Scaffold

A scaffold is a temporary structure used to provide access to elevated work areas and to support workers, materials, and tools during construction, maintenance, or repair. Scaffolds allow projects to proceed at height with a stable working surface and a safe means of movement between levels.

Common scaffold types include supported scaffolds, which are built on the ground using frames, braces, and platforms; system or modular scaffolds, which use pre-engineered components for rapid assembly; and rolling or mobile scaffolds that rest on casters for easier repositioning. Suspended scaffolds hang from above by ropes or cables and are used for tasks such as facade work or interior maintenance. Each type is designed for specific loads, reach, and site conditions.

Typical components consist of vertical standards, horizontal ledgers, and transoms that form the working platforms; braces for stability; couplers or clamps to connect parts; planks or decking for the work surface; toe boards and guardrails for fall protection; base plates or mudsills for a stable foundation; and sometimes wheels or jacks for leveling and mobility. Materials commonly used include steel and aluminum, with fiberglass options for non-conductive work. Wooden scaffolds occur in historical contexts or for certain low-load applications.

Safety and regulation are central to scaffold use. Scaffolds must comply with local standards and codes (such as OSHA in the United States or EN standards in Europe), be properly assembled and inspected before use, and feature guardrails, midrails, toeboards, and safe access. They should be erected on stable bases, protected from weather-related hazards, and loaded within rated capacities to minimize the risk of collapse or falls.