Defines performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds, referred to from hereon as working scaffolds.

This European Standard specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds, referred to from hereon as working scaffolds. Requirements given are for scaffold structures, which rely on the adjacent structures for stability. In general these requirements also apply to other types of working scaffolds. Normal requirements are set down, but there is also provision for special cases.

This European Standard also specifies structural design rules when certain materials are used and general rules for prefabricated equipment.

The standard excludes:

• platforms suspended by ropes, whether fixed or movable;

• horizontally movable platforms including Mobile Access Towers (MAT);

• power-operated platforms;

• scaffolds used as protection for roof work;

• temporary roofs.

NOTE 1 Most working scaffolds are formed from prefabricated components or from tubes and couplers. Some examples of working scaffolds are façade scaffolds, static towers and birdcage scaffolds, but details are not given for all of these.

NOTE 2 Falsework and shoring may be made of the structural components described in this standard, but are not working scaffolds.

NOTE 3 Particular requirements for façade scaffolds made of prefabricated components are specified in EN 12810 -1 and EN 12810-2.