Lifting Scaffold equipment in scaffold stillages. Introduction.Apologies to forum members as the photos would not post. You may need to disscusss thai issue with experienced Riggers and Crane Drivers. If you wish to email me I will send you the disscussion paper complete with photos. Here in Australia there are two methods by which people lift scaffold componenets and equipment in one lift. Discussion Points. We would value your opinion on several matters. 1. Is it acceptable to lift scaffold equipment within stillages from ground to structure at height? 2. If it is deemed acceptable to lift equipment and the stillage at the same time, is it suitable to use Method A or Method B.(See Method A and Method B outlined below.) 3. Is one method preferred over the other? 4. Does either method put the stillage structure/welds under unacceptable stresses? (A full stillage of six meter tubes could weigh up to three tonne.) 5. Do suppliers of scaffold equipment have an inspection regime for stillages and the integrity of their welds? 6. Is a scaffold stillage a "Lifting device?" We currently justify their use in method A or B by saying that they are a part of a lifted load and not a lifting device in themselves. Method A. • Commonly accepted method. • Stillage uprights and stillage base are captured in the sling arrangement. Load is compressed downwards by the method but it is not a true double wrap. 7. Is this a true double wrap given that the slings can not truly wrap the bundle up to its tightest configuration? 8. Are there tensions placed on welds that are unacceptable? 9. If this load was snagged on structure such that it tipped would the tubes be as secure as in method B? Method B. • A true double wrap arrangement that captures the two inner bars of the stillage. • This method is not always possible with chains as the hooks will not always fit between tubes and stillages for all stillage designs. • This method can require the readjustment of slings as the load may come up off center. (This illustrated load has not yet had its slings readjusted or the bight moved down close to the load.) • This method offers a firmer “Double Wrap” than method A. • This method requires tubes to always be stacked parallel to the stillage structure. Discussion 10. Should the practices of lifting scaffold components in stillages continue? My own opinion is that I do not like method A as it is not a true double wrap. My preffered position would be that stillagess are lifted to height empty and then the equipment is slung and lifted up and placed in the stillage as a seperate load. I am looking for industry feed back to back up my position . Many thanks, Your contribution and feed back would be much appreciated. Neil Mackintosh Health, Safety and Environment Advisor email neil.mackintosh@woodside.com.au Phone 93387500. - Mobile :048 878 9296

Good morning Neil, Lots of food for thought there. Ok then, Stillages :- stillages always seem to cause a problem as no-one really knows how to classify them, are they "machinery" or not?, is it puwer? (provision and use of work equipment Regs, is it Loler? (Lifting operation Lifting Equipment Regs), are they a container? are they an accessory?. I have founded a Lifting Equipment Examination Company (Ill Message the web details for you elsewise its advertising). As such I have faced this problem before (funny enough). The Key Issue is the safety of those using the equipment or those who may be affeccted by its use. As such if you find an examination company with savy, knowledgeable staff an answer can be found. As you are in Aus and the laws here are different I can only give input to how I have addressed this situation to the satisfaction of all parties. see next post or I get timed out :)

Thank you for such a comprehensive reply. My bottom line is that the slinging method needs to be a true double wrap.Anything else for steel is not good enough. I do not mind if a rigger incorporates the two central bars of a stillagge so that it goes up as a part of the "Lifted load". I am unnerved by the method that incorporates the stillagge but only gives the load a "Wrap and a half". I am welll guided about your comments re getting it tested in the configuration that concerns me. Thanks again. Neil Mack.