Gerüsts

Gerüsts is the plural form of the German word Gerüst and refers to scaffolds or frameworks used in construction and maintenance to provide access to elevated work areas and to support workers and materials. Scaffolds are temporary structures assembled from vertical standards, horizontal ledgers and transoms, and bracing, with platforms made from wooden planks or metal sheets.

Common types include frame scaffolds, which use metal frames and cross-bracing; tube-and-clamp systems, which offer flexible configurations; and modular or system scaffolds, designed for quick assembly with standardized components. Mobile scaffolds with wheels provide easy relocation, while suspended scaffolds hang from overhead supports for use at greater heights or on tall facades.

Key components typically include standards (vertical elements), ledgers and transoms (horizontal work levels), braces for stability, base plates or mudsills for ground bearing, and planks or decks for working surfaces. Safety features often comprise guardrails, toeboards, and proper access points. Scaffolds must be erected on level ground, braced to resist wind and loads, and inspected regularly.

Regulatory and safety considerations vary by country but commonly require proper training, adherence to load limits, fall protection, and routine inspections. In Europe, standards such as EN 12811 and national regulations shape design, use, and maintenance, while many jurisdictions mandate securing scaffolds to the structure and using fall-arrest systems when appropriate.

See also: Scaffolding, Construction safety, Building access.