented Versa Light Aluminum System Scaffold
ills Construction Products unique engineering offers versatility and strength for the Versa Light aluminum
system scaffold. The Versa Light all aluminum system scaffold has a lightweight advantage which allows for
reduced worker strain and faster assembly and disassembly thus resulting in a safer, more efficient system scaffold.
Alignment Ribs
Mills standards, sleeves and rosettes have internal and external alignment ribs which provide precise alignment and thus
ensuring plumb and square scaffold units. Picture the standard as being the primary column, the rosette sleeve as the secondary column and the rosette itself as the tertiary column. (See photo below).
Ledger Extrusion
Our unique patented aluminum ledger extrusion provides greater strength at half the weight of a steel unit. Its serrated,
non-slip top and bottom surfaces aid handling and prevents the slippage of seated planks. The proprietary locking feature
of the mouth piece provides superior rigidity and alignment of the ledger and bay brace assembly.
Elastic Mouthpiece
Our high strength, elastic mouthpiece, available in aluminum or steel, uses a patented wedge pin with a reverse slope. The wedge pin engages the rosette entirely
through its vertical surface, ensuring that the mouthpiece is properly seated on
the rosette ensuring it will not rise or slip up as in other systems. The compression area of the mouthpiece connector is dramatically increased because the lobes
are reversed, thereby providing a greater mass area at the bottom of the mouthpiece (below the rosette) where it counts most.
Compatibility
The Versa Light aluminum system is fully compatible with similar steel systems.
For more information visit is us on the web @ www.mills-scaffold.com
Scaffold Salesman - Ontario

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With a minimum five years experience in the scaffold or construction related industries, you have a proven
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projects.

Your motivation combined with our commitment to customer service and market expansion makes this an exciting opportunity for the right individual. We offer a competitive salary, commission on results, expenses and car
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16
JULY 2007
Product Testing, Second in a Series

System Scaffold
History
CSA does not specifically address System Scaffolds. The test procedure detailed in
the current standard CAN/CSA S269.2-M87 Access Scaffolding for Construction
Purposes, was adopted from an early version of the SSFI (Scaffolding, Shoring and
Forming Institute) Recommended Procedure for Compression Testing of Tubular
Welded Scaffold Frames (back in about 1974). The SSFI has issued an updated
Standard for Testing and Rating Scaffold Assemblies and Components, so this is the
document that ought to be followed when testing Systems.
In order to ensure that the scaffolds you are using are safe, and comply with the
requirements of the CSA Standard, the supplier of the scaffold should be able to provide a copy of test report(s) identifying the rated capacity of the scaffold.
Many years ago, the Scaffolding, Shoring and Forming Institute (SSFI) developed a
test procedure for rating scaffold frames which was ultimately adopted into Canadian
Standard CSA S269.2.
The test configuration was defined as a free-standing 4-leg tower, three lifts high,
braced in the usual manner, with screwjacks top and bottom extended 300 mm (12)
beyond the legs at the bottom, as shown in the sketch. The tower is to be erected in
such a manner as to simulate field conditions and aligned vertically so that it is not
out of plumb more than 1/8 in three feet and no more than the diameter of the leg.
No greater attempts should be made to adjust the components concentrically than
would be expected in actual use.
Testing Apparatus
The test apparatus is required by CSA to be either a standard type of compression
System Scaffold in Test Tower
testing machine or a testing rig manufactured specifically for the purpose of testing scaffolding provided that the rig complies with requirements set out in the Standard.
System Scaffold Testing - SSFI

Procedure
Loading
A1. The load shall be applied directly on the load bear-
ing members by use of load transfer beams or cross head

of testing machine; or directly by hydraulic jacks in an
appropriate testing apparatus or fixture.
A2. The four legs of the test tower shall be loaded
simultaneously until the ultimate load of the standards

(Pult) is reached. Determine the allowable leg load (Pall)
for this configuration (and for use in the B and C
series tests) by dividing the ultimate standard load by the
factor of safety.
A3. The system scaffold tower shall be subjected to

increasing loads until the ultimate load is reached.
A4. The allowable limits for rate of loading on system
scaffold towers shall not be less than 5,000 lbs. per minute nor more than 10,000 lbs. per minute.
A5. The rate of loading in each test shall remain con-
stant.
The SSFI suggests that additional (optional) tests ought
to be carried out.
18
JULY 2007

B
Series Tests (Optional)
B1. After conducting the A series test (as described above), standards shall be tested one bay wide and two bays
long, composed of 6 vertical standards, by three lifts high. The system scaffold components shall be erected in the above
configuration with adjusting screws extended to 12 inches beyond the standard on the bottom and with horizontals and
diagonals installed as shown in the
figure below.
B2. The six standards of the test
configuration are to be loaded to

the anticipated allowable standard
load (Pall), as determined in the
A series test, and held at that
value for one minute.
B3. Loading shall be continued
on the two standards in the center

of the bays until the ultimate load
of the standards is reached. The ultimate load of the center standards
shall be the ultimate standard load
for the system scaffold used in this
manner. Determine the allowable
standard load (Pall) for this configuration by dividing the ultimate
standard load by the appropriate
factor of safety.
C Series Tests (Optional)

