Scaffolding is an arrangement of metal tubes and wooden boards which are built together in order to provide a platform above ground level for people working on a building. The nature of scaffolding means that if it is not put up correctly, it could be a potentially fatal health and safety hazard.

How does scaffolding work?

The kind of scaffolding you see at most domestic building sites is made up of four major components:

• Upright metal tubes (standards)
• Horizontal metal tubes (ledgers)
• Shorter metal tubes (transoms)
• Wooden platform (battens)

The standards are joined to the ledgers, and then the transoms are added at right angles to support the wooden battens. In order to give the structure stability and strength, diagonal braces are added and often scaffolding clips are used to tie the structure together. In addition, guard rails or netting may be added for additional safety.

Products called “system scaffolding” are becoming more commonly available and are better suited to the DIY market. These systems slot together and have built-in strength and flexibility. The same safety regulations apply to both systems and whether you are building yourself or using a contractor, you should be aware of all the relevant safety issues.

Can I put up scaffolding myself?

Although the basic principles of erecting scaffolding are very straightforward, you need to be absolutely sure that you can put up a safe structure. Not only will you be using the scaffolding yourself, but the tradesmen you employ will also be using it, and there may be people at your plot who are not involved with the building, such as utility engineers, building inspectors and your family and friends. If the scaffolding is dangerous and any of those people are hurt, either by falling from the scaffolding or being hit by scaffolding, you could face a huge personal insurance claim. More relevant than whether you put the scaffolding up by yourself is whether you need scaffolding at all.

When do I need scaffolding?

If you are building a single storey extension, or a bungalow, you may not need scaffolding at all. If in doubt, speak to your builder. Scaffolding won’t be the most expensive part of your budget but, depending on how long you need it for, it will make a dent in your pocket, so make sure you only use the scaffolding if you need it. It is possible to erect a two storey building without scaffolding, but most builders would advise that scaffolding is used.

Where do I find a scaffolding contractor?

Your builder should be able to recommend a scaffolding contractor, or speak to your local planning department, who may have a list of approved scaffolders. You can choose to hire the scaffolding, or to buy it. The option that is best for you depends on the complexity and length of your project. Scaffolding is usually priced per metre run of lift, so one lift at £10 per metre will cost £300 for scaffolding running 30 metres around the property. Experts suggest that if your scaffolding is likely to be up for more than six months, it may be more cost effective to buy the scaffolding, hire a contractor to erect it, and then sell it on once your build is completed.

The first step in your project is to hire the right builder. Use www.findalocal-builder.co.uk to get a list of builders in your area, and then look at our other advice articles to see how to make sure you choose the best builder for you.