Rank: Super forum user 
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I am no expert in scaffolding and need help of others that are
I have been asked to replace some copings and the principle contractor has erected a scaffold platform that he states can take 5 tonne, in other words support my MEWP, he has erected a ramp to drive up and placed edge protection etc but I have my concerns regarding the weights and point loadings.
I have asked for the following
1. This must be developed by a competent design engineer
2. The developed design must have the calculations independently crossed checked by an competent design engineer.
3. The developed design must be available on site for the installers to follow and titled “working drawing”.
4. The developed design must have the calculations available on site.
I am being told that points 2 & 3 are not a legally required and point 4 that the calculations have are not available on site, how did the design get done then ?
I am concerned I have two lads working at height on a MEWP and the ground conditions may not be suitable.
Scaffolders out there please help
Thanks in advance
Alan
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Rank: Super forum user
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Alan
Put a MEWP on and it collapses then you are as responsible as the PrinciPAL Contractor. All design information should be available on site - you need to know the SWL per m2 and then calculate your MEWP loading - Have not seen many scaffold even masonry ones achieve strength to take a MEWP.
TG20 rules here unless this is a system scaffold - it is not a standard design and thus design drawings for its construction and calculation must be on site to allow safe use. Its called the provision of relevant information as well as co-ordination. How could the designer know the precise equipment you would bring on site without consulting you?
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user
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Alan
Listen to Bob
And get hold of the client ASAP as its the client that would probably carry the can in the end if something negative happened. Additionally the CDMC has a role to play so get them to earn their money
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks Bob x 2
The building is live, the PC is off site he has now sent me some calc's but to be honest they don't give me any confidence as these have been done after the scaffold has been built
They did have the weights of the MEWP
Still not happy does not look right and I always go with the gut feeling if it don't look or feel right it generally is not
However I haven’t the experience to back it up hence me asking the questions
Alan
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I admit to being intrigued! This scaffold sounds more like a temporary bridge! The concept of driving a MEWP onto a scaffold seems at odds with the basic principles of WAHR?
Either I spec. a MEWP with sufficient height to reach the task from the ground, or build a scaffold to achieve the same end. Driving a vehicle on a scaffold - what of collision risk, dynamic loading imparted by movement of the MEWP and effect on ties, strength of barriers, etc.......... all very interesting.
Have to wonder if the designer is aware that the proposed loading is other than static?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi ron
Yes the designer is aware that a MEWP will be used to remove copings
Once the MEWP is in position it wont require moving, no other traffic on the scaffolding its build to level the ground off and enable us to reach the copings
Designer fully aware of MEWP point loadings and weight including men and equipment
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Rank: Super forum user
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From the information available on this forum I am far from convinced that this is the best option not withstanding the apparent folly of operating a MEWP on a scaffold platform.
I am assuming the MEWP is hired in (on hire) - if this is the case I would doubt if the hiring company would agree to its use in the way proposed.
In addition, and if this is the only way (not the cheapest) I would also be looking at securing written confirmation of engineered loading capacities, system drawings and other essential data/documents from all involved.
Failure to do so and in the event of a serious incident it could be porridge in Belmarsh.
Jon
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Rank: Super forum user
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MEWPS have hydraulic or similar jacks to allow for levelling so why use a scaffold. If the slope is that great then I need to see how anything is secured to prevent slippage. This just feels totally wrong to me.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Alan, if the MEWP does not require to be moved (once it is in position) then would a scissor lift not do the job? It won't weigh so much and outriggers can make it more stable. Will a scissor lift not reach high enough?
The whole idea of a vehicle on a scaffold platform scares me :o/
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Rank: Super forum user
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Sorry if I confused everyone it is a scissor lift
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