C1. After conducting A series
test, standards shall be tested two

bays wide and two bays long, composed of 9 vertical standards, by
three lifts high. The system scaffold components shall be erected
in the above configuration with
adjusting screws extended to 12
inches beyond the standard on the bottom and with horizontals and diagonals installed as shown in the figure below.
C2. The nine standards of the test configuration are to be loaded to the anticipated allowable standard load (Pall), as
determined in the A series test, and held at that value for one minute.
C3. Loading shall be continued on the standard in the center of the bays until the ultimate load of the standard is
reached. The ultimate load of the center standard shall be the ultimate standard load for the system scaffold when used in
this manner. Determine the allowable standard load (Pall) for this configuration by dividing the ultimate standard load by
the appropriate factor of safety.

Personally, I think that the SSFI B and C Series tests are too awkward and complicated, as well as having the
potential of destroying far too much equipment in order to get the required results. If a nine leg tower is constructed, the centre standard can be connected to braces and ledgers in such a way as to represent any standard within
a birdcage scaffold. To my mind, that is the best way to determine the load-carrying capacity of any standard.
However, the authorities have not accepted my viewpoint.
JULY 2007
19

Test Report
CSA requires that the failure load and any type of deformation, such as buckling, is to be recorded as well as the load at
which the deformation began to take place.
A test report must be issued which has to include the following major parts:
(a)
(b)
a description of the test apparatus, including any necessary sketches, drawings, or photographs;
description(s)
of the
component(s)
tested, including dimensions
and weights of
the component
members;
(c)
specifications of the
component(s)
tested, including
specification(s)
of the applicable materials;
(d)
a description of testing procedure

and any special
conditions that,
if different,
would affect the
results of the
tests;
(e)
a table
or a graph representing the
test results;
(f)
the ultimate capacity

of the component or assembly;
(g)
(h)
the signature of test supervisor; and
verification of the test results by an independent professional engineer, who witnessed the test and certified the
accuracy of the test report.

North American manufacturers generally have test facilities available to them, but they are not likely to test equipment for anyone but themselves. It is getting more difficult to get schools, like the University of Toronto, to carry
out testing for us, due to the demands of students and faculty. Engineers in the scaffolding business can usually
make some sort of arrangement to get equipment tested, but it can be quite expensive. However, it is important
that all scaffolds are tested to determine their rated capacity.
20
JULY 2007
Code of Safe Practice - System Scaffold; Ontario
he following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the construction of scaffolding. These
guidelines do not purport to be all-inclusive or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures. They are
not intended to supersede the requirements of any provincial regulations, codes and ordinances. The user shall be responsible to comply with all recognized provisions. Where possible, post the Code of Safe Practice in a conspicuous place and
ensure that all persons who erect, dismantle or use scaffolding are aware of these. It is recommended that these instructions are the subject of tool box meetings.
TRAINING
Workers must be properly trained or instructed before they use equipment. Only competent workers may construct scaffolds.
INSPECTION
Inspect all equipment before using. Never use any equipment that is damaged or defective in any way.
SITE EVALUATION
When possible, always survey the job site to identify any potential hazard condition. Complete jobsite hazard evaluation
and amend your standard fall protection plan with site-specific requirements.
FOUNDATIONS
Never construct a scaffold on unprepared foundations. Where necessary, provide adequate continuous wood sills and ensure that they are not less than 50mm x 250mm (2 x 10) and cover two frame legs in length. Footings, sills or supports
must be capable of supporting at least 2 times the maximum load to which they are subjected without settlement. Any part
of a building or structure that is used to support the scaffold shall be capable of supporting the maximum intended load to
be applied, and must be verified by a professional engineer.
BASES
Always use adjustable bases with system scaffolds and other components that the manufacturer recommends. Level the
base by starting at the highest point of ground level and ensure accuracy, as you do not have to level the scaffold after the
base has been completed.
STANDARDS
Standards are manufactured in pre-determined lengths and the spacing of standards is dependent upon the loading to be
imposed on the scaffold. Always check loading requirements and if necessary, seek approved engineered drawings.
LEDGERS
Connect the ledgers to the standard at the desired lift height by positive connection. Ledgers are manufactured in pre-determined lengths and the bay size is normally determined by loading criteria. The vertical spacing or lift height between
ledgers should not exceed 1.98m (6-6). Any ledger that is longer than 1.52m (5-0) and is supporting a load, should be
a double ledger or equivalent.
BRACING Internal (a)
As bracing has a pre determined length, select the correct size of bracing, and brace standards internally every 6m (20-0)
in length, and ensure that bracing extends to the full height of the scaffold.
BRACING Sway (b)
Sway or faade bracing should be installed on the outside face of the scaffold to full height, and can be either in one single
bay or extended across multiple bays. If single bay bracing is selected it must be in both end bays and at least every 15m
(50-0) longitudinally. In the multiple-bay configuration, the desired angle is 45 to the horizontal, close to the node
point, and this should be continuous to full height, and in many cases will be designed by an engineer.
BRACING Plan (c)
Plan bracing (horizontal diagonal) is recommended and is often required. As a minimum, it should be installed at the base
and on the same level as the scaffold ties.
WORK PLATFORMS
The work platform provides the worker with a safe environment from which to work. The work platform must consist
of a fully planked/decked surface and shall have guardrails consisting of top rails, midrails and toeboards installed on all
open sides. Toeboards shall be installed at the edge of all work platforms and should be a minimum 100mm (4) high.
CANTILEVERS
Cantilever platforms, except fabricated sidebrackets, must be designed by a professional engineer and shall be installed in
accordance with suppliers/manufacturers instructions.
JULY 2007
21
Code of Safe Practice - System Scaffold; Ontario

