Gereedstelling

Gereedstelling refers to a temporary structure used in construction, maintenance, and repair work to provide access, support for workers, and a stable working platform at height. It enables safe vertical movement and the placement of materials, and consists of a range of systems assembled on site from standardized components.

Common forms include frame scaffolds, tube-and-coupler systems, and pre-engineered system scaffolds. There are also suspended or hanging scaffolds and, in special cases, cantilever setups. Frame and tube systems are valued for flexibility, while system scaffolds offer rapid assembly and uniform load distribution. Core components include vertical standards, horizontal ledgers and transoms, bracing, base plates or base jacks, guardrails, toeboards, and access ladders or stairways. Connectors or couplers hold parts together, and platforms may include edge protection.

Safety is central to gereedstelling use. Scaffolds must operate within their rated load capacities, undergo regular inspections, and be checked after adverse weather or damage. Fall protection, guardrails, toeboards, and proper access arrangements are essential. Erection, modification, and dismantling are performed by trained personnel following established procedures. Scaffolding components and systems are governed by national safety regulations and by European standards such as the EN 12811 series, which specify performance requirements, load criteria, and inspection intervals.

Maintenance and use practices emphasize keeping platforms level and unobstructed, monitoring weather conditions that can affect stability, and replacing damaged parts promptly. Dismantling should follow a controlled sequence to ensure the structure does not collapse during decommissioning.