At What Height is Scaffolding Required?

When working at height, you want to ensure you and your staff are as safe as possible. This starts with a secure scaffolding structure that can hold weight and withstand extreme weather conditions. In this blog, Hi-Point Access discusses the scaffolding height requirements and other safety measures you can take to keep your team safe at height. 

So at what height is scaffolding required? Scaffolding is required for jobs where the height is greater than 4 feet above a lower level. For construction jobs the requirement is 6 feet above a lower level. Although the type of scaffolding used may vary, it should always be erected properly and maintained throughout the project to ensure worker safety.

Read on to find out about the scaffolding height requirements.

What Are the Scaffolding Height Requirements?

Any job that requires you to work at height comes with potential dangers such as falling, getting hit by falling debris or equipment and extreme weather conditions. This is why there is a scaffolding height requirement of 4 feet above a lower level. In the construction industry, the scaffolding height requirement is slightly higher at 6 feet above a lower level. Although there is no legal requirement for a permit for working at heights, all workers that are intending to work at heights must undergo a working at height training program. This is intended to keep everyone in the project vicinity safe by minimising the risk of accidents. 

You are not limited to the type of scaffolding you need to complete the job, this can vary depending on the task. Both indoor and outdoor jobs will require different types of scaffolding at different heights. We have included the most common types of scaffolding used for working at height and the different uses for each:

Inside Scaffolding

Although most buildings will not reach the 4 foot requirement, older buildings may have high ceilings that require maintenance or redecoration such as churches, warehouses or shops. Using scaffolding for interior painting and decorating adds an extra layer of protection that shouldn’t need to be moved around as much as a ladder or stool. Consider the time and energy that scaffolding will save you, it will also remove some of the fatigue that climbing up and down ladders brings. Hi-Point Access has reliable inside scaffolding that can support your next inside job. 

Lightweight Scaffolding

Lightweight scaffolding is the ideal solution for quick jobs or where there will be a lot of erecting and dismantling or moving of the scaffolding structure. It can be used for both internal and external projects, erected twice as fast as traditional scaffolding. This type of scaffolding is less susceptible to cracks and damage due to its excellent durability. Extending the height of the tower is a quick and easy process that can keep your team safe while working at height. At Hi-Point Access, we can advise on whether lightweight scaffolding is the best option for your project. 

Traditional Scaffolding

Made from steel, traditional scaffolding is great for long term or semi permanent projects due to its sturdy build. To help you stay safe while working at heights, traditional scaffolding can support heavy material and machinery as well as the workers throughout the project. Extreme weather conditions can be a worry when using scaffolding, however traditional scaffolding is tough and less susceptible to cracks over longer projects. We have traditional scaffolding available at Hi-Point Access for your next long-term project.

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or mobile access platforms are a very versatile access solution that can reach heights of up to 27 metres. For quick maintenance jobs such as window cleaning, roof repairs or renovation, mobile access platforms are a great way to move around with ease without having to manoeuvre a whole scaffolding structure. You can hire mobile access platforms at Hi-Point Access for your next job.

Mobile Scaffolding

Mobile scaffolding is the ideal solution for both internal and external jobs that will last a day such as plastering. As it is made up of pre-erected componentes, it can be easily moved to fit the needs of fast paced jobs, saving you time and effort. For a convenient scaffolding solution, try Hi-Point Access’ mobile scaffolding.

What Safety Equipment is Needed for Working at Height?

Working on scaffolding at height is a dangerous job that can feel unsafe without the appropriate safety measures. If the scaffolding structure is 10 feet or above, all workers must wear appropriate PPE to protect themselves and others against falling. This can include hard hats, harnesses, protective clothing, footwear, gloves and ear and eye protection. These are all essential parts of any scaffolder’s kit that will protect everyone working on the project from accidents. 

As well as PPE, scaffolding can be made safer with the addition of guard rails, toe boards and barriers. The scaffolding itself should be erected by a competent person who is trained and experienced enough to ensure proper standards are met. The scaffolding should be checked at least once a week for damage and replaced immediately where necessary. 

Our recent blog outlines the PPE requirements for working on scaffolding, check it out here. 

Scaffolding for Working at Height from Hi-Point Access

At Hi-Point Access, we can advise on the best access solution for your next working at height project. If you’re looking for scaffolding for interior projects, try our inside scaffolding or mobile scaffolding for quick and easy erection. Exterior scaffolding requires sturdier, durable scaffolding such as our lightweight scaffolding or traditional scaffolding. 

Trust Hi-Point Access to provide access solutions that will keep your workers safe while working at height.