SCAFFOLD TIES
Where the scaffold height exceeds three times the smallest base dimension (3:1 ratio), scaffolds must be tied at least every
4.57m (15-0) intervals vertically and 6.0m (20-0) horizontally. Where possible, push/pull ties should be used, ensuring that the tie tube is connected to both standards (or both ledgers near the standard) with right angle clamps. Tie tubes
should be installed on the same bay as the internal bracing. If it is not possible to tie the scaffold to a structure, a professional engineer must provide special design considerations.
GUARDRAILS, MIDRAILS
Guardrails must be installed on all open sides of the scaffold where a person can fall a distance of 2.4m (8-0) or more,
and shall be not less than 0.92m (3-0) nor more than 1.07m (3-6) above the platform, and should be positively connected to the standards. Midrails shall be installed equal distant between the guardrail and the platform.
PLANKS -- WOOD
Always use select structural wood plank, LVL (laminated veneer lumber) or equivalent approved 50mm x 250mm
(2x10) lumber, of uniform thickness. Ensure that wood plank extends a minimum 150mm (6) and no more than
300mm (12) beyond the centre of supports and should be cleated at one end to prevent lateral movement. Wood planks
should not span a length greater than 2.13m (7-0) unless engineered otherwise.
PLANKS STEEL
Most steel planks have a supporting hook and wind lock to prevent uplift. Ensure that the steel plank has a nonskid surface
and that the load capacity rated by the manufacturer is not exceeded. Always ensure that the wind lock is in the closed
position.
MANUFACTURED DECKING
These are normally constructed from aluminum side frames with a plywood or metal decking and are secured to the
scaffold by supporting hooks with wind locks that prevent uplift. The load capacity of these decks is rated by the manufacturer and should be clearly identified on the deck and must not be exceeded. Always ensure that the wind lock is in the
closed Position

LADDERS
Ladders are used to gain access to the working platforms. Ladders, ladder cages and rest platforms, when installed on
scaffolds, must conform to all applicable codes, and must extend approximately 1m (3-0) above the landing area and be
secured. Always maintain 3- point contact at all times when climbing.
SIDEBRACKETS
Sidebrackets must be installed at right angles to the scaffold and should be installed in accordance with manufacturers
instructions. These are an extension of the work platform and must accommodate at least 2 planks and must not be used
for storage of materials. Always check maximum loading of sidebrackets.
LOADING
The load on any scaffold must never exceed the safe working load that it was designed for. Most scaffolds are required to
support at least four times the intended load, however this varies in different jurisdictions and must be checked. When any
unusual loading conditions apply, or when the load exceeds 3.6 kN/m (75psf) the scaffold must be designed by a professional engineer.

STAIRWAYS
Manufactured modular stairways are used to gain access to working platforms and must be installed in accordance with
the manufacturers instructions.
ENCLOSURES
If the scaffold has tarpaulins or any enclosure system attached, this imposes additional wind loading and the scaffold must
be designed by a professional engineer.

POWER LINES
It is dangerous to construct a scaffold close to power lines. Always consult the power company for specific guidelines and
conform to all applicable codes.
FALL ARREST
In certain jurisdictions, unless a safety net or travel restraint system is being used, workers shall wear fall arrest systems if
the workers may fall a distance of more than 3 m (10-0).
NOTE: You must refer to the General Guidelines for additional information relating to this product
group.
22
JULY 2007
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ACCESS CANADA

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Scaffold Salesman - Ontario

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Product Testing, Second in a Series

The test apparatus is required by CSA to be either a standard type of compression

System Scaffold in Test Tower

System Scaffold Testing - SSFI

ing members by use of load transfer beams or cross head

A2. The four legs of the test tower shall be loaded

simultaneously until the ultimate load of the standards

A3. The system scaffold tower shall be subjected to

A4. The allowable limits for rate of loading on system

A5. The rate of loading in each test shall remain con-